Player Resources
Everything players and parents need to know before tournament day — equipment rules, weather and withdrawal policies, conduct, and who we are.
Equipment
Distance Measuring Devices are allowed during competition as long as they measure distance only. Devices that measure wind/slope are not allowed or must be turned off prior to the start of your round.
Please click the link to check the conforming and non-conforming list.
Tournament Day
PDE will make every effort to play an event to the conclusion. We will continue to play in wet conditions unless lightning or severe weather is in the near forecast. In the event the participants need to evacuate the course, tournament officials and the host facility will sound an air horn. Once the air horn is blown you must discontinue all play. Where ever your ball lies, please mark it and we will make every effort to continue play. If an event is shortened due to rain there will be no refunds or credits issued. If an event is cancelled completely, PDE will issue a full refund minus a 20% administrative fee.
The player is obviously ill or has been injured and physically cannot finish the round. The player will receive a WD- Illness or Injury and will be listed next to the players name in the tournament results. Once the tournament director has issued a justified withdrawal, no further action will take place.
A questionable withdrawal is where the tournament director or staff cannot determine if a player is withdrawing for a legitimate reason. Once the tournament director has gathered all relevant information, the staff in charge will decide whether the withdrawal is legit. The particular player will receive a WD and will be listed next to his or her name in the tournament results. Once a player has accumulated three questionable withdrawals, he or she will not be allowed to participate in future competitions and will receive suspended membership.
An unjustified withdrawal is a situation where a player is clearly withdrawing due to poor play or lack of ambition. An unjustified withdrawal also includes withdrawing for any reason without notifying the staff in charge. PDE takes unjustified withdrawals very seriously and will not be tolerated. A NC (No Card) or NS (No Show) will be issued next to the players name in the tournament results based on the situation. Once a player has accumulated two unjustified withdrawals, his or her membership will be suspended for the rest of the calendar year.
The official time will be maintained at the starting tee(s) only.
Spectators
All fans are expected to carry themselves as ladies and gentlemen at all times.
The Competition Committee will make a decision based on the severity of any violation in question:
Conduct & Rules
The Rules of Golf as approved by the USGA and The R&A shall govern play. See applicable tournament Notice to Players for additional Local Rules. Unless otherwise provided, penalty for breach of a Local Rule or Condition is two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play.
List of Conforming Golf Balls: Any ball used in making a stroke must be on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls issued by the USGA. Model Local Rule G-3. · Penalty for breach of this condition is disqualification.
One Ball Rule: Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is NOT in effect. Model Local Rule G-4.
List of Conforming Driver Heads: Any driver the player uses to make a stroke must have a clubhead, identified by model and loft, which is on the current List of Conforming Driver Heads issued by the USGA. Model Local Rule G-1. Penalty for making a stroke with a driver in breach of this rule is disqualification.
Groove and Punch Mark Specifications: In making a stroke, the player must use clubs that conform to the groove and punch mark specifications in the Equipment Rules that took effect on 1 January 2010. Model Local Rule G-2. Penalty for making a stroke with a club in breach of this rule is disqualification. There is no penalty under this Local Rule for carrying but not making a stroke with a club which does not conform to these groove and punch mark specifications.
Stopping and Resuming Play:
When play has been suspended for a dangerous situation, all practice facilities are deemed to be closed unless declared open by the Committee.
Pace of Play: See separate page.
Player Code of Conduct: See separate page.
Spectator Code of Conduct: See separate page.
Practice: Prior to and after a round in stroke play, a player may practice on the designated practice areas. A player may not practice on the competition course before or between rounds. Model Local Rule I-1.2. Penalty for first breach of this rule is the general penalty. Penalty for second breach of this rule is disqualification.
Practice Between Holes: Between the play of two holes, a player must not make any practice strokes on or near the putting green of the hole just completed or test the surface of that putting green by rubbing the putting green or rolling a ball. Model Local Rule I-2. Penalty for breach of this rule is the general penalty.
Prohibiting Use of Caddies: Except when permitted by the committee, players must not have a caddie during the round. Model Local Rule H-1.1. Penalty for breach of this rule is the general penalty for each hole which he or she is helped by a caddie. If the breach happens or continues between two holes, the player gets the general penalty for the next hole.
Prohibiting Use of Motorized Transportation: Except when permitted by the committee, Model Local Rule G-6 as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. Exception: a player may ride in designated shuttles and may accept transportation from a Rules Official.
Out of Bounds: a) Out of bounds is defined by the line between the course-side points, at ground level, of white stakes and/or property fence posts. When defined by a white line, the line itself is out of bounds. b) The inside edge of a paved road or curb defines out of bounds. A ball coming to rest on or beyond the road or curb is out of bounds, even if it comes to rest on another part of the course that is in bounds for other holes.
Penalty Areas: When a penalty area is defined on only one side, it extends to infinity. When a penalty area is connected to the out-of-bounds edge, the penalty area extends to and coincides with out of bounds.
White-Lined Areas Tying Into Artificially Surfaced Roads and Paths: White-lined areas of ground under repair and the artificially surfaced roads, paths or other identified obstructions that they are connected to are a single abnormal course condition when taking relief under Rule 16.1.
Temporary Immovable Obstructions: Model Local Rule F-23 as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. “Either Side” Relief Option: If a player has interference from a Temporary Immovable Obstruction the player may take relief on either side of the Temporary Immovable Obstruction.
Ground Under Repair: Defined by white lines. French drains are ground under repair. Ground under repair may include areas of unusual damage, including areas where spectators or other traffic has combined with wet conditions to affect materially the ground surface, but only when so declared by an authorized member of the Committee. When immediately adjacent to an immovable obstruction, such an area is part of that obstruction.
Relief From Seams of Cut Turf: If a player’s ball lies in or touches a seam of cut turf or a seam interferes with the player’s area of intended swing: a) Ball in General Area: The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b. b) Ball on Putting Green: The player may take relief under Rule 16.1d. But, interference does not exist if the seam only interferes with the player’s stance. All seams within the area of cut turf are treated as the same seam in taking relief.
Replacement of Club That Is Broken or Significantly Damaged: Model Local Rule G-9 is in effect.
Missing Player or Marker Certification: Model Local Rule L-1 is in effect.
Integral Objects: Include cables, rods, wires and wrappings when closely attached to trees, and artificial walls and pilings when located in penalty areas and bunkers.
Wood Chips and Mulch: Are loose impediments.
Results of Competition: The competition is final when the trophy has been presented to the winner or, in the absence of an awards ceremony, when all scores have been approved by the Committee. The result of a match is final when the Committee has approved the result as posted on the public scoreboard.
Scorecard Certification: All players are responsible for certifying their scores and returning their scorecard to the Committee after each round. A scorecard is considered returned 15 minutes after it has been reviewed by a Rules Official in the designated scoring area and accepted by the electronic scoring system. If the player is still in the designated scoring area 15 minutes after their scorecard is accepted, their scorecard is considered returned when they leave the scoring area. Penalty for failing to return a scorecard is disqualification under Rule 3.3b(2).
Our Story
The Player Development Experience is a junior golf tour built on one belief: desire meets opportunity. PDE is led by a team with deep roots across amateur, junior, and professional golf — committed to giving every member an unparalleled developmental experience.
Roger is the founder and operator of The Golf Performance Center, LLC, Junior Golf Hub, LLC and Founder/Executive Director of the USA Junior Golf Federation. Roger, a Sports Performance Specialist/Entrepreneur, has spent his entire 20+ year career developing and refining his knowledge and practical application of coaching. He has applied CFMS to his PGA, TPI Level 3 Fitness, TPI Junior Level 3 and K-Motion Biomechanics, Paul Chek Biomechanics for Golf certifications to his educational background of exercise science from Elon University. His clients include aspiring high school athletes and collegiate athletes as well as PGA, LPGA, NHL, MLB, NBA and NFL players. As a former division one athlete and professional athlete, he has a deep understanding of his clients’ goals, objectives and how to work with them to make it happen. Roger has assembled a uniquely talented team to ensure each PDE member gets the individualized attention their developmental journey deserves. PDE is the next step in a natural progression for the golf ecosystem Roger has cultivated.
Reese comes to PDE with over 15 years of experience in amateur golf, ranging from the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour to nearly a decade at the United States Golf Association. Reese has played a pivotal role in executing some of the most prestigious events in golf. Reese’s time with Hurricane included stints as a tournament director, regional director and ultimately the Head of Rules and Competition. Reese also wore many different hats with the USGA, beginning with overseeing operations at the U.S. Junior and U.S. Senior Amateurs. Reese helped elevate the U.S. Junior in major ways during his years of involvement including increasing the age of competitors to include 18 year olds, expanding the field size from 156 to 264 competitors, and bringing an exemption to the champion into the U.S. Open. Later, Reese transitioned to Player Relations, culminating with a successful stint as the Walker Cup Team Manager, and United States Men's World Amateur Team Manager which allowed him to build lasting connections throughout the golfing world. Reese played college golf and served as team captain at Georgia Southwestern State University and ultimately earned his MBA at Georgia Southwestern as well. Reese is committed to providing PDE members an unparalleled developmental golf experience.
Nathaniel joins PDE as a return to golf after spending years in academia. Prior to the classroom, Nathaniel had various stops in golf from the AJGA to the Carolinas Golf Association and the Tennessee Golf Association. That experience with high level junior golf will be felt throughout PDE as members are set up to excel in our events and beyond. Nathaniel played collegiately at Dickinson State University before going to the University of Massachusetts for his MBA. Nathaniel is excited to help align the incredible resources available to PDE members.
A Top 50 Golf Fitness Instructor recognized by Golf Digest, Tyler brings a wealth of physical performance and personalized training program experience to this leadership role for PDS. He has been leveraging PDI with athletes of all ages, including college golfers, for many years, and is excited to work with Danny and Chris to introduce PDI to more college programs all across the country. By focusing on strength, flexibility, power, and injury prevention, Tyler empowers golfers to improve their swing mechanics, consistency, and overall game. His expertise has been featured in leading golf publications, including Golf Digest, The Wall Street Journal, and The MET Golfer. PDI will allow PDE members to understand their golf abilities from a different perspective, and track their progress!
Alex has a multifaceted background on the coaching and PDI side of the business. Alex graduated from the PGM Program at Campbell University and is a PGA Professional. Alex is revolutionizing golf instruction with a data-driven approach. His experience in tournament operations and golf coaching helped develop PDI, a comprehensive assessment that analyzes a golfer's physical, mental, and technical proficiencies.
Dennis has spent over a decade helping aspiring golfers achieve their goals. Dennis is a Class A PGA of America Professional and a TPI-certified coach. Dennis brings a wealth of elite playing experience that include earning All-American honors at The University of Tulsa. After earning medalist honors at the 1990 U.S. Junior Amateur, Dennis squared off with Tiger Woods in the semifinals. Dennis beat Tiger en route to a runner up finish. Dennis's favorite part of GPC is seeing aspiring golfers reach their goals. Having programming at GPC is a massive differentiator for PDE members.
Rick is an avid competitive player and former collegiate athlete, as well as a coach and lover of golf. He graduated from Fairfield University, in the class of 2015. Rick was a four-year member and two-time Captain of the Stags' Men's Division-I Golf Team. He was also Assistant to the Men's and Women's Programs in 2016. Rick is one of the best amateur golfers in Connecticut racking up 3 Connecticut Amateur Championships, 3 Connecticut Mid-Am Championships, and being named the CSGA Player of the Year in 2019. The Junior Golf Hub is built to provide junior golfers with the tools, resources, and connections they need to succeed in the competitive world of college golf. By offering a platform for athletes to create comprehensive profiles, showcase their skills, and directly engage with college coaches, Junior Golf Hub simplifies the recruiting process and opens doors to collegiate opportunities. PDE having an in house resource as strong as useful as the Hub is unparalleled.
Dr. Brant is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with 18+ years of experience working with adolescents and their families. Since 2006, he's led the psychology department at Hopkins School in New Haven, CT, one of the top private high schools in the country. As the head psychologist at Hopkins, Dr. Brant's responsibilities include teaching Psychology classes and supervising counseling services for 700+ students, ranging in age from 12-18 years old. In his practice, he's helped students and their families address the many issues associated with a high-performing population (i.e., depression, anxiety, parental pressure, perfectionism, learning disabilities, AD/HD, eating disorders, etc.). In addition to his work at the Hopkins School, Dr. Brant coaches aspiring professional golfers and top amateurs in Connecticut to improve their mental game. His approach includes strategies for cognitive and emotional self-regulation and, more recently, for physiological self-regulation. He's also been a contributor to the Connecticut State Golf Association online magazine writing articles on the mental game. The PDE approach encompasses holistic development, and Dr. Brant is a critical piece.