The following conditions shall regulate Rule 5.6, Unreasonable Delay; Prompt Pace of Play as defined by the SWGA Rules Committee.

DEFINITION OF OUT OF POSITION
The lead group to start either side will be considered “out of position” if at any time during the round, they exceed the allotted time to play as detailed on the Pace of Play Time Chart.

A subsequent group will be considered “out of position” if at any time during the round they (a) exceed the allotted time to play AND (b) reach the tee on a par 3 hole that is open and free of play, or fail to clear the tee of a par 4 or par 5 hole before that hole is open and free of play.  Both (a) and (b) above must apply for a group to be out of position.  A group out of position will be notified they are out of position and may be subject to timing.

1. On a par three if a group fails to reach the teeing area before the group ahead clears the putting green.
2. On a par five, a group fails to reach the area of their second shots before the group ahead clears the putting green.

The position of the group behind has no bearing on determining if a group’s pace of play is satisfactory.

MONITORING AND TIMING
When a Rules Official determines that a group or individual out of position will be timed, all players in the group, or the specific individual, will be informed they are being timed.  ANY individual player may be specifically monitored, regardless of the groups position. If observed to delay the group in any form, fails to assist the group to regain its position, or takes excessive time to play a stroke, the player is subject to penalty after receiving one “Bad Time” warning.

TIMING AND PENALTY ENFORCEMENT
The Rules Committee will endeavor to determine if an individual is responsible or if the group is collectively delaying play. Any player in a group receiving an “OFFICIAL WARNING” or a “BAD TIME,” may be penalized for failing to play any subsequent stroke within 40 seconds from the time it is his/her turn to play or for repeated failures to regain its groups position. The timing of a player’s stroke will begin when he/she has reasonable opportunity to reach his/her ball, it is his/her turn to play and he/she can play without interference or distraction. This timing for a player to make a stroke shall include the time necessary to determine yardage and select a club for play.

PENALTIES FOR BREACH OF PACE OF PLAY RULE 5.6a

1. First Penalty – 1 stroke on the hole currently being played.
2. Second Penalty – 2 strokes on the hole currently being played.
3. Third Penalty – Disqualification.

REGAINING POSITION
A group has regained its position if it’s either under the TIME PAR or if applicable, none of conditions apply in the “Out of Position” section above, but only if it stays in position for the remainder of the stipulated round. All warnings and “bad individual timings” remain in effect for the duration of the stipulated round.

Caddies are permitted for the practice rounds and all rounds of the competition. There will be a maximum of two (2) carts per group.  A caddie may ride in a cart only if another player is not displaced in doing so and only if space permits.  A participant will also have the option to walk with his/her caddie as well.  A participants may carry his/her own bag or use a push/pull cart.  The player is responsible to ensure his/her caddie complies with all SWGA policies during the Championship.  Caddies may wear shorts and must comply with the same apparel, conduct and behavior policies as the players.  Under no circumstances are three carts allowed per group.

While spectators are welcome at the SWGA Championship, the use of carts by spectators is not permitted by the SWGA.  It is important that spectators do not jeopardize the play of any player on the course. Care should be taken to not disrupt the play of any competitor nor delay the play of any group competing in the Championship.

Spectators should have minimal verbal or physical contact with participants to avoid the possibility of a breach of a Rule. Spectators may follow groups but should remain on, near cart paths, or in the rough areas and maintain a distance from the players and their caddies at all times. Spectators are not permitted in fairways areas, on teeing area, putting greens or within bunkers at any time. Spectators should be cognizant of play of the group behind them as well.

There must be no communication during the stipulated round that could be considered Advice.  Spectators who are interfering with play or are judged to be having too much contact with players, will be asked to discontinue or leave the course.

Although the SWGA encourages walking by all participants and caddies, motorized transportation is permitted for participants during all Championship rounds. Players are permitted to walk or employ the use of a cart during any round.

SPECIFIC TRANSPORTATION POLICIES:

1. The maximum number of carts allowed per group is two (2), with the maximum number of two (2) riders per cart. Only participants or his/her caddies may ride in the cart.  A caddie may only ride if doing so does not displace another participant.  (Caddies are not guaranteed the right to ride any day of the Championship).
2. Spectators are not permitted to ride in participant carts. Spectators found to be riding in participant’s carts will be asked to cease doing so immediately.  If someone who doesn’t meet the description of a caddie is seen riding in a cart, the participant will be issued a warning for breaching the Spectator policy. Failure to comply may result in the entry of the player involved being withdrawn.
3. The SWGA Tournament Committee reserves the right to prohibit non-players or caddies from riding at any point during the competition.
4. The SWGA and Desert Mountain reserve the right to implement cart restrictions based on course playability including “Cart Path Only” or the “90-Degree Rule.”
5. Participants driving carts must use Desert Mountain entrance and exit gates on holes that allow cart traffic in the fairways.

The Southwestern Golf Association has adopted the USGA Gender Policy.

The SWGA may reject an entry application, revoke an accepted application or expel from the Championship any player or caddie who engages in conduct that is unbecoming.  By submitting an entry, each player understands that acceptance of his/her entry and his/her participation is at the sole discretion of the SWGA.

The SWGA expects all players, caddies, spectators and guests to exhibit proper conduct and behavior on the golf course as well as anywhere on club property.  Unbecoming conduct or behavior may be grounds for immediate disqualification, at any time.  Such conduct may include, but is not limited to:

1. Failure to show up for the event;
2. Failure to personally notify the Tournament Director when withdrawing;
3. Damage or destruction of golf course, club facilities or the player’s equipment;
4. Verbal or physical abuse of players, caddies, spectators, officials, volunteers or staff;
5. Blatant or excessive profanity;
6. Disorderly behavior, conduct which is unbecoming to the competition;
7. Failure to comply with club rules;
8. Club-throwing or unnecessary club-tossing;
9. Fighting or potential endangerment of others;
10. Alcohol and/or substance abuse;
11. Violation of any other Championship policy or unbecoming conduct.

Players reported or observed to be in violation of the conduct and behavior policy will be referred to the Rules Committee for disciplinary action. Penalties may include penalty strokes or loss of playing privileges as solely determined by the Rules Committee based on the severity of the violation and numbers of occurrences.

Prohibited use of Audio Equipment:  During a round, a player is not allowed to use an electronic device to listen to music or other audio (podcasts or the like), including using speakers, headphones or earbuds. Usage of electronic devices that disrupt play is not permitted by players or caddies. Penalty for breach of Local Rule – see Rule 4.3.

During this Championship, the use of electronic distance measuring devices to measure distance is allowed (subject to certain requirements.)  If during a stipulated round, a player uses any device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., slope, wind speed, temperature, etc.) the player is in breach of Rule 4.3a, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional function is actually used.

Model Local Rule G-7 as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect.  Rule 4.3a is modified in this way:  During a round, a player must not make a stroke when wearing shoes with traditional spikes or spikes of any design that are entirely or partially made of metal.

Caddies are required to comply with the same footwear policy as the players.

The SWGA dress code applies to contestants, caddies and spectators and will be strictly enforced during the Championship.  Suitable golf attire must be worn at all times and includes the following:

For men – All shirts must have collars and must be work tucked in.  Shorts are permitted but must be work at mid-thigh length or longer.  Golf caps and visor brims must be forward-facing.  Suitable attire DOES NOT include jeans or denim of any color, running suits, cargo pants or cargo shorts, tank tops, t-shirts or unkempt clothing of any kind.

For women – Golf shirts, capris, slacks, appropriate length shorts, golf skirts or skorts, or tasteful clothing similar to golf attire offered for sale at a golf shop. Golf cap and visor brims must be forward-facing.  Suitable attire DOES NOT include jeans or denim of any color, running suits, short shorts, running or gym shorts, yoga pants, sweat pants, cargo pants or cargo shorts, tank tops, t-shirts or unkempt clothing of any kind.

The official time is determined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s WWVB Radio Signal from the USA Atomic Clock, and is kept at the starting tee(s) or registration area. The official time is the time on the clock at your starting tee.

Practice during tournament week is permitted only on the designated practice range and practice putting greens. One practice round has been established for each competitor on Monday or Tuesday and is included within the entry fee. Requests for practice round tee times must be made directly by contacting the Head Professional directly at the Outlaw Golf Shop.  See the Practice Rounds and Facilities in the FAQ section.

Players who need to withdraw before the FINAL field is announced, will receive his/her entry fee refunded, minus a $50 service charge.

Any withdrawal after the FINAL field is published will result in the entry fee being forfeited.

Requests for refunds due to “exceptional circumstances” will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If it is necessary for a player to withdraw during the event, he/she must notify an onsite official prior to leaving the golf course. If withdrawing prior to starting a stipulated round, the player must contact the Tournament Director. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disqualification from future SWGA Championships.