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2024 Competition & Handicap Rules

SECTION ONE – CONDITIONS

1.      General conditions      P.2

2.      Competition Income    P.2

SECTION TWO – PLAYERS RESPONSIBILITIES P.3

SECTION THREE –  HANDICAPPING

3.       Introduction to WHS Handicapping P.3

4.       Acquiring an Initial Handicap Index P.4

10.     Eligibility to win prizes P.5

13      Transferring Players P.5

14.      Casual Rounds (General Play)

SECTION FOUR – COMPETITIONS

1.        Competition Handicaps P.6

6.         Major competitions P.6

4.8.      Competition entries & eligibility P.7

9.         Cancellation from Competition P.7

4.15     Suspension from Competitions P.8

19.        Mixed Format Competitions P.9

20.        Mens Competitions P.9

4.28        Ladies Competitions P.10

4.30        Senior Competitions P.10

4.34        Competition procedures.   P.11

4.35        Suspension of Play P.11

4.36         Abandoned & Cancelled Competitions P.11

3.39.        Ancillary Competitions (two’s or nearest Pins) P.12

4.42         Hole in One P.12

43.           Pairs Competitions P.12

4.44         Texas Scramble Competitions P.13

4.45         Resolution of Ties & Award of Prizes P.13

4.48         Conditions applying to competitions P.13

49.           Ride on Buggies & Medical Exemptions P.13

         SECTION FIVE – SCORECARDS

 5.            Completion of scorecards P.13

 5.7          Return of Away Scores P.14

 8.            Non-Return of Scorecards P.14

SECTION SIX   –  JUNIOR

 2.            Juniors in Adult Competitions   P.15

SECTION SEVEN –  INTER CLUB MATCHES P.15

  SECTION EIGHT – STANDARDS OF CONDUCT APPLICABLE TO PLAYERS.    P.16

SECTION NINE –  APPEALS & DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES               P.17

Section One – CONDITIONS

1.    All competitions at Mersey Valley G&CC (hereafter referred to as the Club), shall be run in accordance with the Rules of Golf as published by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and England Golf.  All matters concerning Club competitions, Inter-club matches and member’s handicaps shall be vested in the Club Committee. (Mersey Valley GC Club Rule 9). THESE RULES ARE APPLICABLE TO COMPETITIONS ADMINISTERED BY ALL SECTIONS OF THE CLUB.

1.1   To be eligible for entry into any Club competition members must not be in arrears in respect of membership fees due to the Club. The Director or General Manager’s decision on members standing is final.  (Mersey Valley G&CC Club Rule 6). The Director or General Manager has determined that amateur status staff members in receipt of remuneration and/or membership as part of their employment package may, upon payment of the appropriate entry fee, compete in and win prizes in all Club competitions. 

1.2.   Competition Income:-  The Club members shall raise money by way of competition entry fees, donations and other sources.

a) All monies received shall be used for the benefit of the Club members, such as prize money, purchase of trophies, engraving of perpetual trophies, expenses to recognise and support the Captain (e.g. a jacket, photo, gift and contributions to the Captain’s nominated Charity) and ad hoc committee expenses related to the running of the members’ competitions and meetings or any other means as agreed by the Committee in fulfilling their responsibilities. 

b) The Committee will present the proposed structure of the winnings pay-out for each upcoming year to the Club members at the AGM. Should there be a surplus then the Committee have the authority to use any such surplus, taking into account planned expenditure in the forthcoming twelve months, for items that are considered to improve the enjoyment of the golfing experience of the members even if it is considered to be the responsibility of the Club and/or visitors and members who do not participate in competitions will also benefit from such items.

c) The Club Treasurer shall be responsible for keeping the proper accounts and for all monies received or paid.  A Bank Account shall be maintained in respect of the funds and cheques may be signed by any two Committee members who are signatories authorised by the Committee.

d) The financial year will run from 1st January to 31st December and at the end of each financial year the current Treasurer will present a set of accounts to the Annual General Meeting.

e) All monies within the Club members account are for the sole use of the membership as decided by the Committee, the Club itself having no rights or ownership.

Section Two – PLAYERS RESPONSIBILITIES

2. It is the responsibility of each player to familiarise themselves with the R&A Rules of Golf, the WHS Rules of Handicapping, these Club Competition & Handicap Rules, together with the Local Rules on both the scorecard and the Course Rules Notice Board in the locker room corridor. For ease of reference all of our Rules are available within the Club V1 App in the Club Docs section.

2.1 It is the responsibility of players to CONFIRM their allocated start time and to arrive at least five (5) minutes before their allocated tee time to be ready to play when called to the tee. They should ensure they fully understand the most recent Local Rules published on the “Course Rules” board in the clubhouse, at the Starter’s hut or Online, and pay particular attention to the specific Competition conditions highlighted by the Official Starter, before starting the competition.

2.2 R&A Rule 5-3a states “The player must start at (and not before) his or her starting time:   Penalty for breach of Rule 5.3a: Disqualification (except when the period, early or late, is no more than five minutes, in which case the player receives the general penalty (two strokes), applied to the first hole score. 

2.3 R&A Rule 5-4b states “In stroke play, the player must remain in the group set by the Committee, unless the Committee approves a change either before or after it happens” – Penalty: Penalty for breach of Rule 5-4:  Disqualification”.   Note:  If a player repeatedly changes his/her group then Committee will consider a period of Suspension.

2.4 Competitors in all competitions MUST pay the relevant entry fee BEFORE starting their round and Sign the Competition Entry Sheet. (Any five-day member playing in a weekend competition must also pay the relevant green fee unless the General Manager has granted “Courtesy of the Course”) – Penalty for breach of rule = Disqualification.  Any competition to which Courtesy of the Course applies, will be clearly indicated on the Competition Entry Preview sheet.

2.5 To assist Committee players should ensure that all scorecards submitted are legible, fully completed, and signed by both player and marker in accordance with section 4 COMPETITIONS, and section 5 SCORECARDS of these rules.

Section Three – HANDICAPPING 

All references to Rules relate to the WHS Rules of Handicapping 

3.       Introduction: – 

The WHS Rules of Handicapping provides players responsibilities that include;-

  •   Every player will endeavour to make the best score he/she can at each hole in every

     Qualifying and/or Casual round played and will report all such rounds for handicap

     purposes – Rule 1.3(i)

  •   Ensure all acceptable scores are submitted in a timely fashion on the day they are played,
  •   Every player will act with integrity and follow the rules of handicapping and refrain from using or circumventing these rules to gain an unfair advantage”. 
    1. When joining a new Club, the player must provide details of all previous club memberships and handicaps held at those clubs and their CDH number – Rule 1
    2. Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in a Handicap Review Committee imposing Penalty Scores or even Withdrawing or Freezing a handicap.  Any player who fails to carry out any of the responsibilities imposed by the WHS is not entitled to a WHS Handicap. – Rule 7.1c & Appendix A.
    3. The Club Handicap Review Committee will administer all handicaps in accordance with current WHS Rules of Handicapping requirements. The Handicap Review Committee will consist of the Club Competition Secretary, Rules/Course representative and a third member who has previous Committee experience chaired by the Committee Secretary in accordance with the Club Rules.

Acquiring an Initial Handicap Index:

3.4.    Members seeking to acquire an Initial World Handicap System (WHS) Handicap Index MUST follow WHS Rules of Handicapping requirements (see 3.7 below), and the procedure published in the Flowchart on notice boards and in the Handicap folder. A player’s unique CDH number is allocated before the first score for handicap can be input.

3.5.   To obtain a Handicap Index a player must submit the required number of 9 and/or 18-hole cards played over a Measured Course (i.e. White, Yellow or Red rated course) at his Home Club. Any permutation of 9 and 18-hole cards may be submitted but must total a minimum of 54 holes. Cards submitted over 9 holes must be returned from a Designated 9-Hole Course. Each card must be marked and signed by a responsible person acceptable to the Handicap Committee. (See rule 3.6 below).  

6. Committee has determined that scorecards submitted for consideration of a WHS Handicap Index Allocation MUST comply with the following;-

     (a) be marked by a member with a WHS Handicap Index

     (b) the markers names must be PRINTED with the signature legible, 

     (c) only two cards may be marked by the same member and

     (d) one card MUST be marked by a member “Acceptable to the Committee”.

     (e)  the marker may only sign one scorecard at a time (i.e. not 2 or 3 in the same group)

 

7. One of the three scorecards MUST be played under Competition conditions to acquire a WHS Handicap Index and Committee may appoint a marker for the competition round. Members do not pay a competition entry fee whilst acquiring a handicap and cannot win a prize. 

3.8   Under WHS there is no provision for separate Winter Handicaps.  A Players Handicap Index applies throughout the year.  The same procedures apply for acquiring an Initial Handicap Index, although in Winter, this process may be delayed if conditions prevent the use of a Measured and Rated golf course. 

9.  In accordance with WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 7.1a the Handicap Committee will review both the initial Qualifying Scores returned and all subsequent Scores to determine whether any adjustment is required to the initial allotted Handicap Index.

Eligibility to win prizes.  

10.   Committee has determined that a player to whom an Initial WHS Handicap Index Allocation has been made CANNOT win prizes in any competition until they have played in three (3) single format 18-hole Club competitions (summer or winter competitions), on any of the England Golf rated courses i.e. White, Yellow, Red or the unrated Blue Winter course in addition to those played in acquiring the initial Handicap Index  – they do not pay an entry fee.

11.   Terms of the competition shall stipulate any players that CANNOT win any prize or may be ineligible to participate in some competitions. It is the responsibility of individual members to check Competition Previews on the Club V1 competitions and on entry sheets for conditions of entry. If a player is found to be ineligible and has paid an entry fee they will Forfeit that fee. 

12.   Members wishing to submit a scorecard to acquire an initial WHS Handicap Index may enter a singles format competition (except Majors) for handicap purposes – they do not pay an entry fee. Only one such player per group. Such players MUST be in a 3-ball grouping and, in the event of a non-appearance in a 3-ball grouping, the Starter is authorised to move players to ensure this rule is fulfilled. They MUST sign the competition entry sheet and mark “For H/Cap” alongside their name.  

Transferring players:  

13.    Players transferring from another Affiliated Club must produce their playing history including CDH number on joining the club.  Failure to do so will result in players not being eligible to enter any Club competition. Any transferring player with less than ten (10) scores on their playing history within the preceding 12 months or unable to provide such information will be required to play in three (3) Qualifying competitions before they may win any prize. 

NB:  Casual Round scores will NOT be considered as acceptable competition scores for this purpose

Casual Rounds (General Play).  

14.    A player intending to submit a Casual Round score MUST register that fact by “Signing In” electronically prior to commencing the round using the HowDidIDo Mobile Score Input (MSI), My England Golf App or the PSI Terminal in the lounge.  A Player CANNOT “Sign In” in the Pro Shop.

15.    Once a player has “Signed In” to play a Casual Round the score MUST be entered into the Club V1 system using the MSI, My England Golf or PSI Terminal in the lounge and the card returned in the scorecard box.  Failure to return the scorecard will lead to an investigation by Handicap Committee and could result in a Penalty score being applied to the players handicap record (rules of handicapping 7.1b) 

16.       Any General Play score submitted digitally for a round played at Mersey Valley G&CC, without the physical scorecard being returned, will be discounted for handicapping purposes.

17.       If you return a score and have not “Signed In” the score cannot be counted for Handicapping purposes.  Scorecards MUST be fully completed and legible.  The Marker must also submit their scorecard to enable verification of the score submitted for handicapping purposes. If incomplete, they may be discounted resulting in a delay in acquiring the handicap.

Section Four – COMPETITIONS:

4. Unless otherwise stated on the Competition Preview Screen or by the Official Starter, or within the rules for certain Competition formats, ALL competitors in Club competitions are to play from the following tee marker positions;-

  • Men’s competitions WHITE tees. Ladies’ competitions RED tees.
  • Senior competitions WHITE tees for Majors (excluding Knock-Out competitions), YELLOW tees for Knock-Outs, Medals and other competitions 
  • Junior competitions WHITE tees for Majors & Medals, YELLOW tees for other

        competitions

  • All Winter competitions will be played from BLUE tees with Ladies playing from their    forward tees on holes, 3, 8, 9, 11 and 18.
  • The tee positions for Mixed competitions Men will play be specified on the Computer Preview Screen

Competition Handicaps 

 4.1.  For all single competitions, each player’s handicap index, course handicap and playing handicap are displayed on the tee sheet.  For Roll-Up competitions handicaps are generated automatically when scores are input.

 4.2.  Pairs and team competitions scorecards will bear printed slips showing the names and handicaps of all players.

4.3.  All scorecards must be legible, fully completed and signed by both player and marker. If in doubt see sample cards on Notice boards.

4.4.  If a player returns a scorecard containing a mistake in showing/not showing or applying a handicap then there is NO PENALTY.

4.5.  The competition format Allowance Chart is available for reference in the Clubhouse corridor and on the Club V1 App within the Club Docs section/Course Handicap tables.

Major competitions.

4.6.   Committee has determined that the following competitions will be classed as Major competitions (sometimes referred to as Honour Board competitions): 

Men’s Competitions: – 

Spring Cup Bargyloo Decanter Griffin Shield Club Championship 

Border Niblicks Stewards Cup                Autumn Bowl Major Medal   

Singles Match Play

Ladies Competitions: –

Spring Trophy Bargyloo Trophy Summer Bowl Club Championship 

Committee Cup Autumn Lady Medal Final

Senior Competitions: –

Spring Cup Memorial Trophy Chairman’s Trophy  

Charity Trophy Autumn Bowl Singles Match Play

7.  A player with a WHS Handicap Index, up to the limit of 54 is eligible to enter Club competitions. However, in Major competitions, whilst there will be Playing Handicap limits of 28 (Men) and 36 (Ladies) in determining the competition results and prize winners, their full handicap allocation is considered for updating their WHS Handicap Index.

Competition Eligibility & Entries. 

4.8.    To be eligible to enter ANY of the following competitions a member MUST have played a minimum of five (5) Club single format 18-hole Qualifying competitions in the 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE DATE SPECIFIED against each type of competition AND, at the dates specified, MUST NOT have any WHS Counting Scores older than TWO (2) years.

  • All Men’s & Seniors Major competitions (Excluding Knock-Outs) – the date on which booking for the competition opens on Club V1.
  • All Men’s & Seniors Pairs & Team competitions – the date on which booking for the competition opens on Club V1.
  • All Men’s & Seniors Knock-Out competitions – The date of entry.  
  • Summer League – The date of the first game played by the member.
  • Winter League – The competition start date.

N.B. Although spot checks will be made, members themselves have the prime responsibility for determining whether they comply with the eligibility criteria BEFORE entering any competition.  Any player who is found to be ineligible will be Disqualified and FORFEIT their entry fee.

  • Weekend competitions will be played on the dates listed in the Fixture list published in the Club Diary/Website. Tee bookings may be made in the reserved tee slots using the online booking system (Howdidido) or using the PSI Touch Screen terminal in the Lounge. ALL Club competitions will “go live” at 6:0pm on a Sunday evening two weeks in advance of the competition date. 
  • Either the Club Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary, will make a computerised random draw in respect of Men’s and Ladies competitions for playing partners and publish them in advance of the competition on the Howdidido website with hard copies on the Competition Notice Board, the Pro Shop and for the Starter.  Specific competitions may be identified whereby players may select their playing partners.
  1. a) Men’s weekend competitions will be drawn by 8:00pm each Thursday.
  2. b) Ladies’ competitions will be drawn 48 hours prior to the competition date.
  3. c) Senior section competitions will be drawn by 12noon each Saturday.

Cancellations from Competition Entry.

9. Any member allocated a tee time who then finds they cannot play MUST notify the Pro Shop staff no later than 12 noon on the day preceding the Competition date and confirm  with an email to compsec1@icloud.com   This allows the Club Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary to contact members on a Reserve List to maximise use of tees. If cancelling after the 12noon deadline they will be asked the reason for cancellation. (See also rule 4.15 below).

10. Any member who, having entered a competition of any format, fails to register and play in that competition and fails to personally notify the Pro shop of their withdrawal from the competition no later than 12 noon on the day preceding the Competition date will be subject to receive an Automatic Suspension unless there are exceptional circumstances. Should the competition be a Team event and the withdrawal results in other team members not being able to compete equitably, then a 24 – day period of suspension will be immediately applied.

11.Members entering the Zone groups in club competitions who are allocated a tee in the draw and then decide to withdraw because they consider the tee slot to be unsuitable, will be closely monitored. Any member who consistently withdraws from competitions in this manner will be considered for a period of suspension. (see rule 4.15)

12. Members who withdraw from a competition having been allocated a tee and then book a social tee slot to play before or after a competition, are considered as being discourteous to other members that might have entered those draw groups as well as causing administrative difficulties for the Competition Secretaries.  Any member who consistently withdraws from competitions in this manner will be considered for a period of suspension by the appropriate Committee/sub-committee (see rules 4.15)

13. Any player that attends the Pro shop for a Pairs or Team competition and then decides not to play, leaving his nominated partner(s) without a playing partner, WILL be subject to Automatic Suspension.  (see rules 4.10, 4.15 and 4.42)

14. Any player leaving the course during a round of golf without good reason will be considered as having Failed to Hole Out (Rule of Golf 3-3c) and will be Disqualified.  If a player is found to persistently breach this rule a period of Suspension will be considered.

Suspensions from Competition:

4.15.   Automatic Suspension (RED card) means suspension from ALL competitions regardless of which Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary imposed the suspension for the period specified as follows: – 

1st occasion; –      10 days (commencing on the Friday after the competition date – all dates inclusive)

2nd occasion; –     17 days (commencing on the Friday after the competition date – all dates inclusive)

3rd occasion; –      24 days (commencing on the Friday after the competition date – all dates inclusive)

The period of suspension will be determined by the Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary who will, in addition to publication on the notice board and appropriate entry sheet, notify the player concerned. See also rule 4.10 above in respect of Team competitions and rule 4.42 below in respect of Pairs competitions.

4.16.   Any player found in breach of this rule on three (3) occasions will be required to provide written explanation to the Committee who will then consider whether further action is necessary. 

4.17    In exceptional circumstances the Club Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary, may decide to impose a YELLOW card, warning a player that their future attendance for competitions is being monitored for a four-week period from the specified date.  Any further breach within that period will result in an Automatic Suspension (RED card).

NOTE; Suspension from Competition does not prevent members playing social golf on the course as part of their membership.

4.18.   Players MAY NOT take part in a competition outside of the published competition tee times without the PRIOR AGREEMENT of the appropriate Club Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary. If Permission is granted, the player(s) may ONLY play within half an hour of the first or last of the reserved competition tees. Any breach WILL result in Disqualification.

Mixed Format Competitions.

4.19 Club Masters competitions: Those Men, Ladies or Senior members that finish in the first three places (and ties) in a Major or Medal competition become eligible to take part in this competition.

 

Green Keepers Benefit competition:   Members of any gender are eligible to take part in this competition. NB; 5 day members will have to pay a green fee.

Men’s Competitions.

4.20 The Men’s Club Championship will be played over two consecutive days to Strokeplay format with Gross and Nett category winners.  The Gross winner will be the recognised Club Champion.  The draw will, as best as possible, group players on Handicap Category basis within each zone. The Handicap Index for day one will also be used for day two. To be eligible to enter this competition players MUST have played in a minimum of five (5) 18-hole single format Club Qualifying competitions in the 12 months preceding the date on which booking for the competition opens on Club V1, AND, at the dates specified, MUST NOT have any WHS Counting Scores older than TWO (2) years.

4.21.   Major competitions: All competitions will be played to Strokeplay format.

22. Men’s Major Medal competition:  The top ten players (and ties) in each of the monthly Medal competitions, plus any player returning a score of level Par or better in any Medal competition will be eligible for this competition.

  

23. Men’s Order of Merit:  Points will be awarded to players finishing in the top 10 in all singles format Weekend qualifying competitions up to and including the Major Medal.  The winner will be presented with a personal award to align with Major winners.

24.      Men’s Eclectic competition:  All monthly Medal and the Major Medal results will be included in determining the outright winner by using 60% of the players current course handicap for Yellow tees. The winner will be presented with a personal award to align with Major winners. 

25.       Men’s & Ladies Weekend competitions:

The Club Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary will oversee entries for the Men’s & Ladies weekend competitions and liaise regularly with the Ladies representative.

4.26 Men’s Knock-out competitions: 

Eligibility:   To be eligible to enter these competitions players MUST have played in a minimum of five (5) 18-hole single format Club Qualifying competitions in the 12 months preceding the date of entry AND, at the dates specified, MUST NOT have any WHS Counting Scores older than TWO (2) years.

4.27   Prize Divisions:  Committee will use Divisions to determine prize winners in All Men’s single format competitions played on Saturday/Sunday except Major competitions. This will be clearly indicated in the competition Preview on Club V1.

Ladies Competitions.

4.28 The Ladies Club Championship will be played over 18 holes to Strokeplay format. The Nett winner will be the recognised Ladies Club Champion.  The draw will, as best as possible, group players on Handicap Category basis.

4.29    Ladies Midweek Competitions:

These competitions will be played on the Tuesday or Thursday of each week in the reserved tees as listed in the Fixture list. The Ladies sub-committee will be responsible for drawing up the fixture list and eligibility etc, applying to those competitions. The Club Competition Secretary will be responsible for competition draws.

Seniors Competitions.

4.30   Members must be 55 years of age at the time of entering a competition. These competitions will be played on the Monday of each week in the reserved tees except when the Monday is a Bank Holiday whereupon the competition will be played on the Tuesday of that week.  The Seniors sub-committee will be responsible for preparing the fixture list applying to those competitions for inclusion in the Club Fixtures. The Club Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary, will be responsible for competition draws. 

4.31   Seniors Order of Merit:  Points will be awarded to players finishing in the top 10 in all singles qualifying competitions. The winner will be presented with a personal award to align with Major winners.

4.32   Seniors Knock Out competitions:

Eligibility: To be eligible to enter these competition players MUST have played in a minimum of five (5) 18-hole single format Club Qualifying competitions in the 12 months preceding the competition entry date AND, at the dates specified, MUST NOT have any WHS Counting Scores older than TWO (2) years.  A Playing Handicap limit of 28 applies to all such competitions which will be played from Yellow tees.  Matches are usually played on weekdays but can be played at a weekend with the Club Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary authorisation. NOTE:  If a player is a 5-day member, a green fee will have to be paid to play at weekends.

4.33   Seniors Charity Trophy (Major competition): This is a four-man team competition. Players enter as individuals and the names will then be randomly drawn using the Club V1 software to create four-man teams.  

4.34. Competition Procedures.   For the undermentioned competitions please refer to the separate sets of Rules which are updated annually and published on the Notice Board and within the Club Docs section of the Club V1 App, well ahead of the respective start dates.

  • Knock Out competitions 
  • Summer League competitions
  • Winter League competitions
  • 18-Hole Roll Up competitions

Suspension of Play.

4.35    If the Committee (or a staff member in the absence of a Committee member), declares an immediate suspension of play, all players MUST stop play at once and must not make another stroke until the Committee (or a staff member in the absence of a Committee member), gives the signal to resume play.  A Committee member participating in play on the day may make that decision.

  • Suspension of play for a dangerous situation will be signalled by One prolonged note of a siren. 
  •   Resumption of play, if deemed appropriate, will be signalled by Two short notes of a

  siren.

In the event that conditions prevent the resumption of play, players must still submit their scorecards in the normal manner, suitably annotated with the reason for non-completion of the round.

Abandoned and Cancelled Competitions.

4.36   Abandoned competition: In the event of any competition that has started having to be abandoned, the result will stand provided a minimum of 50% of appropriately completed scorecards have been returned to the Committee.

4.37   Cancelled competition(s): 

  • Course conditions:  Should Management or Committee consider the course condition to be unfit for the appropriate competition that is fair and equitable to all categories of player, the competition may be cancelled. Such decision will be made by at least two Committee members or one Committee member in conjunction with the Green Keeping staff on duty.  

  

  • Other reasons:  If Management or Committee consider that a competition should be cancelled for any other reason e.g. National event, Extreme temperatures etc, this will involve consultation with the appropriate committee/sub-committee. 

4.38   In such an event the Pro shop (or appropriate sub-committee) may decide to run an alternative non-qualifying “sweepstake” competition. Players must pay the appropriate entry fee before commencing play.  If the course is deemed “unfit for competition” it will apply to all competitions scheduled for that day. If an entry fee has been paid and the competition is cancelled the fee will be re-paid onto your membership card. Pro shop staff will NOT re-imburse on. The day.

 

Ancillary competitions (Two’s or Nearest Pin):

4.39    Committee/sub-committee’s may decide to introduce an Optional Two’s or Nearest Pin competition ancillary to the main competition.

a)    Entrants in such competitions MUST pay the appropriate Optional fee BEFORE starting their round and tick the appropriate column on the signing in sheet.  Prizes are equally shared between those players recording a Two or Nearest the Pin in such a competition calculated to the nearest pound.

 b)  Seniors’ competitions may operate a “Spot prize” included in the competition entry fee.

4.40   These competitions are administered by the Committee. Unless otherwise stated, entry into a Two’s or Nearest the Pin competition is NOT included in any competition entry fees. The entry fee MUST be paid before commencing the round.  All players, including those playing for a handicap, are eligible to take part in these competitions and win a share of the prize pot. Prizes are shared between those players recording a Two or Nearest the Pin in a competition.   

4.41   Having taken advice from the R&A, Committee has determined that should a player achieve a Hole in One on a hole designated as the Nearest the Pin hole in competition, it shall be classed as “Nearest the Pin”, within the confines of the green. Committee has determined that a player having entered the Two’s competition who records a Hole in One will receive two portions of the shared prize money.

4.42    Hole in One.

Any player scoring a Hole in One in a Club summer competition will have their achievement recorded on the Honour Board and receive an award at the Presentation evening.

Pairs Competitions (FBBB):

4.43     If one player withdraws from or fails to attend for a competition, then the remaining player will select by toss of a coin or similar, a “ghost” playing partner from the other pair before starting the round, enter the name of the “ghost” on his/her scorecard and record both scores in the usual manner.  A “ghost” player does not receive a prize.  If a full pairing fails to attend for a competition and the remaining pair cannot be allocated a marker they may be withdrawn from the competition at the decision of the Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary.  The pair that failed to attend for the competition will receive an Automatic Suspension for All Club competitions for a period of 24 days, applied immediately.

Texas Scramble competitions:    

4.44    All Scramble competitions are four-man team events. Handicap Allowances will be 25%, 20%, 15% and 10% from lowest to highest handicap. The format of a particular competition will be decided by the Club Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary and published in the Preview on Club V1.  Should a player withdraw from or fail to attend for a 4-man competition, there will be no adjustment to the remaining players allowances.

a. There must be a minimum of three (3) drives per player with a maximum of six (6) drives     for any one player. 

b.  Only those players taking part in the competition will receive a prize; in the event of the winning team consisting of less than four players on the day of competition, they will NOT receive any part of the prize for the missing player(s).  No courtesy shots.

Should Committee decide to play a 2 or 3 man team Scramble competition, separate rules will be published.

Resolution of Ties & Award of Prizes:  

45. Any tied scores in Strokeplay competitions will be decided on a card count back with the winner determined on the basis of the better inwards half, last six holes, last three holes and, if still tied, on the last two holes, then last hole. The Club V1 handicapping software caters for this procedure.

46. Prizes are determined based on (a) the type of competition e.g. singles, pairs, team formats etc. (b), the numbers playing and (c) the percentage taken for Committee funds using a computerised template.  This applies to the Men’s and Seniors competitions.   The Ladies competition have their own prize structure.

NOTE: In respect of Prize winning this only applies to determining an outright winner all other tied scores are shared equally amongst all players/team with the same score to a maximum of 10 places on a count back basis.

4.47.  Prizes will normally be credited onto a members account by Management, approximately two (2) weeks after the competition date.  This is to allow for appeals to be made which might affect the prize winners. Prize sheets are listed on the Club Website.

Conditions applying to competitions.

4.48       Committee has determined that 

  1. Adults MUST NOT be accompanied by children during a competition, unless the child has officially entered the competition,
  1. Golfers MUST NOT be accompanied by any animal whilst on the course, and 
  2. Distance Measuring Devices (DMD) are allowed in competition providing they conform to R&A rule 4.3a.

 

Ride on Buggies & Medical Exemptions.

4.49   The Management/Committee decision on “Transportation” (i.e. use of “ride on buggies”) is that only when such use is essential on medical grounds will a member receive an exemption allowing them to use a “ride on buggy” during competition rounds.  Any member seeking an exemption MUST satisfy the Management or Committee beforehand. Any member using a buggy in competition (including transport of equipment in another person’s buggy), without exemption will be Disqualified.

Section Five – SCORECARDS

Completion of cards

5.      To assist in the prompt production of competition results and the processing of Casual round scores, for handicap purposes, Committee require members to fully complete scorecards in a legible manner, signed by both player and marker. The names of both player and marker should also be shown in block capitals. Scorecards should include the name of the Competition or be marked “Casual Round”, date and players name, handicap details and the scores for BOTH player and marker.  Sample cards are on all Notice boards in the clubhouse.

In respect of scorecards for Competitions if a player returns a scorecard containing a mistake in showing/not showing or applying a handicap, there is NO PENALTY.

5.1.    In team competitions scorecards MUST be returned with two signatures namely that of the player marking the card and that of the team member that has confirmed the scores.  Failure to submit cards with the required two signatures will result in DISQUALIFICATION. 

5.2.    All scores, be they Competition or Casual Round scores, MUST be entered into the Player Score Input (PSI terminal) in the Lounge or using the HowDidIdo Mobile Score Input (MSI) or My England Golf App, immediately after completion of their round on the day.

5.3.    A player MUST input their PERSONAL SCORE ONLY (or the score of their OWN SIDE ONLY in a team competition), into the PSI terminal before placing their completed scorecard in the box. This input is MANDATORY to ensure the timely update of WHS Handicap Index and efficient production and communication of competition results. Failure to comply with this input requirement may result in a period of suspension as detailed in Rule 4.15 above.  

5.4   All fully completed scorecards MUST be placed in the scorecard box immediately after completion of the round of golf on the day of the competition.  Any member who fails to submit scorecards as required by R&A Rule 3-3b (2) in any Club competition, will be DISQUALIFIED but the score will still count towards handicapping. Failure to return a scorecard will result in a Penalty Score being applied. Should a player consistently fail to submit cards on three (3) occasions or more, a period of suspension will be imposed as detailed in rule 4.15 above. 

5.5.   In Knock Out competitions the scorecard MUST be submitted at the end of the match by the winning team, clearly indicating the result of the match, signed by both players in a Singles match, and one player from each side in a Pairs match.  

5.6.   The Handicap Committee will continually monitor the number of No Returns individuals make as these affect the calculation their handicap Index. In the event of a player submitting multiple No Returns in a single round the Handicap Committee may impose a penalty score.

Return of Away Scores:  

5.7     Members MUST return details (preferably scorecards or a screen shot of the card) of all competition and pre-registered Casual rounds played at an Away course, to their Home club within 24 hours of the event.  Scorecards/screen shots received by 12noon on the Wednesday of each week will be administered by the Handicap Committee or Committee Secretary.

Non-Return of Scorecards:

5.8     This will result in Disqualification and may result in a Penalty Score being applied to a player’s history.  Once you have “Signed In” to play a Casual Round you MUST return the scorecard.

Section Six– Juniors

6.     Junior competitions: (To be introduced once the Junior section is established to the satisfaction of the Executive Committee).

Committee Cup       Marshall’s Trophy         Club Championship      Green Keepers Trophy

6.1.  Tee bookings may be made in the reserved tee slots via the online booking system two weeks in advance of the competition date. The Junior Organiser is responsible for all Junior competitions and will liaise regularly with the Club Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary who will finalise the tee allocation sheet and publish the draw one week ahead of the competition and may vary tee allocations within a 20-minute period.  Junior Major competitions will be played to Strokeplay format.  All Junior competition scorecards MUST be input into the PSI terminal and returned for Club Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary’s attention

.Juniors in Adult competitions: –   

6.2    Only if the Adult competition falls on a date different to the listed Junior competition may Junior members be considered to play in Adult competitions (except Medals and Majors). Exception (2): Female juniors may play in and win an EWGA Medal competition as advised by the LUGC. Junior members MUST play regularly in Junior competitions ** before being considered to play in Adult competitions. Eligible Junior members may ONLY play if a tee slot becomes vacant ON THE DAY OF COMPETITION.   Decision of the Club Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary is final.  ** Once Junior competitions are established to the satisfaction of the Executive Committee

6.3      In the event that the Club Competition Secretary or Assistant Competition Secretary approves a Junior playing in an Adult competition (other than Men’s/Ladies Major competitions) and that Safeguarding requirements have been met, then only one junior member may play in a tee slot allocation. Juniors cannot play together, and an adult must mark their card.  If playing in a team event containing relative(s) or guardian(s) then there must be a non-related member in the team who marks the scorecard.

(A): – Junior members with a Handicap Index of 9.6 or less may be considered to play in Adult competitions and on payment of the full entry fee may win prizes providing they meet the conditions listed in rules 1-1 and 1-2 above and played in three (3) Club qualifying competitions. 

(B): – Junior members with a Handicap Index of 9.7 to 25.5 inclusive may be considered to play in Adult competitions for handicapping purposes only. They can enter and win ancillary competitions (i.e. Nearest Pin and Two’s). 

6.4    Only Juniors able to meet the following criteria will be considered; –

  1. Fulfilled the requirement of rule 1-1 above.  
  2. Played in the junior section competition the week immediately preceding the adult competition.  ** Once Junior competitions are established to the satisfaction of the Executive Committee
  3. Satisfy the handicap criteria in 6.3 above
  4. Junior cards MUST be marked and signed by an Adult member holding a WHS Handicap Index. 

Failure to comply with condition (b) will result in DISQUALIFICATION from the adult competition.

Section Seven – INTER CLUB TEAM MATCHES

7.0     Team Managers for the Inter Club competitions are appointed by, and will report regularly to, the Club Committee and have the final decision as regards team selection. The minimum age for eligibility for the Seniors League team is 55 years on the 1st January of each calendar year.

7.1.    Members will only be eligible for selection to represent the club in any Inter Club matches if they normally play in respective section weekly competitions.

7.2   Members who have NOT nominated Mersey Valley G&CC as their Home club may be eligible for selection in representative matches except for matches against the club that holds their handicap.  In the event of such a match taking place the player will NOT be eligible for selection.

Section Eight – STANDARDS OF CONDUCT APPLICABLE TO ALL PLAYERS.

8.0   The game of golf relies on the integrity of each individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf. 

8.1    If players follow the R&A guidelines relating to Standards of Player Conduct (Rule 1.2) it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone. If a player consistently disregards the guidelines during a round or over a period of time to the detriment of others, Committee will consider taking appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player. 

8.2   A key element of good Player Conduct is maintaining a good Pace of Play.  Each group must make every effort to maintain a Pace of Play as marked around the course based on R&A Guidelines. If any group loses ground on the group in front, they MUST allow the following group opportunity to play through. The Committee and Marshals will monitor the speed of play during competitions. If a group loses contact with the game in front it will be asked to either catch up or let the game behind through. Management has stipulated that any group of players on the course MUST NOT exceed four in number.

8.3   If the Committee believe that an individual or group of individuals is guilty of unreasonably delaying play it may impose the requisite penalty – Rule 5.6a Rules of Golf.

8.4     An official Starter will be employed for Weekend & Senior competitions and any other competitions thought appropriate.  He will advise players of the Local Rules of the day and record any non- appearances, late arrivals etc, for the information of Committee which will be acted upon as appropriate.  Any player arriving late for his/her appointed tee time will be advised of any penalty to be imposed by the Starter.  He is the representative of the Committee when fulfilling such duties and must be treated with courtesy and respect.

8.5      Members are reminded that the Rules of Golf have been amended allowing Committee to impose penalties for serious breaches of the Code of Conduct including disqualification for serious misconduct in failing to meet the Codes standards. Rule 1-2b Rules of Golf. 

Section Nine – APPEALS & DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

Appeals;

9.0.    Appeals against Review decisions or Competition Disqualifications will be determined by a panel of any three (3) available Committee/sub-Committee members chaired by the Committee Secretary and their decisions are final. Committee members involved in the original decision-making will not be involved in the Appeal process.

9.1.     In the event that an Appeal Panel consider an appeal to be spurious and baseless they may consider imposing an additional penalty.

Discipline Inquiries; 

9.2    Any disputes that arise during a competition must be reported to a member of the Committee on the day of the competition. Committee will only address complaints if made verbally to a Committee member or in writing and will investigate and reach a decision. If the dispute is of a serious nature the Committee may suspend the announcement of the result until the dispute is resolved in accordance with the disciplinary guidelines.

9.3.    Members will, on occasions, be asked to attend the Club Committee or a designated sub-committee, to assist in a disciplinary inquiry.  Failure to accede to any reasonable request will result in suspension from Club Competitions until such time as they do accede to the Committee request. (Club Rule 9-y refers)

The Committee reserve the right to amend these Competition Rules 

as and when considered necessary

Committee

Reviewed & amended 25 September 2023 Further amended 4th March 2024