Members,

As the days grow longer and temperatures begin to rise, I think we are all eager to get our 2026 MGA Golf season underway. As we begin the new season, I would like to highlight a few important updates to our Rules of Golf that you all should be aware of. Effective immediately, the following rules changes will be adopted as follows:  

• Model Local Rule A-4: Internal Out of Bounds
• Model Local Rule A-4.2: During play of Hole 7, the left side of the hole, defined by white stakes, is out of bounds for any stroke that must be made from the teeing area only. These stakes are boundary objects during the play of Hole 7 for any stroke that must be made from the teeing area. At all other times, they are movable obstructions.

If you are playing Hole 7 and your ball crosses the OB stakes on the left on any shot not played from the teeing area, you may play that ball with no penalty.

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The previous relief measurement when taking Preferred Lie Relief has been specified as one club length by our Board of Governors up to this point. This rule has been modified as follows:  

• Model Local Rule E-3: Preferred Lies
• Model Local Rule E-3.1: “Lift, Clean, and Place” (or preferred lies) allows players to lift, clean, and place their ball within a scorecard length (11 inches), no closer to the hole. All preferred lie relief taken under Rule 14 shall be executed in accordance with updated Model Local Rule E-3 to reflect this change in the relief measurement going forward.

Additionally, I would like to remind everyone that a ball coming to rest in another player’s pitch mark in the general area (fairway or rough) is now granted free relief. This was implemented by the USGA as of January 1, 2026.

Members with any questions or a need for further clarification may refer to the USGA Rules of Golf at USGA.org or contact me directly. I’m looking forward to seeing you all again very soon!

Peter Tomlinson, Chairman

OHCC MGA Rules Committee