Every league has the same three problems. Someone cannot make it. Someone does not show up. It rains.
Write rules for all three before week one. Here is wording you can copy.
Why these rules matter
These moments cause most league arguments. Not bad shots. Not handicaps. Attendance and weather.
A clear rule means the commissioner does not have to make a judgment call every week. The rule makes it.
Rule 1: notice
If you cannot play, tell the commissioner by noon the day before.
Simple. It gives time to find a sub or adjust tee times.
Decide what happens if someone gives late notice. Common answers:
- They lose their "played" point for the week.
- They still owe their share of any held tee time.
Rule 2: subs
Subs keep teams full and tee times filled. They also cause the most disputes.
Copy this:
Players may bring a sub. The sub must play off a handicap agreed by the commissioner before the round. A sub's score counts for the team, not the individual standings. A player may use a sub no more than three times a season.
Why each part:
- Agreed handicap. Stops a scratch golfer from "subbing" as a 20.
- Counts for team, not individual. The absent player does not climb the individual table.
- Limit per season. Keeps the league about its members.
Keep a short list of reliable subs. Two or three names. Share it with the league.
Rule 3: no-shows
A no-show is someone who does not cancel and does not come. It happens.
A no-show scores zero points for the week. In team formats, the partner plays alone and takes the team's score. Two no-shows in a season, and the player loses their spot for the playoffs.
Be firm on this one. No-shows waste tee times and frustrate everyone.
Rule 4: rainouts
If the course closes, the week moves to the makeup week. If the course is open but we stop for lightning, any group that finished at least five holes keeps its scores. Groups with fewer than five holes replay at the makeup week.
Add a rule for "course open but miserable." Some groups play. Some do not.
If the course is open, the round goes ahead. Players who choose not to play get no points, but no penalty.
Our 12-week schedule template includes a makeup week. Put one in yours.
Rule 5: partial rounds
Sometimes a player has to leave early.
A player who leaves before finishing nine holes takes double bogey on each hole not played.
It is fair to the field and gives the player a reason to finish if they can.
Rule 6: ties
Decide tie-breakers before the season.
Ties in the weekly standings share the points. Ties in the final standings are broken by head-to-head record, then by the lower total net score in the last three weeks.
Pick a tie-breaker and write it down. Do not invent one on the last night.
Rule 7: the commissioner's call
Anything not covered by these rules is decided by the commissioner. Their decision is final.
Every league needs this line. Pick a commissioner people trust.
The full rules sheet
Here is everything in one block. Paste it into your league message.
- Notice: tell the commissioner by noon the day before.
- Subs: agreed handicap, counts for team only, three per season.
- No-shows: zero points; two no-shows and you miss the playoffs.
- Rainouts: course closed moves to makeup week; five holes counts.
- Partial rounds: double bogey on unplayed holes.
- Ties: shared weekly; final broken by head-to-head, then recent net.
- Commissioner decides anything else.
How an app helps
Rules are easier when the scoreboard is clear. An app can show who played, what they scored and where everyone stands.
Big leagues often need sub tracking built in. Golf League Guru lists sub requests and auto pairings. Squabbit's pricing page lists custom league handicaps and substitute support.
For small friends leagues, MATCHUPS leagues are free up to 10 players on iPhone. It does not run on Android or connect to GHIN.
See all options in our golf league app comparison.
Rules for the end-of-season final
The final night deserves its own short rules. Decide these early.
- Who qualifies: top four, top half, or everyone.
- What format: match play is the most exciting to watch.
- What counts: final night only, or final night plus season points.
- Tie-breaker: a sudden-death playoff hole, or a chip-off.
Write them in week one. If you wait until week eleven, the people near the cut line will argue for the rule that helps them.
Last tip
Send the rules once at the start. Then link back to them whenever an issue comes up. "Rule 4" ends the argument faster than any debate.
From the team: we make MATCHUPS, a free golf app for iPhone and Apple Watch. Leagues are free up to 10 players. App Store · matchupsgolf.com
FAQ
How should a golf league handle subs?
Use an agreed handicap, count the sub's score for the team only, and limit subs per player per season.
What happens to a golf league round when it rains?
Move a closed-course week to a makeup week. If groups finish a set number of holes, keep those scores.
Who decides golf league disputes?
The commissioner, using a written rules sheet.