Tournament & Player Regulations

Points for participation in the following events will accumulate throughout the year, to help determine the Player of the Year title within each age division and are used for team/invitational selection.

Points for AZ GOLF Men’s Match Play Events

Points for AZ GOLF Women's Stroke Play Events

(*Points for partner events are split between the two players.)

Points for AZ GOLF Women's Match Play Events

Points for USGA Qualifying/Championships and International Invitationals with AZ GOLF Participation*

The AZ GOLF Player of the Year Awards were established in 1986 to recognize the player who, during the current AZ GOLF tournament season, has the most consistent and outstanding record. Awards are given in each Division (Open, Seniors, Legends, Open Women, and Senior Women).

Minimum participation to qualify for consideration for Player of the Year awards: Players must have competed in a minimum of three AZ GOLF point eligible events to be considered.

Upon completion of the tournament season, The Arizona Player of the Year committee will select the winners based on overall play throughout the year, strongly based off the Player of the Year Points list. The Committee will have the final say in all awards. 

MAYFAIR AWARD
The Mayfair Award was created in 1988 to honor the male AZ GOLF tournament player with the lowest weighted scoring average at the end of each year. To be eligible, a player must compete in at least three AZ GOLF eligible events.

ELIGIBILITY FOR PLAY

Eligible Players

1. Members must be in good standing of AZ GOLF.
2. An active USGA Handicap is required for any competition. 
3. Members of the Junior Golf Association of Arizona, The First Tee, or by invitation by AZ GOLF tournament staff. 
4. Otherwise as may be specified for an individual event.

HANDICAPS AND TOURNAMENT SCORES

USGA Handicap Index

The current USGA Handicap Index, as of the daily revision date stated for the event, will be used to determine the contestant's handicap. At the discretion of AZ GOLF staff, the lowest handicap of the past 12 months or another determination may be used. Players who have not posted enough scores to establish a USGA Handicap Index or who have not posted recent scores will play to a Course Handicap of zero or lower at the discretion of AZ GOLF.

Posting Tournament/Competition Scores

AZ GOLF posts scores for all AZ GOLF members for individual and team events, including USGA Qualifying Rounds and AZ GOLF events whenever possible.

ENTRY AND WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES

Entering a Tournament 

Players wishing to enter an AZ GOLF tournament must enter online via the Golf Genius registration portal prior to the deadline date specified. Players placed on the waiting list will not be charged an entry fee until they are moved into the active field for the event.

Withdrawing from a Tournament

Members may withdraw from Tournaments by:

1. Calling the AZ GOLF office during normal business hours; or, 
2. Calling the Withdrawal Line (602) 944-3035 (ext. 210) and leaving a message.

Refunds for Withdrawing prior to the Entry Deadline

1. Withdrawals made prior to the entry deadline will receive a full refund sub a $10.00 administration fee, regardless of the reason.

 Refunds for Withdrawing after the Entry Deadline

1. Withdrawals made after the entry deadline will receive NO REFUND.
2. AZ GOLF Tournament staff may review refunds on a case-by-case basis.

Player Statuses

To ensure a smooth tournament and to ease administration efforts the following statuses will be tracked throughout the year and repeated negative status could result in suspension from AZ GOLF events. 

WD: Player notified AZ GOLF staff of not being able to compete prior to assigned starting time.

DNF: Player begins round, subsequently notifies AZ GOLF staff that they cannot finish their round.

NC: Player begins round, subsequently fails or refuses to return scorecard to AZ GOLF staff or fails to tell AZ GOLF staff that they cannot finish their round. If a player No Cards, they are subject to suspension from the next AZ GOLF event.

NS: Player fails to notify AZ GOLF staff of not being to compete prior to assigned starting times. If a player No Shows, they are subject to suspension from the next AZ GOLF event.

Multiple occurrences of NC or NS will result in significant suspension.

WAITLIST/ALTERNATES

If an event is over-subscribed prior to the entry deadline, those wishing to enter when the field is filled will be placed on a waitlist. Players who have withdrawn from a tournament will be replaced in the tournament field by the next available player on the tournament’s waitlist within the proper division. AZ GOLF will attempt to contact alternates for the field, but it remains the alternate’s responsibility to be available or check with AZ GOLF in order to remain in consideration. If an attempt to contact an alternate is unsuccessful, AZ GOLF at its sole discretion may move to the next player on the waitlist.

In some cases, there may be playing opportunities created by players who no-show the day of the tournament. AZ GOLF will attempt to fill open places in an event up to the available starting time. Non-confirmed players at a site must check in with AZ GOLF tournament staff on arrival and to be added to the same day waitlist into the field and notified onsite, should an opening become available. If multiple non-confirmed players are present, the order of the same day waitlist governs.

(Note – Violations are subject to penalty during events.)

General

Players shall not take advantage of club and tournament facilities by bringing friends, guests or family into the locker room or host site hospitality area at any time during the tournament, unless the area is designated for such guests.

Club Member Relations and Volunteers

Please take the opportunity to thank the volunteers. AZ GOLF is allowed to conduct the number and quality of tournaments that it does, due to the help and support of its volunteers. It is important to understand that our volunteers, whether acting as Rules Officials, starters, scorers, spotters, or timers are giving their time and services for no compensation other than the satisfaction of supporting the game of golf and the opportunity to interact with other golfers. Under no circumstances will abuse of volunteers be tolerated. Players who abuse volunteers are subject to disciplinary action.

Code of Conduct

By submitting an entry for any AZ GOLF event, the player understands that his/her participation is at the sole discretion of AZ GOLF. AZ GOLF conducts events at the highest level. As such, AZ GOLF requires players to always conduct themselves professionally at events. Drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum. Smoking is limited to cigarettes, cigars and pipes – no other substances are allowed.

Code of Conduct:

1. Players must act with integrity and show respect for the course and others nearby.  
2. Penalty assessments which may be imposed by the OIC such as but not limited to:
   1. Warnings may be given for minor or incidental violations
   2. One-stroke penalty
      1. Inappropriate language or actions heard or seen by others
      2. Minor physical damage to the course or course equipment
      3. Inappropriate attire
      4. Club throwing in anger (as opposed to tossing)
   3. Two-stroke penalty
      1. Verbal abuse of other players, officials or spectators
      2. Criticism of the course or its management
      3. Any inappropriate language or behavior which may reflect negatively on the Club or AZ GOLF
      4. Repeated minor violations
   4. Disqualification
      1. Purposeful interference with another player’s play
      2. Throwing a club toward another person
      3. Repeated major violations
      4. Verbal threats or physical aggression
   5. Suspensions may also be imposed for serious violations.  

Note: A player will be entitled to appeal any penalty to the event OIC. A suspension may be appealed to AZ GOLF Tournament Staff.

3. A person acting as a caddie for a player is subject to the same Code of Conduct as a Player, with the same warnings, penalties, or disqualification applied for caddie conduct.

PRACTICE ROUNDS

Practice rounds are not included in any AZ GOLF entry fees and are at the sole discretion of the host site.

1. Additional fees may be charged and should be expected.
2. Cart use may be required.
3. When practice rounds are permitted at by a host site, a player is not entitled to bring a guest without advance approval of the host site. 
4. When playing a practice round, players must adhere to host site rules & regulations. The penalty for a violation is withdrawal from the event without reimbursement of fees.

ON-COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Apparel

AZ GOLF complies with the apparel policy at each host facility. Players not complying with this policy may be asked by AZ GOLF to change into appropriate attire or may be withdrawn from the event without a refund.

Caddie Assignments

AZ GOLF reserves the right to determine eligibility for employment as a caddie. Caddies are permitted in all events where a stipulation prohibiting caddies has not been posted in advance. The right to have a caddie does not extend to separate cart use for the player and caddie. AZ GOLF cart policy limits each group to two carts per group and will be enforced on the starting tee. Such rights are subject to the discretion of AZ GOLF tournament staff.

Caddies must agree to wear AZ GOLF provided Caddie bib to easily identify caddies from spectators. Caddie bibs are required to be returned following every round. Failure to return a caddie bib results in a $100 replacement fine payable before the next AZ GOLF event. Caddies must adhere to all host facility dress codes.

Drinking Water on Course

AZ GOLF generally does not provide drinking water on the golf course. Players should plan to have an adequate amount of water. Drinking water provided on the course is the responsibility of the host course. When made aware of empty water coolers, AZ GOLF staff will attempt to notify the course to have the water coolers re-filled.

Spectator Policy

While spectators are welcome at AZ GOLF events, it is important that spectators do not jeopardize the play of any player on the course. Spectators must have minimal verbal or physical contact with players to avoid the possibility of a breach of a Rule. Spectators may follow groups but should remain on or near cart paths or in the rough as a courtesy. While following groups, spectators are asked to always maintain a distance from the players and their caddies. Usage of electronic devices by spectators that disrupt play are not permitted. Spectator carts are NOT allowed.

OTHER CONDITIONS

Use of Carts, ADA Accommodation and Guidelines for Qualification

General

1. Cart use during play is permitted unless specifically addressed in the Tournament Entry Information, with the following stipulations: Carts are assigned only to contestants. A caddie may use a cart only if a contestant is not displaced by such use.
2. Restrictions on cart use for players are at the discretion of the host site, and all players are bound by those requirements, subject to withdrawal for violations of that policy. Any such restrictions will be posted at the tournament site.
3. Two persons per cart only.
4. Carts must be kept on paths if available near greens and tees.
5. Any non-player riding with a player is considered a caddie and subject to any potential Rules violations.
6. Pull carts are permitted if allowed by the host club rules.

ADA Accessibility Rules – See Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, Rule 25 – Modifications for Players with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) affords individuals with a permanent disability the right to access public accommodations with advance notice. Accessibility arrangements are within the discretion of AZ GOLF and will be determined by the person’s qualification under ADA Regulations. AZ GOLF does not have the right by virtue of hosting a tournament to dictate to a host facility, only the opportunity to ask for an accommodation. Anyone has the right to ask for ADA consideration as follows:

Qualifications for ADA ACCESS - See Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, Rule 25 – Modifications for Players with Disabilities

To qualify for ADA consideration, a player must request accommodation at least one week in advance of the first tournament round scheduled.

Upon the timely receipt of the required information, AZ GOLF will evaluate a request to use a cart in tournament competition due to a disability condition on a case-by-case basis. For AZ GOLF to evaluate an accommodation request, players must submit the following:

1. A letter requesting accommodation for the specific event;
2. Current medical documentation (prepared within one year of the request), setting forth the exact nature of the disability and evidence it qualifies under ADA Regulations as a permanent disability.
3. Sufficient information to enable AZ GOLF to determine that providing a cart would not provide a player with an advantage over other players.

Later applications may not receive consideration, depending on the individual circumstances. A final determination will be provided for requests 48 hours in advance of the event.

Please note that requests from spectators will be evaluated separately, and that AZ GOLF does not grant spectators rights at any tournaments. As the events are for AZ GOLF members, they do not fall under the ADA Guidelines for “public accommodation.” On the other hand, as ADA Regulations give access to any person providing a single-rider cart, AZ GOLF will support any such request for access.

Examples of devices regularly used as a mobility aid by an individual with mobility impairment include a single rider cart (or scooter), which is a four-wheeled, stabilized, battery-powered personal transportation device operated in a fully-seated position, or a single rider device that is operated in a standing or semi-standing position. A full-size golf cart is not considered a form of transport regularly used off the golf course in the day to day life of individuals with mobility impairments, so such use is prohibited.       

ACCOMMODATION GUIDELINES FOR MOBILITY IMPAIRED SPECTATORS

Spectators at AZ GOLF events are expected to move through the spectator areas of the course as they would in other public venues. This means that spectators are expected to walk the course. To accommodate spectators with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), AZ GOLF offers some accommodations to allow guests with mobility impairments the opportunity to watch our events. The following guidelines have been developed for Officials in Charge (“OIC”). For the purposes of these guidelines, an “individual with a mobility impairment” means any person who is subject to any physical impairment or condition regardless of its cause, nature or extent that makes it difficult or impossible for a person to move about without the aid of crutches, a wheelchair or any other form of support, or that limits the person’s functional ability to ambulate, climb, descend, sit, or rise, or to perform any related function. It is not permissible to make any inquiry about a spectator’s disability, or to require proof of the disability.

For those individuals with mobility impairments that require some form of motorized transport, they will generally be permitted to move through the course on whatever form of transport they regularly use if they have brought their motorized transportation device with them as noted above, unless it has been determined by the OIC that a particular device would present a penalty area to other spectators, players, caddies, or course officials or would damage the golf course.

These guidelines do not apply to the use of motorcycles, mopeds, tricycles, bicycles (whether motor-driven), skateboards, or other similar devices not otherwise permitted to be operated on or within a golf course.

1. An individual with a mobility impairment, upon registering with the Official in Charge, is permitted to use his or her own device within the tournament site in any areas open to pedestrian use, unless otherwise advised in advance that topography or course conditions in certain areas are not conducive to the use of devices.
2. Individuals without a mobility impairment are not permitted to operate devices in any areas within the site, unless they have been authorized to do so to transport a mobility impaired individual.
3. For those spectators with a mobility impairment who did not bring his or her own device, reasonable accommodations will be made to assist the spectator. For example, to the extent there is sufficient staff at events, the mobility impaired spectator can be brought to a viewing area on the course at the discretion of the Official in Charge. The number of viewing areas available will depend on the course set up, availability of transport, course topography and other conditions, all of which shall be determined at the discretion of the Official in Charge. It is not the intention of these guidelines to provide hole by hole viewing of any individual player or players under these circumstances.
4. Full sized golf carts may not be offered to spectators due to insurance considerations.
5. Players are encouraged to communicate with AZ GOLF in advance of an event if they are aware of a spectator (usually a family member) intending to watch the player and contact AZ GOLF no later than five business days before the event to discuss available options for mobility impaired spectators. Available options may vary from site to site and the option requested by the spectator may not necessarily be one of the recommended or available options offered at the site (such as a full-sized golf cart or driving the individual from hole to hole to watch a specific player or group
6. The device, whether brought by the spectator or provided on the course, must be operated in a manner that does not compromise the safety of the user, other attendees, spectators, players, caddies, or course officials or damage the golf course.
7. Individuals operating devices must maintain control of the device and may not leave the device unattended.
8. Spectators using devices must operate the device at the speed in which pedestrians are moving in the immediate area of the motorized transportation.
9. Devices may not be used outside defined pedestrian areas. It is the responsibility of users of devices to determine that the areas in which they choose to operate are safe for such operation. AZ GOLF and the golf course property owner shall not be responsible or liable for the actions of any individuals, including spectators, or for any individual’s failure to properly use a device, or to maintain his or her use on safe topography. In choosing to bring a device or using one provided at the Qualifying site, the user assumes all risks.
10. Individuals using devices must yield to pedestrian traffic, should refrain from using the device in a crowded or densely populated area and must exercise caution when turning corners, approaching an incline and approaching other course conditions.
11. In the event the Official in Charge or others charged with administering the event observe the unsafe operation of a device, or interference, interruption or undue delay of play as a result of using the device, a warning will be issued. Should an individual using a device continue to operate the device in an unsafe manner or at an excessive speed after being advised of the speed restrictions, or otherwise interfere with, interrupt or unduly delay play, the device user shall be required to remove the device from the site, but may be allowed to return without the assistance of the device. At all times, AZ GOLF, Officials in Charge, and golf course property owners reserve the right to temporarily prohibit the use of devices for safety or other legitimate reasons.

Please note that requests made in advance from spectators will be evaluated separately. Individual ADA-qualifying requests may be granted on occasion by AZ GOLF Staff, pending a determination of liability, cooperation of the facility, and the availability of suitable transportation. If a spectator is granted an accommodation, any cart used must remain on paved paths where available.

INCLEMENT WEATHER DELAYS

For delays due to inclement weather, the main priority will always be the competition of all scheduled rounds. Every reasonable effort will be made to achieve this objective by the last scheduled day of play, which may include playing more than 18 holes. If this cannot be accomplished, play may be extended at the discretion of AZ GOLF staff and the host site.

If play is suspended, every effort will be made to resume play the same day, even when that round cannot be completed before dark. If it is impossible for at least half of the field to finish a scheduled round, generally the suspended round will be finished when conditions permit. If less than fifty percent (50%) of the starting field completes play on the first scheduled day of competition, the round may be canceled. Following rounds will be completed when possible without consideration of the percentage of the field playing on any one day.

The decision whether to cancel a round will be at the discretion of the Committee. If conditions demand playing a double round to complete play, a secondary cut may be implemented to permit completion of play on the day desired. Should points or awards be applicable to players in the secondary cut, the status at the cut shall determine allocations.

Cancellation of Tournament Due to Weather or Weather-related Course Conditions

AZ GOLF may cancel an event if, in the judgment of the Committee, it is unreasonable for a fair competition to be completed in the time available. If an event is cancelled, every attempt will be made to reschedule as soon as practicable. If the tournament is cancelled prior to start, a portion of the entry fees may be refunded at the discretion of AZ GOLF. Once an event has begun, if cancelled, any refund will be based on costs absorbed by AZ GOLF in attempting to play the event.

Suspension of Play

Play may be suspended by AZ GOLF staff or Rules personnel at their discretion. In cases where completion of the event is not possible, the previous round’s leader may be declared the Champion. Where one or more rounds have not been completed, a revised payout may also be published based on expenses experienced.

NO FINANCIAL INTEREST OF ONE PLAYER IN ANOTHER

Players may not enter into any agreement with any other Player to share any part of a prize that he may win in conjunction with any Official Tournament unless it is an event with a partner-type format. A Player who violates this provision shall be suspended from participating in AZ GOLF events for a minimum of one year.

Broadcast and Film Rights

All media rights, including without limitation television, radio, photo, motion picture and internet rights and quotes, of players participating in Tournaments or any other golf event conducted in conjunction with such tournament, shall be granted and assigned to AZ GOLF by virtue of the entry of any such Player into any such event. All such rights relating to Sanctioned tournaments shall similarly be assigned and granted to AZ GOLF to the extent not conflicting with the rights of the Host Site.

All such rights granted and assigned to AZ GOLF are thereafter the property of and reserved by AZ GOLF. Any use thereof without its express and written consent is prohibited. Players further agree, by virtue of entering in any such tournament, to refrain from any action which would interfere with AZ GOLF ownership of its authorized use of the specified rights.

Effective January 1, 2025

AZ GOLF is an allied golf association of the USGA. In regards to policies involving gender, AZ GOLF follows the USGA’s Competitive Fairness Gender Policy. The information below supplements the policy for AZ GOLF Competitions.

AZ GOLF Competitions include all point earning competitions that AZ GOLF conducts, not limited to:

Definitions of AZ Golf Competitions and Divisions

Men’s Events and Men’s Divisions - When AZ GOLF Competitions have eligibility requirements that refer to Men or Male, it shall mean any person who is not a Transgender Athlete and who is assigned male at birth, regardless of their gender identity. In addition, any Transgender Athlete may compete in a Men’s Event, subject to satisfying any applicable eligibility criteria outlined in the Competitive Fairness Gender Policy. For clarity, anyone who is not eligible to compete in a Women’s Event or Women’s Division may compete in a Men’s Event or Men’s Division.

Women’s Events and Women’s Divisions - When AZ GOLF Competitions have eligibility requirements that refer to Women or Female, it shall mean any person who is not a Transgender Athlete and who is assigned female at birth, regardless of their gender identity. In addition, any Transgender Athlete may compete in a Women’s Event, subject to satisfying any applicable eligibility criteria outlined in the Competitive Fairness Gender Policy. For clarity, anyone who is not eligible to compete in a Men’s Event or Men’s Division may compete in a Women’s Event or Women’s Division. 

Modifications to the USGA’s Competitive Fairness Gender Policy for AZ GOLF Competitions are as follows:

• Any place in the Policy where the term “USGA” is used, the term “AZ GOLF” shall be replaced.
• Any place in the Policy where the term “Championship” is used, the term “all AZ GOLF point earning competitions” shall be replaced.
• Any place in the Policy where the term “USGA Team” is used, the term “AZ GOLF Team”: shall be replaced.
• Section 1. Purpose - This Policy applies to all AZ GOLF point earning Competitions.
• Anti-Doping Policies - Do not apply if not in connection with an athlete’s gender-affirming care. In the case of an athlete’s gender-affirming care, the USGA’s Anti-Doping Policy is in effect for AZ GOLF considerations.
• Section 17. Costs - The cost of any testing incurred by the athlete will not be paid by AZ GOLF. The athlete is responsible for any and all costs associated with testing.
• Section 19. Arbitration - The place of arbitration shall be Arizona and this Policy shall be governed by the laws of Arizona without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
• Section 20. Questions - For any questions regarding the application of this Policy, please contact the AZ GOLF at genderpolicy@azgolf.org.

Click here to view the USGA’s Competitive Fairness Gender Policy