League Play

We will be competing in a "points-based" scoring system, that we believe will lead to a more competitive league. The format will be head-to-head contest between the higher handicap players of the two teams (one point available per hole), head-to-head between the lower handicap players of the two-teams (one point available per hole), and combined team score per hole (one point available per hole). In the event of a tie (per hole), the point is split with half to each player/team. Each team has the potential to win 3 points per hole: one point to the winner of each head-to head match, and one for the combined team score (the possibility of earning the total of 27 points per night). This will also eliminate the need for a putt-off, since the two teams "could" be tied at the end of the night's round, and split the available points between the two teams. We believe that this will keep the match competitive to the end, since points can be earned for both players' scores all the way through to the ninth hole.

The schedule and paired matches will be done randomly through the software system we purchased. There will still be the luck of the draw for which teams you play throughout the year, how good they are versus other teams, and how both you and they play in your scheduled match (this is out of my control). Your team score card will be pre-printed and will indicate which set of nine (front/back) will be played each week. Please consult the weekly schedule and contact a person from the opposing team you’ll be playing.

NOTE: At the end of the match, at least one player from each team must sign the opposing team’s card to verify the scores.

League Rules

Our play will be governed by the U.S.G.A. rules of golf with the following exceptions:

1. Players MAY move the ball one club length in any direction, but no closer to the hole, to improve the lie with the following exception: The ball MAY NOT be moved from within a hazard without penalty; (i.e. water, sand traps or other marked hazards). It MAY be moved from the rough to the fairway, if within one club length.

2. If the ball is hit in the water or out of bounds, go to the last spot your ball passed over land or go to the point where your ball went out of bounds (or go back on the ball's line of flight), and drop another ball at that spot with one penalty stroke. Please use the ball’s “line of flight”, not horizontal to where the ball landed. Out of bounds does not lose stroke and distance, just the stroke.

3. Abide by all local course rules as designated on the scorecard and as posted by the signs on the course.

4. Pick-Up Rule: Any player who has not reached the green and has a score of more than 3 over par on the hole shall pick up the ball and cease play for that hole. The score card should indicate either an X or an F (for forfeit of that one hole). When the group reaches the green, the X'd player may place his/her ball at the furthest point on the green from the pin, and putt for "putting contest" purposes. If the hole is in doubt with both teams picking-up, the hole is considered a draw (half). Both score cards should indicate either an X or an F for that hole. The lowest handicap golfer in each group will be designated captain whose responsibility it will be to ensure compliance with this policy (pick up those players’ golf balls that have exceeded the maximum strokes if they do not). This is intended to speed up play and make the game enjoyable for all.

5. Teeing Grounds are as follows:

* Men shall play from the Blue Tees.

* Ladies shall play from the Red Tees.

* Senior Men (65+) shall play from the White Tees.

6. Teams that have not shown up and are not ready to play by 5:15 p.m. will have forfeited their match.

Handicaps

Any questions or concerns about the handicap system, scores, or match results should be brought to the attention of the League Committee members.

All scores and handicap info will be posted to the web site, but details are available upon request.

All players must play at least two weeks to establish a handicap. They will play scratch until a handicap can be established.

Players from the last year’s league will have their handicap rolled over to the current year. The 6 most-recent scores will calculate the player’s new handicap (player’s last year scores, plus current year “handicap round” scores).

Score Cards

1. During our handicapping rounds, make sure to place your first and last name on the scorecard you turn in. There will be a container in the clubhouse for our scorecards.

2. When league play begins, your card will be prepared for you. It will designate each player's handicap. The opposing team members and their information will also be printed on the card.

3. Record the actual score you make on each hole. DO NOT SUBTRACT THE HANDICAP. If you made an 8 on hole number one, place an 8 in the box for hole number one. If you pick up (three stroke rule), place either an X or an F on the card for that hole.

4. A player from each team should sign the card to verify the scores prior to turning in the scorecards.

5. Any scorecard that is missing will be counted as a forfeited match.

Cancellation of Play

Cancellation of play will first be at the discretion of the Golf Course Manager, and then by the Golf League Commmittee. Call and speak to one of the golf course pro shop personnel and ask if the league has been cancelled. You should arrive at the golf course prepared to play even if rain is likely. We will make every effort to play as scheduled. If a week is rained out, continue playing the prepared schedule. We will make up rain dates at the end of league play.

Weekly Awards and Prizes

Competition for prizes shall be conducted each league night. Examples are: Team and/or Individual low putts; Team and/or individual low net score; and Team and/or individual low gross score. Team Alternates may play for weekly prizes when appropriate (i.e. individual competition categories).

Playoffs / Best of the Rest

PLAY-OFFS:

At the end of the league's regular season matches, we will initiate a playoff system and take the top 8 teams (overall) with the most points. There will not be a "divisional system" as there was in previous years. This will eliminate teams being left behind that had better records than advancing teams that played in weaker divisions.

In the even of a tie between two or more playoff teams, the following scenario will be used (in this order) to break the tie:

1. Head-to-head record (Team who won the match wins the Tie)
2. Opponents Record versus the field (Team with higher opponent Win/Loss record wins the Tie)
3. Rock-Paper-Scissors (2 out of 3, but hopefully, it will never get to this)


BEST OF THE REST:

All teams not participating in the play-offs and teams eliminated in the first round of playoffs shall play in a "Best of the Rest" tournament during the weeks required to determine the league champion­ship. Teams must play two of three weeks to be eligible to win the "Best of the Rest." Lowest Net Score (scores minus handicaps) will win the Best of the Rest tournament.