For the upcoming season,
the Florida State Golf Association (FSGA) has instituted two
new policies. Distance measuring devices are now allowed
in FSGA non-junior events and a two checkpoint system
will be used to monitor pace of play.
With the exception of Junior competitions, distance
measuring devices will be permitted in FSGA
Championships and qualifiers. The policy states that a
player may obtain distance information by using a device
that measures distance only. However, if, during a
stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring
device that is designed to gauge or measure other
conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient,
wind-speed, temperature, etc.), the player is in breach
of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification,
regardless of whether any such additional functions are
actually used.
The FSGA will also utilize a two checkpoint system which
allows groups to monitor their own pace and position
with the group ahead.
This new policy was instituted as a result of successful
test runs in Florida Junior Tour events, the State High
School Championships and in USGA National Championships.
Checkpoints will be used on holes 9 and 18 and groups
must complete each checkpoint within 15 minutes of the
group ahead or under the allotted time. Players will not
receive warnings and all the players in the group in
breach of the policy are subject to penalty. At each
checkpoint, a Checkpoint Official will either signal a
color-coded card or verbally advise the players
indicating the group’s status. If the group is more than
15 minutes behind the groups ahead and over the allotted
time, a breach has occurred and a penalty will be
applied.
The first breach will mean a 1 stroke penalty to each
player in the group. The second breach is an additional
2 stroke penalty to each player in the group.
Penalties are to be added to the checkpoint hole where
the breach occurred (#9 or #18). Players may, before or
after penalties are assessed, request an Official to
monitor the group. Appeals for exceptional situations
will be considered only in the scoring area after the
completion of the round and prior to the return of a
player’s scorecard. |
