Housekeeping

Interesting Fact: I have not done a Housekeeping post since 2018.

With six rounds complete and six rounds remaining in the 2026 BJG regular season, this seems like a good time to address a few league matters and review some rules that continue to create some confusion.

League Treasurer Position Available

First, Alex has decided to step away from league play. His schedule has simply become too demanding to continue with the rigors of BJG competition.

Alex has graciously agreed to remain our Treasurer through the remainder of the 2026 season, but we will need someone to fill that role moving forward. If you are interested, please let me know.

Rules Reminder: They Haven't Changed

It has come to my attention that there is still some confusion regarding several BJG rules. Everyone received a hard copy of the rules at the Winter Meeting, and those rules have not changed since 2025. In fact, the only person with a legitimate excuse might be our rookie, Joe A.

Let's review a few important points.

Mark Your Golf Balls

No, the manufacturer's name and number do not count as your identifying mark.

At a minimum, every ball should have your initials on it. In addition, you should carry balls marked 1, 2, and 3, using dots, dashes, stars, or any other system that clearly identifies each ball.

• Ball #1: Your ball in play until it is lost.

• Ball #2: Your provisional ball until Ball #1 is found or the hole is completed.

• Ball #3: Used only if Balls #1 and #2 are both lost.

When you arrive at the next tee box, you should always be hitting a #1 ball.

You must always know which ball you are playing, and your group should know as well. Don't be the player who hits two balls into the woods and suddenly "finds" the first one or remembers halfway through the hole that they were actually playing a different ball.

If there's any doubt, take the fairway drop, add the two-stroke penalty, and move on.

This rule has been in place for 13 years, yet somehow we still manage to get it wrong.

A Practical Approach

If you carry 20 golf balls in your bag, consider marking them as follows:

• 14 balls marked as #1

• 4 balls marked as #2

• 2 balls marked as #3

Remember: You should always be teeing off with a #1 ball.

Personally, I keep things simple. All of my balls have identifying lines, so I know they're mine. I also use different colors:

• White = Ball #1

• Yellow (or Green) = Ball #2

• Orange or Pink = Ball #3

Any found, unmarked balls will be treated as lost balls, resulting in at least a two-stroke penalty.

Relief and Lost Ball Procedures

Relief

As a general rule:

• Free Relief: One club length, no closer to the hole.

• Penalty Relief: Two club lengths, no closer to the hole.

• Lost Ball Fairway Drop: Two-stroke penalty plus two club lengths on the fairway.

Lost Ball Drops

The drop location is based on where the ball crossed out of bounds or entered the woods, not where you think it eventually landed.

Determining the exact location can be difficult, so ask your group for assistance when necessary.

Finding Your Original Ball

If you find your original ball, you must play it.

The only exception is if you have already played a provisional ball from beyond the point where the original ball was lost. In that case, the provisional ball becomes the ball in play.

Otherwise, if you find your ball 100 yards into the woods, in a swamp, or halfway down a mountain slope, you are required to play it.

Personally, if my ball disappears deep into the woods, I'll do a quick drive-by to see if I got a lucky bounce. If I don't find it immediately, I'm heading to the fairway, accepting the two-stroke penalty, and moving on.

I know my limitations. I cannot hit a golf ball out of the woods.

Sportsmanship Matters

Finally, a reminder regarding Unsportsmanlike Conduct.

Any golfer who loses control of their emotions through excessive ranting, raving, complaining, whining, yelling, screaming, or throwing clubs in a manner that negatively affects their cart partner or fellow competitors may be immediately disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct.

We've seen a few incidental cases this season, and I want to address the issue before I have to make a ruling that won't make anyone happy.

Golf is frustrating. We all understand that.

But none of us are feeding our families by playing golf. Your conduct—good or bad—affects everyone else in your group who is trying to compete and enjoy the day.

Shake off the bad shots, support your fellow golfers, and remember why we're out there:  To have fun.

If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them.

Respectfully,

Broken Joe

Commissioner