MESQUITE MEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION (MMGA)
Updated 02/01/2012
“Local Rules”
In addition to USGA, “The Rules of Golf” (Latest edition), and “Local Rules” at the golf course being played (As noted on the score card or otherwise posted at the course) ,MMGA sanctioned events (Normal weekly play and tournaments) will be conducted using the following guidelines. When in doubt or situations occur during the course of play  that are not governed by these  rules and  guidelines, play should be conducted using the basic tenets of golf: (1) Play the course as you find it; and (2) Play the ball as it lies. Any unusual or undefined situations that occur should be brought to the attention of the Rules Committee for determination. When unsure of a rule, or a decision clarifying a rule, occurs during play, you should play the remainder of the hole using a ball for both alternatives to the situation, noting your score to both alternatives, and seek resolution from the Committee prior to certifying your score. (PLEASE NOTE: These MMGA rules only apply to MMGA events. You should always check and abide with the “Local Rules” for the course at which you are playing during non-MMGA play):
During all MMGA events, the Rules Committee deems the additional rules apply:
1.  All desert areas not otherwise marked as “Out of Bounds” or “Lateral Water Hazards” are deemed to be 	“Lateral Water Hazards” and play is governed by Rule 26.( PLEASE NOTE: Rule 13-4 - “Ball in a Hazard: Prohibited actions” applies). When taking relief from cart paths (Immovable obstruction [Rule 24-2] abutting desert areas , the “nearest point of relief” is the point on the course closest to where the ball lies that affords no 	interference  by the cart path, and is no nearer the hole, and is not in the desert. The ball must be dropped within one club- length.
2. Unless otherwise marked or defined by golf course management, the following areas of the course “Through the Green” are defined as “Abnormal Ground Conditions” under Rule 25-1: (1) Have been damaged by golf course maintenance equipment(Such as abnormally deep equipment ruts or uprooted turf) ; (2) Erosion or ruts  caused by water; or (3) Areas of  turf in the fairway or on the green that has been damaged/killed to the point of bare ground. Interference from such Abnormal Ground Conditions occurs when a players ball lies in or touches such conditions or the condition interferes with the player’s stance. Relief is as allowed by Rule 26-1b. (PLEASE NOTE: this section DOES NOT define divots or other damage made by players or their equipment as “Abnormal Ground Conditions.” The normal rules of play apply to these situations).Relief should always be taken so that the resulting lie is the same general area of the course (i.e. Fairway, rough, bunker, etc)
3. Stones in Bunkers: Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions (Rule24-1 applies);
4. Seam of Cut Turf:  Seams in newly laid turf that interfere with the normal lies of the ball are deemed as “Abnormal Ground Conditions” and relief is allowed under Rule 25-1. (PLEASE NOTE: This applies only to the seams between pieces of turf and not the turf itself);
5. Aeration Holes: When the course or part thereof has been aerated, relief from aeration holes may be taken as follows:
a. Through the green -  A ball coming to rest in or on an aeration hole  may lifted without penalty and dropped as close as possible to the original lie, but no closer to the hole , and within the same course condition (i.e. fairway or rough). If the ball remains in an aeration hole after the second drop, the player may take relief by placing the ball as close as possible to aeration hole;
b. On the putting green -   A ball coming to rest in or on an aeration hole may be placed at the nearest spot, no nearer the hole, that affords relief from the aeration hole. 
6. PLUGGED BALL:
The MMGA will now play any plugged ball anywhere but in a HAZARD in the following manner.
You may pick, clean and place the ball within 6 inches from where it was plugged. 
You cannot touch the ball in a hazard that is marked or any desert area that the MMGA play as a hazard.