TGF Rules of Play

TGF is built on the balance of fair competition and friendly pace. Our rules are designed to make golf more fun, less frustrating, and respectful of everyone’s time.

We follow the spirit of the game, not just the letter of the law. All rules below aim to:

• Maintain fairness and consistency
• Encourage ready, respectful play
• Adapt for course conditions and real-world scenarios
• Avoid slow play while preserving competitive integrity

SITUATION

A player's ball is lost outside of a penalty area, including in:

• Native areas
• Deep rough
• Out of bounds
• Other locations not marked as a hazard

TGF RULE

To maintain pace of play and fairness:

• Player shall identify the Point of Entry into the area where the ball was lost. 
• From that point, player may take a drop on the line of flight (as agreed upon by the group), no closer to the hole.
• One-stroke penalty applies.

DO NOT:

• Hit a provisional ball.
• Return to the previous shot location.
   

This rule is designed to speed up play while preserving fairness. If there's any doubt, the foursome must come to a consensus on the point of entry and line of flight.

(Applies to Tee Shots Only – Par 4s & 5s)

SITUATION
On a Par 4 or Par 5, a player hits a tee shot that fails to clear a native area, hazard, or other unplayable terrain with no reasonable route around (i.e., a true "Forced Carry").

TGF RULE

• Player shall take a drop at the start of the fairway, past the Forced Carry, in a spot agreed upon by the group.
• One-stroke penalty applies.
• This rule applies only to tee shots on Par 4s and Par 5s.
   

Important Note

• This rule does not apply to Par 3s over water.
  • Use the designated drop area, if available.
  • If no drop zone exists, player shall re-tee from the most forward tee box.
     

This rule is intended to keep play moving while offering a fair option when no safe alternative exists off the tee.

SITUATION

TGF recognizes that some areas on the course—whether due to high cart traffic, poor maintenance, or player impact—are not maintained as intended and can lead to unfair lies. 

TGF RULE

Players are entitled to free relief from the following areas of disrepair, pending foursome consensus:

• Divots: Relief is granted from any lie in a divot, whether filled or unfilled, regardless of location.
• Bunker Footprints: Relief is allowed from clearly unintended footprints or rake marks left in bunkers by previous players.
• Cart Traffic & Wheel Tracks: Relief is granted from obvious wear patterns or grooves caused by maintenance or cart traffic.
• Unmarked Ground Under Repair: Any clearly damaged or unintended condition of the course that all players in the group agree would qualify as Ground Under Repair.

RELIEF PROCEDURE

• Identify the Nearest Point of Complete Relief that is no closer to the hole.
• Drop within 1 club length of that point.
• Relief must preserve the general area (e.g., if your ball was in the rough, relief must remain in the rough).
   

Ref: Modified interpretation of USGA Rule 16.1

SITUATION

If you haven't holed out by the time you've reached Triple Bogey, it’s time to pick up.

TGF RULE

• Record Triple Bogey as your score.
• No need to finish the hole once triple is reached.
• This keeps things moving for everyone.
   

REMEMBER: Triple is your friend!

SITUATION

To ensure consistency and fairness across the field, all players must finish every hole properly. 

TGF RULE

• The ball must come to rest in the hole.
• No gimmes allowed in TGF competition play.
   

Even short ones count—there are just too many interpretations otherwise.

SITUATION
Pace of play affects everyone’s enjoyment—TGF follows simple expectations to keep rounds moving smoothly.

TGF RULE
All players are expected to:

• Play Ready Golf
• Waive Honors
• Putt Continuously when near the hole
• Keep Pace with the Group Ahead
• Limit ball searches to 1 minute max - Remember that our Lost Ball rule is on your side.
   

USGA TIPS & SUGGESTIONS