Rules and Regulations

Golf Attire

Proper attire is required at all times during the Starburst Junior Golf Classic. Failure to comply prior to the round may result in not participating and failure to comply during the round may result in disqualification (See Junior Golfer/Caddie Code of Conduct on Page 8). Proper attire includes collared shirts or mock turtlenecks (host golf course permitting), slacks, shorts, golf or tennis shoes, caps and visors. The NTPGA Junior Tour dress code prohibits denim, short shorts, cut-offs, swimsuits, sandals, clothing containing offensive slogans, language or pictures, clothing describing or advertising alcohol, tobacco, or other drug references. The NTPGA Junior Tour strongly suggests members present themselves in a positive manner while representing the NTPGA Junior Tour by wearing hats with the brim forward and tucking in all shirts.

Pets

No pets are allowed on the courses during tournament play.

Yardage-Measuring Devices

The Starburst Junior Golf Classic allows the use of distance measuring devices. If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a function of a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his/her play (e.g., gradient, wind-speed, temperature, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 4.3a(1) (see penalty structure below). A multifunctional device such as a PDA or Smartphone may be used as a distance measuring device.

NOTE: Applications that also assist the player in his play (i.e. videoing swing for analysis or gauging green contours) are not permitted.

All distance measuring devices used must be of a handheld variety (watches are permitted), carried by the player or his/her caddie.  Use of GPS yardage systems installed on golf carts is not permitted at any time. Spectators must not relay any yardage information displayed by a GPS system in a golf cart.  A player who breaches this policy will be deemed to have violated Rule 4.3a(1) and will be subject to the following penalties:

FIRST OFFENSE: Two (2) stroke penalty

SECOND OFFENSE:  Disqualification

Additionally, players may share their distance measuring device and information pertaining to yardage with fellow competitors or opponents at their discretion provided such action does not cause an undue delay.

Should there be a question on the legality of a certain distance measuring device, it is recommended that all players communicate with the NTPGA staff.

Pace of Play

The established Pace of Play for the Starburst Junior Golf Classic is 15 minutes per hole (4 hours and 30 minutes) plus one additional minute between the play of two holes for a total of 4 hours and 48 minutes per round unless otherwise noted.

The first group to start will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they exceed the time allotted to play.

Any subsequent groups will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they (a) exceed the allotted time to play and (b) reach a par-3 hole that is open and free of play, reach a par-4 and have not played a stroke from the teeing ground before the hole is open and free to play, or reach a par-5 hole and all players in the group have not played a stroke from the teeing ground before the hole is open and free to play. Both (a) and (b) must apply for a group to be out of position.

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to time a group when deemed necessary.  Further, if a player is determined to be unreasonably slow he/she may be timed individually at the Tournament Committee’s discretion, regardless of whether his/her group is out of position.

A player is permitted 40 seconds to play a stroke, and an additional 10 seconds (for a total of 50 seconds) will be allowed for: (a) the first player to play a stroke on a par-3 hole; (b) the first player to play a second stroke on a par-4 or par-5 hole; (c) the first player to play a third stroke on a par-5 hole; (d) the first player to play around the putting green; and (e) the first player to play on the putting green.

Definition of Out of Position for the Tee Time Start

The first group to start will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they exceed the time allotted to play.

Any subsequent groups will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they (a) exceed the allotted time to play and (b) reach a par-3 hole that is open and free of play, reach a par-4 and have not played a stroke from the teeing ground before the hole is open and free to play, or reach a par-5 hole and all players in the group have not played a stroke from the teeing ground before the hole is open and free to play. Both (a) and (b) must apply for a group to be out of position.

Timing

The NTPGA staff reserves the right to time a group when deemed necessary.  Further, if a player is determined to be unreasonably slow he/she may be timed individually at the NTPGA staff’s discretion, regardless of whether his/her group is out of position.

A player is permitted 40 seconds to play a stroke, and an additional 10 seconds (for a total of 50 seconds) will be allowed for: (a) the first player to play a stroke on a par-3 hole; (b) the first player to play a second stroke on a par-4 or par-5 hole; (c) the first player to play a third stroke on a par-5 hole; (d) the first player to play around the putting green; and (e) the first player to play on the putting green.

Penalty Structure

NTPGA staff reserves the right to penalize a group or individual player if multiple violations of the Pace of Play policy occur. During a stipulated round, an individual player or group will receive the following warnings and subsequent penalties from an NTPGA staff member if they are found to be over time and/or out of position, as previously defined.

FIRST OFFENSE:  Warning (Yellow)

SECOND OFFENSE:  Warning (Orange)

THIRD OFFENSE:  One (1) stroke penalty (Red)

FOURTH OFFENSE: Two (2) stroke penalty (Black)

FIFTH OFFENSE:  Disqualification

NOTE 1: Penalty strokes will be added to the hole where the infraction occurred.

NOTE 2: Pace of play warnings and penalties will not carry over to any subsequent NTPGA Junior Tour rounds.