Farmington Woods Golf Club 2014 Member Handbook 43 Heritage Drive, Avon CT 06001 860-673-0062 proshop@farmingtonwoods.com Golf Committee Chairman... John Dunham Financial Liaison... Mike Hamelin Chambers of Commerce Liaisons...Pam Brisson & Peg Watson Secretary & Communications... David Larkin Membership & Outside Events... John Dunham Club Events & League Liaison...Paul Griffiths Greens & Seniors...Jack Murphy Golf Operations Liaison... John Dunham Handicaps... Chuck Claffey Professional Staff Farmington Woods General Manager... Bob Elwood bob.elwood @farmingtonwoods.com...860-673-6193, ext. 23 Golf Course Superintendent...Greg Bradley Director of Golf & Golf Professional...... George DeVita, PGA george@farmingtonwoods.com Assistant Professional......Roger Levasseur roger@farmingtonwoods.com Pro Shop & Membership Liaison... Margaret Hoops proshop@farmingtonwoods.com Clubhouse Manager....Trevor Coates chef@farmingtonwoods.com...860-675-2199 Telephone Numbers Pro Shop...860-673-0062 Pro Shop e-mail...proshop@farmingtonwoods.com Course Conditions...(Ext 64) 860-673-6193 MA Business Office...860-673-6193 Clubhouse/Restaurant......860-673-2419 1
GOVERNANCE The Farmington Woods Golf Club is a private golf club owned and operated by the Farmington Woods Master Association (MA). The General Manager of Farmington Woods is its chief operating officer. As set forth by the MA s Executive Board, the Golf Committee is charged with advising and assisting the General Manager in the operation of the golf course and assisting in the implementation and development of a golf operation that will invite participation both by residents of Farmington Woods and non-residents. In carrying out its function, the Golf Committee is given the authority to recommend reasonable standards of operation and maintenance of the golf course and its related facilities. MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Section I Membership Application Process 1. Eligibility - Any resident of Farmington Woods is eligible for membership. Membership is also available to non-residents when membership is less than 300. When membership exceeds 300, non-resident applicants will have their names placed on a waiting list. As memberships become available, the next person on the waiting list will be accepted. 2. Application Process - Any resident or non-resident who would like to join the club must complete a membership application. This can be obtained from the pro shop, from the Farmington Woods Master Association office, or from our web site www.farmingtonwoods.com. The completed application, along with the required deposit, should be sent to the Director of Golf, who will review the application for completeness. Upon approval, the Director of Golf will notify the applicant, the MA, and the golf league chairs. 3. Required Deposit - Every application must be accompanied by a check made out to Farmington Woods Golf Club for the amount specified on the application. An application unaccompanied by a check will not be considered. Section II Membership Categories 1. Farmington Woods has four membership categories applicable to both residents and nonresidents. All play is contingent upon course availability. Membership Categories Full and Platinum Membership, play any time; Weekday-Only Membership, play Monday to Friday any time; After-2 p.m. Membership, play any day after 2 p.m. A member s choice of membership category is for the entire golf calendar year. Changes to a more restricted membership are not permitted during the golf calendar year. Changes to a 2
higher access category are permitted, but will require payment of the full annual dues for that category. Membership fees are determined by age, residency, and single or family categories. Junior, any age if certified by the Pro, and 14 to 21 otherwise, or a full-time student under the age of 25 Young Adult 22 to 29 Age 30 to 35 Age 36 to 39 40 and over Discounts apply to Full Memberships for individuals over 70 Discounts apply to individuals age 30-39 Contact the Director of Golf for current fee schedules or see the website: http://www.farmingtonwoods.com/golf-home/membership/golf-membership-info- Request.aspx 2. Resident memberships are available to individuals or families who own a condominium or who live in Farmington Woods. Non-resident memberships are available to singles or families living outside of Farmington Woods. 3. A single membership is one individual and all dependents under the age of 14 living at the same residence. 4. Family Membership includes two adults living together as a family, married or unmarried, and all dependents under the age of 14 living at the same residence. Except for current members who are grandfathered in, Family Membership does not include adult children living with a parent or other adult family members living in the same household. 4A. Certified Dependents: After being certified by the Golf Professional for play on the course, dependents aged 12 and 13, when invited by an adult member to play with that member, may do so at any time applicable to their membership category. Such certified dependent golfers may also play without an adult after 2 p.m. on non-tournament days and may use the practice facilities after 1 p.m. on non-tournament days where space permits. At 14, certified dependents must become junior members. 4B. Dependent golfers ages 11 and under must play with an adult and are limited to play within their membership category after 2 p.m. on weekdays and weekends. Such dependents may use the practice facilities after 2 p.m. on weekdays and weekends only under adult supervision. Note: The use of the facility and practice range is restricted on tournament days. All dependent golfers wishing to use the facility on these days must receive permission from the Pro Shop. 5. A Junior Member can be either a single or a family dependent. Junior members can be assigned an account number if they wish to have charging privileges in the Pro Shop and Clubhouse. Their adult sponsor will be held accountable for all charges. 3
6. Business Memberships. Business members have full membership privileges with certain restrictions. They cannot play in the leagues or club events. Play is limited to four golfers each day, and access to advanced tee time booking is restricted to two days for Friday to Sunday play and five days for Monday to Thursday play. Business members may have up to five complimentary conference/meeting room reservations per year in the clubhouse, but are not subject to the monthly minimum charge in the restaurant. The General Manager reserves the right to customize the membership package for a particular business depending on all the circumstances. Section III Payment of Dues Members may choose one of the following payment options. Option 1: Full payment by February 1. Option 2: Five equal installments due month-end from January through May. Section IV 1. Leave of Absence: A member may request a one-time leave of absence for one year. All requests must be in writing and submitted to the Director of Golf or to the MA office. A member who wants to return from a leave within the year may do so by writing to the Director of Golf requesting early reinstatement; they will then be required to pay all fees, dues and/or assessments for the period for which they were absent. Any member who has fulfilled the one-year leave of absence term must return to the membership roster or resign. 2. Medical Leave of Absence: Members may request a medical leave of absence of up to one year when an injury or illness prevents them from playing golf. Such a request should include the medical explanation and, if required, medical documentation. The circumstances of each MLOA will be reviewed by the Director of Golf and the General Manager. A member may terminate MLOA status at any time during the golf season and be reinstated and pay their dues on a forward-going basis. Upon expiration of the one-year MLOA, the member must return to the membership roster or resign. 3. Resignation: A member wishing to resign may do so at any time. All resignations must be in writing and submitted to the Director of Golf or to the MA office. A resignation shall not become effective until all amounts due are paid in full. A member who has resigned from the club may rejoin but will be subject to the terms, fees, dues, and/or assessments in place at the time of their return. If they desire to rejoin within a 12-month period from their resignation, they will be required to pay all fees, dues, and/or assessments for the period for which they were absent 4
Section V Fees Member s Guests 9 Holes $27.50, includes cart 18 Holes $55.00 one guest; $45 each - two guests; $35 each - three guests, includes cart Member s Unaccompanied Guests 9 Holes $35.00, includes cart 18 Holes $65.00, includes cart Residents & Their Accompanied Guests 9 Holes $30.00, includes cart 18 Holes $60.00, includes cart Unaccompanied Resident Guests 9 Holes $40.00, includes cart 18 Holes $70.00, includes cart Members may purchase a six-pack of guest passes at the golf shop for $210, includes cart. Cart Fees - Per Person 9 Holes $10.00 18 Holes $20.00 Other Golf Fees - Per Golfer Locker $80.00 (required) Bag Storage $110.00 (required) Pull Cart Storage $55.00 (optional) Note: All fees listed above are subject to Connecticut taxes. Section VI Golf Course Rules and Guidelines The Golf Committee has established the following guidelines for the better operation of the club. 1. Starting Times: A. Starting times are required for Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and are strongly encouraged on other days. Starting times may be obtained up to two weeks prior to play, either online using the automated tee time system or by calling the Pro Shop. Platinum members have season-long access to advanced tee times. Members may reserve a maximum 5
of two tee times under one member name. All scheduled Men s, Women s, and Mixed League events have priority. Sign-up sheets for those events will be available in the Pro Shop. B. For Saturday morning play, the committee has reserved three tee times for members who are not in the men s or women s leagues. Members of the men s and women s leagues are not permitted to use these starting times unless specifically approved by the Director of Golf. C. On Sundays and holidays when an afternoon mixed event is scheduled, a morning shotgun or tee time will be available to all eligible members. If an afternoon mixed event does not have a full field, the Pro Shop may accommodate a limited number of players not in the event. Members should inquire on the day preceding the mixed event. D. Only one guest per member is permitted before 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sunday, or holidays. 2. Resident Play: Residents of Farmington Woods who are not members of the golf club and their guests have playing privileges on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after 3 p.m., and on Monday any time, depending on course availability. Such residents and their guests must check in with the Pro Shop regarding course availability, make arrangements to play no more than two days in advance, and pay required greens and cart fees at time of play. Residents must adhere to all golf guidelines, including speed of play and proper attire. 3. In-Season Course Opening Times Monday, course opens at 8 a.m. Tuesday, course opens at 8 a.m. 1st tee reserved for Senior Men s League at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, course opens at 8 a.m. 1st tee reserved for 9 Hole Women s League at 9 a.m. Thursday, course opens at 8 a.m. 1st tee reserved for 18 Hole Women s League at 8:30 a.m. Friday, course opens at 8 a.m. at 1st tee. The back nine opens at 10 a.m. Monday - Friday. Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, course opens 7 a.m. Formatted: Not Highlight Formatted: Font: Not Bold, Not Highlight Formatted: Font: Not Bold, Not Highlight Formatted: Font: Not Bold, Not Highlight Formatted: Font: Not Bold, Not Highlight These times are subject to change based on the weather and the season. The driving range will open half an hour before play begins. Any changes will be posted in the Pro Shop. 4. Personal Conduct 1. Speed of Play Maintaining pace of play and being considerate of others on the golf course are the first rules of golf course etiquette. It should be the goal of all players to complete their round in less than four hours and twenty minutes. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, groups with preferred tee times between 7 and 9 a.m. are strongly encouraged to play in four hours or less so that play does not get backed up. Failure to adhere to this speed of play request may result in the loss of such preferred starting times. 6
Violations Each group is expected to complete its round in less than four hours and twenty minutes. All players in a group whose time exceeds four hours and twenty minutes due to being out of position will be subject to the following: First occurrence: A warning letter or email. Second occurrence: A warning letter reminding the players that a third occurrence will require an appearance before the Golf Committee. Third occurrence: The player will be required to attend a Golf Committee meeting to discuss the reasons for the repeated violations of the pace-of-play rule. 2. At the Turn - Players stopping at the turn will relinquish their position on the course. The Golfer s Express lunch is for take-out only. Players using this service must still comply with the speed-of-play guidelines. Restarts will be governed by the Director of Golf or his designee. 3. Attire - All golfers, including guests, must wear proper golf attire of the sort available in any pro shop at all times when on the course, practice green, and driving range. Accepted attire for men includes: Bermuda shorts, pants/slacks/knickers with pockets and no frayed ends. Shirts must have a collar (mock) and should be tucked in. Accepted attire for women includes: slacks, skirts and shorts at least mid-thigh in length, and appropriate tops. All caps/hats must be worn in the traditional manner. Denim (jean) material in any form will not be permitted. Farmington Woods requires the use of soft spikes while on the golf course, practice green, and practice range. Members are asked to inform their guests of our dress code and spike policy when they extend their invitation. The committee has instructed the Director of Golf and his staff to inform members of any violations of the dress code and to ask them to change into proper attire. Play will not be allowed for any member or guest without proper attire. All violations are to be reported to the committee for further action. If you are in doubt as to proper attire, check with the Director of Golf to avoid embarrassment. 4. Maintenance - Players should help maintain the course and leave it in better condition than they found it. Everyone should practice the three R s of Golf: Replace all divots or use sand mix if a divot is not available. This helps provide fair play to all and maintains the beauty of the golf course. Repair all ball marks. Our greens are always a source of pride. Please help us keep them that way. Rake all traps after use. Proper care of bunkers is an important part of golf etiquette. Please rake the sand to leave the area free of footprints and irregularities. 7
5. Complaints - Complaints as to the conduct of any golfer on the golf course or regarding violations of any rule pertaining to the golf course must be made in writing to the Chairman of the Golf Committee. 6. Disciplinary Action - Any member may be suspended or expelled after due notice and hearing by a vote of two-thirds of the Golf Committee present for a violation of the rules and regulations or for other conduct deemed by the Golf Committee to be detrimental to the welfare, harmony, or good reputation of the club. This includes any gaming of systems or programs approved by the Golf Committee. Dues and any other obligations shall accrue during any such suspension and shall be paid in full before reinstatement to full privileges. A suspended or expelled member has the right of appeal to the FWMA Executive Board. A member who has been suspended or expelled shall not be entitled to any refund of dues or other fees. 7. Treatment of Staff Member complaints about employees or suggestions regarding club services or operations should be addressed in writing to the Director of Golf and/or to the Chairperson of the Golf or House Committees. Members and their guests shall not rebuke, reprimand, or admonish any club employee for any reason. Instances of such inappropriate member conduct will be referred to the General Manager at the Master Association for appropriate discipline, which may include dismissal from the club. GOLFERS INFORMATION Local Golf Rules Current USGA and the following local Rules of Golf shall govern play. Additional local rules are posted on the first and tenth tees and in the Pro Shop. Stones in bunkers, with your competitor s approval, may be removed. Hole 4: (9 hole ladies only) a ball off the tee that lands in the water hazard must be dropped in the designated drop area (left of pond). Hole 5: A ball hit into the brook will be played according to the Lateral Water Hazard Rule. Red Stakes and/or lines on each side of the brook define the hazard. If a ball passes the left side of the brook and crosses the hazard line into the woods or brook going forward, it shall be played as if it were in the hazard where it last crossed the line. A ball in play (not in the hazard) on the left of the brook will be played as it lies, or, if not found, as a lost ball. Hole 6: If the ball is not observed crossing the hazard line, a provisional ball must be played, and if the original ball is not found the provisional ball will become the ball in play (lying 3). Hole 13: A ball to the right of the cart path is out of bounds. Hole 15: When a ball is hit to the right of the sight line of the water tower, if all players agree, the ball may be played as deemed to be in the hazard if it is not found; a provisional ball must be played if anyone questions the direction or distance; if the ball is not found, the provisional ball becomes the ball in play. A ball hitting any power line, power pole, or its supporting cable must be replayed with no penalty. Hole 17: A ball coming to rest left of the cart path is out of bounds. If it is on the cart path it may be played from the designated drop area, or from the nearest point of relief under the rules of golf, without penalty. A ball landing on or crossing any road in Farmington Woods is out of bounds. 8
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Golf Regulations 1. All members and guests must register in the Pro Shop or with the starter before beginning play. 2. All play shall start at the 1st tee. Starting at the 10th tee shall only be with the permission of the professional staff or starter. 3. Players are required to have their own set of golf clubs and a golf bag. Sharing clubs is not permitted. 4. Hand and electric carts shall be kept in the rough around tees, greens, and hazards. 5. The Pro Shop controls all play on the golf course and the practice area. 6. Practicing is permitted only on the range and the practice putting green. Players are responsible for repairing ball marks they make on the practice green. 7. No group shall include more than four players without the permission of the Golf Professional. 8. All children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult member unless previously authorized by the head professional. 9. Members, their guests, and guests of FW Golf Club, be they residents or non-residents, are responsible for all injuries, damages, or losses caused by or incurred in connection with the use of the FW Golf Club and its facilities, including but not limited to bodily injury and property damage caused by golf balls, equipment, or golf cart operation within and outside the boundaries of the course. Any occurrence within the purview of this rule must be reported to the Pro Shop upon completion of play and to one s own homeowners insurance carrier, which extends coverage for such occurrences. Golf Carts 1. Carts even those with medical flags are never permitted on any part of the 12th fairway. 2. Carts are restricted to cart path only on all par 3s. 3. Privately owned carts are not permitted. 4. A golf cart may not be used beyond the number of holes for which it is rented without paying for additional use in the Pro Shop. 5. No one under the age of 16 may operate a golf cart. 6. Only two people are permitted to ride in a golf cart at one time. The long distance between holes 15 and 16 often causes abuse of this rule. Cart users are encouraged to take a bag or two from walkers to the next tee, drop off the passenger, and then return to pick up another walker. 7. Carts should remain on the cart paths or in the rough at all times, except that the 90 degree rule may be utilized where fairway access is not otherwise prohibited. Observe all directional signs and roped areas. Avoid steep inclines, and use caution at all times. Carts are never to be driven off golf club property except in proceeding with the normal course of play. 8. Any member or guest whose physical limitations warrant may be extended certain cart privileges upon presentation of a doctor s letter. The Pro Shop will issue a medical flag to be attached to the cart, along with detailed instructions outlining where a cart may or may not be driven during the round. Failure to abide by the written instructions will result in loss of these privileges. 10
9. The club will not be responsible for accidents occasioned by the use of golf carts by members or guests. Members must assume full responsibility for their guests' use of carts. Cart damage must be reported to the individual s homeowner s insurance carrier be it a member or a guest. Guest Rules 1. A guest is defined as any golfer introduced by a member. The names of all guests must be registered with the Pro Shop or starter prior to beginning play. 2. Only one guest per member is permitted before 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sunday, or holidays. 3. Members are permitted to invite up to seven guests at other times, provided the member plays as part of the group. Exception: If the member cannot play with his or her guests on a weekday, arrangements must be made directly with the Director of Golf at least 48 hours in advance. In such a case, the number of guests will be limited to one foursome. 4. Approval for over seven, but not more than 11 guests may be obtained from the Director of Golf. Over 11 guests requires the approval of the Golf Committee as a small group outing. 5. A person, other than an out-of-town house guest, shall not be introduced as a guest to play more than twice in any calendar month or eight times per year. This limit applies to the guest whether introduced by one or multiple members. 6. Golfing guest authorizations for out-of-town house guests may be obtained from the Director of Golf. Written authorization may be issued for periods up to two weeks. 7. All fees should be charged to the member s account in accordance with the current schedule as posted in the Pro Shop or to a credit card. Cash payments are not allowed. All fees are subject to Connecticut sales tax when applicable. 8. It is the member s responsibility to be sure that guests observe all club rules. Golf Handicap Handicap Indexes for golf club members will be computed using the USGA Handicapping System Guidelines. The basic premise of this system assumes, that every player will try to make the best score at each hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played, and that the player will post every acceptable round for peer review. Each Member Must: 1. Post a minimum of five scores before a handicap can be issued. After that, scores will be used in accordance with USGA guidelines. 2. It is the player s responsibility to post all scores of all rounds, at all courses; this includes all match and medal play tournament rounds. If 13 holes are played, an 18-hole score should be recorded; if 7 holes are played, a 9-hole score should be recorded. 3. Scores for holes missed or skipped should be recorded using par plus any handicap stroke if so entitled. For holes not finished or picked up on, a most likely score should be recorded had the player finished the hole, so long as it does not exceed Equitable Stroke Control limits. 4. Before any score is recorded in the GHIN Computer, Equitable Stroke Control must be applied by the player. 5. Our GHIN Computer in the Pro Shop should be the main source for posting scores. A clipboard outside the Pro Shop and GHIN.com are two other means by which a player may record a score. All scores must be recorded within 48 hours of completion of the round. 11
6. Failing to post one s scores defeats the spirit and integrity of the game and can lead to a penalty score being posted by the Committee, modification of one s handicap index, or the withdrawal of the player s handicap index. Equitable Stroke Control (USGA Ruling for Handicap Purposes Only) Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) is the required downward adjustment, for handicap purposes, of unusually high scores on individual holes, using the following schedules: If you are out of a hole, you may pick up to speed up play and record the score you most likely would have made. 18 hole course handicap Maximum score posted on any hole 9 or less Double Bogey 10 through 19 7 20 through 29 8 30 through 39 9 40 and above 10 9 hole women course handicap 4 or less Double Bogey 5 through 9 7 10 through 14 8 15 through 19 9 20 and above 10 Driving Range 1. Range balls are designed for range-use only and are prohibited from play on the golf course. 2. All range balls should be played between markers. 3. Do not remove range balls from range. 4. Range operating hours will be posted in the Pro Shop. Locker Rooms 1. Club towels are available at the Pro Shop and are to be returned after use. 2. The Club is not responsible for loss of personal property from lockers or locker rooms. 3. Food and drink are not allowed in locker rooms. Bag Storage At the end of the season, a date will be posted specifying when all bags, clubs, and carts should be removed from storage. It is the responsibility of each member to do so by the posted date. Farmington Woods will not be responsible for anything remaining in storage after the posted date. 12
CLUB SPONSORED TOURNAMENTS AND EVENTS Seedings for all club tournaments will be established through a qualifying round, except when the number of participants is so low as to make a qualifying round superfluous. The 2014 Golf Calendar is on the FW web site and is maintained by the Director of Golf. http://www.farmingtonwoods.com/golf-home Up-to-date tournament and special-event calendars are also displayed outside the Pro Shop. Golf Leagues Men s Golf League Jeff Koeppen President 860-463-1100 koeppenjm@gmail.com Bryan Schleppy Vice President 917-841-5531 bryanschleppy@gmail.com Dan Skoczylas Sec/Treasurer 860-869-1174 skotch13@yahoo.com David May Tournaments 860-604-4381 may_david@sbcglobal.net Senior Men s Golf League Stephen Dishner President 860 673-1438 s.dishner@sbcglobal.net Ron Kinney Vice President 860-221-9251 rgkinney@att.net Tim Fitch Treasurer 860 678-8928 tmfitch@comcast.net Ivan Mendelsohn Communications 860 673-8801 allicivan@att.net 18 Hold Women's League Judy Rotondo President 860-716-8107 judysbailey@gmail.com Wendy Gill Treasurer 860-673-2248 wgill518@yahoo.com Peg Watson Secretary 860-673-2872 pw123@comcast.net Phyllis Butler Membership 860-673-8310 butlerphyllis@att.net Pat DiCosimo Tournaments 860-582-3166 pat4art@aol.com 9 Hole Women s League Peg Watson President 860-673-2872 pw123@comcast.net Blanche Marsh Treasurer 860-404-0480 bbswamp@att.net Mary Lynn Gorman Secretary 860-404-0054 mlgfw@att.net Mixed Group Elaine Truskoski Tournaments 860-302-1763 MTruskoski@TampaBay.rr.com ## 13
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