The Dogwoods

Format: The USCGA format is medal (individual stroke) play. Membership is open to men and women of all playing ability. Players must be age 18 or older except on designated rounds that allow juniors ages 12-17. Division or tee box selection is based on age and playing ability. Refer to USCGA membership entry form for division selection parameters. The season will consist of fourteen Saturday qualifying rounds, and one Monday qualifying round. Players qualify for the trophy competition in our finale Championship Round by playing in at least five qualifying rounds (see details below). At each qualifying round players will compete against other players of similar USCGA custom handicaps within their assigned flights. Handicaps are used only to determine flights and not used in the scoring. The top finsher (lowest score) in each flight, per event, receives a gift certificate (usually from the host golf course). Gift certificate amount will vary from event to event based on player participation as a percentage of each entry fee is put into a prize pool and then distributed between the flights. A minimum of three USCGA rounds are needed to determine a player's USCGA custom handicap.

Championship Round: Players qualify for trophy competition in the championship round by playing at least five regular season qualifying rounds. The average score of the player's best five rounds will be used to determine their flight competition in the championship round. Within each division (tee box), qualifiers will compete against players of similar best five average scores. Total number of players per tee box will determine number of flights. To help maintain equitable competition, flights may vary in size. Winners in each flight are determined by adding a player's best five score average to their championship round score. Trophies and prizes will be awarded in each flight for each set of tees. Non-qualified members and guests may also play in the championship round and are eligible for all prizes other than trophies.

Rules of Golf: The USCGA stands by our commitment to the tradition, integrity, and sportsmanshp of the game. For that reason, we will play by USGA rules. This includes playing the ball down or as it lies and putting all putts out (no gimmes).

For speed of play we will make the following modifications:

1. Maximum Score Per Hole is triple bogey. Player must pick up when that maximum is reached.
2. Out of Bounds (OB) or Lost Ball: The USGA ruling is: If a ball is lost or is out of bounds (OB) the player must play a ball, under penalty of one stroke, as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played. This is commonly referred to as a stroke and distance ruling.To eliminate delays a player who is not sure his ball was hit OB, must hit a provisional ball. If the original ball is found OB, then the provisional ball becomes the ball in play, under penalty of stroke and distance. If the original ball is not OB, play it. Player must declare he’s hitting a provisional ball before leaving the spot from where original ball was last played. The USCGA modified ruling is: if a player fails to hit a provisional ball and finds his ball is OB, player cannot return back to where the original ball was last played. Player must then pick up and count a triple bogey for the hole. This modified ruling was established more to speed up play for players who unknowingly hit a ball OB and by the ruling would be required to return back to the spot from which the original ball was last played. This would cause delays. For speed of play on lost balls, the USCGA modified ruling does not require a player to return back to where the original ball was last played. The USCGA plays as a lateral hazard or unplayable lie ruling. The USCGA modified ruling is: Under penalty of one stroke: a) drop a ball within 2 club-lengths of where ball deemed to be lost. b) play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played. You may choose option a) or b) but option a) is recommended for speed of play. To play option b, player must have declared he's hitting a provisional ball before leaving the spot from where original ball was last played. Playing the ball at any point on the line of flight the ball traveled to deemed lost position is not an option.
3. Play Ready Golf: We challenge all USCGA members to play "ready golf" and be conscious of the need to avoid slow play and keep up with the group in front.

It is the player's responsibility to learn and apply both USGA and USCGA (specific modified rules of play) at all times. Anyone violating the rules is subject to penalties set forth by the USGA Rules of Golf. Rules infractions should be challenged immediately when they occur. If there is any question or disagreement, a second ball should be played and the matter referred to the committee at the end of the round. Repeat offenders, who knowingly violate or ignore the rules, may be subject to suspension or termination from the USCGA with NO refund of fees paid.