Competition Rules

Competition Rules

Competitions follow the international rules of golf, taking into account the local rules of the course as well as the general competition regulations of the Finnish Golf Union.

Playing with a golf cart is allowed in WHS club competitions, but in weekend tournaments, it is only permitted for medical reasons.


Tee-Off

Players must be ready to start playing at their scheduled tee time. If a player is late, the penalty is disqualification from the round (Rule 5.3a). Good golf etiquette requires that players be at the tee at least five minutes before their tee time.

Playing

Some important notes for playing during competitions:

-Maintain a steady pace of play on the course.
-Play a provisional ball if you are unsure whether your ball is lost or if there are differences in rule interpretations within your group.
​​​​​​​-Follow the course’s official routing; shortcuts are prohibited.
-Remember to shout “FORE” and never put other players at risk with your shot choices.

Tiebreakers

In stroke play competitions:

  • Scratch scores are generally decided using a mathematical method.

  • Net scores (including Stableford) are decided using the handicap method (the lower handicap wins).

Mathematical Method for Breaking Ties

18-hole competitions:
In the event of a tie, the winner is determined by the best score on the last nine (9) holes (net score in handicap competitions), followed by the best score on the last six (6) holes, then the last three (3) holes, then the final hole, and finally by drawing lots if needed.

36-hole competitions:
Ties are decided by the score on the last 18 holes, then the best score on the last nine (9) holes (net score in handicap competitions), followed by the last six (6) holes, then the last three (3) holes, then the final hole, and finally by drawing lots if needed.

54- and 72-hole competitions:
Ties are decided by the best score on the last 36 holes, then the last 18 holes, followed by the best score on the last nine (9) holes (net score in handicap competitions), then the last six (6) holes, the last three (3) holes, the final hole, and finally by drawing lots if necessary.

Note: If the competition starts from two or more tees, ties are still resolved in order of holes, i.e., last 9, last 6, last 3, and the final hole.