Rules for Trophy (Board) Competitions
Qualifications for All Trophy Competitions
To play in any competition which results in the award of a trophy or inclusion on the honours boards, a player must have a minimum of 12 cards on the WHS system at the time of entry. He or she must also have a valid handicap and have provided three qualifying cards in the last six months, only one of which may be a casual card.
All entrants must be fully paid-up members of Etchinghill Golf Club.
Knockout Competitions
These rules will apply to knockout competitions for both summer and winter singles and doubles and for all sections – men, ladies, seniors and mixed. Where rules are specific to one season this will be made clear.
1. Qualification for competitions
All entrants must be fully paid-up members of Etchinghill Golf Club and must have a valid handicap (three qualifying cards in the last six months, only one of which may be a casual card) at the time of entry to the competition.
When about to start a match, all players must have provided three qualifying cards in the last six months. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the competition. In doubles teams both players must have provided three cards. Failure to do so by either player will result in disqualification of both players.
In winter competitions any player who does not pay their membership renewal before 1st January will be removed from the competition on that date. In the case of doubles their partner will also be removed.
2. Entry into competitions
Captains will ask for entries and will give a reasonable time for such entries before the cut- off date. Late entries will not be accepted.
All entrants are required to enter in the prescribed manner and provide the correct entry fee by the cut-off date. If no fee is provided the entrant(s) will not be included in the draw.
If you know you are intending to be away for any long period of time during the running of the competition you should seriously consider whether you should enter. Whilst making this decision take into account future rounds that you may reach.
3. The Draw
The draw for the first round will be made by the relevant captain and a witness. The draw will be published on the relevant notice board and a reasonable time will be given for all matches in all rounds.
4. Arranging matches
Players will contact each other as soon as possible to arrange a date to play. Three dates must be offered by each side and a date and time agreed upon. It is suggested this is as soon as possible in case it needs to be rescheduled.
This is particularly relevant in the winter months.
In the Mens and Ladies knockout competitions 5-day members are expected to be willing to play at the weekend if necessary, and 7-day members willing to play during the week, if necessary. 7- day members must offer three dates, one of which must be midweek, and 5 day members must offer three dates, one of which must be at a weekend.
It is unreasonable to expect a 7-day member who works Monday to Friday to play midweek during the winter months. A reasonable compromise must be reached, but in the case of an impasse the matter must be referred to the relevant captain as soon as possible.
Foxtrotters (seniors) matches will be played on weekdays only.
5. Playing matches
The matches will be played under the normal matchplay Rules of Golf and the WHS handicapping system. Men will play off the white tees.
Singles is full handicap difference, doubles 90% of difference from lowest handicap.
Mixed four-ball matchplay - In Four-Ball formats from mixed tees, individual players score using the card and Stroke Index appropriate for the tee they are playing from.
If it seems likely that a player will not be able to complete the fixture by the cut-off date by reason of injury or absence they will be expected to concede. If they do not, the captain will award the match to the other player.
In doubles matches it is allowable for one member of a team to play on their own, or for one from each team to play. This is an extreme case, but better than not playing at all. In singles and doubles it is allowable for the match to be played on the Valley or over nine holes, provided both parties agree.
Should there be a situation where the match is not played due to the fault of neither side, or the weather has intervened at the last moment, the relevant captain will decide the match on the toss of a coin in the presence of a witness.
6. Disputes
If any matches cannot be resolved amicably and reasonably by the players in accordance with these rules the matter must be referred to the relevant captain, who will make an informed decision on the outcome. This will be final and binding. In the case of mixed matches any dispute will be resolved by the Club Captain.
Trophy Competitions
Trophy competitions are defined as those for which members play a competition that results in the winners and / or runners-up having their names entered onto the trophy and / or the honours board.
1. Qualification
All entrants must be fully paid-up members of Etchinghill Golf Club and must have a valid handicap (three qualifying cards in the last six months, only one of which may be a casual card) at the time of entry to the competition. In doubles competitions both players must have provided three cards as described above.
2. Playing competitions
Any member who does not qualify under rule 1 may still play in the competition for handicap purposes but is barred from winning any prizes in the competition. They must pay the relevant entry fee.
Stablefords and Medals
These are competitions held by the club which do not attract a trophy or a board entry.
Any member who plays in these matches must have a valid handicap (three qualifying cards in the last six months) to win prizes. They may play for handicap purposes only if they do not.
General Rules
Buggies may only be used in club competitions (including knockouts) where a player has a medical dispensation, whether temporary or permanent. You may not share buggies, nor place your golf bag in or on another player's buggy.
The practice of completing a general round card (formerly supplementary) whist playing in a match play competition is not allowed.
February 22