GWGA HANDBOOK / BY-LAWS March 2018 This is a printing of information from our web pages as of March 19, 2018. It is being provided to new members for ease of reading and to other members who may prefer to read hardcopy. Updates to the information contained herein are made on the website on a continuing, as needed, basis. While the content herein does not change often, it is possible that as the year proceeds information could change. The website version of the Member Handbook will always have precedence over the content herein and may be viewed online at anytime.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Administration of League... 2 Core Values.....3 Weekly Tournaments and Championship Play.... 4 Stroke Play... 6 Tee Time Procedure.... 7 League Scores and Record Keeping.....8 GWGA Rules, Hole by Hole Guide..... 9 Rules and Scoring Conflict Resolution... 11 OTHER INFORMATION Found on the website (not in this hard copy): Membership Directories Schedule of Games and Weekly Game Winners GWGA Golf Outings and Overnight Trips Handicap Reports with Flights shown (updated monthly) Ringer Reports (updated monthly) News, current and archived Current Board Members List Past Presidents and League Champions Championship Awards Links: GHIN, VSGA, USGA Rules Videos (highly recommended these short USGA videos) HOW TO FIND OUR WEBSITE: Using your favorite search engine, type in Greendale Women s league, Alexandria. 1
Administration of League The league is administered by a board which includes: a President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Tournament Chair and Tournament Assistant, Membership Chair, Rules Chair, Sign-Up Coordinator, Birdies & Chip-in administrator and a web administrator. Positions requiring training may involve assistants at any time. The board acts as a nominating committee for board positions, with each board member recruiting her replacement. Terms are for two years. The President is responsible for ensuring all positions get filled and prepares and presents a slate of new board members to the membership for confirmation at the end of each season for the following season. A link to detailed duties of each board member can be found here on the website, on this page. The annual spring meeting will be held in late March and the President will be responsible for notifying members of the time and place of the meeting. The minutes of last year s annual meeting shall be approved for the membership by the board unless otherwise indicated by the membership. The treasurer s books shall be audited annually. The board shall appoint someone to do this and report to the membership at the annual spring meeting. The playing season will be weekly beginning with the first Thursday in April and ending the last Thursday in October. The tournament chair has the authority to change the game scheduled for any Thursday. Changes due to weather shall be made by the President, Vice President and Tournament Chair in consultation with one another. If the weather (rain, frost or cold) or aeration dictates a change (for example, lift, clean and place) changes must be made and posted boldly prior to any member beginning her round. The Ringer Competition shall begin the first week and run through the third Thursday in October. Ringer scores will only be recorded on Thursdays following our individual stroke play tournaments. Ringer scores are not recorded if the game played involves team/group scores, such as a scramble. Chip-in and birdie awards will start the first week and run through the third Thursday in October. The awards luncheon/business meeting will be held the first Thursday in November. The time and location will be determined by the Vice President. The President shall be authorized to sign checks in the event the Treasurer is unavailable to perform the duty. The Treasurer shall carry over funds needed for the beginning of the next season. The membership roster will be made available to the members via the website as soon as possible. 2
Core Values GWGA is a league for experienced golfers of all abilities. At the core of our league we share the desire to enjoy playing the game of golf together. As a fun-loving competitive group of amateurs, we play our weekly games with a sense of humor, always learning and respecting the rules as we know them. We all make some errors and believe in showing kindness and respect to one another when rules are violated. Additionally, we value the friendships we have with each other and the fellowship that goes along with playing golf and being part of this league. We expect all members to be tolerant and respectful of one another, both on and off the golf course. Below includes USGA guidelines, followed by some values GWGA thinks are most important. All members are asked to read and absorb these values and have fun playing golf! The USGA describes The Spirit of the Game: Unlike many sports, golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. (From USGA Rules) Consideration for Other Players (Based on USGA Rules and Decisions, with additions from GWGA Board) USGA Guidelines: Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making any unnecessary noise. Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players. On the teeing ground, a player should not tee her ball until it is her turn to play. Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play. On the putting green, players should not stand on another player s line of putt or when she is making a stroke, cast a shadow over her line of putt. Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out. GWGA Values Encouraged: Players should help to create a positive, fun-loving environment for all players without regard to ability or longevity in the Association. Players should encourage camaraderie and sense of community within the league. 3
Players should abide by the USGA rules of golf and help others, in a respectful way, who are not aware of all of the rules of golf. Players should demonstrate respect for other players and course staff at all times. GWGA Behaviors Not Tolerated: Players displaying anger or loss of temper (verbal displays, throwing of clubs, balls or other items). Players engaging in direct confrontation, emails or calls to other players in an abusive manner. Penalties for Breach (based on the USGA Rules and Decisions) If players follow the guidelines in this document, it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone. If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a round or over a period of time to the detriment of others, it is recommended that the GWGA Committee consider taking appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player. Such action may, for example, include disqualification from a tournament, prohibiting play for a limited time on the course or in a certain number of competitions. This is considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interest of the majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these guidelines. In the case of a serious breach of Etiquette, the Committee may disqualify a player under Rule 33-7. The GWGA Committee consists of the President, Vice President and Tournament Chair. Players who experience objectionable behavior may contact anyone on this committee for consideration. This Committee will be the deciding body. The Committee may at its discretion involve the full GWGA Board, or ask a mediator to assist. 33-7. Disqualification Penalty; Committee Discretion If the Committee considers that a player is guilty of a serious breach of etiquette, it may impose a penalty of disqualification under this Rule. A penalty of disqualification may, in exceptional individual cases, be waived, modified or imposed if the Committee considers such action warranted. Any penalty less than disqualification must not be waived or modified. Weekly Tournaments and Championship Play The membership fee must be paid prior to tee off time to qualify for prizes. Please make checks payable to GWGA. To qualify for the Championship tournament, members must participate in 50% of the league s playable Thursday rounds of golf at Greendale. The tournament chair is responsible for tracking attendance. If 4
play is called by the tournament chair or the club due to inclement weather, all players who had originally signed up for a tee time will be credited with a round played. The League Championship Tournament will be based upon total (gross and net) for 36 holes. The championship will be held on two consecutive Thursdays. The combined two rounds total will determine the league champions. Eligibility for Senior League Champion (gross and net) will be determined by sorting the list of eligible players by birthday and the older half will be eligible for Senior Champion (gross and net). For Flight champions, players will be placed in flights based on their handicaps. Among the players in a flight, the best combined two rounds (gross and net) will determine the flight winners. To qualify for most improved player member must participate in 50% of playable Thursday rounds. To participate in weekly tournaments, the round must be played with at least one other member. Members must have a handicap or be working to establish one. To establish a handicap, a player must complete and enter scores into the GHIN system for 5 rounds. If a member is unable to play or complete a hole please submit the incomplete scorecard to ensure credit for play. We are an 18 hole league and expect everyone to play 18 holes. Only golfers with 18 hole scores are eligible to win. Scores of less than 18 holes are not to be entered into the GWGA game software/laptop. If a golfer leaves the course before finishing, only her name may be entered in the GWGA game software/laptop for attendance recording. It is only acceptable to play less than 18 holes once or twice over a season. Adjusted scores may only be used by league members when league leadership determines it is needed or desired for the whole league. When this occurs, a member with an adjusted score may win and her score may be recorded on the ringer report. Leadership will ensure the membership is notified at the clubhouse, on league day, if adjusted scores may be used. Examples of appropriate use include (but are not limited to) when hole closures occur, or in cases of inclement weather. Adjusted scores are not for individual use and may not be entered into the GWGA game software/laptop anytime a member wishes to do so. They may only be used by exception, on days when league leadership has determined it is appropriate for the whole league to use an adjusted score. For the championship rounds: Unless otherwise announced by the tournament chair, no lift, clean and place or moving your ball in the fairway except as allowed by the USGA official rules of golf. Double par rule is suspended. Play until the ball is holed out. This could slow the pace of play so please move as quickly as possibly between hits and between holes. Hole 10 drop zone on the other side of the water may be used. Hole 6 drop zone by the cart path may be used. 5
Any rules dispute should be noted on the score card with the hole circled. The player should play following the rule she thinks is correct and mark the score accordingly. The rules chair will make a ruling after the round. It is recommended that you announce your stroke total when you reach the green e.g. on in 3 (this is an aid to keeping a correct score). We also suggest that you print out a Rules Bag Tag for reference. Stroke Play Pace of play expectation is that a round of golf will be played in 4 ½ hours. Double par rule: Pick up after reaching double par (6 strokes on par 3, 8 strokes on par 4, and 10 strokes on par 5, if not on the green). Place your ball on the green one putter head inside the green in direct line to the hole from your original ball location. Limit of 3 putts if under double par rule. Play a provisional ball if there is a chance that a ball might be lost outside a hazard. Play ready golf. Riders after your shot, get into the cart (holding your clubs), do not put clubs away until the NEXT stopping point. Watch your ball and assist your partners in watching theirs. One practice swing only. Three minute search for lost ball. Put away clubs and record scores at the next tee box. Keep 2 balls in your pocket, marked differently at all times as well as 2 tees and a ball marker. Keep your cell phone turned off. See the website for a hole by hole guide to GWGA local rules. You must count all whiffs. Mulligans and gimmies are not allowed! 6
Tee Time Procedure Each Sunday at 7 p.m. the tee time SignUpGenius will be published. You will NOT receive an email. Members are responsible for going directly to signupgenius.com after 7 p.m. and logging in to your account. Then look for Sign Ups I ve been invited to. There you will find your invite from Greendale (as well as any other SUG invites you receive via SUG from other people/organizations). Read and follow sign-up details every week. When you sign up you will receive an email confirmation and an email reminder will be sent to you the day prior to your tee time. At anytime you may also see all active Greendale signups by going to the sign up page on the website. If at anytime you have questions or concerns about tee-times or sign-ups, you may email Tournament Chairs at Greendale@cox.net. It is recommended you use this email versus a personal email as a tournament chair may go out of town and this is a group email, 5 board members are on here and one of them will be available to help. Sign up yourself only. Guests: You may bring a guest. To sign up a guest, contact the tournament chair before Tuesday night at 8 p.m. Guests may only play 3 times over a season without joining. Read and follow sign-up details every week. After you sign-up, if you find out you cannot play: If it is before 8 p.m. Tuesday night please go to the sign up and Delete your Sign-up online; you do not need to email or call anyone. If it is after 8 p.m. Tuesday night you may email Greendale@cox.net or wait until 8 a.m. Wednesday morning and call or text Michelle Moldenhauer at 703-966-6180; leave voice message if no answer. If it is Thursday morning, call the pro shop 703/971-3788 and ask for the member in charge for that morning or make sure the person you speak with writes down your name to give the member in charge when she arrives. Tee times are scheduled at 9 minute intervals. Tee times start at 8 a.m. in April, May, September, and October. For first three tee times, be at club house by 7:30 a.m. All other times at least 30 minutes prior, and if rain is in the forecast arrive, 45 minutes early. Tee times start at 7:30 a.m. in June, July and August; for first three tee times, be at club house by 7:00 a.m. All others 30 min prior and if rain is in the forecast, arrive 45 minutes early. SHOT GUN STARTS/CAPT CHOICE. Watch the sign-ups for start times and details. 7
League Scores and Record Keeping The league uses an automated record keeping system. 1. 2 people from each foursome must enter the scores of the foursome in the GWGA laptop. Instructions will be provided at the laptop. a. One person reads aloud the scores b. Other person types in the numbers 2. Each group will turn in 2 scorecards kept by 2 different scorekeepers, with all players listed on both cards. If only one card is kept, all golfers in the foursome except the person who kept the original card may be disqualified from winning that round. The Original card (versus the Duplicate) must be signed and dated by all players and both cards turned in. A player with no signature on the original card may be disqualified from winning that round. GHIN SCORES Each golfer is responsible for entering their Equitable Stroke Count score in the GHIN computer system. For an explanation of how ESC score is determined click here: USGA EQUITABLE STROKE CONTROL PROCEDURE Handicaps used in the laptop will be imported from the GHIN. Weekly winners will be posted with the schedule, on the GWGA web site. Handicaps will be updated and posted monthly, along with other reports. 8
GWGA Rules Unmarked Ground Under Repair (GUR) situations: In situations where GUR on the fairway is unmarked (see hole by hole guide below) ask your playing partners if you may take relief. If all agree, you may then take a drop; take one club length from the nearest point of relief. There is no penalty. Hole by Hole Guide: Hole 4 From the tee box, approximately 150 yards on the right, the bare area in the fairway is deemed to be ground under repair (GUR). Hole 5 The dirt path about 100 yards from the tee box on the right between the fairway and the trees is ground under repair. Hole 6 The rocky area to the left of the green is to be treated as GUR. Hole 7 The rocky area to the right approximately 50 yards from the green between the path and the woods is to be treated as GUR. Hole 10 1 If your t-ball goes anywhere in the water, the drop area is just over the water. 2 When the ditch on the right side of the cart path has water in it, it is considered an abnormal ground condition. You may lift the ball, clean it and drop it without penalty within one club length and not nearer the hole. 3 You may get free relief from the french drain (gravel ditch) on the right side of the cart path if it interferes with your stance or swing. Find the closest point of relief no closer to the hole and drop the ball. Hole 13 From the tee box: 1 If ball lands in the culvert to the right of the bridge you have a free drop: Take relief in the following manner: Retrieve ball and go back 2 club lengths towards the bridge. This will keep your ball from being moved closer to the hole. Take your stance with lower foot just above the concrete side of the culvert and place your ball on the slope. Do not drop (1. to avoid injury, as ball may roll back in, and 2. for pace of play). You will be hitting 2. 2 If a ball lands in the culvert to the left of the bridge you have a free drop. Drop ball in drop area (marked on side of culvert wall) in front of tee box. You will be hitting 2. 3 If ball lands in the Environmental Protected Area to the right of the bridge and to the right of the spillway you have two choices: 9
Hit again from previous position, taking penalty shot, hitting 3 Remove (you may not walk into the EPA; please walk along side of culvert and retrieve your ball using a retriever or club) and proceed with the rules for ball in a red-staked hazard. Hole 15 The dirt path about 75 yards from the tee box on the right before the pond is ground under repair. Hole 17 The washed out area on the left hill about 150 yards from the tee box is GUR. If it s certain that your ball went into the ground under repair, take a free drop just outside the white GUR line on the side of the hill at the point where your ball crossed the line. Hole 18 1 The rocky gully approximately 150 yards from the tee box to the right between the cart path and the woods is GUR. 2 If your ball lands in the spillway to the left, take free relief as you would a cart path and drop your ball, no closer to the hole, one club length from your closest point of relief. OTHER GWGA Rules The limit for putts, if you have reached double par, is 3. In the interest of time, if you have not holed out after 3 putts, pick up your ball and record 4 putts on your scorecard for the hole. If the course requires cart path only due to the wet conditions, the league will follow the lift, clean and place rule. In the interest of your pace-of-play, spend no more than 3 minutes searching for your ball. 10
Rules and Scoring Conflict Resolution If during course of play, there is a disagreement as to the Rules of Golf, members should follow this procedure. The process has several steps, but in most cases, resolution will be immediate. Step One: If a player believes that another player in their playing group has miscounted a score or there is a disagreement in the group about whether a rule was followed, there needs to be an immediate discussion to resolve the issue. If a score is in dispute, it should be resolved before teeing off on the next hole. The player in question must be able to recall every stroke taken. This doesn t need to be confrontational; just talk to each other. If an agreement can be reached, there is no reason to go to step two. However, please send the rules chair an email to let her know about the issue. Step Two: If an agreement can t be reached, circle the number of the hole on the card and if it is a rules issue, the player affected should play 2 balls, one ball using her rule interpretation and another ball using the rule interpretation of the other members of the group. Both scores, if different, should be noted on the card. At the end of the round, if there is still a disagreement, no member of the playing group should sign the card. Contact the rules chair and she will talk with everyone in the playing group to try to resolve the issue. Most of the time, the rule will be clear and the issue can be resolved. However, there will be times when an issue will be left unresolved. The rules chair and her committee will be monitoring resolved and unresolved issues on the course. There are two reasons for this. First, they will be looking for patterns where a number of disagreements about a miscounted score or following rules. In terms of scoring issues, the rules chair will have discussions with the player to discuss the importance of accurate scorekeeping, the effect on her playing partners when they continually have to count her score too, and tips on how to count use beads, etc. In terms of rules issues, again, the rules chair will work with the player so that she has a better understanding of the rule(s) where there was a disagreement. Step Three: There is a point, however, where education has been tried and an individual still is having repeated problems with counting her score or knowing the rules. In those rare cases, because these issues impact others in the playing group, the rules chair and her committee will notify the player that she can no longer compete for prizes within the league. The criteria for this notification are 3 unresolved issues or 5 resolved issues. All new members will be given a years grace period to become familiar with the rules and league s expectations. 11