Important Rules Reminder: Proper Strokes on the Putting Green

A friendly reminder: Some players have been observed "raking" or dragging very short putts into the hole rather than striking the ball properly. While this may seem harmless on tap-ins, it is not permitted under the official Rules of Golf.

According to **Rule 10.1a** (Fairly Striking the Ball), a stroke must be made by **fairly striking** at the ball with the head of the club, allowing only **momentary contact** between the club and the ball. The player **must not push, scrape, scoop, or rake** the ball.

The USGA/R&A Clarification to Rule 10.1a explicitly prohibits actions such as pushing or scraping a short putt into the hole (e.g., dragging the ball along the green like a billiards or shuffleboard shot).

If a player makes a stroke this way:

- It is **not a legal stroke**.

- The player incurs the **general penalty**: **two strokes in stroke play** or **loss of hole in match play**.

A proper stroke—with a swinging motion that fairly strikes the ball—is required on all putts, no matter how short, including those that might be conceded in match play.

Please follow this rule in all our events to avoid penalties and to uphold good etiquette and the spirit of the game.

Questions? Feel free to reach out or check the official USGA Rules of Golf resources.

PACE OF PLAY REMINDER - YOUR COOPERATION IS NEEDED

Slow play has resulted in frequent complaints. If you are holding up a group for two holes, let them play through.

If you are repeatedly waiting on the group ahead, drive up and ask to play through. Groups being asked to give way must accommodate the request.

Par 3 holes (4, 6, 13, 16) and at the turn (between 9 & 10) are ideal for play-through. Step aside on the green and let the faster group play up and putt out while you wait.

Ready golf practices:

• Move to your ball, know your yardage, have your club ready, and hit when there's an opening—don't wait for normal turn order

• If you've lost a hole or more on the group ahead, pick up pace or let others through

Pace of play affects everyone on the course. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping things moving.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to the finest slicers, hookers, and occasional straight-hitters I know! May your days be under par, your eggnog properly fore-tified, and every chip land hole-high without the dreaded chili-dip. Thanks for tolerating my swing and my excuses, best golf family a hacker could ask for. Dick

A Big Thank You!

Gentlemen, once again, your generous annual collection has touched me deeply. Thank you all for your kindness and friendship. Grateful to part of this great group!

HOAKS Cup is back for 2026

The HOAKS Cup is coming back for 2026, and it won’t look exactly the same.
A new points algorithm is being introduced to improve fairness and balance throughout the season.
The competition should feel tighter, more meaningful, and a little more fun.
We’ll also be throwing in a surprise twist at the end of the year to shake things up.

Crown Chase:

Starting in January, every Mon/Wed/Fri round at Heritage becomes a battle for the Crown. Beat the current Crown Holder's +/- score and you take the throne. Defend it or lose it the next time someone plays.

We're tracking total reigns, longest streak, and the season's longest dynasty. No buy-in. No purse. Just pure bragging rights and your name at the top of the leaderboard—running alongside the HOAKS Cup all season long.

Rules are posted below in Local Rules/Policies. The real question: who's claiming the Crown first in 2026?

Golf Etiquette: Reminders for a Better Game

Slow play is a no play – Slow play ruins the rhythm for everyone.  Stay ready and keep the game moving. 

Fix your pitch, save the green – Repair ball marks like a pro; your future putts will thank you.  

Sand it like you mean it – Fill those divots with sand; the fairway deserves a little TLC.  

Putt it out, no gimmies – Putt it out to keep things fair and protect the field.

New Saturday Tee Time Procedure.

Due to high demand for Saturday tee times, all players must sign up no later than Wednesday at 4:30 PM prior to the Saturday they wish to play. We strongly encourage everyone to sign up early on our website to secure your spot. Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to seeing you on the course!

Golf Carts Do’s and Don’ts

Please keep golf carts away from tee boxes and greens. Driving too close causes damage and affects play for everyone. This continues to be a problem, and it needs to stop. Let’s respect the course—and each other—by following this simple rule.