Effective –
September 1, 2007
CONTENTS
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Spirit of the Game
Unlike many sports, golf is played for the most
part, without the supervision of a referee or
umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the
individual to show consideration for other players
and to abide by the Rules. All players should
conduct themselves as gentlemen, demonstrating
courtesy and sportsmanship at all times,
irrespective of how competitive they may play.
Please enjoy the Interclub Matches and be respectful
of your team mates, your opponents and the host golf
facilities.
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Player Eligibility
Clubs using the GHIN Handicap System may enter
players meeting the following requirements:
a.
Amateurs - All players must be amateurs.
(Exception - one club professional -see below)
b.
Playing Ability – All teams should have a
mix of players with handicaps ranging from very
low single digits up to the maximum of 18.4.
c.
Professional - Either the current Club
Professional or an Assistant Golf Professional may participate in the
Team Matches. Eligible professionals must have a
current numeric handicap index that must be
included in the club's handicap system roster as
of the December 1st revision. Only one
professional or assistant professional may
participate on the day of the match.
d.
Club Employees - Non-professional
(amateur) employees appearing on the clubs index report
may participate. A non-professional employee is
taking a members spot.
e.
Handicap – Maximum low index: 18.4
maximum Low Index [LI] is not the player's
current index – it is the players lowest index
of the last 13 revisions. All references to handicap or
index in the Interclub Matches refer to the Low
Index of the last 13.
f.
Age - All players must be at least 18
years of age prior to the start of a match.
g.
Listing on Club’s Handicap Roster – All
players must have a current numeric index and be
listed on the club’s index report as of
December 15th. Members affiliating with
the club or establishing an index after that
date are not eligible to compete in the current
season.
h.
One Team Per Player - Players may
represent one only one club and one team.
Penalty for playing with two teams:
Disqualification for the 2008 Interclub
Match season from both teams.
i.
One Team Per Club – Each club may have
only one team. However, some very large
golf communities with multiple golf courses
(generally more than 36 holes) may be allowed to
have more than one team from their community.
Please contact the FSGA if you meet this
condition and wish to have more than one team
from your community.
j.
Penalty for Playing an Ineligible Player
- Disqualification of the ineligible
individual and the individual’s four-ball team
in all matches in which the player has played.
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Definition of a
Team
a.
Each team may have as many eligible players as
they choose on their team roster and players may
play in as many or as few matches as they wish.
b.
Eight (8) players from each team will be used
for each match.
c.
Play-offs - Players may only compete in the
play-offs if they competed in at least one
regular season match and continue to meet
eligibility requirements.
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Team of Less Than
8 Players
a.
If a team has less than 8 players, they may use
a substitute/alternate in accordance with proper
handicap sequence procedures thus returning to 8
players; or
b.
Play with fewer than 8 players by playing a
one-man team against the opponent’s two-man
team. The one-man team may be placed in any
position in the line-up, as long as he is in
proper handicap sequence, and may play only one
opponent individually in addition to the
four-ball match.
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Establishing
Groups and Regions
Groups
and regions will be established by the FSGA shortly
after entries close. Clubs are grouped
primarily by location to minimize travel between
clubs particularly during the playoffs. During
the sign up period, four clubs from the same general
area may all mutually agree to form a group and this
group structure will be respected by the FSGA
committee. To meet this condition, all four
clubs must agree to be a group, they must all sign
up prior to the entry deadline and the FSGA must be
informed directly in writing (email) prior to the
entry deadline.
All
clubs are encouraged to respect the spirit of the
competition. Other clubs in your group may not
be as exceptionally well designed or maintained as
your home club. However, this competition is
about competing with your friends against a group of
potential new friends from another club. You
should not be playing in these matches solely in the
hope of gaining access to other golf courses in your
area. If you are fortunate enough to be a
member of one of the finest clubs in your area,
please be a gracious host and enjoy the experience
of playing other courses that you might not
otherwise play. The best players typically
prevail in a competition regardless of the courses
design or condition.
Associate Clubs (Not Owning a Golf Course)
Clubs that are established on the GHIN handicap
system but are not directly associated with a club
may compete but they must select and make
arrangements at a home club that they designate.
This home club will be the host site for their home
matches.
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Match Format and Scoring
a.
Generally – Each team match will consist
of four foursomes of four players. In each group
there will be two players from each team. The
lowest two handicap players from club “A” will
play with the lowest two handicap players from
club “B”. Same method of parings for subsequent
groups.
b.
Individual Matches – Each player will
play an 18-hole individual match against an
opponent from the other team with the winner
earning 2 points. (Ties – points are split 1-1)
The number one player (lowest handicap) from
Team “A” will compete against the number one
player from Team “B”. The number two players
from each team (second lowest handicaps) will
also compete. Same for the number 3 players and
so forth…
c.
Four-Ball (Best Ball of Two) - The two
players from Team “A” in the first foursome will
also simultaneously compete against the two
players from Team “B” in an 18-hole four-ball
match. The winning four-ball team will win 2
points with ties being split 1-1. Same method
and matches for all four foursomes.
d.
Thursday Afternoon Matches – Typically
matches are to be played on Thursday afternoon.
Team captains can mutually agree to play their
match on a different day and they may also
switch their home and away matches to avoid
other club competitions. Captains who can agree
are given great leeway in the scheduling of
their matches. However, if captains cannot agree
on scheduling, the match is to be played at the
course and day scheduled.
e.
Match Points – Accordingly, each competition
will result in:
i. 8 – Individual matches for 16 total points
ii. 4 – Four-ball matches for 8 total points
iii. 24 - Total Points per Match
f.
Winning Team – Determined by Match
Points, tied matches are not broken except
for during the post-season play-offs.
g.
Overall Points (The Most Important)– At the completion of the
match, teams are awarded points on the following
basis: Winning Team = 3 points, Team Ties = 1
Point Each; Loss = 0 Points
Note: Overall points reflect your teams
win-loss record and these points are used to
determine your group's winner. Example:
Overall points are similar to games won in
baseball or hockey. In baseball, it does
not matter how many "runs" a team wins by-each
win counts as one game. Similarly,
if you win your match 24-0 have still only won
one match and you earn 3 overall points for
winning. (Match points only come into
effect at the end of the season and only as part
of the tie-breaking procedure for determining
group winners and home-field advantage for the
playoffs).
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Group Winners
a.
Groups – Each “group” will ideally contain four
teams which will compete against one another during
the regular season. Over six weeks, each team will
play each of the other three teams in the group two
times – once at home and once away. The group winner
will be the team with the most Overall Points
(win-loss points) at the end of the season. In the
event of a tie, there is an established tie-breaking
method described under “Tie Breaking Procedures”.
b.
Groups with Three Teams – In the event that a
group has only three teams, each team will play the
other two teams in the group twice – once home and
once away over the six week regular season.
Accordingly, teams from groups of three will play
only four matches, and each
team will also have two weeks on the schedule where
they will not have a match. The group winner will be
the team with the most Overall Points (win-loss
points) at the end of the season. In the event of a
tie, see Tie Breaking Procedures for Groups.
c.
Region Full and Alternate Teams - Once an area
has 16 teams (four groups with four teams each) the
region will be full. Additional "regions" may
be added to accommodate more teams, but this may not
always be possible. Teams will be accepted on
a first-come, first-served basis.
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Tie-Breaking
Procedures for Groups
(To
Determine Group Winners and Wildcard Teams)
a.
Group winners will be determined by the team
with the highest Overall Points:
(3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 0
points for a loss)
b.
In the event of a tie between two or more teams
with identical Overall Points, the group winner
will be determined by:
i. First - the
total Overall Points won in matches between
the tied teams
ii. Second –
the total Match Points earned between the tied teams
iii. Third –
the total four-ball points won in matches
between the tied teams
iv. Fourth –
Total Match Points won in all matches
against all teams
v. Then total Match
Points earned by each tied team in, their
last three matches; then in their last two
matches; then
last match; then by coin flip
c.
Wildcard Teams – (Three Group Regions
Only) Since wild card teams do not compete
directly against one another during the regular
season, any ties by Overall Points will be
determined by:
i. First - the
total Match Points won in all matches by the
tied teams
ii. Second –
the total four-ball points won in matches by
both teams
iii. Third -
Total Match Points won in the last 3 matches
iv. Then Match
Points earned in, the last two matches; then
last match; then by coin flip
v. Groups with
only three teams - Points Adjustment - For
determining home field advantage and tie
breakers, teams from groups of three teams
will have their overall and match points
grossed up by 150% so that they will be on a
comparable basis with groups of four teams.
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Playoffs and Regional Champions
a.
After the regular season, four Group Champion
Teams will compete over two rounds of playoffs
to determine the Regional Champion. (Teams will
be paired by the FSGA Committee for the
play-offs. Three group regions will include a
wild-card team)
b.
Teams will be “seeded” based on each team’s
overall record from regular season play. The
seeds will be used to determine who receives the
home course advantage for the second match of
the playoff. Overall points will be used for
this test, and if overall points are tied, then
total match points will be compared. If the
teams are still tied, then the tie will be
broken by comparing four-ball match points. If
the teams are still tied, then the tie will be
broken by a coin flip. (Teams from groups of
only 3 teams will have their overall and match
points grossed-up by 150% for purposes of
determining home field
analysis).
c.
The playoff matches will be conducted on the
courses of the competing teams, according to all
regular Interclub rules.
d.
For each round of the playoffs, each team will
play two matches against their opposing team on
a home-and-away basis, conducted over two weeks.
The winner will be determined by the Overall
Points earned in the two matches (Each Match
- Winning Team = 3 points, Teams Tie = 1 Point
Each; Loss = 0 Points)
e.
Ties – If the teams remain tied after the
completion of both matches, a sudden death
playoff will be held to determine the winner.
(See tie-breaking procedure in next section)
f.
Eligibility - Only players who have played in at
least one team match during the regular season
shall be eligible to participate in the
playoffs. Any infraction of this rule shall
result in forfeiture of all individual and/or
four-ball points won during the playoff match
by the ineligible player(s).
g.
Regions with Three Groups (Wild Card Team)
– In some cases a region will only have three
groups. After the regular season, each of the
group winners will advance to the playoffs.
Additionally, the highest ranking second place
team, the “Wild Card Team”, based upon Overall
Points (awarded for wins and ties), will advance
to the playoffs. If there is a tie based on
Overall Points, then the team with the highest
number of total “Match Points” from all their
matches will advance. See Tiebreaking Procedures
for Groups in a section listed above.
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Tie-Breaking
Procedure for Playoffs
a.
If the teams remain tied after the completion of
both matches, a sudden death stroke-play playoff will be
held to determine the winner. The sudden-death
playoff should involve only the 1, 3, 5, and 7
lowest index players from each team and should
begin on the first hole.
b.
The combined net score (with full
handicaps) of the four players from
each team will be used to determine a winner.
The playoff will continue until a tie is broken.
(Unlike the regular matches, you will not
being playing match play against an opponent). The
two players from each group that are from the
same team are partners for purposes of the
rules; they may give each other advice and both
of their net scores will count. Only the total net scores for
all four players will count. Stroke
play rules apply and all putts must be holed.
c.
Order of Play - For the playoff, the first
foursome to play should include the #5 and #7
players from each team. The second group
to play should include the #1 and #3 players
from each team.
d.
After completing the 1st playoff hole, each
foursome would need to wait beside the green
until the other group has completed the hole to
determine if a winning team has been identified.
If the teams are still tied after completion of
the 1st playoff hole, the playoff continues
sequentially until a winner is determined.
e.
In the event that the 1, 3, 5, or 7 player cannot participate in the playoff, a higher
handicap teammate may take his spot.
However, the substituted player must play to the
absent players handicap index. Example:
If the #3 player leaves, the #4, 6, or 8 player
may play in his spot, but he must play to #3's
handicap index. The #2 player WOULD NOT be
allowed to substitute for #3. If there is
not a teammate to fulfill the absent players spot,
the team must forfeit.
f.
Players in the playoff will each receive their
full handicap and strokes will be allocated
according to the club scorecard.
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State
Championship
a.
36-holes, Stroke play
b.
FSGA pays for both competitive rounds
c.
Dates - April 5-6, 2008 (Saturday P.M. and
Sunday A.M.)
d.
Practice Rounds available through club at
standard rates
e.
Eligibility – Each Regional Championship
Team will advance to the State Championship.
Eight (8) team members from each team will
compete and all eight players must have competed
in at least one regular season match and one
playoff match.
f.
Roster - Once a team submits their roster
for the State Championship, no alterations or
substitutions are allowed.
g.
Format – Unlike the regular season and
playoffs which are conducted using match play, the
State Championship will be conducted using
Stableford stroke play. Each team’s daily score will be the
sum of:
i. Their six
(6) lowest individual net scores (highest
Stableford points) and;
ii. Their
three (3) lowest four-ball net scores
(highest Stableford points)
iii. Players
whose scores are not used on day one can
have their scores for the second round
count.
iv. Player’s
who are disqualified under a Rule of Golf
during the first round will remain eligible
for the second round.
h.
Championship – The championship team will
be determined by the team with the highest
number of points over a two-round
total.
i.
Play-Off – In the event of a tie, a
sudden death, hole-by-hole playoff will be
conducted.
i. The
sudden-death playoff will involve only the
two lowest index players from each team.
ii. The
combined Stableford net score of the two players from
each team will be used to determine the
winner. The playoff will continue until the
tie is broken.
j.
Awards – The Championship Team will
receive a Trophy to be displayed at their club.
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Handicaps and Low Indexes (LI’s)
a.
Indexes - All players must play to 100%
of their lowest index (LI) on record for the
last 13 revisions. The LI for each player may be
found directly on the player’s GHIN HANDICAP
REPORT and on the Interclub Team Rosters. Team
Captains should plan to have a copy of this
information available at every match. Players
participating in a make-up match shall use the
most current LI available and not the LI on
record when the original match was scheduled.
b.
Maximum Low Index (LI): Those individuals
who’s LI is greater than 18.4 will not be able
to participate in Interclub Matches. If the LI
of such an individual is reduced to 18.4 or
lower during the season, he does become eligible
to participate as long as he meets all other
requirements. A player may not play down to a
lower index to become eligible for this program.
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Handicap Strokes
Allocation
a.
Individual Matches - In each individual
match, the player with the lowest handicap will
play at scratch and the higher handicap player
will receive the full difference between the
course handicaps of the two players.
b.
Four-Ball Matches - In each of the
four-ball matches, the lowest-handicap player
will play at scratch and each of the other three
players in the group will receive the full
difference in stroke between their course
handicap and that of the lowest-handicapped
player.
c.
Stroke Allocations – Regardless of the
starting tee, in all cases the allocation of
handicap strokes will remain as listed on the
scorecard
d.
Player’s Responsibility for Handicaps -
In accordance with Rule 6-2 of the Rules of
Golf, before the start of each match it is the
responsibility of each individual player to
ensure that his correct handicap is being used
for the competition and to know the holes at
which handicap strokes are to be given or
received.
HANDICAP CORRECTIONS: If at any time during the
Interclub Match season, the FSGA Handicap department makes
a correction for any reason (i.e. wrong score
posted, etc), that player must obtain, in writing,
confirmation of this change from the FSGA Interclub
Match Committee. This confirmation will allow that player
to use the adjusted index for the applicable month’s
Interclub matches.
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Schedule
Regular Season
Post Season Play-Offs
-
Week 8: February 28th (Rd. 1 Play-offs)
-
Week 9: March 6th (Rd. 1 Play-Offs)
-
Week 10: March 13th (Rd. 2 Play-Offs)
-
Week 11: March 20th (Rd. 2 Play-Offs)
-
Week 12: March 27th (Make-Up Week for Playoffs)
-
Week 13: Championship, April 5-6, 2008 DeLand,
Florida
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Day and Time of
Matches
a.
Thursday Afternoon Matches – Typically
matches are to be played on Thursday afternoon.
Team captains may mutually agree to play their
match on a different day and they may also
switch their home and away matches to avoid
other club competitions or conflicts. Captains who agree are
given great leeway in the scheduling of their
matches. However, if the captains cannot agree
on alternative scheduling, the match is to be
played at the course and day originally
scheduled by the FSGA.
b.
Tee Times – Tee times are to be
determined by the host team; preferably a
mid-day start on Thursdays with adequate time
for all groups to complete play prior to
darkness.
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Pairings
a.
During all Team matches (including the play-offs
and Championship), players for each club must be
paired in Lowest Handicap sequence from low to
high, including the two-man teams, with the
lowest-handicapped player listed first.
(Example: the two lowest-handicapped players
must be paired together and play as Team #1, the
next two and Team #2, etc.)
b.
Order of Play - The first group to tee off
should include the two lowest handicap players
from each team. However, if both captains
agree, the order of groups can be revised to
accommodate players that are delayed in
arriving. In all cases, each group of four
players must be grouped according to the correct
handicap sequence. If the captains cannot
agree on a revised order-of-play, the matches
shall be played with the lowest-handicapped
players teeing off first. The FSGA
strongly encourages captains to work together to
revise the order of groups when necessary to
accommodate players with travel delays.
c.
In the event that a last minute substitution
would result in an improper sequence, the
substitute player must play with a handicap that
is in proper sequence. (Example: A substitute
with a handicap of 10 cannot be placed between
players with handicaps of 6 and 8. The
substitute would be required to play with a
handicap of 7 in this instance.) However, if
time permits, the pairings should be adjusted. A
player with a lower handicap may not be
substituted without adjusting the pairings.
d.
If players are not paired in lowest handicap
sequence according to the procedures outlined
above, or, if a player should play with an
improper handicap, the team violation shall
forfeit all individual and/or team four-ball
match points won during the match by the player(s).
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Tee Selection
a.
The tees to be used for Interclub Matches should be the
set of tees typically used by the Men’s club in
daily play at the host club. However, captains
are encouraged to have groups play from the
distance that they are most comfortable (see
playing different tees below).
b.
Minimum Yardage - The minimum yardage for
Interclub Matches is 6,000. Each match
must be competed from tees that measure at least
6000 yards (a shorter white tee). If your
course does not have a tee box that measures at
least 6,000 yards, please contact the FSGA.
c.
Recommended Yardage –The recommended
yardage for Interclub Matches is 6,400-6,600 yards.
d.
Playing Different Tees - Based on a
Captains’ agreement, whole groups may
play from different sets of tees. If the
captains cannot agree on playing a tee other
than the “recommended tee” than the recommended
yardage should be played.
e.
Posting Scores - If Team Captains agree
that their players play different tees, they
must insure that the player’s scores are being
posted to the correct course rating and slope
for that set of tees. (i.e., Teams 1 and 2 play
the back tees and teams 3 and 4 play the middle
tees). (The website provides this option)
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Course Selection
a.
Clubs with more than 18 holes at their facility
may schedule matches on any Slope-rated
regulation length course at their club. These
clubs may use more than one course at their
facility during the Interclub Match season. Such clubs
should inform opponents of which course will be
used well in advance of the scheduled match.
b.
Captains are responsible for knowing the
Slope rating for the set of tees they will play
at their club and this information will be
displayed on the Interclub Website. If the Slope
rating changes during Interclub Match season, it is
the responsibility of the host captain to verify
that the revised course and slope rating are
accurately reflected in the Interclub Website.
The FSGA office should be contacted immediately
if discrepancy exists.
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Home Team Arrangements
a.
No Green Fees – During the regular season
and playoff matches, the home team is required
to host green fees. (Neither club should charge
any green fees).
b.
Cart Fees – Clubs may charge a “typical”
cart fee which may not exceed $30
in any case.
c.
Practice Rounds – Clubs are encouraged to
provide the visiting team a practice round
opportunity at a cart-fee rate. However, clubs
are not required to provide practice rounds and
they are not required to host them for only a
cart fee. Teams should not expect practice
rounds and they should not take more than 8
players to any practice round unless encouraged
by the host club.
d.
Complimentary Items - Participating clubs
may provide complimentary services such as
practice rounds, golf carts, range balls food
and/or beverages as part of they host functions;
however, they are under no obligation to do so.
Normally the extent to which a club exercises
these options depends on the ability to
reciprocate and is mutually agreed upon by all
clubs competing against each other during the
regular season. During play-off rounds, these
same options are available to competing clubs;
however the FSGA recommends that unless both
clubs involved can reciprocate, neither should
expect it.
e.
Published Arrangements – All information
about the scheduled match including tee times,
cart fees, practice round availability, dress
code, etc.., should be posted to the match page
on the Interclub Website by the host team’s
captain no later than one week prior
to the match. Please be a good captain
and set up your home matches and enter the
arrangements in the website as soon as possible
- this information will greatly assist the
visiting teams traveling to your matches.
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Playing at a Neutral Site
If both the home and away course cannot host the
match at any point during the scheduled match week,
or they cannot play the match during the scheduled
make-up week, a match can be played at a neutral
site if it’s agreeable by both team Captains during
the week the match is scheduled to be played.
CAPTAINS TIP: Since you cannot select the
appropriate tees on your match results for a neutral
site of the Captain’s
Management portion of the website, you will need to
contact the FSGA by fax or email with the match
results and the course and tees the match was played
at. The FSGA will enter in your match results.
Please note, this is the only time the FSGA will
post match results. It is the Captain’s
responsibilities otherwise for posting all match
results.
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Policy for Course Usage
It is required that any team electing to participate
in Interclub Match play shall make available its home course
for all scheduled regular season matches, make-up of
all postponed or suspended matches, and playoff
matches. If the course cannot be made available on
the dates stipulated by the Interclub Match Play Committee, and
there are no arrangements by the host team to play
the match at an alternate site or play the match at
the opposing teams course, the host team shall be
deemed to have forfeited that match in accordance
with the procedures (Forfeitures). The circumstances
pertaining to such forfeiture shall be reviewed by
the Committee and may result in disqualification
from future Interclub Match play competition. Whenever
possible, make-up matches should take place on the
day the teams normally played matches during the
regular season. If this cannot be accomplished due
to conflicts by one or both teams, the Captains must
strive to reschedule the match on another
day.
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Practice on the Day of the Match
Practice will not be allowed on the host course on
the day of a match prior to the beginning of the
round during the regular season as well as during
playoffs and the championship match. Penalty for
violation of this rule will be disqualification of
the player, if a valid claim is made by the opposing
Team Captain; however, another player may be
substituted in his place.
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Team Captain’s
Duties
The Interclub Match website will provide each captain with
the names, telephone numbers and email addresses of
the other team captains in the group in order to
facilitate arrangements and scheduling throughout
the season. It is the Captain's responsibility to contact the
other captains in his group. A Head or
Assistant Golf Professional can be a captain.
However, if a Golf Professional is a captain of a
team, a non-golf professional member of that club
must serve as a co-captain. Golf Professionals
are often very busy and may not be the best person
to handle the administrative functions of the
captain. Teams may have as many co-captains as
they wish and captains can be added through the
website by any other captain at anytime.
a.
PRE-SEASON MEETING – Once groups are
formed, the captains from each group should get
together and meet prior to the beginning of the
season. Perhaps one captain could host the three
other captains from his group for a round of
golf at his club, or the captains could meet at
lunch or some other convenient time. Captains
that have met in advance of the season will be
much more successful coordinating team matches
and resolving any conflicts once the season
begins. The success of the Interclub Team
Matches relies heavily on the good nature and
common sense of the captains.
b.
CAPTAIN’S MATCH PRINT-OUT – The Interclub
Website will allow each captain to print out a
complete match set-up page, including players
competing and the complete team roster for both
teams. This information should be taken to the
match and can be used for recording the match
results. The complete team rosters are
also included which may be needed in the
case of any substitutions. If this information
is not available at the time of the match,
captains can obtain the required information
from the club’s handicap computer or by using a
club computer to access the Interclub Website.
d.
MATCH ARRANGEMENTS – The host Team
Captain, in coordination with the visiting Team
Captain should arrange for matches to be played
by the date scheduled by the FSGA. If the host
club cannot make the course available,
arrangements must be made for an alternate date
within the allowable schedule.
CAPTAINS TIP: The FSGA recognizes that previously
scheduled club events can impact on scheduled
Interclub
Matches. However, the policy of permitting teams to
play on other days of the week provides sufficient
flexibility to accommodate all clubs and Team
Captains are expected to cooperate with each other.
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Results of Matches
Results should be entered on the FSGA Interclub
website as soon as possible following play –
ideally on the evening of the match. The host
team captain is responsible for posting results, but
by agreement the visiting captain may post
results. All results should be posted no
later than 12:00 Noon - the day after the match
occurs.
Any
problems with the FSGA Interclub website should be
sent to the FSGA Interclub Match email address:
interclub@fsga.org.
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Posting Individual Scores
Each player who participates in Interclub Matches
must record a score for the round played.
Reminder: When posting adjusted scores, players are
to have these scores posted to their current index.
ONLY
playoff and State Championship scores will be recorded as TOURNAMENT
SCORES.
a.
Par Plus – In the event the match has been
“closed out” before 18 holes have been played,
the stipulated round is deemed to be completed.
The players involved in this match may
discontinue play and return to the clubhouse if
they choose to not complete the round. “Par plus”
must be taken for any hole remaining to be
played. “Par plus” is the assigned par for a
hole, plus any handicap strokes which the player
would be entitled to receive on that particular
hole (based on current index)
b.
“SCORE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE MADE” – If a
player starts a hole but does not complete the
hole, or is conceded a stroke, he shall record
for handicap purposes “the score he most
likely would have made.” This score shall
not exceed his Equitable Stroke Control limit
(based on current index).
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Postponed
Matches, Rain and Darkness
a.
All Interclub matches are to be played as
scheduled unless the course is officially closed
to all play because of inclement weather.
However, Team Captains can mutually agree to
postpone the match in advance of the start of
play or during the course of the match due to
actual or predicted unfavorable weather
conditions.
b.
Inclement Weather: In the event the
course is officially closed to all play because
of inclement weather or play is suspended due to
darkness during the progress of a Match,
the following procedures will apply:
i. The
decision to officially close the course to
all play shall be at the discretion of
course management.
ii. The Team
Captains are in turn to notify their
respective players and remove their teams
from the course. All team members shall
proceed to the clubhouse and remain until
the decision to close the course is final.
iii. Team
Captains are to verify the results of each
match up to the point when play has been
suspended and record and attest the scores
prior to leaving the course.
iv. If the
course is closed only to the use of golf
carts, matches will continue with the
players walking.
v. If the
course is officially closed or play is
suspended due to darkness or weather
conditions, the following procedures will
apply:
1. If
all matches have not completed 9
holes, and the course has been
officially closed to all play or
captains mutually agree to postpone the
match due to inclement weather, the
entire match must be replayed. It is not
required that the same players
participate in the make-up match.
2. If the
match is postponed and all players have
completed 9 holes, the match stands as
completed at the time of play is halted,
and Team Captains will verify the
results of each match through the number
of holes completed and record and attest
the results prior to leaving the course.
c.
RESCHEDULING: Match postponements must be
rescheduled by the first available Thursday
following the conclusion of regular season play,
or at the earliest available date which is
mutually agreeable to both teams, on the course
where originally scheduled unless Team captains
agree otherwise.
i. The FSGA
Office should be notified of the make-up
date for any postponed match.
ii. All
matches must be completed by the date
specified - one week after the last regular
season match.
iii. Any match
not completed by that date will be treated
as “no match” for both teams in determining
the final group standings.
CAPTAINS TIP: Due to time constraints involved
with playoff matches, there may be occasions when
teams must reschedule a postponed playoff match on a
day other than Thursday to allow for the
continuation of the playoff schedule. Team Captains
will have to mutually agree to reschedule on an
alternate date. If such an agreement cannot be met,
the FSGA Interclub Match Play Committee will serve as final
arbitrator.
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Golf Carts and Caddies
a.
Golf carts will be used subject to the host
club’s rules and regulations governing the use
of these carts.
b.
In the event caddies are made available by the
host club, an equal number of caddies must be
made available for each team. Customary caddies’
fees are to be paid even though they will often
exceed cart fees.
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Advice and Concessions
a.
A concession of a stroke is deemed to be
conceded for the individual match and four-ball
match.
b.
Four-Ball partners may give each other advice at
all times, even after their four-ball match is
concluded and individual matches are still being
contested.
c.
Playing After Match Completed – Players may
complete their 18-hole round even though their
match is complete, however, they are not
required to do so.
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Match Play Claims
Players competing in Interclub Matches are reminded of Rule
2-5 of The USGA Rules of Golf which states that “In
match play, if a dispute or doubt arises between the
players on any point, a claim may be made. In
order for a claim to be considered it must be made
before any player in the match plays from the next
teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of
the match, before all players in the match leave the
putting green. No later claim shall be
considered unless it is based on fact(s) previously
unknown to the player making the claim and the
player making the claim had been given wrong
information by an opponent. In any case, no later
claim shall be considered after the result of the
match has been officially announced, unless the
Committee is satisfied that the opponent knew he was
giving wrong information.” Please Note: Once
a valid and timely claim is made, players are to
continue their match without delay. DO NOT WAIT FOR
A DECISION!
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Protests
All protests must be emailed to the FSGA by the Team
Captains within one business day of the conclusion
of the match. The protest must be sent to
interclub@fsga.org.
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Forfeitures
A forfeiture shall be scored as “no match”. All
other matches played by the forfeiting team, either
prior to or after the forfeited match, shall also be
scored in the same manner in order to equalize the
advantage of the forfeiture among the other teams
within the group. Any circumstances causing
forfeiture shall be subject to review by the
Interclub Match Play Committee.
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USGA Rules of Play
a.
Current USGA Rules of Golf will govern all
matches. Understanding Rule 2 (Match Play) and
Rule 30 (Four-Ball Match Play) is essential in
comprehending the format of Interclub Matches. The
Rules of Golf may NOT be waived at any time.
The penalty for waiving the Rules of Golf is
disqualification for the player or team who is
in violation of this rule. Example: agreeing to
waive the rules includes allowing a local rule
which permits a player to repair spike marks on
the player’s line of putt (Decision 1-3/3).
b.
There is no time limit on applying the penalty
for agreeing to waive the rules (Decision
1-3/8). Results of matches of teams will be
adjusted if such a violation is brought to the
attention of the FSGA Interclub Match Play Committee.
c.
Local Rules – Local rules must conform
with the USGA Rules of Golf. Any local rules
which are to be in effect during Interclub
Matches must
appear printed on the club scorecard, or be
published and distributed to all players in
advance of the start of the match.
d.
Winter Rules – “Winter rules” or
“preferred lies” are strongly discouraged in
Interclub Matches. If it becomes absolutely necessary
to use “preferred lies”, the procedure shall be
determined by the host club in advance of the
start of the match. It is strongly recommended
by the Interclub Match Play Committee to adopt the policy
listed in Appendix 1 of the USGA Rules of Golf
(“Preferred Lies” and “Winter Rules”).
e.
Distance-Measuring Devices and GPS Systems
Allowed– The Local Rule allowing players to
use devices that measures distance and golf cart GPS Systems is in effect. However, the use of devices
that gauge or measure other conditions that
might affect a player’s play (e.g. wind or
gradient) is not permitted. Penalty for breach
of Local Rule: Disqualification.
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Balls and Implements
a.
Only golf balls in the USGA’s latest book of
conforming golf balls may be used. Penalty for
use of brand not on the list: Disqualification.
b.
The One-Ball Rule will not be in effect for any
phase of Interclub Matches.
c.
A player’s clubs shall conform under the Rules
of Golf. See Rule 4-1 and Appendix II of the
USGA Rules of Golf for specification and
interpretations.
d.
A maximum of 14 golf clubs may be carried during
the stipulated round.
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Withdrawal from Interclub
Matches
The withdrawal of a team at any time after the
pairings have been announced may result in
ineligibility for Interclub Matches until the second year
following the year of withdrawal. Any previous
matches played by a team that withdraws will be
treated as “no match” in determining the final group
standing.
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Conclusion
If the players follow the guidelines in this manual,
it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone.
If a player consistently disregards these guidelines
during a round or over a period of time to the
detriment of others, it is recommended that the
Committee consider taking appropriate disciplinary
action against the offending player. Such action
may, for example, include prohibiting play for a
limited time on the course or in certain number of
competitions. This is considered to be justifiable
in terms on protecting the interest of the majority
of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these
guidelines. In the case of serious breach of
Etiquette, the Committee may disqualify a player
under Rule 33-7.
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Sandbagging
Everyone in golf has experienced problems with
players who have handicaps that are “less than
representative of that player’s true playing
ability”. An occasional exceptional round is not out
of the ordinary. However, a series of sustained
exceptional performances by an individual not only
defies the odds of handicapping statistics but, more
significantly, defeats the very purpose of net
competitions.
Accordingly, if a player scores significantly better
than his handicap index, his course handicap may be
subject to reduction in future matches and the
playoffs. If the Committee has to review the same
player a second time, that player may be refused
entry into FSGA events for a period of up to two
years. When a player’s course handicap is reduced,
the Team’s Captain will be notified. The reduction
process is subject to revision without notification
by the FSGA Committee. The FSGA staff members have
met with the certified handicap chairpersons at
various clubs. One topic being discussed is the
importance of each local handicap committee making
certain that individuals whose indexes do not
properly match their playing potential are dealt
with at the club level before the FSGA has to get
involved. All clubs are reminded that it is within
the purview of the club handicap committee to adjust
or freeze the index of a player who fails to turn in
proper scores or consistently scores better in
tournaments than normal play.
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