Page 13 - PPA Tour Magazine Spring 2022

pace and keep the entertainment moving, simply follow the six rules: No more

than 4 players to a group; the first person in each group finishes the hole before
the next player begins; all balls must be stroked from the tee mat when teeing
off; out of bounds, ball must be placed one clubhead length from the rail at the

point the ball went out of bounds with loss of stroke; ball against rail may be
placed one clubhead length from the rail, without loss of stroke; and please allow
faster players to play through if room ahead. Don Clayton wanted to keep the

customers moving to keep folks from being frustrated by having to wait to play
each hole. When customers followed the 6 rules – hundreds of customers could
enjoy the game every night.

Don Clayton had similar

thoughts about
tournament or
competitive play on

Putt-Putt Golf courses.
Thus, the professional
level of Putt-Putt Golf

was established in
1959. The rules of the
Professional Putters
Association (PPA)

started with
Don Clayton addressing tournament participants.
conventional guidelines
and has been refined over the years as the sport matured. However, an element

closely associated with the rules of the PPA has not changed since the initial putt
of the tournament program… the integrity of the rules.

The origin of the PPA was defined by players that respected the rules of the sport.

The main issues that were a concern in 1959, remain a concern today. Slow play,
stroke penalties, sportsmanship, playing attire, and appropriate language seem to
be a consistent discussion at the beginning of each putting season.

As an example, let’s consider slow play. Don Clayton and the original Pros Players
Committee recognized this as a concern prior to the initial putting tour. Just as
Clayton had concerns with the pace of play with the recreational side of Putt-Putt