1. Out of Bounds or Lost Ball

If a ball is lost or out of bounds, the player may take relief with a two-stroke penalty instead of stroke and distance. (Watch Video:  https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules-hub/rules-modernization/major-changes/golfs-new-rules-stroke-and-distance.html

Relief must be in the general area, not closer to the hole. Once dropped, the original ball is out of play, even if found. This rule cannot be used if the ball is in a penalty area or if a provisional ball has been played.

2. Cart Path Only

When "Cart Path Only" is in effect, players may lift, clean, and place their ball within one club-length of its original spot in the general area, no closer to the hole. The ball must be placed, not dropped, and stay in the same general area. No placing in penalty areas, bunkers, or on the green. The ball may not be placed in a way that provides an undue advantage.

 3. Hole 16 Relief for Lost Ball in Soggy Conditions (No Penalty)

If a ball is lost due to soggy conditions in the general area, players may drop a new ball or the original within one club-length of the agreed-upon location. All group members must agree on the spot. No penalty is assessed, and relief may not be taken in bunkers, penalty areas, or on the green. This rule only applies to Hole 16.

 4. Failure to Hole Out - USGA Rule 3.3c

Players must hole out on every hole. In Heritage Oaks Golf Association rounds, exceptions apply only when putting for a score worse than triple bogey, allowing the player to pick up. Failure to hole out results in a minus on the score. If not enforced, the group is disqualified for the day.

5. Lift, Clean, and Place in the Fairway

Players may lift, clean, and place the ball within one club-length of its original spot in the fairway. The ball cannot be placed in penalty areas, bunkers, rough, or on the green.

6. Roots

No relief is granted if roots interfere with your stance or swing. However, you have the option to declare your ball unplayable and take a one stroke penalty. Drop the ball within two club-lengths of where it originally lay, without getting closer to the hole. Or replay the shot from the original spot.

7. Railroad Ties or Fencing

If your ball is beyond the front edge of railroad ties or fencing, it is considered out of bounds. If the railroad ties or fencing interfere with your swing and your ball is inbounds, you are allowed one club-length of relief, as long as it is not closer to the hole.

8. Hole-in-One Prize Policy

The standard hole-in-one prize is $500, awarded from the HOAKS treasury. If the treasury balance is below $1,000 at the time of the hole-in-one, the payout will be 50% of the available treasury balance instead of the full $500. This policy ensures the long-term sustainability of prize payouts while still recognizing outstanding achievement. (5/1/25)

9. Weather & Rainout Policy

PLAY CONTINUES UNLESS WEATHER FORCES STOP

• Light rain/drizzle: Keep playing

  Moderate/steady rain: Radar check — wait if brief, cancel if lasting

• Lightning or heavy rain: Stop play, return to clubhouse

OFFICIAL ROUND

• A round is official if most groups (50%+) complete at least 15 holes

• In a shotgun start, most groups must finish the same 15 holes

• If play is stopped, finish your current hole only — no new holes may be started

MONEY PLAY & REFUNDS

• Official round (15+ holes): Payouts and Skins based on holes played

• Cancelled round (<15 holes): Full refunds, Skins cancelled

• Players leaving early on their own: no refund

• Rare exception: Medical withdrawal before Hole 10 (Administrator’s discretion)

DECISION & COMMUNICATION

• The Administrator makes the final decision

• Cancellations are announced via Cart Display (9/26/25)