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Overview The primary objective of the golf league is to provide an organized outing strictly for fun. Though the league is based upon match play (hole-by-hole) competition, it is our belief that this competition should only enhance the fun, and not become an end in itself. Come and play golf, with friendly competition, a league tournament, meet new people, play with friends, and by all means share in the fun. This document contains the league structure, a discussion of the handicap system, as well as modifications and extensions to the rules of golf that the league uses, and a step-by-step method to properly score a match.
The league is made up of many two player teams, (the number of teams may vary year to year), and any number of substitutes. As a team member, each week your team will play a different team. At the end of the season, the playoffs begin. As a substitute, you will play when a regular team member cannot play. Beyond the full-time team players, there are an unlimited number of substitutes. A substitute (SUB), is called by a full time player when it is certain that they will not be able to play in their upcoming match. The league plays one night a week. Currently that is Friday night at Juniper Hills GC. We have tee times starting at 4:20. The league rate is $28 (2022 season) for nine holes. The league is designed to accommodate players of all skill levels; beginners to pros. Every player in the league is assigned a handicap at the start of the season. The handicap is used to balance the abilities of every player and has proven to very accurate.
The league opens usually in mid April based on the weather conditions. Further announcements will be made as the season approaches. The roster will be updated regularly during the season to reflect players leaving and joining. Immediately after the end of the season, the playoffs will begin. The number of teams qualifying for the playoffs will depend on the number of teams in the league that season. More details will be provided via email during the season. At the end of the year there will be a league tournament, usually after the final championship round has been played. Again, details will be issued later.
Score cards will be entered into the league system for every scheduled match that is played through the regular season. Cards will not be entered for the championship rounds.
Refer to the Rules Document for current rules and extensions.
The league uses a handicap system that is designed produce fair competition between players of varying skill levels. This system has proven to be very fair and accurate. The handicap system will utilize the best four out of the last six rounds played.
All players are required to have an established league handicap before any match is played. A league handicap may be obtained in one of the following ways:
The handicap software system adjusts the scores before the new handicap is calculated. Weekly scores are pre-adjusted according to USGA ESC (Equitable Stroke Control):
Player without Handicap A penalty is applied when scoring the results of the match, to any player who does not have two rounds submitted into the league handicap system. The following is the procedure the system uses in this event:
A league representative, usually the commish, will collect the score cards. If you do not come into the clubhouse after the round, please find another league member who can turn your card in for you. If there is no one else around to do this, you can email a picture of the card. Each person is responsible for ensuring that his/her full name, team number, handicap, and an "A" or "B" player designation is clearly indicated on the card, before the match begins, but especially before it is entered into the system. (See example score card at the end). Note that it is not enough to simply use a name of Joe S, since there could be more interpretation of "S". Also please indicate who are the A & B players if the handicaps are equal. Often there are team players who have the same handicaps. This must be decided before the match begins!
Teams will play for 27 points; team net and two individual fully handicapped match points per each hole. Team net points are determined by a best ball team net per hole. Both scores from the team players are compared and the lowest one for that hole is selected. The team with the lower score for that hole wins a point. A tie score gives each team 1/2 point for that hole. The scoring of this point is a bit complicated as compared to match play, so if you do not understand it, either come see me, ask your partner or someone you know, and if all else fails, the computer software will determine it for you. Individual match points are determined by handicapped match play (hole-by-hole). There is the concept of an "A" player and a "B" player on each team. The "A" player is the person who has the lowest handicap. If a team has identical handicaps, decide who is the designated "A" player before the match is begun, and clearly indicate the "A" and "B" player on the card. The "A" player on one team plays the "A" player on the other team. On a hole by hole basis, "A" player against "A" and "B" against "B", the lower of the scores, after the handicap has been taken into account, is determined to be the winner of that hole. A point is awarded for each hole won. Tied holes are awarded a half of a point to each team. Subs are used if one player on a team cannot play that night. Again, the lowest handicap for a team plays as the "A" player. A change for 2018 – in the interests of keeping pace of play reasonable, the league asks that players pick up their ball when reaching 5 over par on a hole. This is marked with an “X” on the scorecard. A player who takes an X on a hole cannot win points for that hole, even if they end up with an equal or lower score due to receiving a handicap stroke on the hole. If both players take an X, the hole will be halved.
If a player’s opponent does not show for the scheduled match, a “Ghost” sub will be used. This sub will have a handicap equal to the person who was scheduled to play the match. The score shot by the “Ghost” will be equal to that handicap plus 5 strokes. The “Ghost” sub does not win any points for the player being subbed for or that team.
Please ensure that before the score card is submitted, that each player's name (first and last) is indicated clearly, that the "A" and "B" players are clearly indicated, and that everyone agrees that the scores indicated on each hole is correct. The scorecards will be entered into the system and the software program will determine the official outcome of the match. The rules committee will resolve any disputes. Again, remember we are here for FUN.
Rules interpretation will be performed by a member of the rules committee at the course the night of the match. If a member is not present, the rules committee should be contacted on Monday morning for a ruling. Please indicate clearly on the card that there is a dispute, so that the issue can be resolved before the card is entered into the system.
If you are unsure as to the correct way to score your match, do one of the following:
A quick seminar will be offered at different times throughout the season to teach new players how to score their cards. It is really not that difficult.
Any aspect of the league may change at any time as situations may require. Changes will always be made with due diligence to strengthen the league as a whole. |