SRPGA

Desert Rule

Adopted by the SRPGA Board to speed up play.

March 12, 2009
Revised: November 8, 2012

Quick Reference Card (PDF) 

Not all tournaments use the Desert Rule. Only use the rule if it is announced that a tournament is using the Desert Rule.

If your ball comes to rest in the desert, you have the option of dropping out with a one-stroke penalty.

• You do not have to find your ball or even look for it (saves time).

• Drop your ball within 2 club lengths from the point your ball entered the desert, no nearer the hole.

Please make sure when using the desert rule you drop where the ball last crossed grass and went into the desert.

• Note: You must be virtually certain that your ball did not go out of bounds or into a water hazard, otherwise you cannot use the Desert Rule and must proceed under the rules for out of bounds or water hazard penalties.