U.S. Kids Golf Tournaments
Yardages, Rules and Regulations

Age Group and Yardages

Rules and Regulations
A player shall take no more than 10 strokes on a hole. Once a 10 has been reached, the player must pick up his/ her ball and wait for the other players in the group to complete the hole.

Ties
All ties will be determined by scorecard playoff (count back). Score cards must be returned to the score keeper. Score cards will not be retuned to the player and are kept by USKGJ.

Tournament Rules
Play is governed by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Rules of Golf & Decisions as amended, where applicable by Local Rules administered by the U.S. Kids Golf Tournament Director.

Parental Responsibly
A parent or guardian must be present for registration and at all times during the competition. Parents are encouraged to caddy for their child. Please be sure you are familiar with caddy rules. Children 8 and under must have a parent caddy for them. All parents, family members, or friends who are not caddying must follow the guidelines of the Spectator Policy.

Spectator Policy
All spectators must remain on the cart path or in the rough at all times. Spectators may NOT give the player advice during the round. Spectators may NOT use any electronic devices (cell phones, pagers, etc.) on the course. First offense: warning; second offense: immediate removal of the spectator from the golf course.

Inclement Weather
The tournament committee makes all decisions regarding weather delays and/or cancellations on site the day of the event. Our intention is to play the event on its scheduled day, and we will do everything possible, including reducing the number of holes of the stipulated round, to determine the individual champions.

Code of Conduct
Violations of the code of conduct include: abusive language, club throwing, cheating, disrespect of volunteers or officials, abuse to the golf course or the facility, littering, or any other conduct unbecoming of a tournament participant or caddy. First offense: two-stroke penalty; second offense: disqualification. Repeated violations may lead to rejection of future entries.

Starting Time
Please check your starting hole assignment and arrive at your tee box at least five minutes early. If you fail to arrive at your starting hole on time you will be assessed a two stroke penalty. If you arrive at the tee more than five minutes after your starting time you will receive a 10 on that hole and any future holes you may miss. You may not join your group during play of a hole, you must join them on the next tee.

Pace of Play
Caddys are asked to please refrain from over-coaching the participant. It is the caddy's duty to help the players hit each shot within a reasonable period of time. The player shall play without undue delay, which is defined as taking no more than 45 seconds to play a shot. If a player takes more than 45 seconds, he or she may be subject to a penalty. First offense: warning, second offense: two stroke penalty, subsequent offenses: score of ten on that hole. All penalties will be at the discretion of the tournament director or rules official. The 45-second rule is put into place to prevent over-coaching and slow play.

Caddy Policy
Similar to on the PGA Tour, participants in U.S. Kids Golf events are encouraged to have a caddy to help them play their best.  Players eight and under must have a caddy at all times.  We suggest players select a parent, grandparent, other family members, or friend at least twelve years of age as their caddy, so that both can experience the joy of competition.

Caddys must refrain from over-coaching the participant for whom they are caddying.  It is the caddy's duty to help the player hit each shot within a reasonable period of time.  The player shall play without undue delay, which is defined as taking no more than 45 seconds to play a shot.  If a player takes more than 45 seconds, he or she may be subject to a penalty.  First offense: warning, second offense: two stroke penalty, subsequent offenses: score of ten on that hole.  All penalties will be at the discretion of the tournament director or rules official.  The 45-second rule is put into place to prevent over-coaching and slow play.

Allowing a caddy is a special component of our events as our commitment to encourage family interaction.  Please review the rules below to help make the experience more enjoyable.

Important USGA Caddy Related Rules
1.       Rule 14-2b states that in “making a stroke,” a player shall not allow his caddy to position himself on or close to an extension of the line of play or the line of putt behind the ball.  A caddy may position himself in this manner before the player commits to beginning his swing but must move away once the player is set to begin his swing.  Failure to do so will result in a two-stroke penalty.
2.       Rule 8-2b states that when a player's ball is on the putting green, the player or his caddy may before, but not during, the stroke, point out a line for putting, but in doing so the putting green shall not be touched.  No mark shall be placed anywhere to indicate a line for putting.  Violation of this rule will result in a two-stroke penalty.
3.       Rule 17-3 states that the player's ball shall not strike the flagstick or attendant when the flagstick is attended or the flagstick is in the hole, unattended, or when the ball has been played from the putting green.  Should this occur, the player is assessed a two-stroke penalty, and the ball is played as it lies.
4.       Rule 8-1 states that a Caddy is one who carries or handles a player's clubs during play and otherwise assists him in accordance with the rules.  A player may only have one caddy at any given time.  A caddy may be replaced or eliminated at any time by the player.  No other person may offer advice or help to a player other than his caddy.

Always remember that a rules violation by the caddy is the same as if the player violated the rule.  A caddy must be aware of the rules and assist his player in accordance with the rules.   Rules officials are in place throughout the course to help players when needed.

The U.S. Kids Golf tournament committee reserves the right to change the Rules and Regulations prior to the start of any tournament.