1 Ball is out of bonds

A ball is out of bounds, if it is behind a wall, fence, barrier, white stakes or white line marking the bounds of the golf course.

2. Water hazards or lateral water hazards

Stakes or lines marking frontal water hazards are yellow, whereas those marking lateral water hazards are red.

3. Ground under repair

a) All areas marked with white lines or blue stakes. If there are white lines and blue stakes, the stakes mark the area as ground under repair and the lines its bounds.

b) Fissures between divot on the course disturbing the lie or the area of intended swing but not the stance.

c) Drainage channels filled with rocks.

d) All erosion damage of bunkers caused by running water in downpours.

9. Markings

11. Markings for distance – measured to the front of the green in metres (m)

(Distances on the scorecard are measured to the centre of the green in metres (m)!)

200 m (white)

Stone stake with white marking on the right, on PAR 5 holes, between semi-rough and rough and white ground marking with the inscription 200, in the centre of fairway.

150 m (yellow)

Yellow ground marking with the inscription 150, in the centre of the fairway.

135 m (blue)

Stones on the right and left with blue markings between semirough and rough and blue ground marking with the inscription 135, in the centre of the fairway.

100 m (red)

Stones on the right and left with red markings between semirough and rough and red ground marking with the inscription 100, in the centre of the fairway.

50 m (orange)

Orange ground marking with the inscription 50, in the centre of the fairway.

There are no markings on PAR 3 holes.

4. Unmovable obstructions

Areas marked with white lines connected with unmovable obstructions are considered as parts of unmovable obstructions.

5. Protection of young trees

Young trees are marked with stakes, stripes or protective tubes. If such tree interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing, the player must lift and drop the ball without a penalty in accordance with the procedure described in rule 24-2b.

6. Relief for embedded ball

“On the course” a ball embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground may be lifted without a penalty, cleaned and dropped as near as possible to where it lay but not nearer the hole.

7. Stones in bunkers

Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions.

8. Fairway divots on the green

Fairway divots on the green have the same status as repaired pitch marks and can be replaced.

9. Aeration holes

If a ball comes to rest in an aeration hole on a putting green, the player may, without penalty, lift the ball, clean it and drop it as near as possible to where it lay.

10. Distance meters

The player may obtain information on the distance by using a device measuring only linear distance.

If while playing a player uses a distance meter designed for assessing and measuring other conditions which can influence the game (e.g. horizontal measurement, vertical measurement, wind speed, temperature), he breaches the rules which results in disqualification.

12. Ball on fixed sprinkler head or on ground marking on the fairway

“On the course” a ball at rest on the fixed sprinkler or ground marking may be lifted without a penalty, cleaned and dropped as near as possible to where it lay but not nearer the hole.

13. Stone fences

Stone fences and stones are an integral part of the course – unmovable obstructions (two holes 5 right).

14. Paths on the course

Paths are an integral part of the course – unmovable obstructions.

15. Winter rules

Winter rules are usually valid in the period from November until inclusive February, more specifically, in the period when the course is soaked and muddy. A ball may, without penalty, be lifted, cleaned and placed within one club-length of where it originally lay.  The validity of winter rules is defined by the Committee.

16. Dropping zone

A ball in a water obstruction (red stakes with green tops) and cannot be found can be dropped on the marked dropping zone with one penalty stroke (hole 1).

15. Additional information

Additional information can be obtained in publications “Competition rules”, “Etiquette”, “Interruption – hazard of stroke of lightning”…

Rules of the game

Competitions will be performed in accordance with the “Rules of golf and amateur status” approved by R&A Rules Limited, Local rules, rules and etiquette of Lipica Golf Resort which are in accordance with the rules of golf and approved by the Committee, rules of EGA Handicap System 2007, rules of the Golf association of Slovenia and the rules of PGA Slovenia, if participants are professional golfers.

Committee

The competition is controlled by the Committee consisting of at least 3 members, an experienced amateur player, a member of PGA Slovenia, referee, representative of the organiser…

Referee

A referee with a valid referee licence of GZS is present at all competitions. If the presence of a referee cannot be ensured, the referee must be on call.

Public invitation

The Committee issues a public invitation for each competition defining the conditions for participation.

Result in a tie: In the event of a tie the result must be defined in the public invitation or the conditions of public invitation for an individual competition.

Entry to the competition

The players must enter the competition within the due date specified in the public invitation.

Players fulfilling the conditions referred to in the invitation for an individual competition (HCP limit) may enter the competition.

Entry cancellation

The players must cancel their entry immediately after not being able to enter the competition.

The players are obliged to cancel their entry. If a player does not cancel his entry and he tends to do it constantly, he cannot enter the next competition.

Clubs

Each driver used by a player must have a head with a characteristic model and incline which is on the valid list of appropriate heads issued by R&A.

Balls

The ball by means of which the player plays must be on the valid list of appropriate golf balls issued by R&A.

The ball must be marked with a water-resistant marker.

‘One ball rule’ applies for the members of PGA (warning to the rule 5-1). The rule applies only for professional players. In a certain round the balls played must be of the same type as described in the valid list of allowed balls for golf.

Penalty for breaching a competition condition: Supplement I, section C, 1c (page 140)

Starting schedule

The players must be present at the start at least 5 minutes prior to the start.

If a player arrives at the start with a delay of 5 minutes after his starting time and is ready to play, he is given a penalty of losing the first hole in the game for the hole or two strokes on the first hole in the stroke play.

In shotgun start players must be present at the start at least 30 minutes before starting.

Use of power cars

The players must walk during the whole individual round. 

The use of a power car is not allowed.

Breach of rule: two penalty strokes on a hole where the rule was breached; the maximum

number of penalty strokes 4 in a played round. In the event of breaching the rule between holes, the penalty is considered on the next hole.

The use of a power car is allowed, if a player has an appropriate medical report.

Use of electronic devices

Use of mobile phones and other electronic devices by a player or a caddie is considered a disturbance of co-players and a disrespectful relationship towards co-players.

If a player, his caddie or the team captain have such device, they should turn it off.

Use of distance meters

The player may obtain information on the distance by using a device measuring only linear distance.

If while playing a player uses a distance meter designed for assessing and measuring other conditions which can influence the game (e.g. horizontal measurement, vertical measurement, wind speed, temperature), he breaches the rules which results in disqualification.

Caddy

Caddies and electric trolleys are allowed.

Each competitor should register its caddy prior to the start on the first hole.

Forecaddy

Forecaddies assist the players above all in looking for bad balls.

The lie of a ball is shown by hand signals.

Pace of play

“A player shall play without stopping and in accordance with the schedule, otherwise penalties are imposed by the course or competition management”.

If there are 4 players in a group (stroke play, stableford accordingly less), they shall play 18 holes in 4 hours and 20 minutes.  If there are 2 players in a group (matchplay), they have to play 18 holes in 4 hours at most.

A group is late:

A group is obliged to stick to a group in front of them (obviously at a safe distance)!

Time limit for performing a stroke

A player must strike a ball in 40 sec.

after reaching it when it is his turn to strike. The time for defining the distance of a stroke is considered the time for preparation for the next stroke.

On the green the stroke time of 40 sec. starts running when a player marks, lifts and cleans a ball, replaces his pitch-mark, other pitch-marks and movable obstructions on the line of stroke. The time of ascertaining the stroke line behind and in front of a ball is considered the time for preparing for the next stroke.    

A player has 50 sec. for a stroke. = 40 sec. + additional 10 sec.:

The course or competition management has the right to take measures, if a player or group do not play within the framework of defined time.

Penalties (for an individual or the whole group):

Stroke play

Match game

Referee’s decisions or other objective delays: If a delay occurs, because a referee is making a decision or other objective delay occurs, a group is expected to catch up with the time schedule.

The allowed time for playing is specified on the scorecard.

Game interruption due to a hazard

DANGER!

Signals (sound signals) for game interruption

Storms with lightning which can put your life in danger present a special hazard on golf courses. Please, act in accordance with sound signals. Thank you.

Great danger! Lightning string threatening! Stop playing immediately!

1 Long uninterrupted siren signal:

Move to a safe place in the club house immediately. Leave the equipment on the course. Tops and crests, under scarce trees, near water currents and gutters are the most dangerous places. The safest is to squat on toes with your head bent down and cover your ears with your hands. Competition: If a player does not stop playing immediately, he is disqualified.

Game interruption (due to darkness, fog…): 3 subsequent short siren signals

Players may continue playing until the end on a hole where they are currently playing.

Game continuation: 2 short siren signals

Competition: If players start playing before the siren signal, they receive two penalty scores.

Responsibility

Players play and practice at their own risk.

Practice before the competition

A player may not practice on the competition course on the day of the competition.

Penalty for breaching a competition condition: disqualification

Taking stimulants

Players may not take any substances to improve their efficiency.

The list of unlawful substances is issued by WADA (Appendix II).

All players breaching this competition condition or refusing the tests are disqualified.

Behaviour

Players are not allowed to shout, curse, throw golf equipment on the course or behave indecently in any other way.

Penalties:

A warning can be issued by a referee or a member of the committee. The prohibition of participating in the competition can be issued by the committee.

Arrival

Pace of play:

“A player shall play without stopping and in accordance with the schedule (on the scorecard), otherwise penalties are imposed by the course or competition management”.

If there are 4 players in a group (stroke play, stableford or a smaller group accordingly less), they shall play 18 holes in 4 hours and 20 minutes.

A group is late:

A group is obliged to stick to a group in front of them (obviously at a safe distance)!

Timing

A player must strike a ball in 40 sec. after reaching it when it is his turn to strike. The time for defining the distance of a stroke is considered the time for preparing for the next stroke.

On the green the stroke time of 40 sec. starts running when a player marks, lifts and cleans a ball, replaces his pitch-mark, other pitch-marks and movable obstructions on the line of stroke. The time of ascertaining the stroke line behind and in front of a ball is considered the time for preparing for the next stroke.    

A player has 50 sec. for a stroke. - 40 sec. and additional 10 sec.:

The course or competition management has always the right to interfere if a group does not play within the framework of time schedules (measures: warning and order to stop playing, penalties at a competition: see pace of play).

The allowed time for playing is specified on the scorecard.

On the course:

On the teeing ground:

On the green:

Hold the flag, its pin with stretched out hand so that it does not flutter freely in the wind and make sure not to cast a shadow to a hole or line of putt. Lift the flag out of the hole so that it does not stick. If the ball hits the hole, lift the flag immediately after the stroke.

Miscellaneous:

Priority on the course: Greenkeeper - player

Until 10.00 am the greenkeeper has the priority.

After 10.00 am the player has the priority.

The greenkeeper shows the player by lifting his hand or putting the flag on the green that he would like to finish his work as soon as possible. With a swing with stretched out hand towards himself the greenkeeper gives a signal to the player to continue playing.

The player shall follow the instructions of the greenkeeper - he shall never strike the ball if there is any possibility that he could hit the greenkeeper with the ball.

Footwear and clothes

Wear appropriate footwear and clothes on the course and on the driving range.

Members and guests with inappropriate clothing are not allowed to practice or play.

Following the instructions of personnel

The player shall follow the instructions of the personnel.

If the course is closed (winter weather conditions, urgent maintenance works…) the player may not play on the course.

Winter rules

In order to prevent permanent damage on greens we have to close the course in the event of frost until it melts.

Frost is frozen dew which is crystallised on grass. Grass is hard, fragile, since grass leaves consist of 90 % of water.  Grass simply breaks, the cells are broken and the grass can no longer function normally. When grass is so damaged, it becomes weak and prone to diseases and weeds. The postponing of the start until the grass thaws preserves its quality and reduces unnecessary repairs.

Measures – breach of etiquette

1. breach: warning, 2. breach: prohibition of playing, 3. breach: prohibition of playing for 1 month, 4. breach: prohibition of playing for 1 year

The reception keeps record on breaches (date, hour, name and surname, membership, breach of ethics, warning).

Breaches are summed up in the entire competition season or year.

DANGER!

Signals (sound signals) for game interruption

Storms with lightning which can put your life in danger present a special hazard on golf courses. Please, act in accordance with sound signals. Thank you.

1 Long uninterrupted siren signal:

Great danger! Lightning string threatening! Stop playing immediately!

Move to a safe place in the club house immediately. Leave the equipment on the course. Tops and crests, under scarce trees, near water currents and gutters are the most dangerous places. The safest way is to squat on toes with your head bent down. Cover your ears with your hands.

Competition: If a player does not stop playing immediately, he is disqualified.

Game interruption (due to darkness, fog…): 3 subsequent short siren signals

Players may continue playing until the end on a hole where they are currently playing.

Game continuation: 2 short siren signals

Competition: If players start playing before the siren signal, they receive two penalty scores.

FROST

DANGER OF DAMAGE OF GRASS ON THE GREEN!

THE COURSE MUST BE CLOSED WHEN IT IS FROZEN!

If the grass is frozen, particularly on greens, the course must be closed until the frost melts!