Basic Format:

Golfball is governed by the rules of the United States Golf Association for match play, except as specifically modified by the American Golf League.

Object of the Game:

The object of Golfball is to win more holes than the opposing team. The team which wins the most holes wins the game. Individual matches continue until the end of the game, irrespective of the score of the individual match.

Number of Players:

There are nine active players on a Golfball team, each of whom plays a separate match against a member of the opposing team. Pick up games with more or fewer players on a team are possible, but not in sanctioned league competition. 

Start of Play:

If possible, play should begin with a shotgun start, with each match assigned to a different hole. Where tee times are used, two matches may be assigned to begin at the same time.

Tied Game; Extra Holes:

In the event that all individual matches shall complete eighteen holes and the score of the game is tied, an extra hole shall be played by all players, which, in the case of a shotgun start, shall be the next sequential hole for each match. In case of a tee time start, each team will play one ball on the first hole, with the players taking shots seriatum as in alternate shot. Play continues until a team wins a hole.

Substitutions:

A player may be removed from the game and a substitute inserted into the game prior to teeing off on any hole. A player removed from the game may not return to the game.

Setting the Line Ups:

Prior to the start of the game, the manager or captain of each team shall prepare a line up showing the holes or tee times assigned to each of his or her players. Line ups shall be exchanged concurrently and no change can be made thereafter. No substitution shall be permitted until after each match has played one hole.

Referee:

If possible, each match shall be accompanied by a referee. The referee shall be the official scorekeeper for the match and shall declare the winner of each hole as it is played. The referee shall be authorized to maintain proper pace of play, and shall make all rules decisions which may be necessary. The decision of the referee on disputed issues shall be final and conclusive.

The 40 second rule:

Whenever the referee shall signal a player and announce "Mr.or Ms. (The Player's Name), you are away", the player shall then have 40 seconds to complete his or her stroke. The penalty for failure to do so is one stroke.