Rules and By-Laws

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INDEPENDENT GOLF LEAGUE  2025 OFFICERS 

PRESIDENT

Bill Mari

VICE-PRESIDENT

Joe Czuchan

SECRETARY

Ben Hogan

TREASURER

Ken Saksa

RULES COMMITTEE

Greg Parsons

Scott Robatin 

Rick Hogan

INDEPENDENT GOLF LEAGUE BY-LAWS

ORGANIZATION

1. The officers shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.

2. The officers shall be elected at the annual meeting, take office the day of election and serve for one year or until new officers are elected. Upon the occurrence of a vacancy an interim election shall be held to fill the vacancy for the balance of the year.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GOLF LEAGUE OFFICERS

1. PRESIDENT:  It shall be the duty of the President to preside at meetings, which he shall hold as often as he sees fit and for purposes he determines necessary in seeing that the business and activities of the league are conducted and handled in the proper manner. He will have the authority to appoint committees for the carrying out of delegated functions relative to the best interests of the league membership. He will, in general, oversee all activities as needed to insure the successful operation of the league throughout the season.

2. VICE-PRESIDENT: It shall be the duty of the Vice-president to assume the duties of the President when he (the President) is absent or temporarily unable to serve. It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to keep a record of the league business meetings. Reports in the form of minutes of previous meetings must be kept on file for future reference. The Vice-President shall monitor attendance during monthly meetings and notify members of up coming meetings.

3. SECRETARY: The Secretary shall be delegated the responsibility of receiving and consolidating the data weekly regarding the computation of handicaps, and the scheduling and posting of the team standings and the team matches. The system of handicap computation shall be that as authorized only. The Secretary will reject and return erroneous score cards to the players involved.  He will notify members of up-coming meetings.  He will update the league website.

4. TREASURER: It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to collect and maintain records of all   money received.  He shall disburse funds only with proper authorization and maintain a record  of disbursements. A specific function will be to collect the stipulated yearly assessment from each member and maintain the necessary records. The Treasurer shall monitor attendance throughout the year for absenteeism.

5. RULES COMMITTEE: This group shall consist of three (3) at large members. It shall be the duty of this group to arbitrate course playing rule disputes between players, and to explain rules in general. Discussions will include Officers if necessary. Committee members will abstain themselves if they are involved in the dispute. Disputes may not be rectified the day of the dispute.

6. LEAGUE COMMITTEE: This group shall consist of the league officers and rules committee. It shall be the duty of this group to establish the league set-up and the league playing rules.

7. LEAGUE MEETINGS / VOTES :  There will be no league meetings once the season starts. Any concerns or motions should be brought to the committee or committee member to be discussed and brought to the membership.

                    a. The quorum for the league off season meetings will be set at 13. This is the minimum number of members needed to conduct league business.

                     b. Any league vote to add or change a by-law or rule will need a 2/3 majority to pass

LEAGUE SET-UP

1. All matches will be played at the Duck Hollow Golf Course on Monday evenings. Tee times are from 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM, unless weather dictates an earlier start. If a player does not appear by 5:20 PM without prior contact, he will forfeit his nine-hole match point (See FORFEIT RULE). Prior contact must be made as soon as the player knows he will be late or absent and include communications to his partner and opponent. It shall be the responsibility of the late or absent player’s opponent to contact his partner if necessary.

2. Due to weather or special conditions, a match may be postponed. All players should show up at the clubhouse where all decisions will be made. The Officers will vote to decide if the league will play that evening. If No Carts are allowed by the course, we will automatically cancel the round for that evening. The priority is that opponents should make their arrangements to play  against each other, together.. Matches must then be made up and scorecards turned in to the Secretary by the date announced by the League Committee. The officers can declare the match cancelled and push it forward if needed.

3. No player may play more than one opponent at the same time.

4. Any player who anticipates missing a match must make up that match in the time period from the end of the previous match to the end of the current match being made up. In other words, before handicaps change for the match which is coming up. He must declare before teeing off the date for which he is playing out , and write the date on the scorecard. This will become the player's official scorecard for that date.

             a. Failure to make up a match in the above time period will result in forfeit.

TEAMS

1. Teams will be picked prior to the start of the season by means of a drawing. No player can have the same partner two years in a row. 

POINTS

1.  A total of twelve (12) points will be awarded per 9-hole match. Points will be decided by handicap in effect of the schedule date of the match. Handicaps by hole will be determined by the difference in handicaps with the player with the highest handicap receiving the difference in strokes on the hardest holes. One (1) point will be awarded for each hole won with handicap, One (1) point awarded for most holes won, and two (2) points awarded for least strokes with handicaps.  Ties will split points  

2. A member starting the season must play at least five (5) matches (front and back nine) to be eligible to win team and individual points.

3.  If a person joins the league after the start of the season, he must play at least five (5) matches to be eligible to win team, individual and playoff points..

SCORECARDS

1 Both teams should keep a scorecard to verify scores and points at the end of the match. Only one legible scorecard needs to be turned in with at least 1 signature per team and points calculated and listed.

ABSENCE

1 If absence is anticipated, the player’s opponent and partner must be contacted as soon as the absence is known. Each player is allowed two (2) Monday absences throughout the season. For each miss after that the player will be accessed a $5.00 fine.

a Make-up match must be turned in by Friday before the next scheduled match, with the exception being that the year end matches must be turned in before the scheduled date to pick outing teams. Scorecards must have each player’s full name and date of match. Make-up matches must be played with a league member. Prior arrangements must be made with the Secretary if the Friday deadline cannot be met.

b If the make-up match is not played see FORFEIT RULE.

c.     Late Rule :Any player who arrives later than the league designated tee times and decides to play must play the entire 9 hole match with a league member that day. Failure to do so will result in an absence. The late player must notify the opponent and partner.

d.  Any player who decides to play on Monday to avoid an absence but does not count his score due to arrangements to play his opponent at a future date will be eligible for any skill prizes. 

e. Special circumstances can be brought to the attention to Rules Committee.

FORFEITS

1 A player will forfeit if:

a. He does not appear before 5:20P.M. the day of the scheduled match without prior contact to his opponent and partner.

b. He does not make up his golf match (after prior contact).

2 Upon the second forfeiture, the player may be dropped from the league with no refunds. To be reinstated, the player must then ask for a review by the rules committee and officers. The player should be present at the review to defend his position

3 Upon forfeiture the twelve (12) playing points will be determined as follows:

a. Attending player receives two (2) medal points. The one (1) match point will be determined upon play against the ghost handicap

b. Forfeiting player will receive zero (0) points.  However, the forfeiting player team will receive the balance of points not won by the attending player.

   DISQUALIFICATIONS

        1. When a player incurs a rules violation on a hole that results in a disqualification, the following will apply:

                        a. DQ will be recorded on the scorecard for that hole. Play will continue for the remaining holes and points.

                        b. His opponent will automatically win the hole and the 2 match points.

                        c. Players will continue playing the 9 hole points and the 1 most hole won point

d. The secretary will record the maximum allowable score for the hole violation that will ensure loss of hole.

PROTESTS

1 All course playing rules protests must be brought up before the Rules Committee immediately following the match.

2 When a rule is in question, if appropriate two (2) balls should be played in for the hole, with a score being kept for each one. The rules committee will make a ruling after the match.

3   Both players must be present and consulted.

4   The decision may not necessarily be made the night of the protest. 

TEES

        1 A player may petition Committee  to play from the forward men’s tees by the end of the February meeting of the upcoming season.

             a . Players who qualify for the Rule of 85 ( age+ handicap is equal to or greater than 85) can automatically play from the forward men's tees when requested. ( No vote needed) 

  b.  Players who are currently playing from the forward tee and qualify under our Rule of 95 (age + handicap equal to or greater than 95) can move up 1 additional tee box.

  c. All other players' requests to play from forward tees will be decided by the League Committee

HANDICAPS

1 League handicaps will be computed by using League Manager Software, by using the last 7 rounds with the highest score and lowest score thrown out thus using the median 5 scores and adjusted by home course slope.

2 There will be a front nine handicap, subject to the double bogey rule, and a back nine handicap, subject to the triple bogey rule, established for all players. Outing handicaps will be determined on an 18-hole handicap.

3. When a player changes tees, his handicap will be adjusted up or down a minimum of 1 stroke per 9.

INCOME

1  The league annual dues will be determined each year based on the cost of the year end outing.  Dues are to be paid in four (4) monthly installments, from April through July, with a minimum payment based on the annual dues.  A balance of approximately $400 will be maintained in the account.

2 Monthly dues are to be paid by the last day of each month.  A $5.00 fee will be assessed for each week late; penalty will be assessed after the last day of the month.

3 Players not paid up on their monthly dues before the following Monday will not be eligible for weekly prize money . (Hole in ones would still be paid) The Treasurer will notify the player of ineligibility.

4 If a player resigns or is dismissed from the league, he may be subject to a rebate if the amount he has paidin plus the amount paid in by his replacement exceeds the annual dues.

5      If a player owes any fines, their balance will be paid from any weekly skill prizes before being paid out.

YEAR END OUTING

1 The year-end outing will be scheduled the 1st weekend after Labor Day in September.

2 Outing dates can only be changed if they are discussed, voted upon, and accepted by the entire membership

3 If you can not attend year end outing, you will be refunded ONLY if the league finds a replacement; the amount of the refund will be the amount collected from the replacement. 

4 If there is a tie on the two day event the prize money is split.  If there is a tie on the Sunday scramble the hardest hole(s) is the tie breaker.

5 If there is a tie with the Saturday flight winners, a winner will be determined by the hardest hole(s) as a tie breaker. Net score. 

6.   Any money due to the league, must be paid by August 15th. If not, the committee will decide if the player can attend the year-end outing. 

7.  When we pick for teams for the Year End Outing, we will start the discussion for the next year's outing at that meeting.

YEAR END TOURNAMENT PLAYOFFS

1 The year-end playoffs will begin the second Monday after the year-end outing.  All matches should be played on Mondays but if not possible, any day is acceptable as long as it is before the next scheduled Monday matches.

2 Up until the final match, all matches are nine hole matches to be played on the front 9.  The final match will be an 18-hole match, with twelve (12) points awarded per nine holes. 

3 In any match, ties will move on to hole number one to begin a sudden death playoff.

LEAGUE PLAYING RULES

Play shall be governed by U.S.G.A. Stroke Play Rules, unless modified by league or local rules listed herewith. Any player not adhering to these rules should be reported to the Rules Committee.

1. League Rule: You have the option to move the ball 1 club length in any direction no closer to the hole but NOT changing rough to fairway.

In the event the ball is in an all-dirt, stoney area the player may sweep the stones from under the ball while being careful not to remove embedded stones.     

If a player deems his ball to be unplayable, he shall play ,under penalty of one stroke.

    a. Ball must be dropped (knee height) within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole or.

    b. Ball must be dropped (knee height) behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, \with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped.

    c.   Embedded Ball - Any embedded ball in the general area of the course may be lifted and cleaned and must be dropped (not placed).  The reference point for relief is a spot right behind where the ball is embedded.  The player has one club length from that in either direction but no closer to the hole. The player can change surfaces if the club length relief allows the player to do so.

3. Abnormal course conditions include interference by animal holes, ground under repair, immovable obstructions or temporary water.

4. Lost Ball: One (1) Stroke Penalty: Drop a ball at a point nearest to where the ball was last sighted.

    a. Exception: When it is agreed that a ball is lost in abnormal ground conditions, a ball may be dropped without penalty within one (1) club-length from the nearest point of relief which avoids the interference but not nearer the hole. 

    b. Hole #15 ball lost in rough straight ahead 

            1. May be dropped from knee height at base of landing area (two club lengths from high weeds) with two (2) stroke penalty. (Hitting 4 from the bottom)

            2. Hit again from the tee with one (1) stroke penalty. (Hitting 3 from the tee) 

    c. Hole #16: The left side off the tee is considered a RED STAKED HAZARD. The left side of the cart path will be considered the boundary if not staked.

             1. Look for the ball for the allotted 3 minutes maximum. If the ball is found, it must be played. If not found it will be declared lost. Proceed to the point of entry and drop with penalty. 

             2. Hit a provisional ball. 

            3. IMPORTANT: If your ball is found and identified in the red staked and/or yellow staked hazard areas, it will not be considered lost. Proceed under USGA and league rules regarding hazards. (Drop ball outside hazard, laying 2 hitting 3)

            4.The ditch to the right of the green is considered a lateral water hazard. Take a drop (2 club lengths) at the point where the ball was last seen, keeping the ditch between you and the green with a one stroke penalty (Laying 2, hitting 3). If your ball is found and identified, you have the option of playing it as it lies without penalty. 

            5. The "Leaf Rule" will be implemented when warranted. A ball can be declared lost by "Leaf Rule" if conditions are present, and the opponent agrees that the ball was lost in leaf area. Play continues form the spot agreed upon. No penalty.

         6.  Cart Path: If a ball or stance is on a cart path or an area that is being used as a course cart path (dirt, paved or gravel areas where carts travel a consistent path - not matted grass areas), the nearest point of relief must be established and the ball may be dropped within one (1) club length and not nearer the hole, without penalty. Full relief must be taken from cart path, no partial relief.

        7. Yellow Penalty Areas :If a ball lies or is lost in a yellow penalty area, the player may drop a ball under penalty of one (1) stroke: 

        a. Behind the penalty area, keeping the spot at which the ball last crossed the margin of the penalty area between him and the hole with no limit to how far behind the penalty area the ball may be dropped. 

        b. Exception: 

                1. Hole # 7 (League rule) - After hitting two balls in the water, the ball is dropped in the short grass on the left side of the green nearest to the pond with no additional penalty (Laying 4).

                        i. Railroad ties are considered part of the hazard. If the ball is against the ties, the player has the option to take a one (1) stroke penalty and move the ball to the nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole or play it as it lies.

                2. Hole #8 (League Rule) - The pond on hole #8 will be played as a red penalty area. 

 8. Red Penalty Area:If a ball lies or is lost in a red penalty area, the player may drop the ball under (1) stroke penalty: 

        a. At the point of entry no nearer the hole within two (2) club lengths or; 

        b. Go to point of entry as far back as you wish keeping the point of entry between the ball and the pin.

 9. Bunkers  

        a. Loose impediments around the ball can be moved.    

        b. An area of grass along the perimeter of the trap is considered "Grass" and not sand.

c. You may RAKE the sand trap AND REPLACE ball where it lies.

        d.  If a ball is deemed unplayable in the bunker, the player may:   

1.    For a one (1) stroke penalty, take back-on-the-line relief in the bunker.

              2.  For a one (1) stroke penalty, take lateral relief in the bunker.

2.      For a two (2) stroke penalty, take back-on-line-relief outside of bunker.  No nearer the hole.

10. Hitting another player's ball when putting. Two (2) stroke penalty. 

11. Hitting the wrong ball is a two (2) stroke penalty per stroke. There is a maximum of four (4) penalty strokes. Even if you find your original ball, you must continue the hole with the ball you hit in error. Please do not continue to look for your ball. As a courtesy, you should always mark your ball and check your mark before hitting the ball.

12. Putting ball: A ball lying on the putting green may be lifted and cleaned or replaced with a putting ball without penalty. 

13. Hole #1- Play the ball as we played when area was grown in. The dirt area will be considered the hazard line.

14. Hole #3, #4, #5, #18 – Out of bounds is considered to the left of holes, 3, 4 & 5 (parking lot) and over #18, road & parking lot. A ball resting on the roadway, in bounds is considered a cart path and relief is no closer to the hole with full relief. The gravel ditch to the right of the right pond on #3 is considered a free drop.

15. Hole # 6 - Ditch to the right of the 150 Marker is a red stake hazard.

16.League Rule Hole #7 - Where ever the tees are, that is where the you hit from.  No more gold tee players hitting 1 tee box ahead.

17. Hole #8 -  Entire Ditch between hole  #6 and #8 is considered hazard .

18 Hole #8 (Between #8 Fairway and # 5 .The Gravel ditch right of the trees is considered  a free drop.

19.League rule Hole #9 - If the side of the cart maintenance building facing the fairway interferes with the players swing path, the player is allowed one (1) club length after relief on grounds which avoids this condition without penalty.  

        a. If your ball is in the netting or between the netting and the cart maintenance building facing #9 tee and to the right of the OB markers,   you are allowed to drop one (1) club length outside the netting without penalty. ( Pending In line with the building)

20.League Rule Hole #9 and #18- Parking lot is considered out of bounds, starting with the gravel. If white stakes are in place, they will be used to determine out of bounds instead of parking lot or gravel.

21. Parking lot net- A ball inside the net will be considered OB and occur a two (2) stroke penalty. A ball near the net does not garner a free drop. You are not allowed to move the net when taking a stance or swing. To obtain relief, you must take an unplayable lie. 

22. League rule: Hole #14 - When tees are moved to bottom of hill making the hole a par 3, the league shall continue to play the hole as a par 4. The ball is to be played from the front of the normal teeing area. 

23. League Rule : Hole # 17-The entire ravine between the bridge and the trees on the left will be considered a red penalty area hazard. If the ball is unplayable, the player with a 1 stroke penalty, can drop 2 club lengths back or use the drop area on top of the ravine. If the ball is deemed lost in the ravine, INCLUDING THE TREES TO THE LEFT IN THE RAVINE, player must use DROP AREA.

24. Adherence to Rules:  These rules are to be adhered to without exception. PROTECT THE FIELD  

Any league member making a hole in 1 at any league event will be given a $100 bonus for their achievement. 

Have fun and play ready golf!