IAGT - Playing by the Rules

Good Day! Welcome to IAGT League. It’s the league where we take playing by Rules very seriously….like the dance-off in RRR….we just don’t give up

By official rules, we mean “The Official Rule”. No Desi Geeri! So:

1. No Gimmes - all putts have to be made

2. No Mulligans or Re dos

3. No improvement of ball lie; play the ball as it lies - even in divots

4. No grounding of the club in the sand bunker

5. No giving or asking for advice from friends

We have few exceptions for the pace of play reasons

1. Max score on any hole is double par. So Par 3 max score is 6, Par 4 = 8 and Par 5 = 10. If you reach max score, please pick up the ball

2. Limit ball search time to 3 min: if you can’t find your ball within 3 min, you must take a lateral drop with a one-stroke penalty

3. No “Stroke & Distance” penalty: in IAGT there is no distance penalty, so you can take a lateral drop for one stroke penalty (more to come on this as we get closer to the first event)

4. Plugged Ball: you can “lift, clean, replace” except in Sand Bunker

5. If in Sand Bunker, your ball rests on a footprint, you are allowed to lift, rake and replace the ball

We realize calling others out rule can be awkward but this is a Tour event. It’s your duty and responsibility to do the same. Be brave my friend…be brave

We recommend a few things that might help you:

1. Assume Positive Intent: don’t judge others (e.g., Desi’s always cheat, etc.). Start with positive intent and ask open-ended questions (e.g., Hey can you double count your score on the last hole, did you whiff that shot)

2. Say it or SHUT UP: if you see something that is “Breaking the Rule”, say it immediately; you have our permission to call it out. If you don’t call it out, DO NOT COMPLAIN on 19th Hole. No trashing talking about others

3. No Shame in Asking for Help: golf rules are complicated and even the Pros ask for help all the time. So if you are unsure ask for advice problem your group

4. Show it to others: if you are going to do something legally (e.g., lifting a plugged ball, moving a ball lying on a sprinkler head, etc.), just show it to your partner. Just remove the ambiguity…

5. Organizers Rule: if there discrepancy in the rule on the course, play and just record both your scores. Organizers can help make the final decision and their ruling is final

Finally, remember tour is based on HONOR SYSTEM, so please do your part. Others are watching you….

Till next time….let’s keep Naatu Naatu….!