Competitive Golf Rules & Player Code of Conduct

Dirty Birdies San Diego Golf Club is committed to conducting fair and enjoyable competitions. Every member is expected to protect the integrity of the game by playing honestly, following the Rules of Golf, and demonstrating good sportsmanship at all times.  If you have any questions about the rules, please consult with a Dirty Birdies board member. 

• Play the course as you find it. 
• Do not improve your lie, stance, or line of play unless specifically allowed by the local rules. 
• If uncertain, ask your playing partners before taking action.

• Every stroke counts. 
• Include all penalty strokes. 
• Never intentionally omit a stroke from your score.

• Verify your score after each hole. 
• Resolve any scoring questions before teeing off on the next hole whenever possible. 
• Both the player and scorekeeper are responsible for score accuracy.

Members should have a basic understanding of relief procedures for: 

• Penalty areas.
• Cart paths and ground under repair. 
• Embedded balls.
• Abnormal course conditions.
• Unplayable lies.

When unsure, play a second ball (if permitted in the competition format) and notify the Tournament Director immediately after the round. 

During competitive rounds: 

• No mulligans. 
• No breakfast balls. 
• No "gimmes". 
• No do-overs.

• Identify your golf ball before each shot. 
• Mark your ball with a unique identifier. 
• Playing the wrong ball results in the applicable Rules of Golf penalty.

• Mark, lift, and replace your ball properly. 
• Repair ball marks. 
• Do not improve your putting line beyond what the Rules permit. 
• Hole out unless the competition format specifically states otherwise.

Members should:

• Be ready when it's their turn. 
• Play "ready golf" when safe. 
• Limit ball searches to the time allowed by the Rules. 
• Keep pace with the group ahead. 

Know the difference between:

• Lost Ball.
• Out of Bounds. 
• Penalty Area.

Every member should:

• Repair divots 
• Repair ball marks 
• Rake bunkers 
• Avoid damaging greens 
• Follow cart path rules 

Golf is a game of integrity.

Members are expected to:

• Call penalties on themselves. 
• Be truthful about every score. 
• Never knowingly submit an incorrect scorecard. 
• Ask for help if uncertain about a ruling. 

Honesty is valued above winning.