The PGA in England (Midlands) Pro Am Rules & Regulations 2016 1. General 1.1 Any Pro Am listed in any previous provisional fixture list but not included on the current BlueGolf schedule, may have for some reason been dropped from the present season. 1.2 The PGA Tournament Procedures & Regulations as listed in The Constitution apply. 1.3 All Pro-Am s are played under the R&A Rules of Golf, PGA Tournament Rules and additional local rules of the course being played as supplied by the PGA. 2. Pro Am Fields Pro-Am fields will be determined in the following category order: 2.1 Any Professional that brings and plays with their own Team. 2.2 Up to five sponsors/club invitations including one Professional from the host club. 2.3 The top 20 in the 2015 Midlands Order of Merit. 2.4 The PGA Midlands Captain and Chairman. 2.5 Defending Champion (2015 Winner). 2.6 Winner of the 2015 Assistants Order of Merit. 2.7 Remaining Professional entries based on the 2016 Qualifying School. 2.8 All other eligible Professional entries based on time of entry. a. All Members entered will be notified of the draw by email. Their start time (or reserve position) will be available on the online tournament system. b. These categories will not apply to Invitational Pro-Ams as advertised on the respective tournament web pages. 3. Eligibility All 2016 PGA Midlands Pro Ams are open to member grades A, AA, AAT, AT, AGMS(AE), AGMS(G), AGMST1, AGMST2, AGMST3, E, EO, ET, G, GT, R, RO, T1, T2, T3, T4 (AE), T4 (P), TP1, TP2, TP3 and TP4, who have paid their subscription and must be based in any of the following Counties: PGA Derbyshire, PGA Leicestershire, PGA Lincolnshire, PGA Northamptonshire, PGA Nottinghamshire, PGA Shropshire & Herefordshire, PGA Staffordshire, PGA Warwickshire, PGA Worcestershire. NON PGA MEMBERS ARE INELIGIBLE TO PLAY IN PGA MIDLANDS PRO AMS. 4. Method of Entry & Fees 4.1 Individual Entry 18 Hole Pro-Ams 30: 4.1.1 Entries MUST be made through the online tournament system at www.pga.info. 4.1.2 The purpose of the entry list is to provide a guide at an early stage of the number of professionals who are available. You are not bound by your decision until the closing date for each event and are free to change your availability without penalty prior to those dates. Prior to the closing date, changes must be made through the online tournament system at www.pga.info. After the closing date, all changes must be notified to the PGA Midlands Office by telephone, letter or e-mail. Text messages, voicemails and social media messages will not be accepted as a withdrawal and players are not withdrawn until they have communicated directly with the Tournament Controller or PGA Midlands office.
4.2 Team Entry: 4.2.1 Team entry forms for open Entry Pro Ams can be downloaded from the online tournament system at www.pga.info when available - https://pgagbi.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/pgagbi16/chapter/midlands/schedule/midland/index.htm 4.2.2 Completed team entry forms with FULL payment MUST be returned to the contact on the team entry form by the closing date. You will not be placed into the draw until full Team payment has been received. Payment on the day will not be accepted. 4.2.3 In addition to the above, a Professional entering with his/her own team MUST register his/her team entry with the PGA Midlands office during the online entry procedure by calling 01675 468389, or by emailing the office pgainenglandmidlands@pga.org.uk. 4.3 Entry Fees: 4.3.1 The 30 Professional entry fee and FULL Team entry fee will be payable at the closing date for entries subject to being accepted into the field. Professionals will not be placed in the draw until both Professional and Team payment has been made. 4.4 Refunds: (PGA Regulations; Part 6B PGA Tournament Regulations Section 13). 4.4.1 A competitor in any PGA Pro Am tournament who withdraws before the closing date for entry shall not be required to pay an entry fee. 4.4.2 Any player withdrawing after the closing date shall not be eligible for a refund of his entry fee unless the appropriate committee is satisfied: - that the withdrawal enabled the Member to enter a higher ranking event. - that exceptional circumstances have arisen outside of the reasonable control of the player prompting his/her withdrawal, which the committee considers (at its absolute discretion) to justify the refund of his/her entry. 5. Withdrawals & Absence 5.1 CONFLICTING EVENTS RELEASE: In order to protect the sponsorship obtained by the Association, by providing the highest quality representative field possible at Association- Approved Tournaments, a Member must not play in a tournament which conflicts with any Association Approved Tournament in which he/she is automatically entitled to enter unless he/she obtains a release from the Chief Executive or PGA Midlands Secretary (as appropriate) responsible for administering the Tournament. 5.2 Where County or Branch PGA events are authorised and scheduled against a PGA Midlands event, a player in the Top 50 of the 2015 PGA Midlands Order of Merit must obtain a written release from the Secretary in order to compete in that County or Branch event. Penalty for breach of Rule: 50 (PGA Regulations; Part 6A PGA Tournament Procedures Section 2.6). 5.3 Prior to the closing date, withdrawals must be completed through the online tournament system at www.pga.info. 5.4 After the closing date, withdrawals must be made with the PGA Midlands Office when a "withdrawal number" will be issued to the player. This number will relate to the withdrawal and should be noted by the player and used in any subsequent contact with the PGA regarding that particular withdrawal. It is the player's responsibility to obtain the withdrawal number. Withdrawals in writing must be sent to the PGA Midlands Secretary (post or email pgainenglandmidlands@pga.org.uk). 5.5 Withdrawals received by telephone or email to The PGA Midlands office will only be accepted between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm Monday to Friday. Withdrawals via voicemail, text message, social media or via the PGA Midlands Office answer machine WILL NOT be accepted. 5.6 A player who withdraws his entry after the closing date for entries will be charged a withdrawal fee of 35. (PGA Regulations; Part 6B PGA Tournament Regulations Section 12.1). 5.7 A player whose withdrawal is notified within seven days of his starting time will be charged a withdrawal fee of 70. (PGA Regulations; Part 6B PGA Tournament Regulations Section 12.2).
5.8 A player whose withdrawal is not notified by noon on the day before the start of the tournament or who is absent from a tournament without notice of his/her withdrawal shall be fined the sum of 250 and shall be liable to suspension. (PGA Regulations; Part 6B PGA Tournament Regulations Section 12.3). NOTE: For a second or subsequent offence in the same playing year, it will be mandatory for the facts to be reported to the appropriate Committee and action taken as a breach of the Code of Ethics. (PGA Regulations; Part 6B PGA Tournament Regulations Section 12.4). 5.9 Any competitor who qualifies to play in a tournament and then fails to play in the final stages will be charged a withdrawal fee of 70, unless the withdrawal occurs within 7 days of his/her starting time in which case a withdrawal fee of 150 will be charged (PGA Regulations; Part 6B PGA Tournament Regulations Section 12.6). 5.10 Any competitor who fails to notify his withdrawal at all from the tournament, or who fails to complete all rounds for which he has entered, or fails to record a score for a round may forfeit any prize money won in respect of that tournament and may be fined up to 250 by the appropriate committee. A second or subsequent offence or one which, in the opinion of the appropriate committee, constitutes a breach of the Code of Ethics must be reported to the appropriate committee for disciplinary action. (PGA Regulations; Part 6B PGA Tournament Regulations Section 12.7). 5.11 The Open Championship: The following regulations apply to The Open Championship ONLY: 5.11.1 Qualification for Local Final Qualifying for The Open Championship: following successful completion of Regional Qualifying, there will be no penalty for withdrawal from a PGA in England (Midlands) event that may be held within one day of Local Final Qualifying for The Open Championship, providing withdrawal is notified in the appropriate manner within 24 hours of qualification. 5.11.2 Qualification for The Open Championship: following successful completion of Local Final Qualifying, there will be no penalty for withdrawal from a PGA in England (Midlands) event that may be held within seven days of The Open Championship, providing withdrawal is notified in the appropriate manner within 24 hours of qualification. 5.12 Order of Merit Events: Players MUST play in the pre-tournament Pro Am, if invited. If a player withdraws from the pre-tournament Pro Am, he/she will automatically be withdrawn from the main event. 5.13 Exceptions to these rules may be made in cases of sickness, injury and other special circumstances, subject to the discretion of the Committee. 5.14 When a player has withdrawn due to sickness or injury, he must submit an authorised medical certificate to the Regional Secretary within 7 days. Failure to do so will result in the relevant late withdrawal fee. 5.15 Rescheduled events: In the case of an event having to be re-scheduled due to circumstances beyond the control of the PGA in England (Midlands) and a new date is set, the following conditions apply:- - The field for the re-scheduled event will be that which is current at the time of re-scheduling the new date. - Any player who wishes to withdraw from the re-scheduled event may do so within 7 days of the re-scheduling of the event. - Withdrawing after the 7 days of the re-scheduling of the event will result in normal withdrawal disciplinary procedure. 6. Prize Funds 6.1 The proposed prize fund for each event will be shown on the appropriate tournament page for guideline purposes only. All prize funds are subject to a 6% levy (unless otherwise stated) & will be posted in the Tournament Office. 6.2 Prize funds published elsewhere prior to the event are guidelines only. Figures below are based on a 5000 prize fund (40 Teams).
Pro Individual 40% Team 1. 15% - 750 5. 7.5% - 375 9. 4.0% - 200 13. 2.75% - 137.50 1. 3.0% - 150 2. 13% - 650 6. 6.0% - 300 10. 3.5% - 175 14. 2.5% - 125 2. 2.0% - 100 3. 10.5% - 525 7. 5.5% - 275 11. 3.25% - 162.50 15. 2.25% - 112.50 3. 1.0% - 50 4. 8.5% - 425 8. 4.75% - 237.50 12. 3.0% - 150 16. 2.0% - 100 These figures are for guidance only and will vary according to specific tournament entries and regulations. 7. Disciplinary Regulations 7.1 Practice Rounds, Clubhouse and Course Standards: 7.1.1 If any competitor intends to have a practice round on any competition course, he/she must confirm before hand with the host club's Professional and/or Secretary that this will be in order on the day he wishes to play. Once permission has been granted, a member must comply with the instructions of the club officials with regard to which tees should be used during the practice round. 7.1.2 At all PGA Midlands events, training shoes, denim jeans and shorts are NOT permitted. 7.2 Check in procedure All Professionals are required to check in as detailed in the Competitors Information at least 45 minutes before their tee time. Persistent late offenders will be reported to the committee. 7.3 Recording: (PGA Regulations; Part 6B PGA Tournament Regulations Section 25.1) In all PGA events, Members must return their scorecard in person to the Official Recorder. In the case of Pro Am events, the professional is responsible for returning the team scorecard in person to the Official Recorder. For a breach of this rule, the Member shall be fined 50. 7.4 Prize Presentations 7.4.1 At Pro Am events, unless otherwise stated, the leading THREE Professionals and ties in the individual event & the leading THREE professionals in the team event must attend the prize giving. 7.4.2 Penalty for failure to attend the Prize Presentation: 200 (PGA Regulations; Part 6B PGA Tournament Regulations Section 16.3). 7.4.3 Unless otherwise stated in the Tournament Information, players must wear jacket, collar and tie (or equivalent for lady Members) at prize giving ceremonies. Penalty for failure to do so: up to 100 (PGA Regulations; Part 6B PGA Tournament Regulations Section 16.2). 7.4.4 Standard of Dress (PGA Regulations; Part 6B PGA Tournament Regulations Section 22) applies at all Regional events. 7.5 Tournament meals & functions 7.5.1 At all Pro Ams where catering is provided by the Golf Club or Sponsor, Professionals must eat with their amateur partners. Release from attending such a lunch may be granted by the PGA Official but only in exceptional circumstances. Penalty for breach of rule: 50 7.5.2 Unless otherwise stated in the Tournament Information, players must wear jacket, collar and tie (or equivalent for lady Members) at Pro Am functions. 7.6 Breaches of Etiquette (PGA Regulations; Part 6B PGA Tournament Regulations Section 23). 7.6.1 If any Member is seen, or reported for, breaking any of the rules of etiquette, whether in practice, qualifying or in the PGA event proper, he/she shall be fined a minimum of 50. Repeated breaches may be considered by the appropriate committee as a breach of the Code of Ethics. Examples include but are not limited to: - Not repairing pitch marks on the green. - Not raking bunkers.
- Except in cases of emergency, failure to switch off & keep switched off a mobile telephone whilst on the golf course and additionally in areas where the use of a mobile telephone is forbidden by the rules of the relevant host venue may result in disciplinary action including a minimum fine of 50. 7.6.2 A minimum fine of 50 shall be imposed on any Member seen, or reported for, throwing a golf club or any other item or for swearing or any other act of temper anywhere within the environs of the Club or course. The fine shall be doubled on each subsequent occasion. Repeated breaches may be dealt with by the appropriate committee as a breach of the Code of Ethics. 7.6.3 The Tournament Controller/Director/Regional Secretary shall be empowered to impose such fines at his discretion. Members fined in this way shall have the right to appeal to the appropriate committee. 8. Pace of Play 8.1 All Professionals must play without undue delay and encourage their team members to do likewise. 8.2 In the absence of mitigating circumstances, a group is liable to be timed if it is in excess of the time allowed and in the case of second or subsequent groups, out of position. From the commencement of timing, if a player exceeds:- - 50 seconds on a 'first to play approach shot (including Par 3 tee shot), chip or putt - 40 seconds if it is a tee shot or 'second or third to play shot or putt' he/shall be deemed to have had a "bad time". 8.3 The time allowed will be determined by the Tournament Director and will be published on the official notice board. 8.4 Out of position is defined as being more than the starting interval behind the group in front. 8.5 Penalty for breach of condition: 8.5.1 One bad time: Warning from Official with notice of possible penalty. 8.5.2 Two bad times: One stroke penalty. 8.5.3 Three bad times: Two stroke penalty. 8.5.4 Four bad times: Disqualification. 8.6 Timings will be taken from the moment it is deemed by the Official that it is the player s turn to play. 9. Contact Details PGA in England (Midlands) Courtyard 5 Coleshill Manor Office Campus South Drive Coleshill Birmingham B46 1DL Tel: 01675 468389 Email: pgainenglandmidlands@pga.org.uk Matt Rowley Tournament Controller Tel: 07891 018951 Email: Matt.Rowley@pga.org.uk James Brown Secretary - The PGA in England (Midlands) Tel: 07799 111868 Email: James.Brown@pga.org.uk