ROYAL MALTA GOLF CLUB GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR COMPETITIONS

Transcription

1 GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR COMPETITIONS Edition: January 2018

2 CONTENTS 1 GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES INTRODUCTION COMPETITION MANAGEMENT AND DISPUTES ENTRY TO COMPETITIONS HANDICAPS SCORING STARTING RULES DECISIONS PRACTISING ENTRANCE FEE DRAWS ALTERNATIVE DAY SPONSORED COMPETITIONS PRIZES COMPETITION RULES GENERAL OPEN COMPETITIONS KNOCKOUT COMPETITION RULES BALL SWEEP COMPETITION INCLEMENT WEATHER RULES PACE OF PLAY COMPETITION FEES COMPETITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE MEN S SECTION COMPETITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE LADIES SECTION COMPETITION COMMITTEES HANDICAP COMMITTEES COMPETITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE MEN S SECTION CAPTAINS COMPETITIONS CAPTAIN S DAY LADY CAPTAIN v CAPTAIN (The Anne Panton Trophy) CAPTAIN v VICE-CAPTAIN MONTHLY COMPETITIONS MONTHLY MEDAL TEAM COMPETITIONS CAPTAINS LEAGUE MALTA v THE REST MALTA v THE REST -- SUPPLEMENTARY COMPETITION MAJOR COMPETITIONS THE CHAMPIONSHIP SCRATCH CHALLENGE CUP WEDGWOOD TROPHY HANDICAP CHALLENGE CUP FESTIVAL COMPETITIONS HOMES OF QUALITY TROPHY January

3 5.5.2 MGA SHIELD INDIVIDUAL COMPETITIONS ANDREWS CUP RMGC STABLEFORD CUP KINNAIRD CENTENARY TROPHY HANGOVER CUP (followed by Creasy Draw) HORTON CUP CENTENARY PLATE LIVINGWELL TROPHY MALTA GARRISON TROPHY QEII JUBILEE TROPHY SAN BASTJAN VETERANS CUP CROSS COUNTRY MEDAL OF MEDALS TORRENS PLATE PARTNERED COMPETITIONS ROYAL NORWICH TROPHY EMMANUEL CUTAJAR TROPHY HARRY VARDON TROPHY SPRING CHALLENGE TROPHY TEXAS SCRAMBLE TWO MAN SCRAMBLE KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS CREASY CUP GLOVER CUP R&A TROPHY FOURSOMES CHALLENGE CUP MIXED KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS RMGC Mixed 4BBB RUNDLE GOLF CUP (ROSEBOWL) MIXED COMPETITIONS INSPIRE TROPHY BLUE BUTTERFLY TROPHY ALEX MANGION MEMORIAL SHIELD STARS AND STRIPES TROPHY VICTOR PACE MEMORIAL PLATE DEMAJO GROUP CHALLENGE CUP RUNNING COMPETITIONS ORDER OF MERIT GROSS ECLECTIC NET ECLECTIC COMPETITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE LADIES SECTION LADIES SECTION MAJOR COMPETITIONS THE HUA WEI CHAMPIONSHIP CUP QUALIFYING THE HUA WEI MOYA HANN TROPHY QUALIFYING MEDAL HANDICAP CUPS - Silver and Bronze QUALIFYING OTHER (LADIES SECTION) COMPETITIONS INTERCONTINENTAL MONTHLY MEDAL QUALIFYING January

4 6.2.2 STABLEFORD AND BOGEY COMPETITIONS QUALIFYING LADY CAPTAIN v LADY VICE-CAPTAIN NON-QUALIFYING LADY CAPTAIN S DAY MGA SHIELD (NESCAFE DOLCE GUSTO)- QUALIFYING MIXED POWER YOGA WORLD QUALIFYING TWISTEES QUALIFYING LIVINGWELL QUALIFYING HAMILTON-HILL TROPHY NON-QUALIFYING HOMES OF QUALITY QUALIFYING MIXED SENIORS CUP QUALIFYING FALCON CUP/EYAS TROPHY MEDALFORD COMPETITION NINE HOLE QUALIFYING COMPETITIONS LADIES SECTION RUNNING COMPETITIONS THE ECLECTIC COMPETITION MGA MEDAL AWARD (Sponsored by the MGA) THE HIKAKE PLATE GEORDIE CUP THE VANSITAART NEAL CUP THE MOST IMPROVED GOLFER THE BIRDIE COMPETITION ORDER OF MERIT MIXED COMPETITIONS FENSTON QUALIFYING January

5 1 GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES 1.1 INTRODUCTION These General Rules and Procedures apply to all competitions administered by the Men s and Ladies Sections. They have been compiled by the Captain s Committee to ensure consistency from one season to the next. This edition supersedes all previous versions. Any text using the masculine gender only in the general sections 1-4 shall include the feminine gender, unless inconsistent with the context. 1.2 COMPETITION MANAGEMENT AND DISPUTES All RMGC competitions, administered by the Men s and Ladies Sections, are governed by the respective RMGC Competition Rules. The running of these competitions will be in the hands of the Men s and Ladies Competition Committees operating under the Rules of the R&A and the Local Rules of the RMGC. Any query or dispute should be referred to the respective Competition Committee and the decision of the Competition Committee shall be final on the day unless a referee has been appointed for a particular Competition by the Competition Committee in which case the referee s decision is final on the day as per Rule 34. For the purposes of Rule 34 a competition is deemed closed when the result has been posted on the RMGC web site. 1.3 ENTRY TO COMPETITIONS Where a knockout competition is over-subscribed then places will be decided on a first come first paid basis. The appropriate fee must accompany all entries and the time of entry is determined at the time of payment of the fee. Failure to pay by the due time stated will result in the elimination of the entry. Certain competitions carry a maximum or minimum handicap limit. When such a handicap limit is set then this refers to the handicap at the date of closing of entry of the competition. If the handicap moves outside the limits between this closing date and the playing of the competition, the player will still be allowed to participate. However, if there is a minimum limit and the player s handicap falls below this limit then the player must play to his new handicap. If there is a maximum limit, and the player s handicap increases above this limit, then the player must play to the competition s maximum handicap limit. 1.4 HANDICAPS The Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) Unified Handicapping System (UHS) is applied for the Men s and Ladies Sections through the RMGC Club V1 Handicap Computer System for all handicap allocation and amendment purposes. Competitors attention is drawn to the following points: January

6 a) Qualifying Rounds For normal handicap revision purposes rounds must be played under Stroke Play conditions -- which mean they must either be Medal, Stableford or Par competitions played off full handicap allowances. b) Handicap Revision Revisions take place immediately after a qualifying round when results are posted either on the Club notice board, on the web site or after consultation with the Handicap Secretary. Score returns from non-qualifying individual Stroke Play rounds will be considered towards validating a member s handicap. A player s handicap may be reduced under general play at the discretion of the Handicaps Committee given due reason which would deem such a reduction appropriate. During a competition over more than one day, the player s handicap at the start of the competition will apply to all rounds of the competition. c) Number of Qualifying Rounds The Handicapping Scheme can only work effectively if players make sufficient returns. The Committee considers that a minimum of three (3) returns, including Supplementary scores submitted under CONGU Rule 21, at the RMGC is required during the period between Annual Reviews (September August) to give a reasonable assessment of handicap and to maintain an active handicap. Failure to submit sufficient returns during this period will result in the member s handicap being made inactive under CONGU Rule 25. To reactivate an inactive handicap requires the submission of at least three qualifying cards. Returns from other Courses are valid for normal handicapping purposes only. d) Annual Review - Under CONGU Rule 23 the Handicap Committee will conduct an Annual Review to adjust as necessary the handicaps of all members to ensure that as far as is practicable they reflect current playing ability. In exceptional circumstances the Handicap Committee may adjust the handicap of a player between Annual Reviews if there is compelling evidence that his handicap does not reflect current playing ability. e) Home Club - Under the CONGU handicapping system players are allowed only one handicap that shall be maintained by his home club. Where the RMGC is not a player's home club an up-to-date handicap certificate must be produced prior to participating in a RMGC competition and the player must report all qualifying scores to his home club for handicap processing. f) Junior Handicaps The Junior Academy has adopted the CONGU recommended procedures for allotting and adjusting handicaps for juniors as laid out in Appendix J of the CONGU UHS. January

7 g) Maximum Handicap Allowance Unless otherwise specified in these rules, the maximum handicap allowance in competitions organised and/or administered by the Men s and Ladies Sections shall be 28 for Men and 36 for Ladies. 1.5 SCORING Under Stroke Play conditions each competitor is obliged to ensure the following is recorded on his scorecard before returning it. a) Gross Scores must be correctly and legibly recorded for each hole. b) Handicap the player s current playing handicap must be correctly recorded on the scorecard preferably in the handicap box provided. c) Signatures the player s signature and his marker s signature must be recorded in the space provided. Failure to record any of these will result in (mandatory) disqualification with two exceptions. If the player records a lower handicap or a higher gross score than actual, he will not be disqualified but will be deemed to have played off that lower handicap or scored the higher gross score. After completion of the round, the competitor must return his scorecard to the Competition Committee as soon as possible. If the ballot box is in use the act of depositing the card in the box is the point of return. If the cards are being recorded at the scoring table, then the competitor is entitled to remain at the table until the card has been checked and accepted. If the competitor leaves the table, the card is considered returned. 1.6 STARTING Flights shall start from the designated tees. Players shall start at the designated time. A player arriving up to five minutes late will be penalised 2 strokes in Medal Play, 2 points in Stableford or loss of first hole in Match Play. If the player arrives over 5 minutes late, disqualification is mandatory Rule 6-3. Players should tee off according to the draw as printed on the respective draw sheet. Play will be from the yellow tees for men and the red tees for women, unless otherwise stated. January

8 1.7 RULES DECISIONS The following procedures apply in the event of any doubt as to the rules (Rule 34): a) Match Play in the absence of an appointed referee, players must decide before playing off the next tee. If unable to do so, the player who believes his opponent has infringed the rules must lodge a claim with him before playing off the next tee. Players are then to proceed with their match keeping two scores. At the end of the match, the claim must be referred to the Competition Committee with the player specifying the infringement of the rules that has taken place. This must be done at the earliest opportunity and before the result is posted. The Committee will give a prompt decision. b) Stroke Play a second ball should be played (without penalty) and two scores retained until the card is handed into the Competition Committee, with an explanation of the facts, for a decision see Rule PRACTISING On the day of any Stroke Play competition, the facilities of the practice area and putting green may be used. Practising on the course is not permitted and Rule 7-1b applies. If a competition uses an alternative day for play, practice on the course is allowed for players up to the day before they play. 1.9 ENTRANCE FEE The fees for specific competitions are laid out in 2.6 and must be paid in advance of participation in a competition. If not paid in advance, the player may be disqualified so unable to win that competition, earn Order of Merit points or register Eclectic scores but, if it is a qualifying competition, will have his score considered for validating or reducing his handicap. The distribution of the competition proceeds is laid out in the policy document Management of RMGC Competition Funds. Approximately 60% goes in prizes and trophies, 30% is distributed via the ball sweep and 10% to cover incidental costs (trophy engraving, honour boards, etc.). Some competitions offer the opportunity to organise free food and/or drinks for the playing members through the competitions account. Examples are Captain vs Vice- Captain; Malta vs The Rest, etc. As no prizes are due to the members on these particular competitions, the competition s entrance fee is returned to members by way of catering. January

9 1.10 DRAWS Most competitions are drawn using a computer about two days before the competition. The type of draw for each competition is given in the competition calendar. The draw will be one of the following types: Matched ~ Flights and/or teams will generally be of players of similar handicap. Balanced ~ Flights and/or teams are made up such that each group is of roughly equal ability overall, this will generally mean a mixture of low, medium and high handicappers playing in each group such that the total handicap of the groups is roughly the same. Random ~ Flights are selected at random by the computer. Sequenced ~ In handicap order either high/low or low/high. Medal competitions should be in flights of three. If there is a prize for each Division, then the draw should be drawn in divisions. Should the competition be a multi-round competition, such as the Wedgwood, then the draw should be matched on Day 1 but on subsequent day(s) Sequenced high/low according to scores on Day 1 see Rule ALTERNATIVE DAY Additional tee times may be allocated on an alternative day for some competitions in order to accept extra players if the main draw is full or to accept those players who may be unable to play for work related or other good reasons on the main competition day. This option is constantly under review and will be withdrawn if abused. It may also be withdrawn if tee times are booked for other reasons. If play on the alternative day is abandoned due to weather conditions, then the main competition day proceeds as normal. If the main competition day is abandoned due to weather conditions, then the whole competition is deemed abandoned regardless of whether play on the alternative day has taken place. If a player signs up for an alternative day and is then unable to play for any reason, he cannot reenter on the following main competition day. The alternative day for Men is normally the Friday afternoon on the day before Saturday Competitions, but may be varied by the Men s Competition Secretary. The alternative day for Ladies is normally the Saturday afternoon preceding the main Thursday competition, but may be varied by the Ladies Competitions Secretary, especially for Mixed 2 or 3 Day events. Any Lady with a valid handicap may play on this alternative day in any individual non-drawn, non-major, stroke-play competition whether sponsored or not. However, Lady players, other than confirmed regular Saturday players, may only enter and play on the alternative day in a maximum of two competitions during the season, unless given approval by the Competition Secretary. January

10 1.12 SPONSORED COMPETITIONS RMGC greatly values its sponsors and to ensure they get full support from the membership, for competitions where the sponsor is present at the prize giving, if the winner is not present the prize will go to the next best score. This will be made clear on the sign-up and start sheets as a condition of the competition. In exceptional circumstances the Captain (or in his absence the Vice-Captain) have the discretion to allow a nominated person to collect the prize on the winner s behalf. Should a player elect to play on Friday, this in itself will not be considered exceptional circumstances PRIZES Unless otherwise stated in the competition terms and conditions, where there are multiple main prizes available, an entrant can only win one prize. This does not apply to ancillary prizes such as ball sweep, nearest the pin, etc. January

11 2 COMPETITION RULES 2.1 GENERAL ROYAL MALTA GOLF CLUB 1) All competitions are subject to the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status as issued by the Rules of Golf Committee R&A Rules Limited and the Local Rules drawn up by the RMGC and posted in the clubhouse. Infringement of these rules shall incur the appropriate penalty. 2) In all matters relating to the application of handicaps, the RMGC shall be guided by those rules as published and administered by CONGU. Details of these can be obtained via the Handicap Secretaries. 3) All fully paid-up members are eligible to play in RMGC competitions, subject to the membership category restrictions imposed by the Constitution and any specific competition conditions laid down by the Competition Committee. 4) In order to be eligible to enter and play in RMGC competitions, a member must be in possession of a current active RMGC handicap. A member, who is not in possession of a current active RMGC handicap, may play as a marker on competition days, except for major competitions, for the purpose of submitting cards for handicapping considerations. In such cases the relevant competition fee will be payable. 5) Members guests in possession of a current full handicap will, space permitting, be allowed to play as markers in individual and four-ball competitions consisting of one round. They will similarly be allowed to play in team competitions, but their team will not be eligible to win. The relevant competition/green fee will be payable. 6) Members, who need to use golf buggies in competitions, must seek prior approval from the Captain s Committee. 7) The use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited during any competition and is considered a serious breach of etiquette (Rule 33-7). Penalty for breach of rule: suspension from competitions for a minimum of 2 weeks. Persistent use will result in disqualification. In knockout competitions, players may use their mobile telephone to call (a member of) the Competition Committee for advice on a point of dispute. In Stroke Play competitions, players are recommended to adopt the process as underlined in Rule Doubt to Procedure. 8) The use of a distance-measuring device during any competition is permitted providing the device complies with the specifications detailed in Appendix IV of the R&A Rules of Golf. January

12 9) By submitting an entry for any RMGC administered competition, the contestant understands that his participation is at the sole discretion of the RMGC. A contestant may be removed from any competition at the discretion of the RMGC Competition Committee at any time before or during the competition. Incidents of unbecoming conduct or actions deemed to be detrimental to the image of the RMGC or the Spirit of the Game are grounds for such removal and/or suspension from future RMGC administered competitions. These include, but are not limited to the following: Wilful damage of the golf course or golf course property Club throwing or unnecessary club tossing Offensive or unbecoming language Verbal abuse of RMGC staff, officials, volunteers or other contestants Potential endangerment of others Conduct deemed unbecoming. 2.2 OPEN COMPETITIONS 1) A player must enter his name and handicap on the sign-up sheet provided by the posted closing date. 2) In Stroke Play competitions players shall play with partners or fellow competitors at the starting time allocated by the Competition Secretary on the start sheet. Wherever possible, consideration will be given to early/late preferences although in certain circumstances this may not be practical. 3) Once the draw for the competition has been posted on the web site all entrants are expected to play in the competition as drawn. If a player does not show at the appointed time they will be suspended for two consecutive competitions (three if they fail to turn up for a team event). The suspension will start from the second subsequent competition. In exceptional circumstances an entrant may withdraw from a competition after the draw is published by informing the Competition Secretary, however, a third or subsequent such withdrawal within a season will automatically incur the same suspension as a no show, whatever the reason. 4) Once the draw for a competition has been posted on the web site applications for late entry will be considered by the Competition Secretary but will only be accepted if there is space available, (a) to replace players who cancel and (b) to fill vacant slots in flights that are short of one or more players. 5) Players taking part in official club competitions will have priority on the course. The Competition Committee reserves the right to close the course to all non-competitors on competition days. 6) Match play must start on the first hole. January

13 7) In match play, if matches are all-square on reaching the end of the stipulated round: a. Players shall proceed directly from the 18th hole to the 19th and play-off shall be an extension of the stipulated round b. Strokes shall be taken as in the stipulated round c. If the onset of darkness should make this impossible the match shall be continued as soon as possible from the exact spot at which it was discontinued. Play should recommence as though it had never been interrupted d. Play shall continue until one of the players wins a hole. 8) In stroke play, where a handicap allowance is applicable, in the event of a tie, the result shall be decided on the best score of the last nine holes on the card (regardless of the starting hole), then on the last six holes, then on the last three holes, and then on the last hole. Handicap, when applicable, shall be calculated as follows: 1/2 over 9 holes, 1/3 over 6 holes, 1/6 over 3 holes and 1/18 on the last hole. The application of handicap in this respect will include any fraction of a stroke. In the event of the round still being tied, the result will be decided on the best score of the first nine holes on the card (again, regardless of starting hole), then on the first six holes, then on the first three holes and finally on the first hole. Again, the application of handicap, when applicable, shall be calculated as follows: 1/2 over 9 holes, 1/3 over 6 holes, 1/6 over 3 holes, 1/18 on the first hole, again to include any fraction of a stroke. In the event of the round still being tied, and in rounds where one competitor must go through to the next round, the result will be decided by the spin of a coin. In all other cases joint winners will be declared. 9) In a stroke play competition, played over two or more days and where a handicap allowance is applicable, in the event of a tie, the result shall be decided on the best score of the last day. In the event of the round still being tied the procedure under will come into effect. 10) In scratch competitions, in the event of a tie, the result shall be decided by a play-off over three holes. In the event that this does not resolve the tie a sudden death play-off hole is played until one player leads by a stroke. The Competition Committee shall decide the play-off holes (the established holes are 1, 14 and 18 in the absence of any prior decision from the Competition Committee). 2.3 KNOCKOUT COMPETITION RULES 1) In knock-out competitions the Committee shall require a particular round to be played by/on a particular date. It is the player s or the partnership s responsibility to arrange mutual times and dates to play the tie. Failure to honour such fixtures shall constitute the grant of a walkover to the opponent. Extensions may only be decided upon by the relevant Competition Committee and only in extraordinary circumstances, such as closure of part or the entire course due to bad weather. No individual requests will be considered. January

14 2) It is the custom that top player(s) on the competition sheet fix the challenge on a date within the dates specified by the Committee. Competitors are urged to insert their telephone numbers on the competition sheet to make this arrangement effective. If no agreement can be reached within 14 days after the play by date of the previous round, then the top player(s) will forward three optional dates one of which must be a Sunday and one of which must be a Weekday. If agreement cannot be reached, reference must be made to the Competition Secretary at least 7 days before the concluding date of the round, otherwise both sides will be disqualified. 3) In match play the result shall be notified by entering the name(s) of the winner(s) on the appropriate competition sheet in the clubhouse. 4) In competitions where members are invited to enter as partners, any member unable to find a partner may enter his name on the competition sheet. The Committee will do its best to find a partner for the competitor. 5) In order to qualify to enter all knock-out competitions, members must hold a current RMGC Competition handicap. 6) All finals should, wherever possible, appoint a referee. The semi-finals and final of the Creasy Cup knockout competition must be refereed. 7) In the event of a partner falling ill or being unable to play in a partnered competition, a substitute can be entered only before the partners play their first round of the competition. 8) Creasy Cup bidders must settle their dues before the play-by date of the first round of this knockout competition. Failure to honour such a commitment will mean that the bidder has to be considered as a defaulter and until such time that the dues are paid the member may not use the club facilities or the golf course. 2.4 BALL SWEEP COMPETITION A Ball Sweep is an integral part of most competitions, except those where this is stated on the sign-up sheet. A player or team of players wins the ball sweep by holing out in two strokes on any golf hole. It is a separate event from the main competition. The funds raised for the ball sweep in that competition are used to buy golf balls, and the pot of balls is divided where possible between all those holing out in two strokes on the day itself. A two on a Par 4 or Par 5 is treated exactly the same as a two on a Par 3. 1) All players are automatically entered into the ball sweep when they pay their competition fee, which consists of an entry fee and a ball sweep contribution. It is not possible to opt out. 2) The ball sweep can be paid out even if the player is disqualified or submits a nil return card. The score must be recorded on a scorecard to be counted. January

15 3) The ball sweep can only be paid out if the main competition is completed on the day and scorecards are collected and processed. If a competition is cancelled or there are no twos, the balls are not distributed but held in reserve (except in Ladies competitions - see point 8 below). 4) A hole-in-one scored in a competition round, whether with a ball sweep or not, receives 36 balls. A hole-in-one achieved out of competition does not receive any balls. The ball sweep competition is not affected by any hole-in-one scored. 5) The Competition Committee will hold a reserve of balls to cover holes-in-one and any other contingency such as late recognition of a two or a miscalculation. 6) The golf balls are bought from the RMGC Golf Shop and will be well-known brands of a reasonable quality. The Committee may alter the brand to allow the pot of balls to be fairly divided between ball sweep winners. 7) The Minimum number of balls per two will be three balls. Otherwise the number of balls to be distributed per two will be left to the discretion of the Competition Secretary, who will take into consideration balls purchased on the day and balls in stock, with a Maximum number of balls per two of Thirty-Six balls. The Ladies Section has two additional rules: 8) Every player who has a 2, regardless of division, will receive 2 sleeves of balls. 9) If a competition is cancelled or no twos are scored in any competition round, a sufficient number of the balls will be set aside to ensure there is a minimum stock of 36 balls to reward a hole-in-one. A limited number of any remaining balls will be awarded to some of the players of that day drawn by lot each player will receive 1 ball to be collected and signed for, not necessarily on the same day. Any remaining balls and those not collected promptly after a cancelled competition will go into the reserve stock. 2.5 INCLEMENT WEATHER RULES The following guidelines have been drawn up by the Captain s Committee to clarify the procedures for halting play in competitions when there is bad weather. Suspension of Play The criteria set out below indicate when the Course Marshall (or representative) activates the warning siren REQUIRING players to suspend play, pending a decision being taken by the relevant Competitions Committee to resume play. Players must follow all proper procedures with regard to marking their balls on the Course as per Rule 6-8. If no Course Marshall is present, then the most senior Committee member playing will suspend play by phoning Reception. Seniority is deemed to be Captain, Vice-Captain, Competition Secretary, Handicap Secretary, Secretary, followed by any nominated Member. January

16 Automatic Trigger of Siren - no consultation with players required if: 1) Course unplayable 2) Thunder/lightning in the vicinity - allowing sufficient time for players to take shelter 3) Any potential danger to players likely to be very abnormal situation but for example fireworks danger, public demonstration or similar. If any of the following extreme weather conditions are observed then the senior Committee member playing will, in consultation with the Course Marshall if present, take the decision, on the Course, to suspend play by triggering the siren to suspend play: 1. RAIN - defined as Continuous Heavy* see weather definitions below 2. WIND - defined as Sustained Force 8* or greater 3. HAIL - defined as Prolonged and a Covering on the ground 4. HEAT - defined as over 38 degrees Celsius with greater than 80% humidity for 3 hours or more Definitions RAIN - Continuous - means precipitation which does not cease or only briefly, heavy - means rain falls in sheets, forming misty spray over hard surfaces, may cause roaring noise on roof. WIND FORCE 8 is defined in Modern Beaufort Scale as Fresh Gale with wind speeds of kph. Some twigs are broken from trees and progress on foot is seriously impeded. HEAT Over 38C and humidity 80% + for 3 hours or more. Unlikely to apply if starting to play a round at 4pm but could apply if starting at 10am. Reminder to all Players - Suspend does NOT mean abandon or cancel. Players must mark their balls and stop for at least 20 minutes while the proper procedure of the Committee taking a considered decision is applied as to whether play is resumed or not. * The Competitions Committee is empowered to order resumption of play (Rule 6-8b). Penalty for breach of Rule 6-8b: Disqualification. * The following procedure will apply before a competition can be deemed cancelled: Three committee members will convene during the suspension of play to decide whether the competition is to be cancelled or continued; The decision will be based on the R&A guidelines in that generally a round should be cancelled only in a case where it would be grossly unfair not to cancel it and/or if continuance of play would cause irreparable damage to the golf course ; January

17 2.6 PACE OF PLAY The convened committee must consist of the following members: Captain and/or Vice-Captain and/or Competition Secretary and/or Handicaps Secretary and/or Course Superintendent and/or Rules Referee and/or representatives appointed by the Captain for the day. Rule 6-7 governs slow play. It provides that the player shall play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines that may be laid down by the Committee. The penalty for a breach of Rule 6-7 is loss of hole in match play and two strokes in stroke play, and for repeated offence it is disqualification. However, Note 2 under Rule 6-7 states that For the purpose of preventing slow play, the Committee may, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), lay down pace of play guidelines including maximum periods of time allowed to complete a stipulated round. The Competition Committees have decided that a THREE ball group shall be allowed a maximum of 4 hours, whilst a FOUR ball group shall be allowed a maximum of 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete a round of golf. Any group handing in scorecards with a total elapsed time longer than that allotted above will be penalised as follows: Medal Stableford More than 10 minutes + 1 stroke - 1 point More than 20 minutes +2 strokes - 2 points More than 30 minutes DQ DQ Any group(s) coming in late because of slow play of a preceding group will be allowed time in compensation. 2.7 COMPETITION FEES Competition Fees may be amended from time to time by the Captain s Committee COMPETITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE MEN S SECTION The Standard Competition Fee is 6 per person. This includes 1.50 for the ball sweep. Non-Standard Competition Fees are as follows, no ball sweep unless stated: MAJOR COMPETITIONS The Championship Wedgwood Trophy (including ball sweep) Scratch Challenge (including ball sweep) January

18 Handicap Challenge (including ball sweep) Creasy Cup 30 Malta v The Rest Nil OTHER INDIVIDUAL COMPETITIONS Captain s League (separate ball sweep on the day) Hangover Cup paid with dinner KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS R&A Trophy 5 Glover Trophy per player: 5 Foursomes Challenge Cup per player: 5 KNOCKOUT MIXED COMPETITIONS Mixed 4BBB per player: 5 Rundle Golf Cup per player: 5 OTHER MIXED COMPETITIONS MGA Shield (Nescafe Dolce Gusto) (including ball sweep) 15 Homes of Quality (including ball sweep) 9.00 Inspire Trophy 10 for charity Alex Mangion Memorial Shield minimum 8.00 for charity January

19 2.7.2 COMPETITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE LADIES SECTION The Standard Competition Fee is 6 per person. This includes 1 for the ball sweep. A different Competition Fee applies in the following competitions, ball sweep included: MAJOR COMPETITIONS Ladies Championship 12 Moya Hann Trophy 12 Medal Handicap Cup 6 per round A fee of 5 per person applies to all Knockout competitions, but there is no ball sweep. The Competition Fee for the Fenston Cup is 25 per player with a separate ball sweep fee on the day. The Standard Competition Fee for summer mixed competitions is 6 per person. This includes 1.50 for the ball sweep. January

20 3 COMPETITION COMMITTEES The Men s and Ladies Competition Committees are composed of members nominated by the Captain s Committee. The respective Competition Secretary chairs the Committee and its members are not necessarily members of the Captain s Committee. The duties of the Competition Committees are: To liaise with the Club Captain on all relevant and important matters regarding competitions and to inform the Club Captain of all such matters immediately a decision is taken and, where possible, before such a decision is implemented To establish a framework for the competition season bearing in mind the fixed dates for course maintenance and those months that are typically frequented by visitors To establish by end of July the calendar for the golf season September June To establish by end of May the calendar for the summer months July and August To organise the start sheets and draw sheets for all the competitions To work to a checklist to ensure the proper running of each competition To decide on the application of the RMGC Competition Rules and the Rules of Golf as issued by the R&A as they relate to situations arising in competitions To liaise with the Handicap Committees, the Juniors Academy and the Ladies Section on matters concerning each of them To keep the Trophy Boards in the Club House up-to-date To ensure that the Trophies are engraved with names of winners To ensure that the RMGC website is kept up-to-date with Trophy Winners as well as the reporting and archiving of the results of competitions To liaise with the Social Committee regarding the organisation of the annual Presentation Dinners To organise the trophies and prizes to be presented during the Presentation Dinners To liaise with the Board of Management regarding Sponsorship To liaise with the Course Superintendent to ensure proper course markings in advance of major competitions. January

21 4 HANDICAP COMMITTEES ROYAL MALTA GOLF CLUB The Men s and Ladies Handicap Committees are composed of members nominated by the Captain s Committee. The respective Handicap Secretary chairs each Committee and members are not necessarily members of the Captain s Committee. The duties of the Handicap Committees are to: Allot and maintain members handicaps Process all scores for each Qualifying Competition via the Club V1 Computer System which ensures that handicaps comply with CONGU UHS Process Away qualifying cards and Supplementary scores where applicable Display in a timely manner in a prominent position on the Club notice board the current handicaps of all members Ensure that the current handicaps of all members are maintained on the HowDidIDo website Perform the Annual Review of members handicaps prior to each new season Monitor members handicaps to enable CONGU UHS Clause 23 adjustments where necessary Liaise with the Junior Academy to ensure juniors who have reached the required standard are entered and thereby controlled by the CONGU UHS Administer the Club Handicap system for inexpert golfers who should be brought under the CONGU UHS as soon as they attain a suitable standard. January

22 5 COMPETITIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE MEN S SECTION There follows a description of all the competitions administered by the Men s Competitions Committee. The sponsorship and formats of Malta v The Rest (5.3.2), the Creasy Cup (5.8.1) and Major Competitions listed in 5.4 may be changed only following referral to the RMGC Board of Management (see Bye-Law #3 in the Constitution). The other competitions are subject to change by the Competition Committee from time to time to balance the competition calendar. Not all of these competitions will necessarily be played each season. 5.1 CAPTAINS COMPETITIONS CAPTAIN S DAY The exact format of which will be decided annually by the Club Captain. Prizes are distributed according to the format of the competition but are usually for the winner, the runner-up plus any special prizes according to the wishes of the prevailing Club Captain. The competition fee is traditionally forwarded to the Captain s preferred charity or institution. The Captain at his discretion may provide refreshments LADY CAPTAIN v CAPTAIN (The Anne Panton Trophy) Usually played on one of the public holidays in December; this is a team match play competition with mixed teams chosen by the Captain and the Lady Captain. Format is 18 Hole 4BBB Match Play. Scoring is one point for winning a hole and ½ point for halving a hole plus an additional one point for winning the match or ½ point for halving the match. Handicapping is based on 90% Handicap Difference off the Back Marker. Teams Selection Process: The Captain and the Vice-Captain play for the Captain s Team whilst the Lady Captain and the Lady Vice-Captain play for the Lady Captain s Team by default. Captain A then selects his/her first player for the side. This could be either a male or female player. Captain B then selects his/her first player for the side. The gender must be the same as the previous player selected. Captain B then selects his/her second player for the side but the gender of the second player cannot be the same as the first player. And so on until the list of players wishing to play in the Competition is exhausted. The players are then paired and each pair numbered. The teams play against each other according to the respective numbers i.e. team numbered 1 by the Lady Captain will play against team numbered 1 by the Captain. It is recommended that the Captains apply a dress code e.g. Captain s players to play in blue shirts; Lady Captain s players to play in white shirts. A nominal prize is usually given to the players of the winning team. January

23 5.1.3 CAPTAIN v VICE-CAPTAIN ROYAL MALTA GOLF CLUB Played as early as possible in the season, this is a Team Match Play competition with teams chosen by the Captain and the Vice-Captain. 4BBB match play except for the Captain and Vice-Captain who play a head to head match. Scoring is one point for winning a hole and ½ point for halving a hole plus an additional one point for winning the match or ½ point for halving the match. 90% Handicap Difference off Back Marker (full handicap difference for the Captains). Teams Selection Process: The Captain selects his first player for the side. The Vice-Captain then selects two players for his side. The Captain then chooses another two players for his side and so on until the list of players wishing to play in the Competition is exhausted. The players are then paired and each pair numbered. The teams play against each other according to the respective numbers i.e. team numbered 1 by the Captain will play against team numbered 1 by the Vice-Captain. It is recommended that the Captains apply a dress code e.g. Captain s players to play in a blue shirt; Vice-Captain s players to play in a white shirt. The captain of the losing team presents the competition s trophy to the captain of the winning team. 5.2 MONTHLY COMPETITIONS MONTHLY MEDAL Played whenever possible on the first Saturday of each month with full handicap allowance. Winner and Runner-up prizes will be awarded in the following divisions: Division One Handicaps up to 12 Division Two Handicaps Division Three Handicaps Order of Merit points are awarded on the overall scores ignoring divisions. The Monthly Medal will be played on a Saturday with all participants playing off the 1 st tee. Members will have an opportunity to select an approximate tee time, subject to availability. Players will play in their division wherever possible. January

24 5.3 TEAM COMPETITIONS CAPTAINS LEAGUE Format Team Stableford with full handicap over seven rounds. Description This is a league competition consisting of seven teams. The teams captains are the current Club Captain together with the immediate past six Club Captains. Should the number of players be abundant it might be necessary to call in additional ex-captain(s) to form extra team(s). It is suggested that a team should consist of players maximum. If teams consist of more players the League will lose its competitive edge. Selection Process The Captains names are drawn to determine the sequence of the selection process. The players are selected by the seven Captains from a list containing the names of the players who have entered the Competition. The first Captain drawn will pick his first selection for his team. The second Captain drawn will then pick his first selection for his team and so on until all Captains have picked a player each. The Captain who chose first in the first round will become the last to choose in the second round. The second drawn Captain will then have first choice to select the second player for his team and so on until all players are chosen. Should the number of players not be exactly divisible by the number of Captains then some teams will have one more player than others. This is acceptable. New Entrants Players may not automatically join the League once the Captains Selection has been made. Such players must first inform the Competition Secretary of their interest to join the League. New entrants will join the League after paying the full entrance fee irrespective of the number of rounds remaining to be played. The team that they are allocated to is determined by the sequence in which the Captains selected their players. Entrance Fee The entrance fee for the Competition must be paid in advance of the draw. If any round is cancelled, and not reinstated later in the calendar, then the entrance fee for that round(s) is refunded at the end of the season. Non-League players will not be allowed to play on the Saturdays reserved for Captain Leagues rounds. If they wish to play they are obliged to pay the full entrance fee and be allocated to a team. Team Scoring At the end of each round the best five Stableford scores from a team s players will count for the team s aggregate score for that round. At the end of the season the team with the best five out of seven aggregate scores will win the League. In the event of a tie, the best score out of the surplus two rounds will decide. If the deadlock is not resolved, then the best remaining score will decide. If the situation remains unsolved then the best last round score followed by the best sixth round score, etc., will determine which team can be declared a winner. January

25 Individual Best Score Concurrently with the team competition, an individual best score competition is held. The player with the best aggregate score from five out of seven rounds will win this competition. In the event of a tie, the best score out of the surplus two rounds will decide. If the deadlock is not resolved, then the best remaining score will decide. If the situation remains unsolved then the best last round score, followed by the best sixth round score, etc., will determine which player can be declared the winner. Cancellation Although every effort will be made to have the full complement of seven rounds, force majeure can make this impossible. In such instances if one round is cancelled then the best five out of six scores will count; if two rounds are cancelled then the best four out of five rounds will count; if three rounds are cancelled then all the four scores will count; and if more than three rounds are cancelled than the Captains League competition for that year will be considered as abandoned. Draw Prizes Traditionally the Captains are drawn to play off the 1 st tee. During every round, prizes will be given to: The Player with the best individual score for the round; The Player with the second best individual score for the round. League final prizes will be given to: The Captain and the Players of the League s Winning Team; The Captain and the Players of the League s Runner-Up Team; The Player with the best individual score for the League; The Player with the second best individual score for the League. Prize Restrictions Players who do not play in a majority of the rounds will not be entitled to any prize that their team might be eligible for at the end of the League MALTA v THE REST Held each year on the first weekend in October, defined as being the first Saturday in October. If the Competition is postponed due to bad weather and/or course unavailability, then it will be played as soon as possible afterwards, subject to course availability and the fixture list. Two teams of 16 players each will take part, with selection on the following basis: A Member who has never played in the Malta v the Rest competition and who is a Maltese citizen only, or who is a Maltese citizen with at least one parent being a Maltese citizen at the time of his birth or adoption, is eligible to play for Malta. A member who is not eligible to play for Malta is eligible to play for the Rest. The burden of proof of eligibility lies with the Member. A Member who has played in the competition before is eligible to play for the team he last played for, and not for the other team. January

26 Each team will consist of its top 15 players in the Order of Merit Table as at the end of the qualifying (previous) season. If 2 or more players compete for selection, priority will be given to the player/s with fewer Order of Merit entries in his/their total points score, if still equal, priority will be given to the player with the lower exact handicap as at the end of the qualifying season. The Club Captain will be the captain of the Malta or the Rest team, according to his eligibility. Should the Club Captain be one of the qualifying players in the Order of Merit Table he may play for his side, or elect to not play, and the next player on the Order of Merit Table for the particular team shall qualify. The captain for the other side shall be chosen by a vote amongst the 15 qualifying players of his team. The captain may be a non-playing captain chosen from outside the qualifying 15 players. The election of the captain shall take place as soon as possible after the end of the qualifying season, to enable the two team captains to better organise the event. Each captain shall select one other player by issuing a wild card. A player is unavailable to play in the competition if he is suspended by the RMGC from playing in club competitions, no longer is a paid-up member of the RMGC, no longer holds an active handicap or is otherwise unable to play in club competitions at the RMGC. Should a qualifying player, for either team, become unavailable to play, for whatever reason, the next player on the Order of Merit Table for the particular team, shall qualify (or by the issue of a wild card, if the unavailable player was issued a wild card). Should a player become unavailable to play during the competition due to injury or illness, he will forfeit the match he is playing in (Foursomes or Singles). His partner may continue on his own in the 4BBB. Should the player remain unavailable for the following rounds due to injury or illness (or unavailability if any following round is postponed), he may be replaced by the next player on the Order of Merit Table for the particular team (or by the issue of a wild card, if the unavailable player was issued a wild card). In accordance with the Note under Rule 8 of the Rules of Golf, a team captain (or a person nominated by the team captain) may give advice to the players of his team. The format of the competition is match play, as follows: ROUND ONE: ROUND TWO: ROUND THREE: Foursomes match play in teams of 2 ½ combined handicaps. 4BBB match play in teams of 2 Lowest player conceding strokes to the other players calculated as 90% of difference. Singles match play full handicap difference. Each match will result in 1 point for the winning team and ½ point to each team if halved. January