HomeSTEAD Men's Golf Club Local Rules

For TOURNAMENTS AT HomeSTEAD GOLF COURSE

RULES: USGA except as modified by Local Rules.
LOCAL RULES
Lost Ball or OB: You are allowed up to 3 minutes to search for your ball once you reach its
presumed location. Reminder, if a ball is potentially lost (not in a water hazard) typically in the
course’s native grass areas, etc., or if a ball is potentially out of bounds; the player now has 2
options: 1) hit a provisional ball in accordance to rule 27-1, or 2) Local Rule: Drop a ball where
the original ball was deemed lost/OB (or on an equidistant arc to the fairway – up to 2 club
lengths into the fairway) with a 2-stroke penalty.

Stroke and Distance for Ball Out of Bounds or Lost: See the USGA Web Site

Provisional Ball: The player may play a provisional ball until he reaches the place where the
original ball is likely to be. If a stroke is made with the provisional ball from that spot or
closer to the hole, then the provisional ball becomes the ball in play.

5th hole: If a ball goes into the “ESA,” (area defined by red stakes with green caps) proceed
to the drop area with a 1-stroke penalty. If a ball goes into the tall native grass (past the ESA)
on the left or to the right of the cart path you may look for your “lost ball.”

13th hole tee shot: If your tee shot goes beyond the fence bordering either side of the hole it
is deemed “out of bounds.” Proceed to the drop area with a 1-stroke penalty. The fences are
considered Out of Bounds Markers so there is no relief for swing or stance if the ball is in the
General Area and near the fence.

17th hole: If the ball goes over the green into the “ESA,” (area defined by red stakes with green
caps) proceed to the drop area to the right of the green with a 1-stroke penalty. If the ball is in
any other penalty area, in any native grass, or right of the fence on the right side, you must drop
the ball within two club lengths of the designated drop area at the bottom of the fairway with a 1-
stroke penalty. See the diagram below:

Moveable Obstructions: The Board has determined that wooden fencing not serving as Out of
Bounds Markers (like on hole #18), logs used by the course to keep golf carts away from native
areas, and ball washers are to be considered as Moveable Objects. Players may take one club
free relief no closer to the hole.

Line of Play Relief at Putting Greens: If you are within two club lengths of the green, and there
is a sprinkler box that interferes with your intended line of play (like a putt), you may take relief
per USGA Rule 16.1.

Not Sure of Rules: If you are not sure how to proceed with any situation, it may be best to play
two balls for the remainder of the hole and get a ruling from the Rules Committee and/or
Tournament Director before finalizing your score.

Slow Play: The HMGC is committed to playing quickly to keep up with the pace of play. Starting
with the 2026 season, we have a new tool to help us track our pace. We will be placing
QR Codes on the first tee box and at the 9th and 18th greens. Someone in each foursome must
scan the QR code as you start to tee off on the first hole. As the foursome finishes the 9th and
18 th holes, one member of the foursome must scan the QR code which will record your time for
front/back nines as well as your 18-hole time. This is mandatory.

We will be collecting data through several tournaments at the start of the season. The goal is to
have each foursome keep up with the group in front of them. The anticipated pace of play at
Homestead is 13-14 minutes per hole. If we observe pace of play issues that the players are not
resolving on their own, the Club may develop penalties for not keeping up with the group in
front of you.

Some Tips for Faster Play

Play Ready Golf! It is the obligation of every player to play without delay and to keep up with the group ahead of them. Here are a few things you can do to stay on pace:

• Forget the "honors system" of who's shot it is and play READY GOLF EVERYWHERE ON THE COURSE!
• Don't delay on the greens. Read your putt quickly and/or while someone else is putting. Once you have started putting, please continue until you have holed out if it doesn't interfere with another players' line. If you are the first one to finish putting, go ahead to the next hole and tee off.
• Pay attention to any and all errant shots to possibly avoid having to use a full three minutes looking for the ball. Track shots of playing partners when possible to help decrease search time.
• If you are walking, please quicken your step.
• If you are riding and have the opportunity to make a play before your walking companions are ready, please do. Remember - Ready Golf!