Pinnacle Golf Tour Rule Book

2026 Version

Pinnacle Golf Tour – Official Rule Book

2026 Season

1. Introduction

The Pinnacle Golf Tour is a competitive amateur golf tour designed to provide a professional, fair, and enjoyable tournament experience for all players. This rule book outlines the official standards, policies, and procedures that govern all Pinnacle Tour events.

All players are responsible for understanding these rules prior to participating.

2. Tour Structure

2.1 Format Overview

The Pinnacle Golf Tour primarily hosts:

  • Net Stroke Play events

  • Net Stableford events

  • Singular Scramble special event

  • Season-long Points Race (Year-End Championship qualification)

2.2 Player Field

Standard field: 36 players

  • 9 groups of 4 individual players

  • Tee times or shotgun start depending on course

3. Eligibility & Membership

3.1 Eligibility

Players must:

  • Be 18 years or older (unless approved by the tour director)

  • Maintain an active, verifiable USGA/GHIN handicap

  • Agree to all tour rules

3.2 Handicaps

  • All handicaps must be active and verifiable through GHIN

  • Indexes are locked 48 hours before each event

4. Event Rules & Formats

4.1 Net Stroke Play

  • Players receive full handicap allocation

  • Low net score determines winner

  • Gross scores may be recorded but do not determine results

4.2 Net Stableford

Points awarded:

  • Double Bogey or worse: 0

  • Bogey: 1

  • Par: 2

  • Birdie: 3

  • Eagle: 4

  • Double Eagle: 5

Highest total wins.

4.3 Scramble Format (Special Event)

  • Teams of 4

  • Best selected shot played by all team members

4.4 Tiebreakers

  • Scorecard playoff (USGA recommended method: Back 9 → Back 6 → Back 3 → #18)

  • If still tied: Sudden-death chip-off or putting contest

  • Director may adjust method depending on course preference

5. Tournament Procedures

5.1 Check-In

Players must:

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before tee time

  • Check in at the registration table

  • Receive scorecard, rules sheet, and tee assignment

5.2 Starters & Announcements

Starter will review:

  • Local rules

  • Cart path restrictions

  • Pace of play policies

  • Scoring procedures

5.3 Scoring

  • Live scoring via Golf Genius or 18Birdies

  • All players must submit a signed paper scorecard

  • 2 players from group must sign and verify

6. Rules of Play

6.1 Governing Body

All Pinnacle Golf Tour events follow the USGA Rules of Golf except where local rules or tour modifications apply.

6.2 Pace of Play

Standard: 4 hours 30 minutes for 18 holes.

Groups must:

  • Keep up with the group in front (must be visible at all times)

  • Play ready golf

  • Limit search for lost balls to 2** minutes**

Pace of Play Penalties

1st offense: Warning
2nd offense: 1 stroke
3rd offense: 2 strokes
4th offense: Disqualification

6.4 Lost Ball / Out of Bounds (USGA Rule)

  • Standard stroke-and-distance applies

  • Tour may adopt Model Local Rule E-5 (drop option) depending on course conditions

7. Conduct & Etiquette

7.1 Player Behavior

Players must:

  • Respect fellow competitors

  • Protect the course

  • Avoid excessive profanity or club throwing

  • Avoid slow play

7.2 Dress Code

  • Standard golf attire required

  • Collared shirts recommended

  • No denim, tank tops, or gym shorts

8. Points System & Championships

8.1 Season Points

Awarded per event:

  • Non-linear point system

  • 1st - 1000 points, 2nd - 930 points, 3rd- 870 points

8.2 Major Events

  • May award 2x points.

8.3 Year-End Championship Qualification

Top 24 players by points advance to Pinnacle Tour Championship

  • 8 tournament winners are exempt

  • Players will be selected accordingly

8.4 Player of the Year

  • Awarded to: Points leader

9. Weather, Withdrawals & Refunds

9.1 Weather Policy

Events continue unless:

  • Lightning

  • Unsafe conditions

9.2 Withdrawals

  • 72 hours before event: full credit

  • <72 hours: Credited to the next event

9.3 No-Show Policy

  • No refund

  • Player may be suspended for repeated no-shows

10. Code of Sportsmanship

All players agree to uphold the spirit of the game by:

  • Playing with honesty and integrity

  • Treating competitors with respect

  • Protecting the field by reporting accurate scores

Players who violate these principles may be:

  • Penalized

  • Suspended

  • Removed from the tour

11. Amendments

The Pinnacle Golf Tour reserves the right to update, modify, or change rules at any time. Any changes will be communicated to players prior to the next tournament.