New Rules This Year - 2009

No changes for this year.

1. Scope

The purpose of the league is to have a competitive golf league that can be enjoyed by everyone. Although there are awards provided, the main goal is to have fun.
Please do your best to make the league enjoyable for everyone and treat your opponents and the course with respect.

2. Courtesy Rule

The primary objective of the league is to provide a competitive league that can also be enjoyed by everyone.  Players whose conduct is rude and unsportsmanlike will not be tolerated.This includes loud swearing, excessive club throwing and similar unsportsmanlike behavior.  This is disrespectful to your partner, opponents and to the league as a whole.

Complaints received will result in a warning to the offending player.  Further complaints will result in the player being banned from the league.

3. Starting Times

The league will start at approximately 5:15PM. Everyone should be paid and ready to go at this time. Anyone showing up after this time will receive the maximum hole score (as described in Maximum Hole Scores ) for all holes that have been totally completed by the player's foursome.

All matches must be played during the standard league day (Wednesday) and starting time.  Matches may not be scheduled and played at an earlier or later date/time.

4. Official Play

For any night of play, at least 50% of the teams must be present for play to be considered "official". Otherwise, play will be postponed. For a team to be present, at least one member must be present either as a team member or as a substitute.

5. Rain Outs

League offices may call a rain-out at 4:15 on the day of play (Note that this is highly unusual since Palm-Aire rarely closes due to rain).  Otherwise, it should be assumed that the golf league will be played.  The status of play will be posted on the website.  Do NOT call the course.

Should there be sufficient rain, the league officers may call a rain-out at the course prior to beginning play. 

If it rains after the league begins, and play cannot be continued, head back to the clubhouse. The league officers and Palm-Aire will decide if and when play should resume.

If a rainout occurs and 80% of the teams have completed 6 or more holes, then the play is considered official. Unplayed holes will be scored at course par plus handicap strokes for that hole.

6. Competition

Each team will consist of two people. Two individual matches are played with the pairings such that the low handicap players of the opposing teams play each other. If both players of a given team have identical handicaps, a coin toss will be used to determine who plays the low handicap player of the opposing team.

If a member of a team is missing and no substitute player has been found, there is no change to the normal pairings. The remaining player would play the same opponent as if both members were present. If one player is missing from each team, the two remaining players (regardless of handicap) will be paired to play a match.

No points will be scored for a missing player(s) without a substitute.

At Palm-Aire, men must play from the white tees on the Cypress course, the green tees on the Palms course and the purple tees on the Oaks course. Women must play from the red tees. on the Palms and Cypress courses and from the blue tees on the Oaks course.

7. Scheduling

A round-robin schedule, similar to the one used last year, will be used. The intent is to play as many different teams as the schedule allows.

The season will be divided into two halves, each approximately 11 weeks long. The top two teams from each season half will win league prizes.  Should there be a tie, ties will be broken by:

1. Points won in head to head matches.
2. Points won against common opponents.
3. Coin-toss.

Note that after the first season half, all team points will reset to zero for the second half of the season.

After the second half of the season, there will be a final playoff night.  This is used to determine the league prizes for the winning teams from each season half.  For all other teams, this will be a position night.  There will be no other position nights during the year.

8. Playoffs

The final league night will be used for playoffs for the top two teams from each of the season halves.  For all other teams it will be a position night.

The playoffs will be used to determine the league 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place and 4th place teams for the year.  The playoffs will be played between the top two teams from each of the season halves.  Should a team (or teams) come in first or second in both halves of the season, then an additional team (or teams) will be added to the playoffs.  The different playoff scenarios are listed below.

General rules:

• A team that came in 1st place for either half of the season can finish no worse than 2nd for the year (i.e. either 1st or 2nd place for the year).
• A team that came in 1st or 2nd place for BOTH halves of the season will generally be rewarded by automatically receiving a league prize and will be exempt from the playoffs.

There are different combinations of playoffs based on whether one or two teams finishes in 1st or 2nd place for BOTH halves of the season.

8.1 Four Different Playoff Teams

The top two teams from each of the season halves are all different.  This is the most likely outcome.

Playoff Format A

• 1st place teams from each season half play against each other in order to determine 1st place and 2nd place for the year.
• 2nd place teams from each season half play against each other in order to determine 3rd place and 4th place for the year.

Matches that end in a tie will be broken by lowest net score on hardest handicap hole.
 

8.2 Three Different Playoff Teams

One team finished in 1st or 2nd place for each of the season halves. 

An additional team will be added to the playoffs.  This will be the team with the most points for the ENTIRE year, that is not already in the playoffs.  Ties will be broken by:

1. Points won in head to head matches.
2. Points won against common opponents.
3. Coin-toss.

Playoff Format B

One team finished in 1st place in both of the season halves.

• 1st place team for each season half is awarded 1st place for the year.  No playoff for this team.
• 2nd place teams from each season half play against each other in order to determine 2nd place and 3rd place for the year.
• 4th place for the year is awarded to the additional team added to the playoffs. 

Matches that end in a tie will be broken by lowest net score on hardest handicap hole.

Playoff Format C

One team finished in 1st place and 2nd place in each of the season halves.

• Team that finished in 1st place and 2nd place in each of the season halves is awarded 1st place for the year.  No playoff for this team.
• The other team that finished in 1st place in one of the season halves is awarded 2nd place for the year.  No playoff for this team.
• The other team that finished in 2nd place in one of the season halves and the additional playoff team play against each other in order to determine 3rd place and 4th place for the year.

Matches that end in a tie will be broken by lowest net score on hardest handicap hole.

Playoff Format D

One team finished in 2nd place in both of the season halves.

• Teams that finished in 1st place for each season half will play against each other in order to determine 1st place and 2nd place for the year.
• The team that finished in 2nd place in both season halves is awarded 3rd place for the year.  No playoff for this team..
• 4th place for the year is awarded to the additional team added to the playoffs. 

Matches that end in a tie will be broken by lowest net score on hardest handicap hole.

8.3 Two Different Playoff Teams

Two teams finished in 1st or 2nd place for each of the season halves. 

Two additional teams will be added to the playoffs.  These will be the teams with the most points for the ENTIRE year, that are not already in the playoffs.  Ties will be broken by:

1. Points won in head to head matches.
2. Points won against common opponents.
3. Coin-toss.

Playoff Format E

One team finished in 1st place in both of the season halves.  Second team finished in 2nd place in both of the season halves.

• 1st place team for each season half is awarded 1st place for the year.  No playoff for this team.
• 2nd place team for each season half is awarded 2nd place for the year.  No playoff for this team.
• The two teams added to the playoffs will play against each other in order to determine 3rd place and 4th place for the year.

Matches that end in a tie will be broken by lowest net score on hardest handicap hole.

Playoff Format F

Two teams finished in 1st place and 2nd place for each of the season halves.

• The two teams that finished in 1st and 2nd place in each of the season halves play against each other in order to determine 1st place and 2nd place for the year.
• The two teams added to the playoffs will play against each other in order to determine 3rd place and 4th place for the year.

Matches that end in a tie will be broken by lowest net score on hardest handicap hole.

9. Establishment of Handicaps

Handicaps will be established for all league golfers and substitutes. It is based on the best five of the last eight scores. If less than eight scores have been recorded, the handicap will be based on the scores recorded to date. If a player does not have a handicap, the handicap will be computed using the player's first round (with scoring using the computed handicap).

For first-time players only, the handicap used for the first match will be a percentage of the standard league handicap (computed after play). This percentage is:

For returning players, scores from 2008 (up to the last eight) will be used to recalculate handicaps for the start of the 2009 season.  All scores prior to 2008 are discarded.

The handicap formula used by the league is 96% of the average of the best five of the last eight scores rounded to the nearest whole (rounded down if exactly between two whole numbers).

Examples:

1. Last eight scores are 9, 5, 3, 9, 9, 8, 7 and 12. The high scores 12, 9 and 9 are dropped. 96% of the average of the remaining scores is 6.1 which is rounded to 6.
2. Last eight scores are 13, 5, 7, 13, 13, 8, 7 and 13. The high scores 13, 13 and 13 are dropped. 96% of the average of the remaining scores is 7.6 which is rounded to 8.

If a player has less than eight scores, the formula is as follows:

• if only one score, then the player's handicap is 96% of that score rounded to the nearest whole number.
• if the player has two or three scores, then the player's highest score is thrown out and the handicap is 96% of the average of the remaining scores rounded to the nearest whole number.
• if the player has four or five scores, then the player's two highest scores are thrown out and the handicap is 96% of the average of the remaining scores rounded to the nearest whole number.
• If the player has six or seven scores, then the player's three highest scores are thrown out and the handicap is 96% of the average of the remaining scores rounded to the nearest whole number.

The maximum handicap is 26 for men and 28 for women.

A player must record his true gross score for each hole, including penalties (up to the hole maximum as described in Maximum Hole Scores ).

A maximum score per hole, based upon each players handicap at the start of the round will be used to adjust the players score for handicapping purposes only. The maximum adjusted score for each handicap range is:

10. Maximum Hole Scores

To speed up play, the maximum number of strokes allowed on a single hole is double par plus two:

At the point that the maximum for a hole has been reached, do not continue playing the hole, pick up!

From a scoring standpoint, a pick-up is NOT the same as completing the hole with the maximum hole score.  A pick-up occurs when the hole was not completed.  Please indicate on the score card, by some fashion, whenever a pick-up has occurred (i.e. "X"). In the absence of any annotation, the score will be treated as completed with the maximum hole score (i.e NOT a pickup).

11. Scoring

Scoring is in two parts: match play and medal play.

For match play, each match is worth a total of 18 points. Two points are awarded for each hole won (net score). In the case of a net score tie, each player receives one point.

For medal (stroke) play, six points are awarded to the player with the lowest net score (gross score minus handicap). Three points are awarded to each player in the case of a net score tie.

The holes on which strokes are received is based on the handicap rating of the nine holes being played. In a match between a man and a woman, the hole handicaps for the match are based on the handicaps of the player with the higher handicap.

12. Unopposed Scoring

The unopposed scoring formula takes affect when your opponent does not show up and there is no substitute.  Note that your team should attempt to pair up if no one from the opposing team shows up.  See Unopposed Team Scoring Adjustment .

Like opposed scoring, unopposed scoring will award up to 18 points for hole scores and up to 6 points for total score.  There are no longer free points.  Scoring varies by one of 5 handicap bands:

12.1 Handicap less than or equal to 5

For the three hardest holes (based on hole handicap and gender): 2 points for net par or better, 1 point for net bogey.
For the six easiest holes: 2 points for net birdie or better, 1 point for net par.  Another way to think of this is to have an "unopposed match" against an opponent with a 0 handicap that shoots 3 over par - with bogeys on the 3 hardest holes and pars on all others (note: this is for match points only).

The remaining 6 points are awarded based on the total net score.

12.2 Handicap greater than 5, less than or equal to 10

For the three hardest holes (based on hole handicap and gender): 2 points for net par or better, 1 point for net bogey.
For the six easiest holes: 2 points for net birdie or better, 1 point for net par.  Another way to think of this is to have an "unopposed match" against an opponent with a 0 handicap that shoots 3 over par - with bogeys on the 3 hardest holes and pars on all others (note: this is for match points only).

The remaining 6 points are awarded based on the total net score.

12.3 Handicap greater than 10, less than or equal to 15

For the four hardest holes (based on hole handicap and gender): 2 points for net par or better, 1 point for net bogey.
For the five easiest holes: 2 points for net birdie or better, 1 point for net par.  Another way to think of this is to have an "unopposed match" against an opponent with a 0 handicap that shoots 4 over par - with bogeys on the 4 hardest holes and pars on all others (note: this is for match points only).

The remaining 6 points are awarded based on the total net score.

12.4 Handicap greater than 15, less than or equal to 20

For the four hardest holes (based on hole handicap and gender): 2 points for net par or better, 1 point for net bogey.
For the five easiest holes: 2 points for net birdie or better, 1 point for net par.  Another way to think of this is to have an "unopposed match" against an opponent with a 0 handicap that shoots 4 over par - with bogeys on the 4 hardest holes and pars on all others (note: this is for match points only).

The remaining 6 points are awarded based on the total net score.

12.5 Handicap greater than 20

For the four hardest holes (based on hole handicap and gender): 2 points for net par or better, 1 point for net bogey.
For the five easiest holes: 2 points for net birdie or better, 1 point for net par.  Another way to think of this is to have an "unopposed match" against an opponent with a 0 handicap that shoots 4 over par - with bogeys on the 4 hardest holes and pars on all others (note: this is for match points only).

The remaining 6 points are awarded based on the total net score.

13. Unopposed Team Scoring Adjustment

If both opponents of a team are missing and there are no substitutes, then both players play according to Unopposed Scoring.   Players must make every effort to join up with another group.  In cases where you cannot join a group and you must play unaccompanied, your scorecard and the number of points awarded are subject to review by a league officer.  Up to fivesomes are permitted as a means to eliminate unaccompanied twosomes or single players.

Unopposed teams should not play alone.  This is considered unacceptable.  Repeat offenders may be penalized.

Note: when unopposed teams pair up and play with other teams - scoring will be done using Unopposed Scoring .  This is the case even if two unopposed teams are playing each other.

14. Substitutes

A substitute golfer is eligible to win points for a team which is missing a member. A list of substitutes can be found on the golf league website. You may have anyone sub, even if he/she has never done so before.

If both members of a team will not be present, then they may elect to get two substitutes to play in their absence.

It is the responsibility of the team members to find substitutes -- the league does not do this. If substitutes are available, but have not been asked to play, then their score will not count for any team. In this case, the substitute may still play with the league, but the score will only be used for handicapping.

When substitutes are made in a team, the pairings for matches are determined using the substitute(s) handicap and not the original (missing) team member's handicap. The rule of low handicap playing low handicap still applies.

Substitutes are not eligible to win yearly prizes.

15. Missing Holes

There may be times when a player does not complete all nine holes.  This may be due to a player showing up late or leaving early for some reason.

If the player missed one or two holes:

• The player will be given net bogey for the holes missed.  The player cannot win any holes missed (playing opposed or unopposed).
• The opponent of the player missing holes will be given 2 points for net par or better and 1 point for net bogey on the missed holes.
• The player that missed holes, may win or tie the medal portion of the match.
• For handicapping purposes, the missed holes will be counted as net par.

If a player missed three or four holes:

• The player will be given net bogey for the holes missed.  The player cannot win any holes missed (playing opposed or unopposed).
• The opponent of the player missing holes will be given 2 points for net par or better and 1 point for net bogey on the missed holes.
• The player that missed holes, cannot win or tie the medal portion of the match.
• For handicapping purposes, the missed holes will be counted as net par.

If a player missed five or more holes:

• The round is discarded.
• The opponent of the player missing holes will be scored using the unopposed scoring formula for ALL nine holes.

16. Deadbeat Teams

If a team does not show up three weeks in a row and does not provide substitutes, then that team will be dropped from the league and its members moved to the substitute roster. No refund of dues will occur and the team will not be reinstated until the following year.

17. Score Cards

Do Not Leave Without Turning In Your Score Card.

Score cards must be validated and signed by one member of each team. The winning team is responsible for turning in the validated score card. Cards must be turned in to a league officer on the night of the round.

Unopposed teams must have their score cards validated and signed by a league member outside of the team in order to be eligible for all points.  Refer to Unopposed Scoring.

17.1. Score Card Amendments

Generally, once a score card has been turned in - it is considered final.  However, there may be cases when a player believes the posted score in incorrect.  In this case a scorecard may be amended.  There are two cases:

1. The posted score differed from the score card, i.e. the scorecard was entered incorrectly by the secretary.  These errors will always be corrected.  This also includes cases where the posted score had the wrong opponents compared to the actual match.
2. The posted score was entered correctly based on the score card.

To amend a score for case #2, the following procedure will be followed:

• The request to have the score amended must be sent to the secretary within two days after play.
• An image of the photocopy of the scorecard will be sent to the player making the request and his/her opponent (or someone else in the group, if unopposed).
• The opponent must approve the change by tuesday of the next week (prior to league play).  The opponent must clearly remember the score on the hole and agree to the change.  Otherwise, the opponent is under no obligation to agree to the change.

18. Penalties

Unless explicitly stated, all play shall be governed by the USGA Rules of Golf. Exceptions to USGA rules are only for stated golf league rules and local Palm-Aire rules. All exceptions are listed in this document.

18.1 Out of Bounds Penalty

There are two choices for penalty for ball out of bounds.

USGA Rule

The player replays his or her shot from the point at which the previous shot was taken, plus one stroke penalty.

Golf League Alternative

A ball may be dropped within two club-lengths of the point at which it crossed the boundary for out of bounds. The ball may not be dropped nearer the hole. There is a penalty of one stroke.

Note: There are no exceptions to the drop point due to stance, swing or flight of ball.

18.2 Lost Ball Penalty

There are two choices for penalty for lost ball.

USGA Rules

The player replays his or her shot from the point at which the previous shot was taken, plus one stroke penalty.

Golf League Alternative

A ball may be dropped within two club-lengths of the point at which it was suspected that the ball landed. The ball may not be dropped nearer the hole nor can the player's position be improved (i.e., a ball lost in the rough must be dropped in the rough, a ball lost in a waste area must be dropped in the waste area, etc.)

There is a penalty of one stroke.

Note: Please come to an agreement with your opponent as to the appropriate drop point for a lost ball.

18.3 Unplayable Lies

For unplayable lies, the USGA rule is followed. There are three choices:

1. The player replays his or her shot from the point at which the previous shot was taken.

2. A ball is dropped within two club-lengths of the spot where it was found, no nearer the hole.

3. A ball is dropped anywhere along the line connecting the spot where the ball was found and the hole. The drop may not be closer to the hole and there is a penalty of one stroke.

There is a one-stroke penalty, regardless of choice.

For choices #2 and #3, the player's position may not be improved (i.e. a ball in the rough must be dropped in the rough, a ball in a waste area must be dropped in the waste area, etc.)

18.4 Water Hazards

A non-lateral water hazard is defined by white or yellow stakes. There are two USGA options for a ball in a water hazard.

1. The player replays his or her shot from the point at which the previous shot was taken. There is a penalty of one stroke.

2. A ball is dropped anywhere along the line connecting the spot where the ball entered the hazard and the hole. The drop may not be closer to the hole and there is a penalty of one stroke.

The following diagram illustrates the options for a water hazard.

Option #1- Replay from original spot (+1 stroke).

Option #2- Drop on line connecting with flag, no nearer the hole (illustrated as solid red line). +1 stroke.

18.5 Lateral Water Hazard

A lateral water hazard is defined by red stakes. If feasible, any of the options mentioned above for water hazards may also be used for lateral water hazards, although generally, rule #2 would not be viable.

A ball is dropped within two club-lengths of the point at which it entered the hazard. The drop may not be closer to the hole and there is a penalty of one stroke.

The following diagram illustrates the options for a lateral water hazard:

Option #3 - Drop within 2 club-lengths where hazard was entered (illustrated as pink area). +1 stroke.

19. Improving Lies

19.1 Winter Rules

1. A ball in the fairway may be improved by using your club to roll the ball less than 6 inches to either side or away from the hole. This rule only applies when a ball is in the fairway for the hole being played and does not apply to a ball in the rough, in a hazard, in an adjacent fairway or on the green.
    

2. The USGA rule allows relief from an embedded ball in the fairway, green or "closely mown" areas of the rough.  The golf league extends this rule to all areas of the rough.  If a ball is resting in its pitchmark in either a fairway, closely-mown rough or green, the ball may be removed from its pitchmark.  For other areas of the rough, a ball is considered plugged when at least one third of it is beneath the surface.  For a ball plugged in the fairway or green it may be placed, no nearer the hole. For a ball plugged in the rough, it may be dropped, no nearer the hole.

The embedded golf rule does not apply to balls in a hazard (including bunkers).

19.2 Ground Under Repair

Relief is provided for a ball or stance in an area marked as "ground under repair", or if you and your opponents agree that an area is under repair. The ball should be dropped at the nearest point, no closer to the hole, where the "ground under repair" area no longer affects stance or shot.

A player's position may not be improved (i.e., a ball in the rough must be dropped in the rough, a ball in a waste area must be dropped in the waste area, etc.)

19.3 Casual Water

Casual water is defined as a temporary accumulation of water that is not part of a water hazard. Casual water must be visible, before or after a player takes his or her normal stance.

The relief from casual water is to drop at the nearest point, no closer to the hole, where casual water is no longer present. Again, a player's position may not be improved.

20. Slow Play

When more than one hole is open ahead, allow faster groups to play through.

21. Measuring Devices

The USGA permits local organizations to allow devices to be used for measuring distances on a golf course.  As a league, we will ALLOW such devices to be used.  This includes GPS and laser devices used for measuring distances.  It does not allow devices that measure wind speed/direction or elevation.  The league is allowing these devices as long as it does not lead to slower play.  If it does, changes to this rule may need to be made.

22. League Awards

The following awards will be provided this year:

Team Awards

First, Second, Third and Fourth place

Individual Awards

Season Low Gross, Season Low Net, Most Points, Most Improved

Substitutes are not eligible for league awards.

To be eligible for Season Low Net, a player must have at least three previous scores from the current year.

The most improved award goes to the league member whose handicap improves the most from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.   The handicap at the beginning of the year occurs when the player has at least five previous rounds, including rounds from the previous year.

A league member may win any number of individual awards (i.e. not limited to at most one).

There are no tie breakers for the individual awards.  Should more than one league member tie for an award, the prize will be split as determined by the league officers.

Palm-Aire Rules

We are returning to Palm-Aire this year - Cypress, Oaks and Palms Courses.  The tees used are:

• Cypress: men play from the white tees, women play from the red tees.
• Oaks: men play from the purple tees, women play from the blue tees.
• Palms: men play from the green tees, women play from the red tees.

The entire match must be played on either the front or back nine (i.e. after hole #9, return to hole #1 and after hole #18, return to hole #10).

Local Palm-Aire Rules

1. All water hazards are defined by red stakes. Out of bounds are indicated by white stakes.

2. The area across the water on holes 3, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the Palms course is considered out of bounds.

3. When playing the 5th hole on the Palms course, the 6th fairway (behind the trees) is considered out of bounds.