| 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. |