DDGT26 – Desert Dawgs Golf Tournament

Official Rules & Tournament Regulations

Laughlin, Nevada • January 8–10, 2026

Greens • Grit • Good Times

The DDGT is built on competition, camaraderie, brotherhood, and good times. These rules exist to keep play smooth, fair, and fun — and to uphold the legacy and spirit of the DDGT.

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1. Tournament Format

1.1 Overview & Structure

DDGT26 is a two-man scramble tournament played across two competitive rounds, preceded by an opening-night kickoff.

• Thursday, Jan 8 – Opening Ceremonies
• Friday, Jan 9 – Tournament Round (Mojave Resort GC)
• Saturday, Jan 10 – Championship Round (Laughlin Ranch GC)

Field: 16 players → 8 teams → 4 tee-time groups.

1.2 Scramble Mechanics

• Both players tee off.
• Team selects the preferred ball.
• Both players play from that spot.
• Continue selecting the preferred shot until holed.

Ball Placement (Scramble Relief)

When playing from the selected shot:

• Ball may be placed within one club length (no closer to the hole).
• Lie must remain in the same cut:
  • Fairway → fairway
  • Rough → rough
  • Fringe → fringe
  • Bunker → bunker

This ensures fairness and consistency across teams.

1.3 Required Shot Usage

Before reaching any green:

• Each team must use at least one (1) shot from each player.
• Exception: Par 3 holes (no required individual shot).

1.4 Putting Requirements

• All putts must be holed out.
• No concessions unless using DDGT Gimmie String (see Section 3.4).

1.5 Maximum Score

• Triple Bogey Max per hole.
• DDGT26 adopts Triple Max to maintain tournament pace and allow recovery.

Once your team reaches triple bogey, pick up and move on.

1.6 No Mulligans

This is DDGT.

No mulligans. Zero. Nada - This is the DDGT.

2. Scoring, Relief, & On-Course Flow

2.1 Scorekeeping Requirements

• One official scorecard per foursome.
• Teams verify scores together post-round.
• Cards must be turned in immediately upon finishing 18.
• Drink adjustments (Section 4) must be signed off by opposing teams.

2.2 Lost Ball, OB & Lateral Drop Rule

To maintain pace of play:

• Lost Ball or OB → Lateral drop with one-stroke penalty.
• Drop at the point where the ball last crossed into trouble.
• Must be within one club length, no closer, and in the same cut.
• Teams may re-tee if desired, but it is not required.

2.3 Water Hazard Penalty Tradition

If both players hit into the water:

• Team must complete a shotgun/shot/beer at the tee or designated drop zone before continuing play.

A DDGT classic.

2.4 Pace of Play

DDGT thrives on momentum:

• Keep within reasonable distance of the group ahead.
• Be ready to hit.
• Use relief rules and triple bogey max to avoid delays.

3. Special Tournament Rules

3.1 One-Club Challenge (Daily Rule)

Each day, one hole is designated as the One-Club Challenge:

• One club per team for the entire hole.
• No putters allowed.
• Holes and club assignments drawn via sealed envelope each morning.

3.2 Cart Path, GUR & Divot Relief

• Free relief from cart paths or ground-under-repair divots.
• Drop within one club length, no closer to the hole.

3.3 DDGT Gimmie String Rule

Each team receives 3 feet of string:

• May cut and use at will for putts.
• Once it’s gone, gimmies are gone.
• Can be used all at once or spread over 18.

3.4 Scoring & Integrity Statement

Opposing teams confirm:

• Scores
• String Usage
• Drink counters
• Integrity of play

We trust every DAWG to golf like a DAWG.

Bring your best jokes, fits, and energy.

Every swing - and every laugh - contributes to the legacy.

4. The Official DDGT Drinking Adjustment Rule

4.1 Drink-for-Stroke Incentive

For every 6 combined drinks (beer or shots) consumed by a team:

➝ Subtract 1 stroke from that day's final score.

Rules:

• Must be consumed in front of an opposing team.
• Drink counting closes after Hole 16 each day.

4.2 Tracking & Verification

• Opposing team tallies and signs off.
• Counts must match the scorecard submission.

5. Tournament Tees

Day 1 – Mojave Resort Golf Club

• White Tees

Day 2 – Laughlin Ranch Golf Club

• Silver Tees

6. Tiebreaker Procedure (Championship Round Only)

If two or more teams tie after Day 2:

6.1 Sandtrap Shootout – Alternate Shot

Location: Practice bunker

Sequence:

• 1. Chip from bunker
• 2. Putt until holed

Lowest strokes wins.

6.2 Repeat Format

If still tied:

• Repeat alternate-shot rounds.
• Teammate order must alternate each round.

7. Awards & Honors

7.1 Competitive Awards

• DDGT Champions – 1st Place ($200 Prize)
• 2nd Place Team
• 3rd Place Team

7.2 On-Course Challenge Payouts

Each contest pays $50.

Laughlin Ranch

• CTP: Holes 3 & 17
• Longest Drive: Holes 6 & 11

Mojave Resort

• CTP: Holes 5 & 17
• Longest Drive: Holes 7 & 10

7.3 Fun Awards

Optional fun recognitions celebrating:

• Most Combined Drinks (Team)
• Least Drinks (Team)
• Rookie of the Year (Individual)
• MVP (Individual)
• First Player to Pay Fees
• Team Spirit Awards (Fits, Themes, Commitment)

8. Event Schedule & Venues

Thursday – January 8

• Opening Ceremonies
• Midnight Kickoff @ Losers Lounge, Riverside Hotel & Casino

Friday – January 9

• Tournament Round – Mojave Resort GC @ 11:00 AM
• Post-Round Dinner @ Saltgrass Steakhouse (Golden Nugget) – 4:00 PM
• CFP Viewing @ Rush Lounge (Golden Nugget)
• Late-Night Rally @ Losers Lounge

Saturday – January 10

• Championship Round – Laughlin Ranch GC @ 9:00 AM
• Closing Ceremonies, Awards & Lunch @ LR Bar & Grill
• Wildcard NFL Viewing
• 5:00 PM – Pizza & Beers @ The Hideout (Wildcard Game)

9. Pairings

9.1 Day One – Tournament Round

As listed on the official DDGT26 Pairings Flier.

9.2 Day Two – Championship Round

Determined strictly by standings:

• Top four teams → Championship Group
• Remaining teams paired in finish order

Ties: Broken by scorecard comparison (backward from Hole 18).

10. Media Usage & Likeness

Participation grants DDGT rights to use:

• Photos
• Videos
• Team banners
• Group shots

For recap videos, history archives, social media, and future promotional use.

11. Spirit of the DDGT

The DDGT continues a tradition of friends, family, pride, good times, and competition. Every DAWG contributes to the story.

Bring your best jokes.

Bring your best fits.

Bring your best energy.

Every DAWG contributes to the legacy.

12. Co-Commissioner Disclosure Statement

The DDGT26 tournament is governed jointly by the Co-Commissioners to ensure fair play, smooth tournament flow, and the preservation of the Desert Dawgs spirit.

12.1 Authority & Rulings

The Co-Commissioners retain full authority to make rulings on:

• Rules clarifications
• Scoring disputes
• Pace-of-play interventions
• Relief options not explicitly covered in this document
• Tie-breaking procedures beyond Section 6
• Weather-related adjustments
• Any unique course conditions or unforeseen circumstances

12.2 Exceptions & Adjustments

The Co-Commissioners may grant exceptions or temporary adjustments when necessary to:

• Maintain fairness across the field
• Address safety concerns
• Resolve ambiguous or conflicting situations
• Preserve the competitive balance of play

Any such decisions will be final, apply only to the current round or event context, and will be communicated clearly to all teams.

12.3 Commitment to the DDGT Legacy

Every ruling, exception, or adjustment will be made in alignment with the DDGT’s core principles:

Competition. Camaraderie. Integrity.

The Co-Commissioners act to protect the experience, uphold the legacy, and ensure every DAWG enjoys elite-level fun with elite-level fairness.

🐺 Greens • Grit • Good Times • DDGT26