Handicaps and Rules - England Golf
England Golf have just announced some CONGU CHANGES for 2018 (www.congu.co.uk)
Changes to the CONGU UHS System have recently been announced. In view of the proposed introduction of the World Handicap System (WHS) these changes have been kept to a minimum and take into account some of the options likely to be adopted in the WHS, principal of which is to encourage players to submit more scores to their handicap record.
The changes, which come into effect on the 1st of January 2018, are:
Retirement of Club & Disability Handicaps – As a result of their low impact these have been removed and replaced by a new Category 5 for Men and Category 6 for both Men and Women, providing for a maximum handicap of 54.0 for all golfers. Players will be able to maintain a Competition Handicap in all six categories. Upward adjustment for all categories will remain at 0.1 and downward adjustments for Net Differentials below Buffer Zones will be 0.5 for Category 5 and 0.6 for Category 6.
After 1st January 2018 Handicap Committees can increase handicaps above the current limits of 28.0 and 36.0, and they will also increase above those limits automatically as a result of above Buffer Zone returns in Qualifying Competitions and Supplementary Score submissions.
Supplementary Scores – Relaxation of the rules to allow an unlimited number of score submissions per year and removal of the restriction of one per week. However, the restriction on Category 1 players will remain in place.
Mixed Tee Competitions – Reinforcement of the single CSS Adjustment Calculation. Having a single CSS adjustment for two or more competitions will provide a more equitable value when one of the competitions has a very low number of players. To overcome the technical IT implementation issues, the approach agreed will be to enter all scores into a single competition (and so a single CSS Adjustment Factor is calculated) with a facility within the software to allow the results to be separated for each group of competitors.
Definitions – Confirmation that cards submitted for Initial Handicap Allocation are included in the definition of Qualifying Scores for handicap purposes. Accordingly a player whose handicap is allocated on the basis of such submitted scores under Clause 16 will automatically be allocated a Competition Handicap status.
9 Hole Competitions – Introduce the option of 9-Hole Medal Competitions and 9-Hole Open Competitions. For handicap purposes, the 9-Hole Medal scores will be converted to Stableford and will appear as stableford on the players handicap record.
Handicap Adjustments – Confirmation that the adherence to Appendix M (Guidelines for Handicap Reviews) is mandatory, not optional.
There will be no new hard copy of the CONGU® Manual, but an updated online version will be available on the CONGU® website, where a full summary of the changes will also be posted.
This document represents the substantive changes for 2018 – other changes, which are largely for clarification purposes, will be highlighted in the online documentation.
October 2017
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England Golf have just announced some CONGU CHANGES for 2018 (www.congu.co.uk)
Changes to the CONGU UHS System have recently been announced. In view of the proposed introduction of the World Handicap System (WHS) these changes have been kept to a minimum and take into account some of the options likely to be adopted in the WHS, principal of which is to encourage players to submit more scores to their handicap record.
The changes, which come into effect on the 1st of January 2018, are:
Retirement of Club & Disability Handicaps – As a result of their low impact these have been removed and replaced by a new Category 5 for Men and Category 6 for both Men and Women, providing for a maximum handicap of 54.0 for all golfers. Players will be able to maintain a Competition Handicap in all six categories. Upward adjustment for all categories will remain at 0.1 and downward adjustments for Net Differentials below Buffer Zones will be 0.5 for Category 5 and 0.6 for Category 6.
After 1st January 2018 Handicap Committees can increase handicaps above the current limits of 28.0 and 36.0, and they will also increase above those limits automatically as a result of above Buffer Zone returns in Qualifying Competitions and Supplementary Score submissions.
Supplementary Scores – Relaxation of the rules to allow an unlimited number of score submissions per year and removal of the restriction of one per week. However, the restriction on Category 1 players will remain in place.
Mixed Tee Competitions – Reinforcement of the single CSS Adjustment Calculation. Having a single CSS adjustment for two or more competitions will provide a more equitable value when one of the competitions has a very low number of players. To overcome the technical IT implementation issues, the approach agreed will be to enter all scores into a single competition (and so a single CSS Adjustment Factor is calculated) with a facility within the software to allow the results to be separated for each group of competitors.
Definitions – Confirmation that cards submitted for Initial Handicap Allocation are included in the definition of Qualifying Scores for handicap purposes. Accordingly a player whose handicap is allocated on the basis of such submitted scores under Clause 16 will automatically be allocated a Competition Handicap status.
9 Hole Competitions – Introduce the option of 9-Hole Medal Competitions and 9-Hole Open Competitions. For handicap purposes, the 9-Hole Medal scores will be converted to Stableford and will appear as stableford on the players handicap record.
Handicap Adjustments – Confirmation that the adherence to Appendix M (Guidelines for Handicap Reviews) is mandatory, not optional.
There will be no new hard copy of the CONGU® Manual, but an updated online version will be available on the CONGU® website, where a full summary of the changes will also be posted.
This document represents the substantive changes for 2018 – other changes, which are largely for clarification purposes, will be highlighted in the online documentation.
October 2017
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Handicaps and Rules - R&A World Handicap Survey
Following the recent press statement confirming the development of a World Handicap System (WHS), the R&A and USGA are to embark upon some market research and advocacy work around the world to gather insights and feedback directly from golfers and other Club stakeholders on the key principles of the WHS, as well as some of the detailed proposals. The research will be twofold:
1. Quantitative research – taking the form of an online survey in many countries around the world
2. Qualitative research – taking the form of focus groups in 6 key markets around the world.
England Golf will be hosting one of these Focus Groups and you will be asked during the survey if you would be willing to take part, if this is of interest please sign up and participants will be selected at random by the R&A.
This is a great opportunity for all golfers, irrespective of ability or handicap experience to have a say in the WHS. We are looking to get the views of Club Managers, Handicap committee members, Club Owners and PGA professionals as part of the survey, so please feel free to share amongst your club officials and your membership.
To take part, please follow the link below.
https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=149728625515
HANDICAPS
There are a couple of changes to both Handicapping and the Rules of Golf which came into place on 1 January 2017. Firstly, England Golf have announced that they are enforcing Clauses 4.5b and 8.12 of the CONGU Unified Handicapping System. These require players to return all scores in Non Qualifying Competitions. It is hoped that this initiative will provide clubs with more information regarding the true ability of players, especially those who play a lot of their golf away from their Home club. This will give Handicap Committees more information on a player’s performance when carrying out the Annual Review.
England Golf has produced an information document regarding these changes and a couple of templates for clubs to use; one for players to record their Non Qualifying scores and a second for Open organisers to report scores to clubs. Copies of these documents have been forwarded to all Bedfordshire Ladies Handicap Secretaries. For Open Competition organisers - Scores Return Form. For individuals to keep a record of your NQ away scores - NQ Open Return Form.
Players will need to know that they now have a responsibility to report away scores in all AM/AM, 4BBB and team competitions. Clubs will need to let their members know of this change and how they can report their scores from Non-Qualifying competitions back to their Home Club. This can be something as simple as having a book or log in the Pro Shop or a central email address they can use. Players who do not return these scores will be held accountable. Clubs will need to hold on to this information for the current golfing year and one previous golfing year.
Although the responsibility to report scores back to the Home Club is the player’s, England Golf also requests that clubs return the scores of the top 5 places in Open competitions to the player’s or team’s Home Club.
Scores from outside the CONGU handicapping system, Texas Scrambles, Foursomes and Greensome competitions are not required to be reported.
Work towards a Worldwide Handicapping System is progressing well. I hope to get further information soon and will pass it on when I hear any news.
RULES
The R&A and USGA have announced a new Local Rule which eliminates the penalty for a golfer who accidentally causes a ball to move on the putting green. This Local Rule can be adopted by clubs for their own competitions, and will be adopted by The R&A and the USGA in all of their championships, qualifying competitions and international matches. This Local Rule has also been incorporated into the 2017 England Golf Hard Card. There is more news on the on the R&A web site.
Finally, I would like to offer Rules Seminars to ladies’ sections of Bedfordshire clubs. I can offer two formats:
Joan Cocksedge
BLCGA Handicap Advisor
Following the recent press statement confirming the development of a World Handicap System (WHS), the R&A and USGA are to embark upon some market research and advocacy work around the world to gather insights and feedback directly from golfers and other Club stakeholders on the key principles of the WHS, as well as some of the detailed proposals. The research will be twofold:
1. Quantitative research – taking the form of an online survey in many countries around the world
2. Qualitative research – taking the form of focus groups in 6 key markets around the world.
England Golf will be hosting one of these Focus Groups and you will be asked during the survey if you would be willing to take part, if this is of interest please sign up and participants will be selected at random by the R&A.
This is a great opportunity for all golfers, irrespective of ability or handicap experience to have a say in the WHS. We are looking to get the views of Club Managers, Handicap committee members, Club Owners and PGA professionals as part of the survey, so please feel free to share amongst your club officials and your membership.
To take part, please follow the link below.
https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=149728625515
HANDICAPS
There are a couple of changes to both Handicapping and the Rules of Golf which came into place on 1 January 2017. Firstly, England Golf have announced that they are enforcing Clauses 4.5b and 8.12 of the CONGU Unified Handicapping System. These require players to return all scores in Non Qualifying Competitions. It is hoped that this initiative will provide clubs with more information regarding the true ability of players, especially those who play a lot of their golf away from their Home club. This will give Handicap Committees more information on a player’s performance when carrying out the Annual Review.
England Golf has produced an information document regarding these changes and a couple of templates for clubs to use; one for players to record their Non Qualifying scores and a second for Open organisers to report scores to clubs. Copies of these documents have been forwarded to all Bedfordshire Ladies Handicap Secretaries. For Open Competition organisers - Scores Return Form. For individuals to keep a record of your NQ away scores - NQ Open Return Form.
Players will need to know that they now have a responsibility to report away scores in all AM/AM, 4BBB and team competitions. Clubs will need to let their members know of this change and how they can report their scores from Non-Qualifying competitions back to their Home Club. This can be something as simple as having a book or log in the Pro Shop or a central email address they can use. Players who do not return these scores will be held accountable. Clubs will need to hold on to this information for the current golfing year and one previous golfing year.
Although the responsibility to report scores back to the Home Club is the player’s, England Golf also requests that clubs return the scores of the top 5 places in Open competitions to the player’s or team’s Home Club.
Scores from outside the CONGU handicapping system, Texas Scrambles, Foursomes and Greensome competitions are not required to be reported.
Work towards a Worldwide Handicapping System is progressing well. I hope to get further information soon and will pass it on when I hear any news.
RULES
The R&A and USGA have announced a new Local Rule which eliminates the penalty for a golfer who accidentally causes a ball to move on the putting green. This Local Rule can be adopted by clubs for their own competitions, and will be adopted by The R&A and the USGA in all of their championships, qualifying competitions and international matches. This Local Rule has also been incorporated into the 2017 England Golf Hard Card. There is more news on the on the R&A web site.
Finally, I would like to offer Rules Seminars to ladies’ sections of Bedfordshire clubs. I can offer two formats:
- A clubhouse based session with some introductory information followed by an informal quiz; or
- A practical session out on the practice ground with demonstration of rules situations.
Joan Cocksedge
BLCGA Handicap Advisor
ETIQUETTE - Consideration for Other Players
No Disturbance or Distraction
On the Putting Green
No Disturbance or Distraction
- Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making unnecessary noise
- Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players
- On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it is his turn to play
- Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play
On the Putting Green
- On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or, when they are making a stroke, cast a shadow over their line of putt
- Players should remain on or close the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out
- In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should, if necessary, on the way to the next tee, check the score with the player concerned and record it
LOCAL RULES - PAVENHAM PARK
1) Stones in bunkers - They are deemed moveable obstructions
2) Public Footpaths - Golfers must give way to walkers on footpaths situated within the course boundaries
3) Ground Under Repair - Play is prohibited from all areas marked or deemed G.U.R and full relief must be taken, one club length at nearest point of relief. All areas marked with a blue stake, tractor tyre marks, vehicular tracks/roads, temporary greens and teeing grounds must be treated as G.U.R
4) Teeing Grounds - A ball that lands on a teeing ground (the playing area, not the slope) must be lifted and dropped at the nearest point of relief, one club length, without penalty.
5) Protection of Trees - Trees staked/wrapped or otherwise supported are deemed protected. If such a tree interferes with a players stance/intended swing, ball must be lifted without penalty & dropped within one club length at nearest point of relief
6) A Plugged Ball in the rough or closely mown area may be without penalty, marked, lifted, cleaned & dropped at nearest point of relief
7) Rakes - Please leave all rakes inside bunkers
8) 150 Posts - These posts are deemed moveable obstructions
9) Hazard Posts - All hazard posts are deemed moveable obstructions (exception Out of Bounds posts)
10) Pathways - All pathways (stone, chipping, woodchip) are deemed immovable obstructions and relief of one club length at nearest point of relief may be taken without penalty
11) Course Safety: Players responsibility to ensure their own safety wherever possible including adverse weather conditions (i.e Fog, Thunder & Lightning)
12) Distance Measuring Devices - PPGC permit the use of measuring devices in all club competitions (however those devices/smart phones cannot be used to measure additional features i.e: slope, temp, wind speed)
13) Course Tee Signs / Course Rocks - These are deemed immovable obstructions and relief of one club length at nearest point of relief may be taken without penalty All details and information contained within these guidelines are at the discretion of the management of Thompson Golf, and are subject to change
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1) Stones in bunkers - They are deemed moveable obstructions
2) Public Footpaths - Golfers must give way to walkers on footpaths situated within the course boundaries
3) Ground Under Repair - Play is prohibited from all areas marked or deemed G.U.R and full relief must be taken, one club length at nearest point of relief. All areas marked with a blue stake, tractor tyre marks, vehicular tracks/roads, temporary greens and teeing grounds must be treated as G.U.R
4) Teeing Grounds - A ball that lands on a teeing ground (the playing area, not the slope) must be lifted and dropped at the nearest point of relief, one club length, without penalty.
5) Protection of Trees - Trees staked/wrapped or otherwise supported are deemed protected. If such a tree interferes with a players stance/intended swing, ball must be lifted without penalty & dropped within one club length at nearest point of relief
6) A Plugged Ball in the rough or closely mown area may be without penalty, marked, lifted, cleaned & dropped at nearest point of relief
7) Rakes - Please leave all rakes inside bunkers
8) 150 Posts - These posts are deemed moveable obstructions
9) Hazard Posts - All hazard posts are deemed moveable obstructions (exception Out of Bounds posts)
10) Pathways - All pathways (stone, chipping, woodchip) are deemed immovable obstructions and relief of one club length at nearest point of relief may be taken without penalty
11) Course Safety: Players responsibility to ensure their own safety wherever possible including adverse weather conditions (i.e Fog, Thunder & Lightning)
12) Distance Measuring Devices - PPGC permit the use of measuring devices in all club competitions (however those devices/smart phones cannot be used to measure additional features i.e: slope, temp, wind speed)
13) Course Tee Signs / Course Rocks - These are deemed immovable obstructions and relief of one club length at nearest point of relief may be taken without penalty All details and information contained within these guidelines are at the discretion of the management of Thompson Golf, and are subject to change
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AS MENTIONED AT THE LADIES AGM - PROPOSED NEW RULES TO BE FINALISED NEXT YEAR & TAKE EFFECT 2019
New rules announced in bid to ‘modernise’ golf
Golf's governing bodies, the R&A and USGA, have revealed proposed changes to the Rules of Golf aimed at modernising the game and speeding up play. Golf’s governing bodies, the R&A and USGA, have revealed proposed changes to the Rules of Golf aimed at modernising the game and speeding up play. The online release begins a six-month feedback and evaluation period during which all golfers worldwide can learn about the proposed changes and provide input before they are finalised next year and take effect in 2019.
NCG has picked out the seven proposed changes most likely to affect your game:
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New rules announced in bid to ‘modernise’ golf
Golf's governing bodies, the R&A and USGA, have revealed proposed changes to the Rules of Golf aimed at modernising the game and speeding up play. Golf’s governing bodies, the R&A and USGA, have revealed proposed changes to the Rules of Golf aimed at modernising the game and speeding up play. The online release begins a six-month feedback and evaluation period during which all golfers worldwide can learn about the proposed changes and provide input before they are finalised next year and take effect in 2019.
NCG has picked out the seven proposed changes most likely to affect your game:
- Elimination or reduction of “ball moved” penalties: There will be no penalty for accidentally moving a ball on the putting green or in searching for a ball; and a player is not responsible for causing a ball to move unless it is “virtually certain” that he or she did so.
- Relaxed putting green rules: There will be no penalty if a ball played from the putting green hits an unattended flagstick in the hole; players may putt without having the flagstick attended or removed. Players may repair spike marks and other damage made by shoes, animal damage and other damage on the putting green and there is no penalty for merely touching the line of putt.
- Relaxed rules for “penalty areas” (currently called “water hazards”): Red and yellow-marked penalty areas may cover areas of desert, jungle, lava rock, etc., in addition to areas of water; expanded use of red penalty areas where lateral relief is allowed; and there will be no penalty for moving loose impediments or touching the ground or water in a penalty area.
- Relaxed bunker rules: There will be no penalty for moving loose impediments in a bunker or for generally touching the sand with a hand or club. A limited set of restrictions (such as not grounding the club right next to the ball) is kept to preserve the challenge of playing from the sand; however, an extra relief option is added for an unplayable ball in a bunker, allowing the ball to be played from outside the bunker with a two-stroke penalty.
- Relying on player integrity: A player’s “reasonable judgment” when estimating or measuring a spot, point, line, area or distance will be upheld, even if video evidence later shows it to be wrong; and elimination of announcement procedures when lifting a ball to identify it or to see if it is damaged.
- Pace-of-play support: Reduced time for searching for a lost ball (from five minutes to three); affirmative encouragement of “ready golf” in stroke play; recommending that players take no more than 40 seconds to play a stroke and other changes intended to help with pace of play.
- Simplified way of taking relief: A new procedure for taking relief by dropping a ball in and playing it from a specific relief area; relaxed procedures for dropping a ball, allowing the ball to be dropped from just above the ground or any growing thing or other object on the ground.
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True or False
Question: A player moves her ball that is at rest on the fairway when making her practice swing. Does the stroke count?
Answer: False, she had no intention of moving the ball. However, she incurs a penalty stroke under 18-2 for moving her ball in play, and the ball must be replaced.
Question: Before playing from the teeing ground, a player took a practice swing, in the course of which she accidentally struck and moved the teed ball with her club. Did the player play a stroke or incur a penalty?
Answer: The player did not make a stroke. Since the ball was not in play - she incurred no penalty under rule 18-2. The player must put a ball into play from the teeing ground.
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Question: A player moves her ball that is at rest on the fairway when making her practice swing. Does the stroke count?
Answer: False, she had no intention of moving the ball. However, she incurs a penalty stroke under 18-2 for moving her ball in play, and the ball must be replaced.
Question: Before playing from the teeing ground, a player took a practice swing, in the course of which she accidentally struck and moved the teed ball with her club. Did the player play a stroke or incur a penalty?
Answer: The player did not make a stroke. Since the ball was not in play - she incurred no penalty under rule 18-2. The player must put a ball into play from the teeing ground.
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Preferred Lies in golf
'Preferred Lies' is the term that means that you as a golf player are allowed to improve your lie without penalty on certain parts of a golf course. It is a local rule only and is also known as 'winter rules'. It is only in effect if you are informed by your Golf Club.
'Preferred Lies' means a golfer can lift up the ball (if he or she wants) on the fairway. The position of the ball must be marked first. This can be done with a tee, pitch fork or coin etc. The ball must then be re(placed) on a spot not nearer to the hole within the area specified eg. within six inches. The ball is in play as soon as it is placed on the ground. If the player picks it up again and moves it, he/she would incur a penalty stroke for 'moving his ball in play'.
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'Preferred Lies' is the term that means that you as a golf player are allowed to improve your lie without penalty on certain parts of a golf course. It is a local rule only and is also known as 'winter rules'. It is only in effect if you are informed by your Golf Club.
'Preferred Lies' means a golfer can lift up the ball (if he or she wants) on the fairway. The position of the ball must be marked first. This can be done with a tee, pitch fork or coin etc. The ball must then be re(placed) on a spot not nearer to the hole within the area specified eg. within six inches. The ball is in play as soon as it is placed on the ground. If the player picks it up again and moves it, he/she would incur a penalty stroke for 'moving his ball in play'.
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Winter Trolley Use & Temporary Greens - Update
Winter Trolley Use - Pavenham Park only permits the use of the Spiked Hedgehog wheel or Powakaddy Winter Wheels, all other types of Winter wheels are deemed unsuitable. We had our first frost this week so please put your wheels on to save disappointment on the day.
Temporary Greens - Used during frosty mornings, defined by blue dotted line.
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Winter Trolley Use - Pavenham Park only permits the use of the Spiked Hedgehog wheel or Powakaddy Winter Wheels, all other types of Winter wheels are deemed unsuitable. We had our first frost this week so please put your wheels on to save disappointment on the day.
Temporary Greens - Used during frosty mornings, defined by blue dotted line.
- Ball must finish in holecup (bounce outs do not count)
- Flagstick may be left unattended whilst putting (no penalty for striking flagstick)
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Know the Rules
Water Hazards - what to do...
If your ball is in a water hazard (yellow stakes and/or lines) you may play the ball as it lies or, under penalty of one stroke:
If your ball is in a water hazard (yellow stakes and/or lines) you may play the ball as it lies or, under penalty of one stroke:
- play a ball from where your last shot was played, or
- drop a ball any distance behind the water hazard keeping a straight line between the hole, the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard and the spot on which the ball is dropped
- the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard, or
- a point on the opposite side of the hazard equidistant to the hole from the point where the ball last crossed the margin
On the Putting Green
On the putting green you may:
On the putting green you may:
- mark, lift and clean your ball (always replace it on the exact spot)
- repair ball marks and old hole plugs, but not any other damage, such as spike marks (Rule 16-1)
- When making a stroke on the putting green, you should ensure that the flagstick is removed or attended. The flagstick may also be removed or attended when the ball lies off the putting green (Rule 17)
Rule 19-5A
What happens if you hit another golf ball on the green?
If a ball struck by you is deflected or stopped by another ball at rest, there is normally no penalty, the ball is played as it lies & the other ball is replaced as near as possible to its original position. However, in stroke play only, if both balls lay on the putting green before you made your stroke, you incur a two-stroke penalty (Rule 19-5a). No penalty in matchplay
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What happens if you hit another golf ball on the green?
If a ball struck by you is deflected or stopped by another ball at rest, there is normally no penalty, the ball is played as it lies & the other ball is replaced as near as possible to its original position. However, in stroke play only, if both balls lay on the putting green before you made your stroke, you incur a two-stroke penalty (Rule 19-5a). No penalty in matchplay
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Provisional Ball Procedure Rule 27-2a
If a ball is lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds, to save time the player may play another ball provisionally in accordance with Rule 27-1. The player must inform: (i) announce to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play that he intends to play a provisional ball, and he must play it before he or his partner goes forward to search for the original ball, and (ii) play the provisional ball before he or his partner goes forward to search for the original ball.
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If a ball is lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds, to save time the player may play another ball provisionally in accordance with Rule 27-1. The player must inform: (i) announce to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play that he intends to play a provisional ball, and he must play it before he or his partner goes forward to search for the original ball, and (ii) play the provisional ball before he or his partner goes forward to search for the original ball.
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Ball Assisting or Interfering with Play (Rule 22)
You may lift your ball or have any other ball lifted if you think the ball might assist another player, or have any all lifted if it might interfere with your play. You must not agree to leave a ball in position in order to assist another player. A ball that is lifted because it is assisting or interfering with play must not be cleaned, except when it is lifted from the putting green.
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You may lift your ball or have any other ball lifted if you think the ball might assist another player, or have any all lifted if it might interfere with your play. You must not agree to leave a ball in position in order to assist another player. A ball that is lifted because it is assisting or interfering with play must not be cleaned, except when it is lifted from the putting green.
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Pace of Play Policy
Play at a good pace - It is your group's responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If your group lose a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, you should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group.
Be Ready to Play - Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. (If you are first on the tee, mark your card after). When playing on/near the putting green, leave your bags/trolley in such a position that will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.
Lost Ball - If a player believes his ball may be lost for any reason, they should play a provisional ball, indicating this to their playing partners. Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found. A maximum of 5 minutes is allowed.
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Play at a good pace - It is your group's responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If your group lose a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, you should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group.
Be Ready to Play - Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. (If you are first on the tee, mark your card after). When playing on/near the putting green, leave your bags/trolley in such a position that will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.
Lost Ball - If a player believes his ball may be lost for any reason, they should play a provisional ball, indicating this to their playing partners. Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found. A maximum of 5 minutes is allowed.
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Rules about your responsibilities as a player
1) Play with the correct handicap
2) Be on time for your match, stay with your group and keep up the pace of play
3) Record a correct score and sign your score card
4) Don’t ask for or give advise to competitors (not so much an issue when playing a friendly round)
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1) Play with the correct handicap
2) Be on time for your match, stay with your group and keep up the pace of play
3) Record a correct score and sign your score card
4) Don’t ask for or give advise to competitors (not so much an issue when playing a friendly round)
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Tee Shot - Quick Guide
You may change your ball before playing your tee shot, but it is good practice to advise a player in your group if you are changing your ball. Play your tee shot from between, and not in front of, the tee-markers. You may play your tee shot from up to two club-lengths behind the front line of the tee-markers. If you play your tee shot from outside this area:
Match play - no penalty, but your opponent may require you to replay your stroke, provided they do so immediately
Stroke play - you incur a 2-stroke penalty, the stroke itself does not count, you must play a ball from within the correct area
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You may change your ball before playing your tee shot, but it is good practice to advise a player in your group if you are changing your ball. Play your tee shot from between, and not in front of, the tee-markers. You may play your tee shot from up to two club-lengths behind the front line of the tee-markers. If you play your tee shot from outside this area:
Match play - no penalty, but your opponent may require you to replay your stroke, provided they do so immediately
Stroke play - you incur a 2-stroke penalty, the stroke itself does not count, you must play a ball from within the correct area
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Question 3: If I think a ball is mine but I cannot see my identification mark, what are the rules?
Answer: You may mark the position of the ball and lift it to identify it. When lifted under this Rule, the ball may not be cleaned except to the extent necessary to identify it (Rule 12-2).
Question 2: My ball has landed in a divot hole on the fairway, can I move it out of the divot?
Answer: No. You cannot move a golf ball out of a divot hole even when that divot is on the fairway - at least, not without penalty. (You can declare the ball unplayable, assess yourself a 1 stroke penalty, and drop)
Question 1: If your ball lies on the fringe of the green, may you repair a ball mark on the putting surface?
Answer: Yes. Rule 16-1c states that players may repair damage or ball marks whether or not the player's ball lies on the Green _______________________________________________________________________________
Answer: You may mark the position of the ball and lift it to identify it. When lifted under this Rule, the ball may not be cleaned except to the extent necessary to identify it (Rule 12-2).
Question 2: My ball has landed in a divot hole on the fairway, can I move it out of the divot?
Answer: No. You cannot move a golf ball out of a divot hole even when that divot is on the fairway - at least, not without penalty. (You can declare the ball unplayable, assess yourself a 1 stroke penalty, and drop)
Question 1: If your ball lies on the fringe of the green, may you repair a ball mark on the putting surface?
Answer: Yes. Rule 16-1c states that players may repair damage or ball marks whether or not the player's ball lies on the Green _______________________________________________________________________________
Handicaps and Results
For information on your playing handicap and results, please check on the Master Scoreboard website: http://www.masterscoreboard.co.uk/ClubIndex.php?CWID=2221. For new players who would like to gain a handicap, please complete three qualifying cards and hand them in to the Pro Shop for the cards to be validated.
For information on your playing handicap and results, please check on the Master Scoreboard website: http://www.masterscoreboard.co.uk/ClubIndex.php?CWID=2221. For new players who would like to gain a handicap, please complete three qualifying cards and hand them in to the Pro Shop for the cards to be validated.
Ladies Committee
Lady Captain - Heather Stephenson
Vice Lady Captain - Sue Bullerwell
Past Lady Captain - Anne Beckett
Treasurer - Jackie Hammer
Competition Secretary - Suzie Bishop
County Representative - Cynthia Pike
Website Manager - Anne Beckett
Match Secretary - Linda Darbon
Club President - Dawn Ashby
Lady Captain - Heather Stephenson
Vice Lady Captain - Sue Bullerwell
Past Lady Captain - Anne Beckett
Treasurer - Jackie Hammer
Competition Secretary - Suzie Bishop
County Representative - Cynthia Pike
Website Manager - Anne Beckett
Match Secretary - Linda Darbon
Club President - Dawn Ashby