Rules & Policies

FIVE POINTS GOLF CLUB generally adheres to and follows the rules and regulations set forth by the USGA.

Click here to see video examples of common USGA rules ==> USGA Rules Videos.

Local Club Rules:

FIVE POINTS GOLF CLUB does allow exceptions to the USGA rules with the “local rules” listed below which are specific to FPGC play. These local rules are intended to maintain a competitive yet fun environment while also encouraging a quick pace of play:

  • The maximum score that a player can score on any hole is double par. Once the player reaches double par, they should “pick up”” and cease playing that hole.
  • Balls hit out of bounds and/or lost shall be played as a red lateral penalty area (i.e., “red stakes”). This includes balls hit into all areas defined with white stakes or areas that are not marked (i.e., unmarked wooded areas, fescue, pine trees, etc.). Under a penalty of one stroke, players will take lateral relief, measuring a relief area of two club-lengths (not nearer the hole) from where the ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area or was lost, and dropping the ball in this relief area. We do not follow the USGA Rule E-5 “alternative stroke and distance” local rule.
  • Players are allowed to roll their ball over … “lift, clean, and place” … in the fairway.
  • Lift, clean and place for other areas of the course (e.g., rough, sand traps, etc.) shall be determined on the morning of each outing based on weather conditions or other factors (e.g., course maintenance conditions).
  • Players may invoke the “Root Rule” when a ball in play comes in contact or close proximity to tree roots, large immovable stones imbedded in the ground, exposed drainage tubes in bunkers, or any other natural element that, when played, may cause injury to the player or damage to equipment. Players will be eligible for a free drop within one club length, no closer to the hole. Does not apply to any man-made objects such as ball washers, benches, utility boxes, etc. which would be addressed by USGA rules for Immovable Obstructions.
  • Balls that become lost in play due to debris such as grass clippings, tree branches, etc. in the defined area of the hole in play will not incur a stroke penalty and should be played from where the group agrees and suspects that the ball should have been found.
  • There are no “gimmies”. All greens must be putted out.
  • In the event there is a tie during the Championship Sunday event or for determining a Flight Winner, the winner will be determined by the low net score of the previous three common outings.

Club Policies:

  • Forward Tees: Players who are age 65 on or prior to the date of the first scheduled event of the regular season have the option to play the forward tees. Players may not change which tees they play after their first round of the season.
  • Rule of 30: If a regular/”white tee” player’s handicap for any course is 30 or more, that player will be required to play the forward/”gold tee”. The players handicap will be adjusted to reflect play from the forward tee. This policy is intended to help with maintaining overall group pace of play.
  • Inclement Weather: An event may be cancelled if the FPGC elects to cancel the event in advance because of the prospect of inclement weather or the golf course is closed on the day of the event due to inclement weather.  If the FPGC decides to cancel in advance, an e-mail will be sent to members and a notice will be placed on the club web site on the day preceding the event or early morning the day of the event. When inclement weather is a possibility, members should check the web site, e-mail or call the golf course for any updates.
  • Member cancellations/no shows: If a member has indicated that they intend to play but cancels prior to and/or does not show up for the event, the member will be responsible for green fees the golf course charges the FPGC in the event the round is played. This policy holds true for scheduled rounds, rain or shine.
  • Membership dues: The annual FPGC membership dues are due by the completion of the third regular season event. Members will not be eligible for closest-to-the-pin prizes or round points for any events that the dues have not been paid after the third event and until the annual dues have been paid.
  • Guests: Guests are defined as prospective members or guests of existing members. They are welcome at all regular season events (excluding the Championship round) if tee times are available. Guests may play in a maximum of three regular season events prior to joining the club. Guests are not eligible to win closest to the pin contests.