MSG9 Rules have been modified from standard USGA rules in an effort to maximize expedient play and minimize player frustration. We are not professional golfers. We are weekday warriors who enjoy the thrill of golf, the beautiful scenery around us, and the wonderful people we have to share it with. MSG9 Rules are liberal and forgiving.
- PLAY “ READY GOLF”
- No Mulligans or “Breakfast Balls”.
- We Do Not Play Provisionals.
- Maximum triple bogey on any hole and then pick up your ball.
- Gimme Putts: Within 12 inches.
- Ball in the fairway may be moved within one foot.
- Ball in the rough may be moved within one foot.
NOTE: If your ball is lost in the rough (e.g. long grass) and would otherwise be playable you may DROP another ball and play on with no penalty.
7a – WINTER RULES – During the winter season, November through February, conditions such as leaves and debris will hinder the ability to locate a ball that is IN-PLAY. If your ball is lost and would otherwise be playable you may DROP another ball near that position and play on with no penalty. - Ball In Trouble: Applies to a ball out of bounds, lost, unplayable in the trees or bushes, or in a water hazard. Your ball may be DROPPED within 10 feet of where it entered the trouble, not nearer the hole: penalty -1 stroke.
- Tree Root and Rock Rule: If your ball lies near a rock or root that might damage your club, move your ball not nearer the hole and play on.
- Water Hazard Rule: In order to promote safety and pace of play, temporarily dry water hazards are still considered a hazard and cannot be played from.
— Rule #10 specifically applies to areas fronting the greens at #9 & #18 at Tara and #4 and #5 at Monticello. - Drainage Gate: If it interferes with your lie or stance, move your ball, no closer to the hole and play on.
- If your ball has mud on it, lift, clean, and play on. If your ball lands in a muddy area, lift, clean and move it to a good area nearby, not nearer the hole.DROP ZONES: Three holes have drop zones for balls hit into the water.
TARA #5: use the silver tees.
MONTICELLO #12: use the silver tees.
MONTICELLO #14: use the designated area front left of the green.
FORMAT
GHIN
The Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) is a Golf Handicap Tracking Service offered by the USGA to golf associations worldwide. MSG9 players are Not Required to have a registered GHIN account to participate in standard league play.
Those who do wish to participate in MSG9 Seasonal Tournaments Must Have an established GHIN Handicap. Pro Shop Associates can assist in setting up your GHIN HCP account or visit ghin.com. It then becomes a personal responsibility to faithfully report play day scores in the GHIN system on the day of play.
GOLF GENIUS
MSG9 employs the Golf Genius event scheduling system to send play-day invitations, post play-day schedules and pairings, and transmit other relative information as necessary. Once a new member has paid his dues, his email address will be added to the invitation system.
Invitations for Wednesday rounds go out on Thursday at 6 pm. Invitations for Friday rounds go out on Saturday at 6 pm. Those interested in playing in any of those rounds may simply click PLAYING in that email, or NOT PLAYING that date and time as may be the case.
PDCs
Play Day Coordinators (PDCs) are the official ‘Starters‘ for each of the four nine-hole sessions.
- Dennis Simmons – Wednesday AM Round @ Monticello
- Tom Omalley – Wednesday PM Round @ Monticello
- Bill Kilty – Friday AM Round @ Tara
- Dennis Ohme – Friday PM Round @ Tara
PDCs communicate through the Golf Genius booking and notification system. In the event you are unable to make your tee time, contact the appropriate PDC by phone or call the Pro Shop to cancel.
PDC contact information can be found Here Under Contacts.
TEE DESIGNATION
When members pay their annual dues, they must declare the tee box they will use for that year, including all league tournaments. Players changing tees during the calendar year will play all tournaments from the tee box declared at the start of the year.