AZSGA Rules of Play 2026-2027
1. Out of Bounds/Ball NOT Found (except in desert area)
a. The rule option will exclude players from hitting a provisional (due to pace of play concerns); instead the player must drop a new ball in a large area between the point where the ball is estimated to have come to rest or gone out of bounds and the edge of the fairway of the hole being played that is not nearer the hole.
b. The player gets two penalty strokes using this relief option. This means that the relief is comparable to what could have been achieved if the player had taken stroke-and-distance relief.
c. This rule cannot be used for an unplayable ball, or for a ball that is known or virtually certain to be in a penalty area.
2. Penalty Areas
a. Desert Rule - Player has the option to play out of desert OR utilize the “Desert Rule” by locating the area at the edge of the fairway and desert the ball ENTERED, then dropping the ball in an area no closer to the hole within 2 club lengths of that spot with a 1 stroke penalty.
3. Bunkers
a. In the event a player finds his ball at rest in a footprint/unraked spot in the bunker player has the option to lift his ball, re-rake area and drop ball into the same spot no closer to the hole (NO PENALTY)
b. Players are reminded they always have the option to drop their ball in the bunker (1 stroke penalty) or drop a ball out of bunker (2 shot penalty) when encountering an unplayable lie.
4. Putting Greens
a. There are NO “Gimmies” - Putt EVERYTHING OUT.
b. The only exception is if the player’s next shot will result in a Net DOUBLE Bogey for that particular hole. Pick it up, if that is the scenario.
c. Players are reminded to determine BEFORE teeing off on a hole IF they are receiving stroke(s) for that hole. This will enhance the pace of play.
d. Marking Your Ball - Proper ball marking is directly behind the ball.
5. Special or Required Relief Procedures
a. Drop Zones - RBC Cup Rules Committee recommends prior to every RBC Cup Event, the course pro is consulted about any drop zones that are on the course. This is a pace of play enhancement.
b. Lift, Clean and Place as necessary ONLY IF there is mud on a players ball IN THE FAIRWAY.
6. Abnormal Course Conditions and Integral Objects
a. Bumping the ball is allowed (1”-2” MAX) ONLY in fairway
b. Ball at rest in a divot (FAIRWAY ONLY): Move ball out of the divot - @ 2”.
c. If the player’s ball is at rest in an area the player thinks should be marked “ground under repair,” the player must OBTAIN confirmation from ALL fellow competitors in the group which he is playing that the area should be marked “ground under repair” in order to receive relief.
7. Restrictions on Use of Specific Equipment
a. Range Finders w/Slope (or WithOut) are allowed.
8. Defining Who May Help or Give Advice to Players
9. Defining When and Where Players May Practice
a. Practice on a course designated for play in a RBC Cup is prohibited on the day of competition.
10. Procedures for Bad Weather and Suspensions of Play
a. Comply with the rules/decisions of course Pro b. In the event of inclement weather the AZSGA Rules Committee reserves the right to determine how that specific event’s scoring AND earned RBC Cup points may be affected by the adverse course conditions. Their decision may range from partial points being awarded to outright cancellation of the event.
11. Pace of Play Policies
a. Max NET DOUBLE Bogey is the highest score a player can score on any single hole in ANY AZSGA competitive event. Once that score is reached on any hole, the player is obliged to pick up and move on to the next hole. Players are obliged to know whether they receive stroke(s) on a hole BEFORE teeing off on that hole.
The AZSGA Board and Rules Committee make revisions and/or changes to these Rules of Play on a need to do basis if necessary at any time and then will communicate Rules updates to Members.