Official rulebook
Apex Launch League Official Rules
The official rules of the Apex Launch League — equipment, play, penalties, and relief — governing every sanctioned event.
2027 OFFICIAL EDITION
OFFICIAL EDITION V 1.0
Preamble: The Open-Equipment Charter
The Apex Launch League (ALL) is built upon the fundamental principles of athletic meritocracy, safety, and absolute equipment inclusivity.
To foster an environment of continuous innovation and fair competition, ALL operates as a fully open-equipment league. The league recognizes three primary components required to compete in our sport: the Ball Launcher (tee-to-green apparatus), the Putter (putting surface apparatus), and the Golf Ball.
ALL does not mandate, endorse, show preference for, or restrict players to any single manufacturer, brand, or proprietary ecosystem for the selection or utilization of these items. Competitors are entirely free to choose, build, or modify their equipment — including commercial options from any manufacturer, custom-engineered carbon shafts, and third-party 3D-printed heads — provided that all apparatuses comply strictly with the safety, structural, and dimensional limits outlined in this official rulebook.
By removing manufacturer monopolies and encouraging safe community-driven innovation, ALL ensures that the game belongs to the players, the builders, and the pure competition of Hybrid Alt Golf.
Equipment Specifications
Open-architecture limits for the ball launcher, putter, and golf ball used in sanctioned competition.
Auxiliary Equipment, Technology & Transportation
Rangefinders and electronics, carts and walking policy, and how you carry your gear.
Equipment Enforcement & Compliance
Inspection rights, disqualification for intentional non-compliance, and mid-round equipment failure.
Scoring & Tournament Management
Scorekeeping responsibilities, recording methods, and confirmation of the event format.
Ball Launching Shots (Tee to Green)
The Launch Zone, tee box protocols, mandatory ball marking, and legal launching motions.
Greenside Shots & Placement Regulations
Which apparatus you may use around the green, the crossing-the-plane setback, and relief from that setback.
Play from the Putting Green
Dual-apparatus putting and the setback required for scoop shots taken on the green.
Hazards
Sand bunker stance and no-movement rules, plus out of bounds, water, and environmental hazards.
Penalties & Relief Procedures
Lost and unplayable balls, the Launch Zone fault ladder, marking infractions, and dislodged balls.
Relief Rules
Free relief for unsafe ground conditions, ground under repair, and cart path interference.
Special Note: Rules Disputes & Appeals Protocol
- Official Discretion & USGA Baseline: In any circumstance where a rules conflict arises, an unstated rule is encountered, or conflicting interpretations occur during competition, ALL tournament officials shall rely on standard USGA rules as applicable, combined with their official discretion, to make a binding judgment call on the outcome.
- Player Appeals Panel: If a player wishes to contest a ruling or judgment call made by an ALL official, they may formally appeal the situation. The appeal will be brought before an assembled body of five (5) fellow players, who will be selected by the tournament rules officials. A majority consensus from this player panel will review and confirm (or modify) the official's judgment, ensuring a fair, player-backed resolution.