Rules of Competition

Participants will compete within their pre-assigned flights in a 72-hole, individual net stroke play competition. One completed round will constitute a tournament. Play will be governed by USGA rules, any local course rules and the Hard Card.

Monday through Thursday tournament rounds will commence with a 7:30AM to 9:30AM double tee start.

An 8:30 am shotgun start will be in place for all tournament rounds held at the following courses due to course design: Wild Wing, Myrtlewood-Palmetto, Barefoot-Fazio/Norman

The Friday Championship Round will be a 7:30AM to 9:30AM double tee start.

It is the competitor’s responsibility to be prompt. A player missing the start by more than 5 minutes will be disqualified.

Scorecards shall be kept in accordance with rule 3.3b in the USGA’s “Scoring in Stroke Play.” Exchange scorecards with the other players in your group. Competitors must use the Official Tournament Scorecard given to you by the Committee. Scorecards must be signed by the marker and the competitor. Any player not handing in their scorecard immediately following the round, changing attested scores, leaving the golf course with the official scorecard, or failing to sign the scorecard will be disqualified.

The one ball rule will not be in effect for the championship. All equipment used during the event must be USGA conforming. It is the player’s responsibility to determine conformity. Any player using non-conforming equipment will be subject to disqualification. Electronic Measuring Devices will be allowed during play, as long they measure distance only.

All participants competing in a net division are required to maintain an approved Handicap Index® that was established PRIOR to August 11, 2024.  The World Am handicap committee meets each day to aggressively monitor and review participants handicaps. For a complete overview of the World Amateur Golf Championship handicap process, we invite you to click here.

Ties will only be broken for competitors tied for first place within the flight. If two or more players are tied for first place at the completion of all completed tournament rounds, all such players advance to the “Flight Winners Playoff Round” which will also act as an 18-hole playoff. The lowest 18-hole net score wins the playoff. If a tie still exists for first place, the back nine net scores from the playoff will be used and then the front nine net scores if necessary. If a tie still exists, the last completed tournament round will be used, and so on until the tie for first place is broken. If the “Flight Winners Playoff” round is cancelled or not completed, all players tied will be considered tied for first place for the tournament.

Prize payout for ties will be split. For example, if the published 2nd place prize is $200 and 3rd place prize is $100 and two players are tied for second place, each player would split the total of second and third place prizing of $300 for a gift card of $150 each. If three players were tied for second place, the prizing amount for second place thru fourth place would then be totaled and split equally.

Caddies & spectators are NOT permitted. No exceptions.

*Spectators will be permitted at the Final Round on Friday ONLY*

Bad weather is not of itself a good reason for discontinuing play. However, a player may discontinue play if he/she believes there is danger from lighting. 

In the event of inclement weather, please report to your assigned course. The delaying or cancellation of a round will be determined by the host facility. 

In the event of a round cancellation, the standings of the flights affected will be decided using the completed tournament rounds. One completed tournament round will constitute a tournament. No refunds will be made if the tournament is canceled or shortened due to weather, nature or act of God. You are welcome to call your host golf facility for an update using the phone number provided on the golf course directions/area map.

Swearing, vulgar language, club throwing, alcohol abuse, lack of etiquette may result in disqualification. Disqualifications of this nature will result in removal from the event without refund.

In general, the Myrtle Beach World Amateur Tournament Committee reserves the right to decline participation or remove a participant from the event as a result of behavior deemed detrimental to the tournament, participants, staff, volunteers or sponsors as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Tournament Committee. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to remove that participant from the tournament before or during the event, without refund and not allow that individual to participate in any future Golf Tourism Solutions operated events.

It may be a competition, but you should still HAVE FUN! It’s the everyman’s major for a reason. We invite you to play with the idea that no matter what happens, you’ll depart ready to plan your next time back with all the new friends you’ve made. So go out, try to him ’em straight… but above all else, enjoy yourself!