Pitch & Putt Ireland

1.1

Except as otherwise allowed by the Committee the holes must be played in sequence, commencing at the first hole.

PENALTY – Disqualification

1.2

All Handicap Matchplay Competitions must start at the first hole.

PENALTY – Disqualification

1.3

Except where otherwise provided for, the STANDARD PENALTY for any breach of any rule or local rule is:

• Matchplay - Loss of hole
• Strokeplay - Two strokes at each point at which the breach occurs.

1.4

No rule, local rule or prescribed penalty may be waived by players.

SPECIAL PENALTY:

• Matchplay - Disqualification of both sides.
• Strokeplay - Disqualification of competitors concerned.

1.5

In Strokeplay no penalty may be imposed after the result of the competition has been declared by the Committee responsible (or by its representatives).

1.6

In Matchplay no penalty other than applicable under Rule 1.2 may be claimed or imposed after the players have left the green of the hole at which the matter giving rise to the question occurred.

1.7

In Open competition(s) in which more than one card is allowed, a penalty of disqualification (other than such a penalty imposed under Rule 1.1) imposed on one or more of a player's cards shall not apply to his remaining cards.

The maximum distance from tee to green shall be 70 metres, measured from the forward edge of the teeing ground to the centre of the green.

2.1

The total distance of a course of 18 holes shall not exceed 1,000 metres, each hole being measured from the forward edge of the teeing ground to the centre of the green.

Except under a local rule, applicable to club competitions only, the forward edge of the teeing ground, for competition use, shall always be placed within five metres of the permanent marker.

The forward edge of the teeing ground must be clearly defined on all competition days.

3.1

During the play of a hole whether in Matchplay or Strokeplay.

3.2

Between the play of two holes of the course whether in Matchplay or Strokeplay.

Two-shot penalty applies to this part - to be added at next hole, whether in Strokeplay or Matchplay.

3.3

On any day(s) of a Strokeplay competition, before a round or play-off (Individual Clubs may at their discretion waive this rule in the case of an internal mid-week competition).

3.4

Play in a different competition does not constitute practice in Rule 3.3.

SPECIAL PENALTY – Disqualification

3.5

In club events only, play may take place after close of competitive play.

3.6

In club events only, where play is over a number of days, practice before the start of play on one day only disqualifies the player from that day’s play, e.g., play is over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, if someone has a practice on Friday, they can still play on the next two days.

4.1

Any movable obstruction may be removed.

4.2

When the ball lies on or touches an immovable obstruction or when an immovable obstruction such as a protective wire netting beside a teeing ground interferes with a player's stance, stroke or backward or forward movement of the club for his stroke, or the direct line of play to the hole being played, the ball may be lifted and dropped UNDER PENALTY OF ONE STROKE at the nearest point of relief not nearer the hole.

4.3

Should a ball, played from the teeing ground, strike, while in flight, overhead wires, or their supporting poles and/or other attachments, a player has the option of playing the ball as it lies or of playing another ball, without penalty.

Definition: A ball, which touches the ground, is no longer deemed to be in flight

4.4

No relief is available nor is obligation imposed, unless the wires in question are on or across the line of play, from the front of the teeing ground to the back of the green.

4.5

Sprinklers: If a sprinkler head interferes with the backward or forward movement of a club, or if a ball lies in the depression around a sprinkler head, relief may be gained, without penalty, by placing the ball to either side and not nearer the hole, subject to approval of fellow competitor or Referee.

5.1 – Through the green

lift and drop the ball not nearer the hole at the nearest point of relief.

5.2 – In a hazard

lift and place in the hazard, not nearer the hole or lift and drop behind the hazard and not nearer the hole under penalty of one stroke.

5.3 – On the green

(including if such conditions intervene between a ball on the green and the hole). Lift and place as near as possible to its original position but not nearer the hole.

5.4 – Ground under repair

flowerbeds shall be treated as ground under repair and a player must lift and drop at the nearest point of relief not nearer the hole, without penalty.

Trees and small shrubs are playable unless marked as “Ground Under Repair” by committee in charge.

6.1

When a ball lies in a sand bunker the player shall not:

• (i) Touch the ground in the sand bunker with a club
• (ii) Test the condition of the sand bunker

6.1.1

In Bunkers a player may move loose impediments.

6.2

A player may place his feet firmly, in taking up his stance.

6.3

After playing a stroke, which leaves the ball clear of the sand bunker, the player must on leaving the sand bunker, ensure that irregularities in the sand bunker made by his/her feet or club head, are smoothed out.

6.4

A stroke which does not leave the ball clear of the sand, is not of itself a breach of Rule 6.1 (i) but to smooth irregularities before playing a second or any further strokes in the sand is a breach of the rule.

6.5

When two or more balls are in the same sand, the ball(s) nearer the hole shall be lifted, if required, and marked and replaced after the remaining ball has been played out of the sand and its owner has smoothed irregularities, as required by Rule 6.3.

A ball to be so marked may be done so with a pattern marker, coin, or a tee.

7.1

The front and sides must be defined, and the depth is not less than one club length.

7.2

The ball shall be raised from the ground by placing it on a tee. If the ball falls off the tee or be knocked off by the player in addressing it, it shall be re-teed without penalty.

If a stroke is made at the ball in these circumstances the stroke shall be counted, and the ball played as it lies.

7.3

The honour is decided at the first hole by the order of the draw; if there is no draw, by lots.

Thereafter the honour must be taken by the side winning the preceding hole.

7.4

A player, playing from a wrong tee, shall abandon the shot(s) played from the wrong tee, and play from the correct tee.

The player shall add the STANDARD PENALTY but not the shot(s) played from the wrong tee.

This rule applies to Strokeplay and Matchplay. Should the error not be rectified before the play of the next hole commences, he shall be disqualified.

7.5

If a player plays when his opponent (in Matchplay) should have played, the opponent may immediately require the player to abandon the ball so played and play a ball in correct order, without penalty.

In Strokeplay no penalty shall be incurred, and the ball shall be in play.

8.1

The flagstick shall be removed from the hole before a player plays a stroke on the green.

8.2

At no time may the flagstick be attended or left lying on the green.

8.3

If the ball rests against the flagstick when it is in the hole the player's last stroke not having been made on the green, the player must remove the flagstick, and if the ball falls into the hole the player shall be deemed to have holed out at the last stroke.

8.4

When a ball on the green is to be lifted, its position MUST be marked BEFORE it is lifted by placing an object such as a coin or pattern marker behind the ball on the line of the putt.

If the object interferes with an opponent, it should then be moved one or more putter's head lengths to one side.

Standard Penalty applies.

Definition: For the purpose of moving the object marking the ball to one side, the putter head shall be placed on the ground adjacent to the object and the object transferred to the toe of the putter. This movement may be repeated if necessary. A tee must not be used to mark the ball.

8.5

A ball may be lifted:

• (i) For cleaning
• (ii) For removal of loose impediments
• (iii) For repair of ball marks

8.6

A ball must be lifted when requested by an opponent or fellow competitor. A ball lifted for any purpose other than Rule 11.7(ii) must be replaced when so requested.

8.7

A ball to be lifted under Rule 8.5 or Rule 8.6 must be marked and lifted by its player(s). A ball incorrectly marked or lifted without being marked, standard penalty applies.

8.8

Ball marks may be repaired during play. Having repaired a ball mark, spike mark or other shoe damage on the green using a tee or a pitch mark repairer, a player may smooth it down with a putter head only.

8.9

In Strokeplay, threeball or fourball Matchplay, if a competitor's ball strikes a fellow competitor's ball, when both balls are on the putting green, the competitor shall incur the Standard Penalty. The fellow competitor's ball shall be at once replaced.

8.10

Any loose impediment may be removed by picking it up or by brushing it aside by hand or with a club, provided that nothing is pressed down.

8.11

During the play of a hole a player shall not test the surface of the putting green by rolling or cleaning a ball on the putting surface or by roughening or scraping the surface.

8.12

When any part of the ball overhangs the edge of the hole, the owner of the ball is not allowed more than a few seconds to determine whether it is at rest; if by then the ball has not fallen into the hole, it is deemed to be at rest.

8.13

A ball lying on a putting green (including spare greens) other than that of the hole being played, must be lifted, and dropped at least two club lengths clear of the green at the nearest point of relief not nearer the hole, without penalty.

8.14

Only a putter may be used on a green both in the course of play and in the repair of damage to a green as per Rule 8.8.

8.15

A player must not tilt the flagstick nor cause it to be tilted from its original vertical position.

8.16

When the line of a putt is over or across an incorrectly repaired old hole, the ball may be moved to either side with the permission of fellow competitor(s) or failing this the committee person in charge shall rule.

8.17

Ball marked, lifted, and replaced on putting green is moved by wind or gravity to another position, replace the ball on its original spot. No penalty.

9.1

A player shall have the option of using two or three clubs, one of which must be a putter.

(i) A player may only play a shot with his/her club. A player may not play a shot with his/her playing partner or opponents club.

On each occasion that a player plays a shot with his/her playing partner or opponents club, the player shall incur the Standard Penalty.

9.2

A club may be replaced in the course of play if it has become unfit for use.

9.3

Players shall use clubs, which conform to the specifications used in golf in Ireland as to shape and face of head, shaft, and grip.

SPECIAL PENALTY: Disqualification for Rule 9.1 and Rule 9.3 only.

10.1

The player must identify to his opponent or marker, before commencement of play (or when changed), the ball he proposes to use. The ball must not be changed except when damaged, lost, or out of bounds.

10.2

A ball must have the Manufacturer's Name and Identification Number or Brand Name and Identification Number clearly legible to conform to Rule 10.

Failure to comply: Disqualification in Strokeplay and Matchplay.

10.8

Any loose impediments may be removed. If the ball moves after touching loose impediments within a club length, the player incurs a one-stroke penalty.

10.9

(i) The ball furthest from the hole shall be played first.
(ii) Any player within one club length of the green must ensure balls close to the hole are marked or finished before playing.

10.10 – Wrong Ball

(i) Matchplay – loss of hole.
(ii) Strokeplay – Standard Penalty, then correct ball must be played.
(iii) In hazard – penalty one stroke.

10.11 – Dropping the Ball

Ball must be dropped shoulder height with outstretched arm facing the hole. It must not improve line of play. A dropped ball may be redropped if necessary.

A ball coming to rest nearer the hole or out of bounds must be redropped.

10.12 – 10.14

A lifted ball must be marked. A player may lift interfering balls and replace them. If a player or partner stops or deflects the ball, Standard Penalty applies.

10.15 – 10.17

A ball moved by wind or outside agency is replaced without penalty. If moved by another player's ball, it is replaced (Strokeplay) or optional replacement (Matchplay).

10.19 – 10.22

Damaged ball may be replaced with opponent/marker present. Plugged ball may be lifted without penalty. Provisional ball allowed only from tee.

11.1

Players shall start at the time and in the order arranged by the committee.

11.2

Players shall not discontinue play except as permitted or directed by the committee. An unauthorised break exceeding five minutes between two consecutive 18-hole rounds shall be treated as a discontinuance.

11.4 – Scorecard Responsibility

(i) The player is solely responsible for his score and scorecard. In Strokeplay, both player and marker must sign the card.

(ii) Scores must be checked after each hole and recorded by the marker.

(iii) No alterations may be made after the card is returned to the committee.

(iv) Returning a score lower than actually played = DISQUALIFICATION.

A higher score must stand.

(v) Incorrect scores must be struck out, corrected, and initialled by marker.

(vi) Players are responsible for correct handicap entry. Errors may result in disqualification or no adjustment depending on whether handicap is over- or understated.

SPECIAL PENALTY: Disqualification for Rules 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4.

11.5 – Penalty Declaration

A player who incurs a penalty must inform his opponent or marker as soon as possible.

In Matchplay, a player may request stroke count information. Refusal results in disqualification. Providing incorrect information and failing to correct it results in loss of hole.

11.6

In team formats, a penalty incurred by a player does not apply to his partner unless disqualification applies to the side.

11.7 – Advice

A player shall not give or ask for advice except from his partner in permitted formats.

12.2 – Par Competition

A Par competition is played against a fixed score at each hole. The result is calculated like Matchplay, based on holes won.

If no score is recorded at a hole, that hole shall be lost.

12.3 – Stableford System

Points are awarded per hole as follows:

• 1 over par = 1 point
• Par = 2 points
• 1 under par = 3 points
• 2 under par = 4 points
• 3 under par = 5 points
• More than 1 over par = 0 points

Note: Gross score competitions ignore handicaps.

12.4 – 12.6 Strokeplay Ties

Ties are resolved progressively:

1. Last 9 holes (adjust handicap)
2. Last 6 holes
3. Last 3 holes
4. Last 2 holes
5. Last hole
6. Committee decision if still tied

For 36 holes or more, use last card first, then same system applies.

12.7 – 12.9 Par Competition Ties

Determined by holes-up system:

1. Last 9 holes
2. Last 6 holes
3. Last 3 holes
4. Last 2 holes
5. Last hole
6. Committee decision if unresolved

12.10 – 12.12 Stableford Ties

Where points are equal:

1. Last 9 holes (highest points wins)
2. Last 6 holes
3. Last 3 holes
4. Last 2 holes
5. Last hole
6. Committee decision if still tied

12.13 – Multi-Card Competitions

Ties over multiple cards are decided using combined scores of the last 9, 6, 3 holes across relevant rounds.

12.14 – Scratch Matchplay

The match continues hole by hole from the original starting point until one side wins a hole.

12.15 – Handicap Matchplay

Handicap allowances continue to apply during extended play.

13.1

Conditions of competition may not be altered after commencement of play.

Exception: In exceptional circumstances, the committee may reduce the number of holes after play has started.

13.2 – Committee Powers

• Arrange order and time of starting
• Suspension or nullification of play if course is unplayable
• Define boundaries, ground under repair, and obstructions
• Issue local rules for abnormal conditions (NEC approval required)
• Permit lower handicap play in league formats (scratch conditions apply)

Standard penalty may not be waived or modified by local rules.

Local rules may apply only for abnormal conditions such as:

• Mud, leaves, or stones in bunkers
• Unusual course damage
• Winter protection conditions
• Interference with proper play conditions
• Obstructions where Rule 4 is impracticable or inequitable

13.3

The committee may not waive a rule of play. In exceptional circumstances, it may impose or modify a penalty of disqualification.

13.4

In singles handicap events, competitors may be permitted to play more than once, subject to NEC limitations. No restriction applies in fourball or foursome events.

13.5 – Course Preparation

Before Strokeplay championships, new holes shall be cut where feasible. If done the day before, the course must be closed until start of play.

13.6

The committee shall verify scores and handicap application and correct any errors.

13.7

At least one authorised committee representative must be present on the course during play in open competitions to rule on committee matters.

14.1 – Appeals

Appeal against the decision of the NEC will be dealt with by the independent Appeals Panel only. The Appeals Panel decision is final and cannot be referred to Sports Dispute Solutions Ireland for arbitration.

14.2 – Uncovered Incidents

In dealing with incidents not specifically covered herein, the NEC will consider, where relevant, the Rules of Golf.

Note: The NEC will periodically circulate guidance and decisions to club and competition committees.

15.1

Players entering competitions must produce their registration card. Prize winners must also present their registration card before receiving prizes. The promoting club shall immediately advise clubs of prize winners involved.

15.2

The committee promoting the competition may not alter Rule 15.1.

15.3 – NEC Authority

The organisation vests in the NEC the right to arbitrate and rule (subject to the right of appeal) on all matters concerning handicaps and competitions.

15.4

The NEC reserves the right to make decisions which may not necessarily conform with or be provided for in the above rules.