Feb. 13, 2025

Chapter Board Allows “Net Double Bogey” for Net Competitions

         To maintain a good pace of play and since most LPGA Amateurs Palm Springs Chapter’s events are fun play, the Board has decided to allow players to use the USGA’s Net Double Bogey rule when Chapter events are “net” games. NOTE: this rule does not apply to “gross” games/competitions.

  What that means:  during a “net” competition, a player may pick up her ball on a particular hole when she has reached or exceeded “net double bogey.” She may enter the appropriate score on her scorecard AND remain in the competition to win prizes. She should tell other players in her foursome that she is taking “net double bogey” on a hole.

This applies to all players in Chapter fun, non-official NET events. Other Chapters or events may not allow the use of Net Double Bogey. When playing elsewhere, a member should follow the event organizer’s rules.

         How to calculate Net Double Bogey. How the USGA describes it: “Double Bogey +/- any handicap strokes received on a hole.”  Par-5 example:  if a player has 2 “pops/handicap strokes” on her scorecard on a par-5, once she has made 9 or more shots on the hole (5 plus 2 for double bogey + 2 pops = 9), she may pick up, enter 9 on her scorecard, and continue playing. Par-4 example:  if a player has 1 “pop/handicap stroke” on a par-4 and has hit 7 or more shots on that hole, she may pick up, take a 7, and continue. Calculation: 4 + 2 for double bogey + 1 pop = 7.

         Important Note re Gross Scoring Games:  During a gross-score competition, a player may pick up and use “net double bogey” for her scorecard, taking herself out of that day’s gross-scoring competition.  She should alert the other players in her foursome that she has picked up and is out of the gross competition; and mark it clearly on the scorecard.

         Questions: ask the event captain before you start playing.