Remember, the Rules of Golf are your friend!
When should I play a provisional ball?
A provisional ball is played when you suspect your ball is out of bounds or lost on the golf course outside a penalty area. If you are virtually certain your ball is OB or in a red or yellow staked area, refer to the rules covering that situation.
How do I declare my intention to play a provisional ball?
The best option is to actually say the “P Word”. The Rules of Golf permit using other phrases if they convey your intent. You could say, “Just in case,” for instance, but it is wise to indicate your intention in the clearest manner possible.
I hit my provisional, now what?
Play the provisional ball counting your strokes until you arrive at the area where you think your first ball might have landed at which point you (and/or your fellow competitors) have three minutes to search for the original ball.
I just hit an awesome provisional shot. Can I declare my original ball lost?
Perhaps you’d like to declare your first ball lost without searching but your fellow competitors might prefer it be found. If the ball is found within the allowable time frame, that one is the ball in play, and you are laying one (assuming that was your tee shot). You are not obliged to look for your original ball, but you can’t stop your opponent or someone else from looking, even if most golfers would consider it good etiquette to not search if a player has clearly stated their desire to abandon their original ball.
I found my ball in a GENERAL AREA of the golf course, but I don’t like it. Can I save time by playing my provisional?
No. Call it unplayable and follow the rules for that situation.
I found my ball in a PENALTY AREA of the golf course, but I don’t like it. Can I save time by…
NO!
Well then, can I call that ball in the penalty area unplayable?
No. You can call any ball in the general areas of a golf course unplayable even if a playing partner opines otherwise but the terms and the rules are different in a penalty area and the options for an unplayable ball do not apply. You can play the ball as it lies or “take relief” using the Rules of Golf or the Local Rule that applies for that type of penalty area.
I’m getting a headache thinking about all this. One last question: What are my options after declaring my ball unplayable?
When you decide that your ball is unplayable, you have three relief options, all for one penalty stroke. Your first option is to go back to the spot of your previous stroke and play again (stroke and distance relief). Your second option is to go back as far as you’d like and drop on the line from the hole through the spot where the ball lies (back-on-the-line relief). Your third option is to drop anywhere within two club-lengths of where your ball lies, no closer to the hole (lateral relief).
If your ball lies in a bunker, you must remain inside the bunker under options two and three. You also have a fourth option for an extra penalty stroke (two penalty strokes total) which allows you to go back on the line and drop your ball outside the bunker.
Toonie Pot - $2:
When should I play a provisional ball?
A provisional ball is played when you suspect your ball is out of bounds or lost on the golf course outside a penalty area. If you are virtually certain your ball is OB or in a red or yellow staked area, refer to the rules covering that situation.
How do I declare my intention to play a provisional ball?
The best option is to actually say the “P Word”. The Rules of Golf permit using other phrases if they convey your intent. You could say, “Just in case,” for instance, but it is wise to indicate your intention in the clearest manner possible.
I hit my provisional, now what?
Play the provisional ball counting your strokes until you arrive at the area where you think your first ball might have landed at which point you (and/or your fellow competitors) have three minutes to search for the original ball.
I just hit an awesome provisional shot. Can I declare my original ball lost?
Perhaps you’d like to declare your first ball lost without searching but your fellow competitors might prefer it be found. If the ball is found within the allowable time frame, that one is the ball in play, and you are laying one (assuming that was your tee shot). You are not obliged to look for your original ball, but you can’t stop your opponent or someone else from looking, even if most golfers would consider it good etiquette to not search if a player has clearly stated their desire to abandon their original ball.
I found my ball in a GENERAL AREA of the golf course, but I don’t like it. Can I save time by playing my provisional?
No. Call it unplayable and follow the rules for that situation.
I found my ball in a PENALTY AREA of the golf course, but I don’t like it. Can I save time by…
NO!
Well then, can I call that ball in the penalty area unplayable?
No. You can call any ball in the general areas of a golf course unplayable even if a playing partner opines otherwise but the terms and the rules are different in a penalty area and the options for an unplayable ball do not apply. You can play the ball as it lies or “take relief” using the Rules of Golf or the Local Rule that applies for that type of penalty area.
I’m getting a headache thinking about all this. One last question: What are my options after declaring my ball unplayable?
When you decide that your ball is unplayable, you have three relief options, all for one penalty stroke. Your first option is to go back to the spot of your previous stroke and play again (stroke and distance relief). Your second option is to go back as far as you’d like and drop on the line from the hole through the spot where the ball lies (back-on-the-line relief). Your third option is to drop anywhere within two club-lengths of where your ball lies, no closer to the hole (lateral relief).
If your ball lies in a bunker, you must remain inside the bunker under options two and three. You also have a fourth option for an extra penalty stroke (two penalty strokes total) which allows you to go back on the line and drop your ball outside the bunker.
Toonie Pot - $2:
- The Toonie Pot is in addition to the Game of the Day. Winnings are shared amongst the prize winners.
- Participation is voluntary.
- If participating, sign up each Tuesday in the Pro Shop by initialing beside your name on the draw sheet, and depositing your $2 in the Toonie can.
- The challenge may or may not be flighted depending on the number of players that day.
- The following definitions apply to both the Game of the Day and Tournaments:
- KP (Closest to the Pin) is the shot from the tee box landing on the green that measures closer to the pin than any other player's shot in your flight.
- Long Putt is the longest putt on the green that lands in the hole and was farther from the hole than any other player's putt in your flight. (It might be on any Par 3, 4 or 5 and does not have to be your first putt).
- Long Drive is the drive from the tee box landing on the fairway and farther down than any other player's drive in your flight.
The second of our three big tournaments is in the books. The Diamond Stableford is a big one for the organizers to handle with both a cocktail/team selection party and the actual tournament and awards luncheon. Here is a shout out to y'all: you did a great job. We, as players, are fortunate we can just show up and have fun. On behalf of all the players, this is a thank you to:
Jan Nesbitt, Tournament Chair and her committee, Barb Eisenberg and Patsy Pederson; Miriam Ciezki, Club Captain; Katie McFadden, Rules Advisor; K.D. and Barb Bertagnolli, Scoring Team; George Lucas, Photographer; Marilyn Carter, Draw Chair; and, not to toot my own horn, your Webmaster, Linda Storoz. Nothing would happen without the Pro Shop, Administration and James Brown and his event staff all committing to getting it right. We are so lucky. In the words of our captain, Miriam, Ladies League is "Where Fun and Friendships Tee Off!"
Adjustment of Hole Scores
Q. I started a hole but did not complete it. What score do I post?
A. When the format of play allows you to start a hole but not complete it, the score recorded for handicap purposes is your most likely score, equal to:
Pace of Play and Posting Scores - A Note from your Captain, Miriam, and your Tournament Chair, Jan:
Please read the following Handicapping Rule, provided by Katie McFadden, our Rules Advisor. Print it out if desired and, in the service of pace of play and for the enjoyment of all, make every attempt to implement it. As we approach our Diamond Stableford Tournament and then our ARLGC, this is particularly important. While aiming to post valid scores with Golf Canada when appropriate, we must remain aware of TIME! Regardless of the format of any event, our course is to be played in just over 4 hours.
Your Tournament Committee and the restaurant staff put in a lot of time and effort preparing for the luncheons: running an hour late waiting for groups to come in creates serious challenges and dampens the enjoyment of all. Furthermore, slow play severely impacts the Pro Shop and the players who follow us on the course.
UNLESS our Draw Chair specifies that “all putts be finished,” please adhere to the rule going forward.
Thank you, everyone, and know that we, your executive, are doing everything we can to make our League a positive experience for all players, regardless of skill or handicap!
Jan Nesbitt, Tournament Chair and her committee, Barb Eisenberg and Patsy Pederson; Miriam Ciezki, Club Captain; Katie McFadden, Rules Advisor; K.D. and Barb Bertagnolli, Scoring Team; George Lucas, Photographer; Marilyn Carter, Draw Chair; and, not to toot my own horn, your Webmaster, Linda Storoz. Nothing would happen without the Pro Shop, Administration and James Brown and his event staff all committing to getting it right. We are so lucky. In the words of our captain, Miriam, Ladies League is "Where Fun and Friendships Tee Off!"
Adjustment of Hole Scores
Q. I started a hole but did not complete it. What score do I post?
A. When the format of play allows you to start a hole but not complete it, the score recorded for handicap purposes is your most likely score, equal to:
- The number of strokes already taken on the hole, plus
- Any penalty strokes incurred during the hole, plus
- The number of strokes you would most likely require to complete the hole.
- If the ball lies on the putting green no more than 5 feet from the hole, add one stroke.
- If the ball lies between 5 feet and 20 yards from the hole, add 2 or 3 additional strokes depending on the position of the ball, difficulty of the green and your ability.
- If the ball lies more than 20 yards from the hole, add 3 or 4 additional strokes depending on the position of the ball, difficulty of the green and your ability.
Pace of Play and Posting Scores - A Note from your Captain, Miriam, and your Tournament Chair, Jan:
Please read the following Handicapping Rule, provided by Katie McFadden, our Rules Advisor. Print it out if desired and, in the service of pace of play and for the enjoyment of all, make every attempt to implement it. As we approach our Diamond Stableford Tournament and then our ARLGC, this is particularly important. While aiming to post valid scores with Golf Canada when appropriate, we must remain aware of TIME! Regardless of the format of any event, our course is to be played in just over 4 hours.
Your Tournament Committee and the restaurant staff put in a lot of time and effort preparing for the luncheons: running an hour late waiting for groups to come in creates serious challenges and dampens the enjoyment of all. Furthermore, slow play severely impacts the Pro Shop and the players who follow us on the course.
UNLESS our Draw Chair specifies that “all putts be finished,” please adhere to the rule going forward.
Thank you, everyone, and know that we, your executive, are doing everything we can to make our League a positive experience for all players, regardless of skill or handicap!
ZONE 5 NEWS:
If you are fortunate (or talented) enough to get a Hole In One this season, take a photo to pass along to Linda Storoz for publication. Include the date, course, Hole # and distance of your shot. She will pass the info along to the zone so you can be entered into their "Hole of Fame."
If you are fortunate (or talented) enough to get a Hole In One this season, take a photo to pass along to Linda Storoz for publication. Include the date, course, Hole # and distance of your shot. She will pass the info along to the zone so you can be entered into their "Hole of Fame."
Multiple Choice Question:
What does the above graphic represent?
ANSWER TO MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION:
The answer is 3, a local rule here at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club:
What does the above graphic represent?
- A golfer at the gates of Heaven receiving her angel wings for never having talked during a playing partner’s backswing
- C’Rule-ella swooping in to explain (yet again) the differences between red, yellow and white stakes
- A local rule on the course at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club.
ANSWER TO MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION:
The answer is 3, a local rule here at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club:
- SPRINKLER HEADS Model Local Rule F-5 is in effect for a ball in the General Area cut to fairway height or less - a player may take free relief from an obstruction on the line of play that is within two club lengths of the putting green and within two club lengths of the ball - nearest point of complete relief, no closer to the hole.
May 15th Update:
Did you know:
Once a score is posted for the holes played – for example, holes 1-16 – a Score Differential™ will be created based on the 16 holes played, and the expected Score Differential™ for two holes not played will be added to that value to produce an 18-hole Score Differential.
For a player who has yet to establish a Handicap Index (working toward posting scores from 54 holes played), only the 9- and 18-hole score posting option will be available.
Note: Expected score is the default position for holes not played. However, net par may be an option in very limited circumstances subject to approval from the local Allied Golf Association. The Handicap Committee/golf club will be responsible for communicating to all golfers when net par should be applied. (Rule 3.2, Rules of Handicapping).
Bottom line: post a "0" for holes not played and Golf Canada will perform their magic!
June 9th Update:
Game Day and Tournament Game Descriptions:
The Fixture List includes a new section with descriptions of games we are playing this season or might play in the future; the format of our tournaments; and explanations for various mysteries such as the Dorothy Oliver Franklin Tournament, Pin Rounds and the Ringer Book. Marilyn Carter, our Draw Chair, compiled this information and it was a lot of work! Please remember to thank her next time you are together.
This document is a work in progress and will require regular updating. If you know a fun game, find a description unclear, or hate a particular game with a red-hot burning hate, please pop us an email at [email protected] and share your thoughts.
How come the Game Day card had my handicap holes marked last week but not this week?
Cards are only dotted when the Game of the Day requires knowing each player’s hole handicap: Stableford – cards are prepared, Play for Show, Putt for Dough not so much.
How come it seems like I'm always paired with the same partners?
Well, because $hit happens… :). Actually, it’s more complicated: a lot of effort and many considerations go into putting the draw together: Is there a special request, “I need to leave early; may I go out first?” Does this game require players with similar handicaps be grouped together even if they were paired last week? Is this a tournament week while last week was a regular game day? it’s raining and Linda S has cancelled (again) so the draw has to be juggled. The day you recently played with that person wasn't a Tuesday. You get the picture. Be patient and kind and especially be thankful you don’t have to do the work! Speaking of being kind, here is an important note from your captain:
To Our Players:
While Tuesday Ladies is golf played by the rules and with a spirit of competition, we as a group should strive to be kind and considerate of other players. For example, if there is a “teaching moment,” keep it light. For learners, explanations on the go often save you from costly choices. Our handicaps range from 10 - 54, with a mix and match in many games! Players of every level are trying their best, teachers and learners alike; it can be overwhelming dealing with rules while keeping track of your score and trying to maintain pace of play. But always remember, Tuesdays are our opportunity to enjoy the companionship of friends, and above all, have a laugh and smile! Remember our motto:
"Chicks with Sticks - Where Fun & Friendships Tee-Off"
Your Captain,
Miriam
Did you know:
- You can find the 2024 MAC Membership Calendar by clicking on the Arbutus Ridge Golf Club link below then clicking: Membership<Upcoming Member Events then scrolling down and clicking on: 2024 MAC Member Fixture Calendar.
- Adjustment of Hole Scores: I did not play a hole. What score to do I post?
Once a score is posted for the holes played – for example, holes 1-16 – a Score Differential™ will be created based on the 16 holes played, and the expected Score Differential™ for two holes not played will be added to that value to produce an 18-hole Score Differential.
For a player who has yet to establish a Handicap Index (working toward posting scores from 54 holes played), only the 9- and 18-hole score posting option will be available.
Note: Expected score is the default position for holes not played. However, net par may be an option in very limited circumstances subject to approval from the local Allied Golf Association. The Handicap Committee/golf club will be responsible for communicating to all golfers when net par should be applied. (Rule 3.2, Rules of Handicapping).
Bottom line: post a "0" for holes not played and Golf Canada will perform their magic!
June 9th Update:
Game Day and Tournament Game Descriptions:
The Fixture List includes a new section with descriptions of games we are playing this season or might play in the future; the format of our tournaments; and explanations for various mysteries such as the Dorothy Oliver Franklin Tournament, Pin Rounds and the Ringer Book. Marilyn Carter, our Draw Chair, compiled this information and it was a lot of work! Please remember to thank her next time you are together.
This document is a work in progress and will require regular updating. If you know a fun game, find a description unclear, or hate a particular game with a red-hot burning hate, please pop us an email at [email protected] and share your thoughts.
How come the Game Day card had my handicap holes marked last week but not this week?
Cards are only dotted when the Game of the Day requires knowing each player’s hole handicap: Stableford – cards are prepared, Play for Show, Putt for Dough not so much.
How come it seems like I'm always paired with the same partners?
Well, because $hit happens… :). Actually, it’s more complicated: a lot of effort and many considerations go into putting the draw together: Is there a special request, “I need to leave early; may I go out first?” Does this game require players with similar handicaps be grouped together even if they were paired last week? Is this a tournament week while last week was a regular game day? it’s raining and Linda S has cancelled (again) so the draw has to be juggled. The day you recently played with that person wasn't a Tuesday. You get the picture. Be patient and kind and especially be thankful you don’t have to do the work! Speaking of being kind, here is an important note from your captain:
To Our Players:
While Tuesday Ladies is golf played by the rules and with a spirit of competition, we as a group should strive to be kind and considerate of other players. For example, if there is a “teaching moment,” keep it light. For learners, explanations on the go often save you from costly choices. Our handicaps range from 10 - 54, with a mix and match in many games! Players of every level are trying their best, teachers and learners alike; it can be overwhelming dealing with rules while keeping track of your score and trying to maintain pace of play. But always remember, Tuesdays are our opportunity to enjoy the companionship of friends, and above all, have a laugh and smile! Remember our motto:
"Chicks with Sticks - Where Fun & Friendships Tee-Off"
Your Captain,
Miriam