Rules & Handicapping

Rules & Handicap Information

Welcome to the Rules & Handicap Committee Information and Support Section.

Here we explain the role and responsibilities of the Rules & Handicap Committee. We also provide valuable information and education on the Rules of Handicapping under the World Handicap System and on the Rules of Golf.

2026 Committee Members

Elizabeth Baker, Christiane Deschenes, Judi Edwards (Co-Chair), Debbie Rankin (Co-Chair), Don Rodney and Scott Bigg (staff liaison.)

About the Rules & Handicap Committee

This Section outlines Committee’s mandate from Golf Canada and Golf Ontario and provides more details on its role and responsibilities.
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The World Handicap System

This Section provides an overview of the World Handicap System including player responsibilities, Peer Review and the Club’s Handicap Policy.

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Understanding Handicaps

In this Section, rules and tips about handicaps and correct score posting are broken down into short easy to understand segments. New and experienced golfers can quickly access information from How to Get a Handicap and Post Your Scores, to more complex areas like Minimum # of Holes Required to Post a Score, Maximum Adjusted Score of Net Double Bogey, Stroke Index Allocation and much more.
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Unusual Situations

Unless you hit your ball straight down the fairway all the time, sooner or later you will encounter some unusual situations. This Section provides details on how to play your ball – and correctly score – from penalty and out-of-bounds areas, lost and unplayable balls, and those wonderful spots where you can take free relief with no added penalties.

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The Rules of Golf

Perhaps one of the most important Rules of Golf is outlined in Rule 1.3b, which states: Players are responsible for applying the Rules to themselves.

There are 25 Official Rules in the game of golf. Rule #1 outlines the central principles of the game and sets the stage for player responsibilities. 

  • Play the course as you find it and play the ball as it lies
  • Play by the Rules and in the spirit of the game
  • You are responsible for applying your own penalties if you breach a Rule

We encourage all members to be familiar with the Rules of Golf and to apply them to the best of their abilities. Learning the rules can be challenging, especially for beginners. Even seasoned golfers don’t have all the rules at their fingertips. 

Fortunately, accessing the Rules is easy.

  • The Rule Book can be purchased through Golf Canada or our Pro Shop
  • The Rules of Golf can be accessed online through the Golf Canada website
  • The mobile APP is available from the APP STORE or GOOGLE PLAY

In addition, the Level 1 Rules Of Golf is offered as an online course through the R&A Rules Academy. This program is free and is a fun and easy way to learn the basics of the Rules of Golf and focuses on commonly encountered situations on the course. 

Click to access: https://www.randa.org/en/rules-academy

Local Rules

In addition to the official Rules of Golf, there are several local rules in effect on our course. These are:

  • Local Rule E-5: Ball out of bounds or ball lost in general area, alternate to stroke & distance. Ball may be dropped on or behind a lateral line from where the original ball crossed out of bounds, or is presumed to lost, to a maximum of 2 club lengths into the fairway, no closer to the hole. If the ball is presumed to be lost in the General Area, a ball may also be dropped 2 club lengths from where the ball is presumed to be lost, no closer to the hole. 2 penalty strokes. This local rule may not be in effect for all competitions.
  • Local Rule E11: A ball striking overhead hydro or telephone wires must be replayed as nearly as possible from its original lie. No penalty.
  • Local Rule F-9.2: Free relief from interference to the ball or swing from exposed tree roots in the general area.
  • Safety screens on holes 9 & 18 are designated immoveable obstructions. Free relief from interference to ball, swing or stance, within 1 club length of the nearest point of complete relief, no closer to the hole. Reference Rule 16.1. Local Rule E-6 (drop zone) may be authorized for select competitions.

Dispute Resolution

Occasionally, players may need assistance resolving disputes or interpreting rules. This section outlines the proper dispute resolution process used by the Committee during competitions or on-course situations.
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News & Updates

The Rules & Handicap Committee issues newsletters throughout the year to assist you in understanding the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Handicapping. 

Have a Question?

If you have questions about Handicapping or the Rules of Golf,
contact the Rules & Handicap Committee @ [email protected]