Effective –
January 1, 2010
CONTENTS
▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top
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
November 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 player’s 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 November
1st. Members affiliating with the club or
establishing an index after that date are not
eligible to compete in the current season. There
are no exceptions to this rule.
h. One Team Per Player - Players may
represent one only one club and one team. Penalty
for playing with two teams: Disqualification
for the 2009 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.
▲
Back to
Top
Definition of a
Team
a.
Eight (8) players from each team will be used
for each match.
b.
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.
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.
▲
Back to
Top
Team of
Fewer Than
8 Players
a.
If a team has Fewer than 8 players, they may use
a substitute/alternate in accordance with proper
handicap index 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 index sequence, and may play only one
opponent individually in addition to the
four-ball match.
▲
Back to
Top
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.
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 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
this 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 course’s design or condition
▲
Back to
Top
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 indexed players from club “A” will
play with the lowest two handicap indexed 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 index) from
Team “A” will compete against the number one
player from Team “B”. The number two players
from each team (second lowest handicap indexes) 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.
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 – At the completion of the
match, teams are awarded points on the following
basis: Winning Team = 3 points, Team Ties = 1.5
Points Each; Loss = 0 Points
▲
Back to
Top
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 team will 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-serve basis.
▲
Back to
Top
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, 1.5 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 in, their last
three matches; then 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.
▲
Back to
Top
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 = 1.5 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 play-off 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.
▲
Back to
Top
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 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 the winner. The playoff will
continue until the tie is broken. (Unlike the
regular matches, you will not be 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 score for all
four players will count. Stroke play rules
apply and all putts must be holed.
c. Order of Play – For the playoffs, 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
indexed 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 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.
▲
Back to
Top
State
Championship
a. 36-holes, Stroke play
b. FSGA pays for both competitive rounds
c. Dates – April 2-3, 2010, Grand Cypress
Golf Club in Orlando (Friday P.M. and
Saturday 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 a minimum of two
matches. The two matches must include at least one
regular season match. Players who played in
one regular season and one playoff match are
eligible, as are players who competed in two regular
season matches and no playoff matches.
f. Roster – All players on the State
Championship roster must have competed in a minimum
of two matches. The two matches can be played at any
time in the season and do not have to be one regular
season match and one playoff match (i.e. it is okay
to play in two regular season matches and no playoff
matches). You may bring as many players on your
team that fulfill the requirement. You may play
each round with any combination of eight (8) players
each round.
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)
h. Championship – The championship team will
be determined by the team with the highest two-round
total.
i. Players whose scores are not used on day one
can have their scores for the second round count.
ii. Player’s who are disqualified under a Rule of
Golf during the first round will remain eligible for
the second round.
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 the 1, 3, 5,
and 7 lowest index players from each team involved.
ii. The combined Stableford net score of the four
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.
▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top
Schedule
Regular Season
·
Week 1: January 7th
·
Week 2: January 14th
·
Week 3: January 21st
·
Week 4: January 28th
·
Week 5: February 4th
·
Week 6: February 11th
·
Week 7: February 18th (Make-Up Week)
Post Season Playoffs
·
Week 8: February 25th (Rd. 1 Playoffs)
·
Week 9: March 4th (Rd. 1 Playoffs)
·
Week 10: March 11th (Rd. 2 Playoffs)
·
Week 11: March 18th (Round 2 Playoffs)
·
Week 12: March 25th (Make-Up Week for Playoffs)
·
Week 13: Championship, April 2-3, 2010▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top
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).
▲
Back to
Top
Tee Selection –
Different Foursomes May Use Different Tees
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 5,800. Each match must be
competed from tees that measure at least 5,800 yards
(a shorter white tee).
c. Courses Less than 5,800 yards – Courses
measuring less than 5,800 yards are not eligible to
compete in Interclub.
d. Recommended Yardage –The recommended
yardage for Interclub Matches is 6,200 yards, plus
or minus 200 yards.
e. 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.
f. 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)
▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top
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
play-offs 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.
▲
Back to
Top
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 Captian's responsibility to contact the
other captains in his group.
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.
PLAYER LISTS – Team captains should bring
to each match a roster of the team players for
each match and exchange this list with the
opponent’s captain. All players will play to
100% of their lowest index on record for the
last 13 revisions. Lists exchanged by the
captains must reflect the “lowest index” for
each player.
c.
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 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.
▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top
Posting Individual Scores
Each player who participates in Interclub Matches
must record a score for the round played. ONLY
playoff scores will be recorded as TOURNAMENT
SCORES. REMINDER: When posting adjusted
gross scores, players are to have these scores
posted to their current index.
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).
▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top
Postponed
Matches within 48 Hours of a Scheduled Match
(matches postponed for reasons other than weather)
a.
All matches should be played on the scheduled day.
b. If a team postpones a match within 48 hours of a
scheduled match, each team is allowed one “free
pass” for the season. If a team postpones a match
within 48 hours for a second time during the season
the canceling team will be automatically
disqualified for the season—no exceptions!
c. The postponing team has no right to request a
make-up match, however, if both captains agree, the
teams may play the postponed match at a later date.
If captains cannot agree, then the canceling team
will be disqualified for the season.
d. If a team is disqualified for the season their
previous matches stand. All future matches will be
scored as 18-6 victories for team(s) that had
remaining matches against the disqualified team.
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.
▲
Back to
Top
Advice and Concessions
a.
A concession of a stroke is deemed to be
apply to the opponent's score for the individual
match as well as the four-ball match.
b. A concession of a hole or match is deemed to
only apply to the individual match unless
otherwise specifically stated.
c.
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.
d.
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.
▲
Back to
Top
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!
▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top
Forfeitures
A
forfeiture is highly discouraged. All previous
matches played by a team that withdraws will stand
and any remaining matches will be scored as an 18-6
victory to team(s) that had any remaining matches
against the forfeited team. Teams who forfeit the
season will have to donate $250 to the FSGA’s Future
of Golf Foundation in order to participate in the
following season. If the forfeiting team fails to
donate $250, they will not be allowed to participate
in following season.
▲
Back to
Top
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
– The Local Rule allowing players to use devices
that measure 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.
▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top
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 the following year. All previous
matches played by a team that withdraws will stand
and any remaining matches will be scored as an 18-6
victory to the team(s) that had any remaining
matches against the forfeited team.
If your club is
going to make the commitment to sign up for the
season, then we expect your team to compete in every
match you have scheduled. If a team withdraws and
forfeits their season, they must donate $250 to our
Future of Golf Foundation, funding junior golf
across the state. If the teams do not chose to
donate the $250 they will not be allowed to
participate for the following season.
▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top
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.
▲
Back to
Top |
