2026 Rules & Logistics

10-Point System Points 1–9 are determined by individual holes won (Match Play). Point 10 is awarded for the lowest overall net stroke play total.

The "Ghost" Rule When playing against a schedule gap, the player is guaranteed 6 points (5 from match play and 1 from stroke play).

Official Governance All play is governed by the USGA Rules of Golf and applicable local Vandal Golf rules (The Yellow Rule, Hole 3/13 Local Rules).

Position Measurement Groups must stay in position based on "equivalent shots." If the group in front is in the middle of a Par 4 and you are in the middle of the previous Par 4, you are exactly one hole behind and out of position.

Recovery Protocol Groups out of position have one hole to show progress and a maximum of two holes to fully close the gap.

Scoring Penalties If the gap is not closed, the offending pair loses the points for that hole AND the overall stroke play points. Group Penalty: If both pairs in the group are offending, the entire group loses the points for the hole and the stroke play points.

GHIN Requirement Mandatory for all rostered players and substitutes. No verified GHIN = 0.0 handicap index until established.

The 5th Man Policy If a 5th player wants to play, they can be listed as playing but not assigned to a team. This makes them eligible to be picked up as a sub for that week.

"In the Yellow" Rule All flagsticks have a yellow band at the bottom. If any part of the ball is within the length of that yellow band, the putt is considered good.

Shotgun Start & Carts Starts 5:30 PM sharp. Carts are NOT pre-staged; players are responsible for obtaining their own assigned carts upon arrival.

Weather Policy Play continues unless lightning is present. One long horn blast signals immediate suspension of play.