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Section 12 MEASUREMENTS Definitions Within each section, all defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in Section 2 - Definitions. Accurate permanent marker placement is imperative in the rating process. Permanent markers are to reflect an average placement of the movable tee markers over time. Incorrectly placed permanent markers will make it difficult for the golf course staff to set up the course. The goal is to keep the effective playing length and course difficulty consistent on a daily basis and in line with the Ratings issued. (See Section 13-1d.) Permanent marker placement is more likely to have a greater impact on Ratings than green speed, rough height, and other course maintenance practices. A golf club should pay attention to this issue and is encouraged to consult its local Authorized Golf Associations for assistance in determining accurate placement. When a single tee pad is designated for one set of tees, placement of the permanent marker at the middle of the tee pad area is appropriate. This maximizes the ability to use the entire tee pad and reflects an average of movable marker placement over time. When more than one set of tee markers uses a single tee pad, consider the percentage of a course's existing or anticipated play from each set of tees when determining permanent marker placement. Allocate the percentage of play for each tee and place each permanent marker at the mid-point of each of the allocated areas. For example, a forty-yard teeing area is shared by three sets of tees. The club determines that 25 percent of play will be from the forward tees, 50 percent from the middle tees, and 25 percent from the back tees. Allocate the first 10 yards of the tee pad to the forward tee, the middle 20 yards to the middle tee, and the final 10 yards to the back tee. The permanent marker should be at the mid-point of each of these three areas. On a nine-hole course, if separate tees or tee markers are used for each nine of an 18-hole round, separate measurements and permanent markers must be established for each nine. The permanent markers (and their respective tee markers) for each nine should be uniquely identifiable.
Each hole must be measured horizontally (air line) to the nearest yard by surveying instruments, an electronic measuring device (EMD), or a global positioning system (GPS) from the permanent marker of every tee to the center of the green. Only trained individuals may perform course measurement, subject to review by the Authorized Golf Association that issues the Ratings to the golf club. Yardages on the scorecard should accurately reflect these measurements. A hole with a dogleg must be measured on a straight line from each permanent marker to the center of the fairway at the pivot point. If the pivot point is not easily discernible, select a pivot point that is approximately 250 yards (men) or 210 yards (women) from the most commonly played tee for each gender. The measurement must continue from that point on a straight line to the center of the green or to the next pivot point, if applicable.
The tee markers used to designate the teeing ground (See "The Rules of Golf," Definitions) need to be consistent in color or design for each hole and distinguishable from other tee markers. The actual color, design, or other method for identifying a particular set of tee markers is up to the Committee in charge of the course in consultation with the Handicap Committee. A Course Handicap Table (See Section 3-3), scorecards, and signage where scores are posted should use the same terminology in referring to the various tees. This material should include the USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating for each set of tees to make it easy for players to convert a Handicap Index to a Course Handicap before play and then to post a score for handicap purposes, complete with Ratings, after play. A tee played by both men and women should have a separate USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating. If a set of tees has not been rated for the appropriate gender, the procedure for posting a score from a set of unrated tees may be used by both men and women when they play. (See Section 5-2g). Nine-hole Ratings should be displayed by the golf club to assist players who are returning nine-hole scores for handicap purposes. This also applies for a combination of nines. Using a combination of tees throughout the round must be determined and published prior to the start of the round and is a matter for the Committee in charge of the competition to determine in consultation with the Handicap Committee.
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a. How To Measure
