Sunset Rules - Rules Reference

WHERE TO DROP LOST BALL (+1 STROKES · FIRST CUT ROUGH)

Drop in the first cut rough nearest to where the ball landed or was last seen, no closer to the hole. 2-minute search max, then drop.

OB EXCEPTION (+2 STROKES · FAIRWAY)

If all players in the group unanimously agree the ball crossed an OB line, meaning the ball was clearly seen crossing or landing past the stakes, with 100% certainty and zero doubt, the penalty is +2 strokes, drop in the fairway nearest where it crossed, no closer to the hole.

Anything less than full group agreement defaults to +1 in the first cut. If there's any doubt, it's +1. This exception is reserved for obvious OB, a ball that clearly crossed the line in view of the group. Groups are not expected to police marginal calls.

CORE RULES AT A GLANCE

Max Score is Triple Bogey

Par 3 → 6 · Par 4 → 7 · Par 5 → 8. Hit the max, pick up immediately. No exceptions. (Rule 7)

Search Time is 2 Minutes

Two minutes to search — Twlv Stix tour pace standard. Not found → drop. Position over search, every time.

Holing Out, No Gimmies

All putts must be holed.

Wrong Ball +2

Two strokes, continue with the ball you played. Don't replay the hole. (Rule 6)

Water +1

Drop laterally where ball last crossed the margin, within 2 club lengths, no closer to hole.

Unplayable Lie +1

Player's choice: 2 club lengths (no closer to hole) OR back on line from hole through ball. Standard procedure. Use for buried fescue lies.

Fairway Divot Free Relief

Relief from obvious divots in the fairway only. Nearest point of relief, no closer to hole. Playing partner must agree. (Rule 1)

Roots / Cart Paths / Obstructions — Free

Free relief from exposed roots (safety), cart paths, sprinklers, signs, fences, drains. Nearest point of complete relief, 1 club length, no closer to hole. (Rules 2, 3)

Bunkers

Lift, Rake, and Place. If your ball is in a footprint, animal track, or unraked sand, lift the ball, rake the area, and place it back on its original spot. Incidental contact with sand is permitted. (Rule 8)

PACE OF PLAY

Expected pace times will be on your scorecards. Please check to make sure you are on time. If you are behind then please make the effort to catch up.

FILL THE SPACE

Keep up with the group ahead. Ready golf at all times. Score after the hole, not during play. Move directly to your ball and plan while others play.

Out of position = warning. Continued delay = Standard Score (Triple Bogey) assigned on skipped hole. Final, no appeals.

2 Hole Gap - Automatic Skip a Hole. Whole group receives Triple Bogey.