Lowcountry Women s Golf Association STANDING RULES

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1 Lowcountry Women s Golf Association STANDING RULES MEMBERSHIP Applications for Membership Applications for renewal and new membership are accepted from October 1 to 31. If all eligibility requirements are met, the applicant shall be accepted for membership as of November 1 and may play in tournaments immediately upon approval. Additional Open Enrollment periods will be established at the discretion of the Board and are available for new Members only. If all eligibility requirements are met, the new Member will be accepted and may play in tournaments immediately upon approval. To be accepted into membership, women who apply must meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the bylaws of the LWGA and must have maintained a USGA index of 21.5 or less for four consecutive months prior to the first day of the enrollment period. For example, those New Members applying for membership in our main October 1-31 enrollment period, must have maintained an index of 21.5 or lower in the full months of June, July, August and September, prior to application. An initiation fee set forth by the Board of Governors and the annual dues shall be paid at the time of application. Should the application be rejected due to ineligibility, the checks for the initiation fee and annual dues will be destroyed. Course Availability Clubs to which LWGA applicants/members belong must make their course available for competition annually. Exception: If a club has less than five LWGA Members, the course must be available every three years. Credits and Credit Requirements Members must earn four (4) credits in tournaments scheduled between November 1 and October 31. Members earn two (2) credits for the Annual Stroke Play Tournament, the Annual Match Play Tournament, and the LWGA Get Away. In all other tournaments, players earn one (1) credit. Players who are placed on an alternate list by the Tournament Committee shall receive credit for that tournament provided they are available to play up to 24 hours preceding the tournament. Members who joined during the April enrollment period must earn one credit before October 31. All members who fail to comply with the credit requirements defined above will be denied membership the following year, unless they submit a written Credit Exemption Request to the 1

2 Membership Chair during the month of September, which is approved. Hardship cases will be reviewed on an individual basis and may be approved based upon the circumstances described. If not approved, the member may re-apply as a new member after one year, paying the initiation fee as well as the regular dues. Dues and Renewals of Membership All memberships including those who joined during Open Enrollment must be renewed with payment of dues as set forth by the Board of Governors, October 1 to October 31, of the subsequent year. Changes in Member , Address, Telephone and Club Affiliation It is the responsibility of the Member to notify the Membership Chair of any change in address, street address, telephone number, or club affiliation as soon as they occur. HANDICAPS Members must post all scores, away or at home, unless playing alone. (See Attachment I: Player Responsibilities for Maintaining an Accurate Handicap beginning on page 8 of these Standing Rules and the USGA Handicap System Manual, Section 5-1, Acceptability of Scores, e. vi Unacceptable Scores). No player shall play in LWGA tournaments with an index greater than 21.5, regardless of the actual index. Scores from all LWGA tournaments will be posted by the Tournament Committee unless otherwise specified. CODE OF CONDUCT Each member is expected to conduct herself in a manner that engenders good sportsmanship, good fellowship, and respect for individual dignity. Each member is also responsible for the promotion and integrity of the traditions and best interests of the game of golf and the welfare of this organization. LWGA members may not use the Membership Directory for personal solicitation of any kind. COMPETITIONS Major Tournaments Major tournaments, for which the champion(s) receive(s) a roving trophy, are the Match Play Championship and the Stroke Play Championship. 2

3 Rules/Procedures USGA rules shall govern all play, except where special local rules for abnormal conditions are posted by the Tournament Committee. These rules apply to suspension of play, late arrivals, pace of play, etc. Pace of Play Policy is in effect at all tournaments. A player may be penalized for slow play under the following circumstances; the group in which she is playing is Out of Position and the player takes more than 30 seconds to play any given stoke. Golf carts must be used in all LWGA tournaments. Definition: Out of Position means that there is an open par 3 or par 4 ahead, or the preceding group is on the green of a par 5. The pace of play is 4 hours and 20 minutes. A marshal may periodically be observing the groups. It is expected that each group stay within sight of the group ahead of them unless the starting times dictate otherwise. Groups failing to maintain pace of play may receive a warning from a tournament marshal and be monitored. After a warning is given, two-stroke penalties may be assessed against any player deemed as playing consistently slow (*violating the 30 second rule) in stroke play events. Loss of hole may be assessed against any player deemed playing consistently slow in match-play events. The LWGA will make every effort to promote good pace of play be limiting field sizes, setting up tournaments with full foursomes and assisting groups with problems such as lost balls. Groups having legitimate problems maintaining pace of play are encouraged to allow faster groups to play through. *The timing of a player s stoke begins after a player: 1. has had a reasonable time to reach the ball 2. has had no distractions 3. had had a reasonable time to select a club and it is her turn to play. Reference: USGA Rule 6-7, Rule Cell phones may be used only for emergency situations and reporting slow play during tournaments. They must be turned off at all other times. In stroke play, in case of doubt, play two balls (Rule 3-3). If you are not sure how to proceed and cannot decide between two courses of action, you can play two balls. Inform your fellowcompetitors which of the two balls is to count in the event that both options conform to the rules and then play both balls until you have holed out. Note down both scores you must then clarify the matter with the Committee before signing and handing in your score card. If you fail to do so, you are disqualified. In match play see Rule 2-5 for making a claim. 3

4 Posting scores: All scores played in a LWGA tournament will be posted by the Tournament Committee unless otherwise indicated. See Attachment I; Player Responsibilities for Maintaining an Accurate Handicap beginning on page 8. Score cards: All gross scores must be complete, hole by hole, regardless of the format and be submitted to the Tournament Committee immediately after finishing the round. Ties Stroke Play: Ties will be decided, as necessary, according to the USGA system of the best score on the last nine holes, then the last six holes, the last three holes, and finally the 18 th hole. Thereafter, all ties shall be decided by blind draw. Exception: A tie for the Stoke Play Champion shall be decided by an immediate hole by hole playoff, the nature of which shall be determined by the Tournament Committee. Match Play: If a match is halved after 18 holes, the stipulated round shall be extended to as many holes as required for the match to be won, starting at the first hole unless otherwise posted at the tournament site. Entries Entries must be completed on line with payment by credit card during the dates specified on the LWGA website. The maximum index for any player is 21.5, whether in an individual or team format. Players with indexes over 21.5 are not included in the field if the tournament is oversubscribed and must play to an index of 21.5 if they are accepted. The maximum combined index for any twosome/foursome in a tournament is 43/86. Teams over the maximum index are not included in the field if the tournament is oversubscribed and must play to a maximum index of 43/86 if they are accepted. Players who require acceptance (does not apply to Pro Appreciation Day Tournament): 1. Board and Committee members regardless of index. 2. Members designated by the Board as meriting admission to any tournament regardless of index. 3. Members who are on the Wait List from previous tournaments (but not including members with indexes over 21.5 or Special Members). Special Members will be scheduled to play only if the field is not filled. 4

5 Pro Appreciation Tournament Due to the limited field and popularity of the Pro Appreciation Day Tournament, each club may submit a maximum of two team entries for Pro Appreciation Day. Priority is granted as follows: 1. All clubs submitting teams will have at least one team selected. 2. Host Club is permitted two teams. 3. An equitable method for filling any remaining spots will be reviewed periodically. Each Club will manage its own process for player selection and individual wait list within their club. Members of second teams submitted with on-line registration but not selected will receive one credit; they will not be placed on the carryover LWGA wait list. Oversubscribed Tournaments and Wait List If the field is oversubscribed (more correct entries received on time than available tee times), a random drawing of eligible players (or teams) is held to determine the players who will be put on the wait list. The wait list is an accumulation of all those who did not get into a previous tournament either because of the random drawing, their handicap index was above 21.5 (43.0 for a twosome or 86.0 for a foursome), or they submitted an incorrect or late entry. If a player is put on the wait list, she will receive one (1) credit for the tournament she entered but was not called to play at least twenty-four hours before the tournament. LWGA members who have a handicap index higher than 21.5 are entered in tournaments only if there is room after all the eligible players are entered. Eligible players who are on the wait list will be selected to play in the next tournament they enter and then are removed from the wait list. Alternates Asked to Play in Tournaments Alternates for each tournament will be chosen in the following order: 1. If a tournament is flighted and there is a cancellation, an alternate player will be selected from the tournament wait list based upon a similar index. 2. Players with a handicap less than 21.5 (43.0 twosome or 86.0 foursome. 3. Players with a handicap that exceeds 21.5 (43.0 twosome or 86.0 foursome. Exceptions: In Make-Your-Own Twosome or Foursome events, the group may substitute or replace a player without drawing from the alternate list, provided the alternate player has a similar index. 5

6 If an alternate is called to play at least twenty-four hours before the tournament, she must play in order to receive a tournament credit. If a player is not called to play, that player will still receive one (1) credit and she will be put on the wait list. Pairings/Tee Times Pairings and tee times will be available on the LWGA website about a week before the tournament. Competitions will be flighted according to handicap, except when the format precludes flighting. Players must be at the tee 10 minutes before their tee time and ready to play at their designated time. Penalty for Late Arrival Individual Stroke Play: Two-Stroke penalty. Reference: USGA Rule 6-3a: The player shall start at the time designated by the Tournament Committee. Match Play: Loss of first hole or disqualification. (See note under USGA Rule 6-3). Cancellations Cancellations up to three days prior to the tournament will be accepted and the entry fee refunded. A late cancellation is defined as a cancellation less than three days before the tournament. In this case, the entry fee will not be refunded unless an alternate is available to play. Failure to show at a tournament without notice to the Tournament Chair no refund of entry fees. Tournament cancelled as a result of the course being declared closed will result in the refund of entry fees. Should a tournament be cancelled by the Tournament Committee (as opposed to the course being closed), and the club requires payment of cart fees, there will be no refund of entry fees and the prize money will be distributed by lottery. Failure to Finish a Round or Multiple-Day Tournament A player is expected to finish all rounds of a tournament, either a single day or multiple-day event, except when due to illness, injury, or emergency. The Tournament Committee must be notified if any player leaves the tournament before completion. 6

7 Penalties Second late cancellation, failure to show, or withdrawal from a one-day or multiple-day tournament without cause occurring within six months: Member is ineligible to play in the next three month s tournaments. Third late cancellation, failure to show, or withdrawal from a one-day or multiple-day tournament without cause occurring within six months: Member is ineligible to play for the next six month s tournaments (resulting in a total of nine monthly suspensions). Continued abuse of the late cancellation, failure to show, or withdrawal rules may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board. The Board of Governors has the right to make an exception to any violation or penalty based on evidence of Member hardship. Tournament Weather Policy Cancellation: The Tournament Chair in consultation with the golf professional and LWGA President make the determination to cancel a tournament in advance due to weather conditions and will notify all players in as timely a fashion as possible. Suspension: In the event a tournament is in progress and weather conditions deteriorate, players are advised to heed whatever warning system is in effect at that golf course and, in the event of a siren, must discontinue play (after marking their ball) and proceed to shelter, either on the golf course or at the clubhouse. If a course does not have a warning system, the decision to stop play and/or complete the tournament thereafter, will be made by the Tournament Chair. However, players may make their own decision to discontinue play if they feel they are in danger and must report to the Tournament Chair or Golf Club Staff as soon as possible. Players who choose to discontinue play in unpleasant weather conditions that are not dangerous, will be disqualified. See USGA Rule 6-8 a. The weather policy for each tournament will be described on that day s Rule Sheet. Awards Prizes and/or certificates shall be awarded for all competitions according to the number of competitors in the field. 25% to 33% of the Field will receive an award. The type of award will be at the discretion of the Board of Governors. A Member may receive only one award in a tournament with the exception of proximity or other designated special event for that tournament. Some tournaments are designated as Gross only and other tournaments are designated as Net only. In tournaments in which BOTH Gross and Net prizes are awarded, prizes will be distributed equally to First Gross and First Net winners in each flight. Priority goes to Gross. 7

8 Gratuities The fee for each tournament includes a tip for the bag staff as determined by the Board of Governors. Additional tipping is at the player s discretion and is not discouraged. Revised: November 12, 2018 Attachment I Player Responsibilities for Maintaining An Accurate Handicap (according to USGA Guidelines) 1. Scores to Post a. Adjusted gross scores from all courses with USGA Course and Slope Ratings made at home and away, shall be posted except when playing alone. (See USGA Handicap System Manual, Section 5-1, Acceptability of Scores, e. vi, Unacceptable Scores. b. A golfer shall post a score when she plays a 7-hole round, 13 or more holes or any two 9-hole rounds. c. Scores in both match play and stroke play, including those made in team competitions when players are asked to pick up when out of contention, shall be posted. 2. How to Post a. 18-Hole Scores i. Post your score using Equitable Stroke Control (ESC)*. If a player starts but does not complete a hole or is conceded a stroke, she shall record for handicap purposes the score she most likely would have made, not necessarily her maximum. ii. Enter the appropriate USGA Course Rating and USGA Slope Rating for all away scores. b. Incomplete Rounds (13 or more holes) i. If at least 13 holes are played, the remaining un-played holes, for handicap purposes, shall be recorded as par plus any handicap strokes that the player is entitled to receive on the un-played holes. ii. Whenever 7 to 12 holes are played, a 9-hole score must be posted. c. Tournament Scores i. The LWGA Tournament Committee will post Members scores for the Match Play Tournament and Stroke Play Tournament as Tournament (T) scores. All other scores will be posted by the Committee as Away (A) or Home (H) scores depending on Club affiliation. 3. Scoring Records 8

9 a. Handicap Lists i. Scoring record information for each player shall be maintained accurately at each Member s club. ii. Scores should be posted as soon as practicable after completion of a round so that a scoring record is up-to-date at the next revision. iii. Scoring records of all players shall be prominently displayed so as to be available for peer review. b. Belonging to More Than One Club i. When a Member belongs to more than one Club, she needs to inform the golf staff at both (or all) clubs, identifying the names of all the Clubs at which she is a Member. ii. The golf staff at each Club needs to utilize the Multi-Member feature to link player s handicaps. PLEASE NOTE: If a player is registered at ALL of her Clubs with the same GHIN number, utilizing the Multi-Member feature is not necessary. When first starting this feature, the golf staff at each club will need to manually input the player s most recent 20 scores. Once linked, all clubs will automatically receive all score postings each time a score is posted at any one of her clubs. iii. Occasionally handicap vendors do not have the capacity to utilize the Multi-Member feature. When this is the case, the player is responsible for posting all of her scores under both of her handicap profiles in order to keep her handicap consistent at both Clubs. iv. If a player has more than one GHIN number, it is recommended she speak with one of her golf staffs; the golf staff can contact ghinsuprt@carolinasgolf.org to request merging her handicap profiles into one GHIN number. v. Scores may be posted at Club posting stations or online at or The Member may also post using the GHIN app on smart phones and tablets. *EQUITABLE STROKE CONTROL Revised: December 2006 Course Handicap Maximum # on any hole 9 or less Double bogey or more 10 9