Official
The complete rules governing play and conduct for the Highbridge Hills Hackers.
The Highbridge Hills Hackers is a weekly 9-hole handicapped match play league held at High Bridge Hills Golf Club in High Bridge, NJ. League play runs from late April through late August each season.
All players are expected to be familiar with the rules of golf as published by the USGA, except where modified by these league rules. In cases of conflict, league rules take precedence.
Teams are established at the beginning of each season. Rosters are finalized before the first match. Players may not switch teams once the season begins without approval from the League Officers.
Each team must field at least the minimum number of players per match as specified by the schedule. Teams unable to field the minimum number of players must use substitute players.
Handicaps are calculated and maintained by the League based on scores submitted during league play. Handicaps are updated periodically throughout the season.
Players new to the league will be assigned an initial handicap based on their GHIN index or an assessment by the Handicap Committee. All handicaps are subject to review and adjustment by the League Officers.
The league uses a net match play format. Each hole is won, lost, or halved based on net scores after handicap strokes are applied. The player or team winning the most holes wins the match.
Points are awarded to teams based on match results each week. Full details of the points system are available from the League Officers.
Standard USGA rules of golf apply except as modified below.
Players are expected to maintain a good pace of play. Ready golf is encouraged. Groups falling significantly behind the group ahead may be asked to skip a hole to catch up.
A ball that is out of bounds or lost may be replayed from the original position with a one-stroke penalty, or the player may take a lateral drop under the stroke-and-distance rule.
A player may declare their ball unplayable anywhere on the course (except in a water hazard) and take relief with a one-stroke penalty under the applicable USGA rule.
Standard USGA water hazard rules apply. Players may take relief with a one-stroke penalty.
Preferred lies (lift, clean and place within one club length, no closer to the hole) may be in effect during certain course conditions. The League will announce when preferred lies are in effect prior to play.
A ball that is embedded in its own pitch mark in the general area may be lifted, cleaned, and dropped as near as possible to where it lay, no nearer the hole, without penalty.
Teams that cannot field a full lineup must use an approved substitute player from the Substitutes list. Substitutes must be approved by the League Officers prior to play.
A substitute player's handicap will be used for match play purposes. Substitute players may not play in more than a set number of matches per season as established by the League Officers.
Standings are determined by total points accumulated over the season. In the event of a tie at the end of the season, tiebreakers will be applied in the following order:
All players are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the spirit of the game. This includes respect for fellow players, the course, and the staff of High Bridge Hills Golf Club.
Unsportsmanlike behavior, slow play, and failure to follow the rules may result in penalties or suspension from the league at the discretion of the League Officers.