There Are No “Gimmees” – Putt Em’ Out
On the Golfweek Amateur Tour, all putts must be holed out. The only small exception is for A–D flights when a player has already reached double bogey on a hole with a triple bogey max. In that case, the player may pick up and record triple bogey. Champ Flight must finish every hole completely.
One-Ball Rule Is In Effect
If you start the round with one model of golf ball, you must use that same model for the entire round. For example, if you begin with a Pro V1, you cannot switch to an AVX or another model during play. Using the wrong ball model can result in penalties of up to four strokes. Balls must also appear on the current USGA conforming list and must be properly marked.
Don’t Take It Personally
In tournament golf, protecting the field matters. If another player questions your score on a hole, it is not personal. Everyone is simply trying to make sure the correct score is recorded.
Learn About Rule 17: Penalty Areas
When your ball is in a penalty area, you may play it as it lies or take penalty relief depending on the situation. Options can include stroke-and-distance relief, back-on-the-line relief, and lateral relief for red penalty areas.
Check Out Our Tour Facebook Page
The DC Metro Tour Facebook page includes tournament photos, videos, rules notes, tour events, course recommendations, and more. It is a great place to stay connected and informed.
The Range Is There for All Players
With 60–70 players often warming up before a tournament, range space needs to be shared. Hit a few balls, loosen up, and move on so others can get their warmup time too.
You Can’t Give or Ask for Advice
Players may not give or ask for advice during tournament play. That includes asking what club someone used or texting another player for help. Public knowledge, however, is allowed, such as distances from a rangefinder or yardage markers.
Ask a Tour Veteran About the Players Cup
The Players Cup is a special Ryder Cup-style match play event involving multiple tours. If you enjoy team competition and match play, learn how the event works and what it takes to qualify.
Lost Ball Outside a Penalty Area
If your ball is lost outside a penalty area, your option is to replay from the original spot and add one penalty stroke. The tour does not use local rules allowing drops on the line of flight or within two club lengths for a standard lost ball situation.
DC Metro supports pace of play by treating tree lines and tall fescue as lateral hazards. Relief must be taken from the point of entry, not where you think the ball finished.
Make a Friend
With over 100 players, you will meet many different personalities. Stay focused on your own game, stay respectful, and enjoy the opportunity to build new friendships while competing on great golf courses.
Play a Provisional Ball
If you think your shot may be lost outside a penalty area, announce and hit a provisional ball. This helps pace of play and prevents the need to return to the original spot later. Make sure your provisional has a different marking.
Cash Side Games
Optional cash side games add excitement to tournaments, and all money goes back to the players. Participation is never required, but many players enjoy the added competition.
Be Prepared
If the course is cart path only, take everything you may need when walking to your ball. Do not create delays by making extra trips back to the cart after measuring or assessing the shot.
Cart Path Relief
Cart path relief is one of the most common rules questions. It falls under abnormal ground conditions, along with animal holes, ground under repair, temporary water, and immovable obstructions. Learning Rule 16 will help you handle many common situations correctly.
Play a Second Ball
If a rules situation is unclear during the round, you may play a second ball and then bring the issue to the scorers table after the round. The Tour Director, and if needed the course professional, will determine which ball counts for the official score.
Mark Your Golf Ball
Every ball must be clearly marked and announced on the first tee. Simply saying you play a certain brand and number is not enough. A distinct mark helps avoid playing the wrong ball or having identification issues.
Rules Can Assist You
Rules are not only about penalties. When you understand them well, they can also help you save strokes through proper relief, removing loose impediments, or taking the best available option in a difficult situation.
Listen Up
Rules change over time, and pre-round announcements matter. The Tour Director and club professionals may share important updates before play. Quiet down, listen carefully, and read the tournament notification to players before each event.
Let’s Get This Season Started
A lot happens behind the scenes before each event, and the Tour Director has many responsibilities on tournament day. For general questions, consider asking a veteran first. For rulings that affect scoring, bring them up after the round is complete, not days later.