2025 Blue Bell Golf League
Blue Bell Golf League Constitution
Effective
Date: April 16, 2025
This document provides the governing rules and laws for the Blue Bell Golf League.
This document consists of the following sections and appendix(s):
League Information
This section contains all pertinent information regarding the structure and costs of the League as well as the general and playing rulesfor both regular and post-season play.
Appendix A. Top-10 Timely Tips
This appendix contains information regarding tips to allow play to proceed at a faster pace.
League Information
This organization will be known as the Blue Bell Golf League, hereafter referred to as the League.
The purpose of the League is to conduct golfing activities in a manner that fosters and maintains the spirit of good fellowship and true sportsmanship.
Although it is desirable that members reflect current,
retired and former employees of Unisys and their immediate family members
(spouses and children over the age of 18), there are no restrictions on
individual admissions to the league. However, in the event, that an
entire team requests admittance to the league, the President will conduct a
vote among the existing team captains as to their willingness to approve this
request (Note: it is highly desirable to maintain an even number of teams).
Admittance will require a minimum of 75% approval by the existing team
captains.
The management of the League is vested in a Governing Body comprised of the team captains. A captain may designate another team member to act as their team's representative. Each member of the Governing Body is entitled to one vote. In case of a tie vote, each League Officer has one vote. In the event that a League Officer is also the captain of their team, that League Officer may select a member of their team to represent their team. No captain or League Officer may have more than one vote. If a tie vote still exists, the President of the League will have the tie-breaking vote.
The Governing Body will have the power to review and amend the constitution and all rules. It will also decide the necessary League dues.
The Governing Body will have the power to discipline any team or individual member for violating any provision of this constitution, the rules and regulations, or for conduct detrimental to the best interest of the League. It will have the authority to expel any team or individual member for good and sufficient reason.
An annual election will be held for the offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Membership will elect the Officers. If an officer resigns, or is otherwise unable to continue with his/her duties, the Governing Body will elect a replacement by a majority vote to complete the term of office.
The League President will conduct the election after the end of the season by email. The current President will solicit nominations for officers on or before January 15th. Next, the election will be by email of all the league members between February 1st and 15th. A plurality of the votes cast is required to elect an officer.
President
The President will preside at all meetings of the League's Officers, Governing body and League members. The President will enforce all objectives and rules, and perform such other duties as may pertain to this office. The President will arrange to have the Treasurer set up an account in a recognized institution in the name of the League with an authorized signature of the Treasurer required for all withdrawals.
Vice-President
In the absence of the President, the Vice-President will perform all duties of the President.
Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for the proper organization and in-season functioning of the League.
The Secretary will provide each captain with a set of current League rules prior to the beginning of the season.
The Secretary will keep a true and correct record of all proceedings, of all scores made by teams and golfers as well as other records that may be required by the League.
Each week, prior to the start of scheduled matches, the Secretary will post the individual handicaps of the players and team standings and update the scorecard for the current weeks matches.
The Secretary will be responsible for all League correspondence, including providing members with notification of meetings.
The Treasurer will keep a true and correct account of
all receipts and disbursements. The Treasurer will deposit in a reliable
bank, in the name of the League, all money belonging to the League, not later
than one week after such money is collected. The Treasurer is required to
provide a written report of all financial transactions to all Officers and team
captains. This written report is due at the
annual captains
meeting.
Executive Decisions by the League
Officers
When an
incident arises that is not covered in the Rules of Golf or League Rules, the
Officers will render a decision that will stand until the next Captains
Meeting wherein the incident will be discussed and voted upon.
The President can initiate a meeting at any time or in response to a written application, protest, or complaint by a member. An organizational meeting, initiated by the League Officers, will be held 30-60 days prior to the start of League play. Each team will be entitled to one representative at such meetings. A minimum of three quarters of the Governing Body will constitute a quorum.
The Constitution or rules may be amended at any meeting or by letter (e-mail) vote of the Governing Body. Such action will be governed by a majority vote prior to the start of the season. After the season begins, approval of 75% of all team captains is necessary before an amendment can be approved.
Any proposed amendment and/or new rule should be e-mailed to the Secretary for distribution to the Governing Body at least one week prior to the holding of a League Meeting.
Fall Outing and Awards Banquet
The League Officers are responsible for organizing the fall outing and banquet. The latest outing information will be available on the League website as soon as the preparations are complete.
Note: League Officers do not pay for dinner at the end-of-season outing.
The League website www.bluebellgolf.com contains :
Captains List/Standings/Handicaps/Course Ratings-Slope
Schedules
Scorecards
League Rules
League Outing Details
Other information of interest to the league members.
The cost of the website hosting will be paid from the treasury by the Treasurer.
GR-1 Captain and Alternate - Authority, Responsibility and Duties
The captain and alternate are responsible for the conduct and attendance of their team. The captain or alternate will serve as the team representative to the Governing Body. It is within the captain's authority to permanently remove any player from their team, if they are able to furnish sufficient reason to the Governing Body.
The captain and alternate are responsible for the collection and payment of their teams League dues. The captain or alternate is responsible for the correctness of the team's scorecard. Following the completion of a match, and prior to submission to the league secretary, each team captain or designate will agree on the match results with the opposing captain or designate. They will also agree on who will be submitting the match results.
Each team will pay to the Treasurer a membership fee
per player that is determined by the Governing Body. Payment must be made
in full prior to the start of the season. The fee is $35/retirees and $40/all others.
A "retiree" is a League Member collecting Social Security and/or a pension and/or is 65 years of age at the start of League play.
Note: League Officers do not pay League dues.
In the event that a team or member is dropped from the League for any reason after the third week of play, there will be no refund of dues by the League.
The greens fees for each match are to be paid by each member to the Pro Shop before beginning play.
Shannondell
Golf Club
Skippack Golf Club
USGA
System
Handicaps will
be computed using the World Handicap
System (WHS) handicapping formula.
The best
7 of a players last 14 differentials will be used.
The maximum 9-hole handicap index is 27 for all
players.
A players gross score for handicapping
purposes shall be the max score stroke controlled for handicapping purposes per the following, and is the responsibility
of the team captain to enter the stroke
controlled score in the weekly results on the website.
The maximum score for each hole played is
limited to a net double bogey, which is equal to par of the hole plus 2 strokes (double bogey) plus any handicap
strokes the player is entitled to receive on that hole based on their course handicap.
For example, a player with a nine-hole course
handicap of 7 is entitled to one additional stroke on holes allocated with stroke index 1 through 7 on the
scorecard. On a par 4 hole, with a Stroke Index of 6, the players maximum score would be 4 (par) + 2 (double bogey) + 1
(stroke received) = 7.
Refer to the USGA website for more information:
https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/handicapping/world-handicap-system/handicapping-reference-guide.html
Regular Season Schedule
The league Secretary will establish a schedule of play between teams within the same flight at the beginning of the season ensuring a balanced schedule. The Secretary, to the best of the Secretarys ability will ensure:
Each team will
meet each opponent an identical number of times.
Each team will
compete on each of the courses used for play an identical number of times.
The league Secretary shall include a number of additional play dates in the regular schedule to complete a full season of competition. These play dates will be referred to as knockdowns and will conform to the following conditions.
Knockdown
pairings will be based on the flight standings from the most
recent complete league play immediately preceding the knockdown.
Knockdown
pairings will be the first place team in the flight
versus the second place team in the flight; the third place team versus the fourth place
team; the fifth place team versus the sixth place team and continuing until all teams in the
flight are paired for competition. Currently
the Leagues season is divided into a 1st and 2nd half
champions and best combined 1st & 2nd half winning
percentage for each Flight. Knockdown
matches scheduled for each of the above mentioned
championships. The 1st half and 2nd half
Knockdowns are treated the same as regular season matches, and all rules
relative to substitutes are allowed. The combined 1st and 2nd
half Knockdown is treated as a playoff match where no substitutes are
allowed.
Pairings when
ties exist in the flight standings will be established by reviewing the weekly
standings and ranking the teams based on which team had the higher standing in
the second previous week to the knockdown and, if still tied, continuing back
until a clear determination can be made.
Handicap Assignment
Handicap differences between opposing players 0-12 will allow a maximum of one stroke per hole for each difference. Handicap differences 13 to 22 will allow an additional stroke per hole for each difference starting with 13. No player will ever be handicapped more than two strokes per hole. Strokes will be assigned to each hole in the order of their handicap rating on the scorecard. Net score is calculated using each players full handicap. For example, a 3 handicap playing a 15 handicap yields a difference of 12 strokes (net), but for match play only 9 strokes would be given (1 per hole).
Female players receiving strokes will be assigned strokes on holes in order of the handicap rating for Ladies on the scorecard.
Male players receiving strokes will be assigned
strokes on holes in the order of the handicap rating for Club (men) on the
scorecard.
Senior Players receiving strokes will be assigned strokes on holes in the order of the handicap rating for Senior Players. Please Note For Shannondell Seniors are Handicapped the same as Male players. For Skippack, Senior handicap ratings are the same as Female players.
Teeing
Female players may use the Ladies or Forward Tees (normally red) when multiple teeing areas are available.
Male players must use the Club Tees (normally white)
when multiple teeing areas are available. Male players who
qualify (age 65 or older) may elect to play from the senior tees (where
available), but those players must make that selection prior to the
start of the season (to initiate the senior option, the player must change the
gender designation from M to S in their player profile). Once the senior option has been made, it will
be in effect for the entire season.
If only one tee area is available, all players must use that tee.
Female players will use the Ladies course par listed on the scorecard for calculating handicap differentials.
Male players will use the Club course par on the scorecard for calculating handicap differentials. If only one course par is listed on the scorecard, it is to be used by all players to calculate handicap differentials.
Seeding
Team seeding in the League will be by average team handicap using the final results of the preceding year, excluding new players and established players who did not play at least one round in that season. In the case of ties, a team that was in a lower handicap flight in the previous season will be placed in the lower handicap flight involved in the tie. If this does not break the tie, ties will be broken by deleting the highest handicap player from each team and using the resultant team average to break the tie.
Team average handicap will be based on a minimum of four player handicaps. If four established handicaps are not available, new member handicaps, if available, will be used to meet the minimum requirement of four.
Flight average handicaps will be calculated after the League seeding is complete and are computed using only established League handicap records for eligible players. Flight average handicaps will be rounded off to the nearest whole number.
Team handicaps, for seeding purposes, will be calculated using all team members from the previous season unless dropped by notifying the Secretary. No member can be dropped and added to the same team in the same golf season.
New members, without an established handicap, will be admitted to the League with a handicap that is the average of the flight to which they are assigned. Handicaps are then computed from League competition scores only.
A player with an established League handicap from a previous season is not considered a new member. New players added from other leagues, who have established handicaps, will bring their differentials with them and their League handicap will be computed based on the Leagues formula.
New players without established League handicaps from
other leagues, but with an established USGA handicap, may submit their last 20
USGA differentials and their league handicap will be computed based on the
Leagues formula.
A new player,
with established scores, cannot start with a handicap that is the average of
the flight to which they are assigned (unless it turns out to be the
same). The established scores must be
used to compute their league handicap.
New players may not be added to a team roster later
than 4 weeks before the scheduled end of the regular season. The end of regular season play is the
last Knockdown match at the end of the 2nd half of the season.
Individual matches are played for a total of 2 points. (1 Match plus 1 Medal)
Team matches are played for a total of 10 points.
4 individual matches x 2 = 8
Total Team Net Strokes = 1
Total Team Holes = 1
Total 10 points
Individual match or medal points may end in a .5-.5 split. Team ties in either Holes or Net Strokes may result in a .5-.5 split.
At least 5
holes must be completed for an official match. Enter the score for all holes
played. The score for each hole not played should be entered as par plus any
strokes the player may be entitled to based on their
course handicap. This will result in any unplayed
holes being tied and the result of the match will be determined by the holes actually played.
Playoff Tie Breakers
1. Low team net. If still tied,
2. Total team holes won. If still tied,
3. Low total net of all players for first hole played. If still tied, low total net of all players for the second hole played, etc., continuing until the tie is broken.
Note: The first hole played may vary between groups in the same match.
Standings will be determined on the highest total of points won.
When a team is dropped from the League prior to completing the full season, all matches they were involved in will be removed from the records and standings adjusted. Player differentials are not affected. All teams scheduled to play the dropped team will receive a bye with no points involved.
A first-place tie at the end of the scheduled season will be broken by applying rule PR-14, Section C.
Qualifications
A team unable to field four members for a match will
be permitted a maximum of two substitutes. NO substitutes are permitted in playoffs or any Knockdown matches.
Substitute Player(s)
A substitute player may be from any flight. A player cannot knowingly substitute for another team if their own team needs a player.
Teams needing substitutes, or players available to
substitute, should send an e-mail as early as possible to all team captains
with a copy to League Officers. Additionally, they should
post their situation on the league website.
Substitutes should use good judgment,
avoid the appearance of conflict of interest, and avoid substituting within the
division they usually compete. However, players should not allow a team
to play shorthanded if they are available to play except for the above.
Under any circumstances, substitutes should exhibit good sportsmanship and do
their best to win any match in which they compete.
Ineligible Players
An ineligible player is a league member who has not paid his annual dues or any player who is not a current member of the Blue Bell Golf League.
Any team that, knowingly or unknowingly, fields an ineligible player forfeits the individual match in which the player participates and cannot win team points for that entire match. The team winning the forfeit will not be awarded the team points unless they earn them by winning more holes or playing fewer strokes in the balance of the legal matches played.
The results of such a match may consist of 8, 9 or 10
points depending on the circumstances.
Playing Rules
The rules of play (except where a local rule is employed) and etiquette established by the USGA will be observed. Players will be paired with their opponents by handicap. If a team has two or more players with the same handicap, the captain of that team has the option of listing those players in any order.
NOTE: Skippack
Local Rule free drop (2 club lengths - no closer to the hole)
if ball enters the environmentally protected areas, defined as: 1. Tee
at # 4, 2. The areas left and right of the walk to tee at #7 (may come
into play on hole # 8), 3. Area on the left side of 16 (near tee at #
17), 4 The area approximately 75 yards in front of tee at
# 15 and any others marked as environmentally protected areas, but not
defined here. These areas are not marked as hazards.
PR -2 Proper Attire
Soft
spikes and proper golf attire are required. Shirts must have collars and no jeans, including jeans shorts, are
permitted.
PR-3 Starting Times
Starting
Times for Matches at both Skippack and Shannondell will
be posted on the Blue Bell Golf League Web Site on a weekly basis.
PR-4 Weather Conditions
In the event that play is suspended by the course, usually indicated by the sound of a horn, players should seek shelter and wait for a minimum of 45 minutes for play to resume. In the event that play has not resumed in 45 minutes, players may leave the course and matches will be evaluated as they stood at the time of the suspension of play.
In the event that all teams, within a given flight, have not completed at least 5 holes, then all matches for that flight will be considered as rained out.
Note: Rain is not the only determining factor for
suspension of play; however, player safety is always the main issue. Players
who abandon a match without suspension of play by the course, or are not
available for play when play is resumed within the 45 minute
interval, will forfeit their match.
Note:
Air Quality Index (AQI) of 151 or greater, color of RED, Unhealthy
conditions, is also a valid reason for cancellation of matches. If this
condition is expected to persist during playing of league matches, a cancellation
notice will be posted on the league website.
PR-5 Official Match
Matches halted by inclement weather and/or darkness will constitute a legal match if at least 5 holes have been played.
PR-6 Shortened Matches
A match shortened by weather, lack of daylight or order of the course must be scored as defined in section GR-5 Scoring.
If 5 holes have not been completed, the match is not official and no score is to be entered.
If all 9 holes were completed, enter scores as normal.
If at least 5 holes were completed but not 9 holes, the gross scores are prorated (see G-5, Scoring - Shortened Matches).
League Officers will notify captains by 3:00 p.m., via e-mail and a posting on the website, if matches will be postponed. If no notification is received, report to the course. The decision to play or not will be made by League Officers AT THE COURSE. WHEN IN DOUBT, GO TO THE COURSE!
PR-8 Cancelled Matches
There will be no rescheduling of cancelled
matches. Knockdowns will be played as scheduled unless
that knockdown is cancelled.
The
end-of-season Knockdown, quarter final, and semi-final matches will be the only
matches rescheduled if cancelled.
PR-9 Forfeits
Matches will be declared forfeited under the following conditions:
A. Shannondell and Skippack
If you arrive after your opponent has hit their second shot. If the player, who hasn't yet arrived, is scheduled to go off in the first group, that group must allow the second group to go first.
B. When a team declines to play the scheduled matches.
C. A member discontinues play without proper
authorization/agreement. If any player forfeits under this condition,
both team points are forfeited.
If a player has to
discontinue play for medical reasons If the 5 holes or more have been
completed, the Match is considered legal and shortened. If less than 5 holes are completed, the
player forfeits his match. Team points
are calculated based on the remaining three matches.
The Non-forfeiting
captain has the option to reorder his lineup based on the player forfeiting.
Ideally this should be done before play begins via the lineup on the league
website. However, in the case of last-minute forfeits at the course, an
adjustment can be made before play has started.
Regular Season/Knockdowns A team that cannot field four players will forfeit 2 player points for each match forfeited team points will be decided by the actual matches played. The player whose match was forfeited wins 2 points. If more than one player forfeits, both team points are also forfeited.
Playoffs A team that cannot field four players will forfeit 2 player points team points will be decided by the three matches played. The player whose match was forfeited wins 2 points. Teams that cannot field three players forfeit the entire playoff match. A forfeit will also occur if team captains agree to send out more than 4 players and the agreed to number of players does not show, unless the opposing team captain is notified by 3:00 p.m. the day of the match.
Regular Season/Knockdowns/Playoffs When a player forfeits, and its known before the match, the opposing captain has the option of deciding which of their players play. These players will be paired with their opponents by handicap.
When opposing teams cannot field a full team, reseed the remaining players when possible. Both teams will forfeit the matches for which no players are available. No points will be awarded to either team for the forfeited match.
PR-10 Scorecards
Scorecard files are to be updated and posted on the league website, for use by the secretary, by noon of the Thursday following the match. It is the responsibility of both team captains, and/or their alternates, to agree to the results of the match and to post the results. A match is over after the two teams compare scores and agree.
PR-11 Protests
Any protest affecting eligibility or general playing rules must be confirmed in writing to the League President, cc all League Officers in the event the President is not available, no later than 24 hours after the match in which the possible infraction(s) occurred. If no written protest is submitted prior to the expiration of the 24-hour period, the match will stand as played.
Any rule violations or questions should be raised during the match and on the hole where the violation or suspected violation occurred. If any suspected violation cannot be agreed upon during the match then the issue should be documented and sent to the Protest Committee. In other words, any rules violation(s) not discussed during the match cannot be revisited after the match.
The Protest Committee will be the decision-making body concerning any protest. The Protest Committee will consist of the President, one additional League Officer selected by the President, and one member of each Flight selected by the League Officers before the start of League play. A majority of the Protest Committee must agree on the ruling for a protest decision.
The team captains, or their designate, involved in a protest will have the right to make an oral presentation to the Protest Committee before a ruling is made.
PR-12 Resolution never to Suspend or Modify Rules
Opposing team captains are never authorized to agree to suspend or modify any rules of play established by the League, or the USGA. It is the duty of each team captain to refuse any offer to modify the rules of play. KNOW THE RULES!!!
PR-13 Player Qualification for Playoff Matches
To qualify for any playoff match, an established player with 14 differentials must have one competitive score for the year. Established players with less than 14 differentials must have at least three competitive scores for the year. A new player must have at least five competitive scores for the year (unless a sufficient number of valid and accepted differentials were provided as part of entering the League).
By mutual consent of both captains, the number of players for a playoff match may be any number. A complete team is four players. If fewer than four players per team participate, the usual rules for forfeits and points apply. No penalty is given if a team captain chooses to play only four. In the event that more than four participate, each match adds an additional match point and medal point to team totals.
The agreed upon number of players must appear for playoff competition. Section PR-9, playoffs, governs if any agreed upon player fails to appear.
PR-14 General Information Rules of Play
The rules most likely to raise questions are explained below along with League or local course rules, which are exceptions or extensions of USGA rules:
A. Winter rules will be used, i.e., a player may improve their lie with their hand or club within a six-inch semicircle but not closer to the hole, and only in the fairway of the hole being played. The fairway is defined as the mowed area between the tee and green and includes the apron, or collar of the green. Grass outside the apron around the green is considered rough.
B. A player is not obligated to hit a ball from any
terrain that could cause damage to their clubs. This privilege pertains
only to the fairway and tee of the hole being played. A ball at rest on
such a terrain on the fairway or tee of the hole being played may be moved to
the nearest decent area without penalty, but not closer to the green of the
hole being played. The ball may not be moved in a direction away from the
nearest rough. A ball at rest on bad terrain in a hazard, rough or some
other fairway, tee or green will be played in accordance with USGA rules, which
permits free lifts for ground under repair, casual water, ball on wrong green,
etc. Learn the USGA rules and use them. Relief can always be
obtained by declaring a ball unplayable (see item F - Ball Unplayable).
Note The Rocks on Hole 13 that are not in the Water Hazard
are considered Ground under Repair, and a free lift is given. Take the ball to
the left, no closer to the hole.
D. A ball may be moved out of casual water with
approval from your opponent
without penalty, but always in the direction away from
the green.
E. Before all balls are on the green, if a collision occurs between 2 or more balls on the green, the offending ball remains where it comes to rest. The offended ball or balls will be replaced as close to their original position as possible. No stroke penalty.
If all balls are on the green and a collision occurs, the offending ball remains where it comes to rest. The offended ball or balls will be replaced as close to their original position as possible. Two stroke penalty to the player of the offending ball.
F. Ball Unplayable: If the player deems their ball unplayable, they will, under penalty of one stroke drop a ball within 2 club lengths in any direction, not closer to the green of the hole being played nor out of a hazard if the original lie was in a hazard. (Note: any woods not marked by white stakes is in play, not out of bounds, and the unplayable or lost ball must be dropped in the woods within 2 club lengths of where it was lost or declared unplayable. For example: the woods on the right of hole 17 at Skippack is in play, not out of bounds. See H, below.)
G. Ball hit out of bounds: The local option, as described by the USGA applies. When a ball is declared out of bounds, the player must drop a ball inbounds up to two club lengths from the out-of-bounds marker, (which may be in the rough, woods or hazard) at the approximate location where the ball went out of bounds and take a 1-stroke penalty (one stroke for the dropped ball).
H. Lost Ball: When a ball is declared lost, the player must
drop a ball at the approximate location where the ball was lost and take a
stroke penalty. Note: A player should not deliberately use the "lost
ball" to their advantage. If a ball has been lost in rough, woods or
hazard, the player must drop a ball in that area.
If a player hits a shot that he does
not see, and no one in the foursome sees the ball, the player should play a
provisional ball. If the original ball
is not found within the nominal 3 minutes of looking for it, based on the
players best guess from the feel of the shot, the provisional ball is played
with a one additional stroke penalty.
Local Exceptions to Lost Ball:
The wooded area on the left of
Skippack #13, between the OB stakes and fairway, down to the creek, will be
played as a lateral hazard. A player has the option, rather than playing the
ball as it lies, to take a drop 2 club lengths from the edge of the woods where
the ball first entered the woods, plus one penalty stroke. Balls hit OB before
the wooded area and after the wooded area (i.e. after the creek) follow BBGL
Local Rule PR-14 Section G - Ball hit out of bounds
Due to the thickness of the woods
down the right side of hole 10 at Skippack, a ball lost in these woods will be
played as though it is in a lateral hazard. The ball is dropped 2 club lengths
from where it entered the woods no closer to the hole with a one stroke
penalty.
Due to the thickness of the woods
down the left side of hole 15 at Skippack, a ball lost in these woods will be
played as though it is in a lateral hazard. The ball is dropped 2 club lengths
from where it entered the woods no closer to the hole with a one stroke
penalty.
The Environmental areas as noted by
the Skippack website (below) are
consistent with the Environmental areas listed in the BBGL local rules.
Environmental areas should be marked with signs by the golf course. They
include marked areas:
·
left
of #3 tee
·
left
of #4 tee
·
left
of #8 green
·
front
of #15 tee
·
left
of #16 fairway
·
left
of #17 tee.
Environmentally sensitive areas, local
rule: free drop, from the point where the ball entered the
environmentally sensitive area two club-lengths from the nearest point of
relief no closer to hole.
I. Note: at the 2022 Captains Meeting
it was decided to not allow replay of shot for Unplayable Lie or Out of Bounds.
J. If it has been determined that a ball is overhanging the hole, the player may wait approximately 10 seconds after walking to the hole, at a normal pace, for it to drop into the cup before putting.
K. In repairing a ball mark on the green, it is permissible to step on it. Stepping on, or patting down spike or scuff marks with the putter is permitted, (based on recent USGA ruling, regarding the legality of repairing spike and scuff marks on the green).
L. When a player drops a ball and it rolls more than two club lengths from where it first hit the ground, it must be dropped again. After a third drop, the player may place the ball.
M. Practice: No practice (i.e., chipping or putting) is allowed on the 9 holes of the course being played that day. USGA rule 7-1 b. states: On any day of a stroke competition or play-off, a competitor will not practice on the competition course or test the surface of any putting green on the course before a round or play-off.
Exception: Practice
putting or chipping on or near the first teeing ground before starting a round
or playoff is permitted.
M. Soft spikes are required. Proper golf attire is required (shirts must have collars and, no jeans, including shorts, are permitted).
N. The use of range finders and Sky Caddies is
permitted during regular season and playoffs as per local PGA rule.
O. Local Rules for Shannondell
·
Hole #1 The narrow drainage ditch on the
left side of the fairway stretching from the turn of the dogleg to the green is
unmarked, and should be played as a lateral water hazard.
·
Hole #2 The narrow drainage ditch on the
right side of the fairway between hole 2 and hole 17 is unmarked, and should be
played as a lateral water hazard.
·
Hole #3 The high grassy area on the left
side of the tee box is considered In Play. Likewise, the wooded area to
right of the hole is considered In Play. Balls Lost or considered
Unplayable in these areas, are subject to BBGL Lost Ball and Unplayable rules
respectively. The fenced in area to left of green is considered an Immovable
Obstruction. Free relief if it interferes with your lie, stance, or swing; but
not line of sight.
·
Hole #4 The high grassy area in front of
the forward tees is considered In Play. Balls Lost or considered
Unplayable in this area, are subject to BBGL Lost Ball and Unplayable rules
respectively.
·
Hole #5 The Parking Lot and Maintenance
Shed area to left of tee are unmarked and considered OB and therefore
subject to the BBGL OB rules.
·
Hole #6 The Maintenance Shed area to
left of the green and the Course Entrance Road (not cart path) beyond the green
are considered OB and therefore subject to the BBGL OB rules.
·
Hole #7 The high posts and netting to
left of the hole as well as the Road are considered OB and therefore
subject to the BBGL OB rules.
·
Hole #8 - The Road on the left and
Residential Area behind the green beyond the property boundary of the course
are considered OB and therefore subject to the BBGL OB rules.
·
Hole #9 The pond/marshy area in front of
the green has NO red/yellow stakes. Balls entering the front of this
area should be player as a regular water hazard. Balls entering the left
or right side of this area should be played as a lateral water hazard.
The Course Entrance Road (not cart path) beyond the green are considered OB
and therefore subject to the BBGL OB rules.
·
Hole #10 The middle fairway bunker will
be removed at some point this spring. Until such time, balls entering this area
should be considered Ground Under Repair.
·
Hole #12 The pond to left of green has NO
red stakes. This area should be considered a lateral water hazard. The wooded
area to right of the hole is considered In Play. Balls Lost or
considered Unplayable in this area, are subject to BBGL Lost Ball and
Unplayable rules respectively
·
Hole #13 The wooded area to right of the
entire hole is IN play. Balls Lost or considered Unplayable in this
area, are subject to BBGL Lost Ball and Unplayable rules respectively. The Road
beyond the course property boundaries is considered OB and therefore
subject to the BBGL OB rules.
·
Hole #16 The pond on left has NO
red/yellow stakes. Balls entering the front of this area should be
player as a regular water hazard. Balls entering the left or right
side of this area should be played as a lateral water hazard.
·
Hole #17 Players are prohibited
from intentionally playing up the Second Fairway. The narrow drainage
ditch on the right side of the fairway between hole 2 and hole 17 is unmarked,
and should be played as a lateral water hazard. The wooded area to left
of the entire hole is IN play. Balls Lost or considered Unplayable in
this area, are subject to BBGL Lost Ball and Unplayable rules respectively. The
Road on the left of tee and the Residential Area on the left beyond the course
property boundaries is considered OB and therefore subject to the BBGL
OB rules.
·
Hole #18 The wooded area to left of the
entire hole is IN play. Balls Lost or considered Unplayable in this
area, are subject to BBGL Lost Ball and Unplayable rules respectively. The
Residential Area on the left beyond the course property boundaries is
considered OB and therefore subject to the BBGL OB rules. The pond in
front of the green has NO red/yellow stakes. Balls entering the front of
this area should be player as a regular water hazard. Balls entering the
left or right side of this area should be played as a lateral water
hazard.
A. The League is divided into flights based on average team handicap, excluding new players and established players who did not play at least one round in the previous season.
B. Guidelines for Scheduling Matches:
Six-team flights
- Each team will play every team in its own flight three times during the
regular season. The Secretary may add up to three knockdown matches to
the schedule.
Seven-team
flights - Each team will play every team in its own flight two times
during the regular season. Additionally, each team will play two Virtual Team
matches (see PR-15 Virtual Team Matches) during the regular season. The
Secretary may add up to three knockdown matches to the schedule.
Eight-team
flights - Each team will play every team in its own flight two times during the
regular season. The Secretary may add up to three knockdown
matches to the schedule.
C. Playoffs:
Six-team
flights All six teams qualify for the playoffs, with the 1st and 2nd
place teams at the end of the regular season getting a Quarter-Final round bye.
Seven-team
flights First six teams qualify for the playoffs, with the 1st and
2nd place teams at the end of the regular season getting a Quarter-Final
round bye.
Eight-team
flights - First six teams qualify for the playoffs, with the 1st and
2nd place teams at the end of the regular season getting a
Quarter-Final round bye.
2. Tiebreakers:
Points won in
head-to-head competition between tied teams.
Number of matches
won between the tied teams against the other teams in that flight during the
regular season, excluding knockdowns. For this purpose, a match will involve
the total points available and, the team that won more than half the points
during a given week's match will be awarded a point (no points for ties) for
that match. The team with the most points wins the tie breaker.
Nine-hole playoff
between tied teams for position in playoffs. 4 members from each team to play
before the next scheduled playoff at the course just played.
3. Nine-hole playoffs will be held on Wednesdays of
the one or two weeks following the end of the regular season.
4. Quarter-Final rounds (9 holes) will be
held at the same courses where regular season play occurred.
Six-team flights 1st place and
2nd place teams get a bye. 3rd place vs 6th place.
4th place vs 5th place.
Seven-team flights 1st place
and 2nd place teams get a bye. 3rd place vs 6th place.
4th place vs 5th place.
Eight-team flights 1st place
and 2nd place teams get a bye. 3rd place vs 6th place.
4th place vs 5th place.
5. Semi-Final rounds (9 holes) will be held
at the same courses where regular season play occurred.
Six-team flights 1st place vs
lowest ranked remaining team, 2nd place vs 2nd lowest ranked
remaining team.
Seven-team flights 1st place vs
lowest ranked remaining team, 2nd place vs 2nd lowest
ranked remaining team.
Eight-team flights - 1st place vs
lowest ranked remaining team, 2nd place vs 2nd lowest
ranked remaining team.
6. Final round play (18 holes) may be held at a course
agreed to by the participating team captains. If agreement cannot be
reached and the teams concluded regular season play at the same course, they
will play at that course. If they did not finish at the same course, the
League President will flip a coin in the presence of the team captains to
determine the playoff site. All
flights - winners of the semi-final rounds compete for the flight
championships. The 18-hole
final playoff should be played (if possible) no later than the Sunday before
the outing.
All flight championships must be
completed before the League outing is played.
It is not required that championship matches be played as a
foursome. Should scheduling conflicts
arise between opposing teams, it is the duty of the participating captains to
notify the Protest Committee. The
Protest Committee will have the final say when a match or matches will be
played. Failure to comply forfeits that
championship and prize money.
Currently there is no playoff between flights for a League Championship.
D. Team Prizes:
There will be awards for the first place team of each flight at the end of the
1st and 2nd half of the regular season. The amount is $150 per flight per half.
Best record after combining 1st
& 2nd half won/lost stats in each flight gets $250.
The 18 hole playoff champ in each flight
receives $300.
E. Individual Prizes: There will be
an award of $50 for the Most
Valuable Player (MVP) and Most Improved Player (MIP) of the League.
MVP Calculation Highest winning percentage, based on points won, among players who competed in at least one less than half of the available dates played during the regular season matches including the season knockdowns. If an odd number of matches are played during the regular season the minimum number of matches to be used for the MVP calculation will be rounded down to the next lowest integer that is less than one half of the number of matches actually played.
MIP Calculation Best Improvement Ratio among players who competed at least one less than half of the available dates played during the regular season matches including the season knockdowns. If an odd number of matches are played during the regular season the minimum number of matches to be used for the MVP calculation will be rounded down to the next lowest integer that is less than one half of the number of matches actually played.
Begin Handicap + 6/End Handicap + 6 = Improvement Ratio
PR-15 Virtual Team Matches
The Virtuals consist of 4 players. Each
Virtual player has the same handicap as his opponent, therefore no
strokes will be given or received. Each Virtual Player will shoot a net
score of 3 over par during the first half of the season. Note: the
net score of 3 over par, may need to be adjusted for the second half of the
season, at the discretion of the league officers.
The Virtual players score will be made
available prior to the match by the "Print Scoresheet" option in
"View Lineups".
When scheduled against the Virtuals, 4 players from the opposing team play as a
foursome. They will use their entire current handicaps (as provided during
line-up creation) for both match and medal play.
In the foursome playing the Virtuals, the Rules of Golf will be followed. All
strokes are counted, penalties applied, and all putts must be holed.
The Virtuals will become the 8th place team in the standings for knockdown
matches.
The Virtuals will disappear for the playoff matches.
Appendix A
Top-10 Timely Tips
1. On par 3s, always consider letting the following group
hit up.
2. Watch the shots of everyone in your group until each
ball stops rolling and help others look for their ball where appropriate.
Line up the location of each ball with a visual
reference like a tree or a bush. Try limiting your search time to one or
two minutes. If you take the full five minutes searching for a lost ball,
consider letting the group behind play through.
3.
DONT SOCIALIZE - always be ready to hit when its your
turn. Keep an eye on who is hitting so you are ready
as soon as its your turn.
4. Anytime your foursome falls behind the group in front
go into your fast play
mode until youre back in position. YOU SHOULD HAVE NO MORE THAN 1/2 HOLE OPEN IN FRONT OF
YOU!! Do this by playing Ready Golf, which means Hit When
Ready. No matter who
won the last hole, or who is farthest away, the player who is ready to hit
first does so, as long as they can do so safely.
The ready rule should be followed, whenever practical, on the tee, in the
fairway and on the green. It is recommended you discuss this on the first
tee so everyone is aware.
5. Get to your ball as soon as you can with the proper
clubs. Plan your shot as you are approaching your ball
and take two or three clubs if theres any doubt about
what to hit.
6. When approaching the green, leave your clubs or cart
between the green and the next tee. Then,
after everyone holes out, you can walk off the green and get your clubs on
the way to the next hole.
7. On the green, the player closest to the pin should
attend or pull the pin. The first player to hole out then takes responsibility
of the pin and replaces it when everyone has finished. Mark the
scores, AFTER YOU LEAVE
THE GREEN, at the next tee.
8. Start lining up your putts as soon as possible rather
than waiting for your turn (e.g., there are times that initial "reads"
can be undertaken when walking onto a green).
9. Mark once and then putt
continuously until you hole out, if possible. While
others are putting, study your putt. When its
your turn, you should be ready to step up and hit the putt. More time is
wasted on the green than anywhere else.
10.Dont play you wait for me and Ill wait for you cart golf. The
player with the closer ball should hop out of the cart and grab a couple of
clubs. Let your partner take the cart to their ball. After you hit
your shot, head down the fairway. Your partner will pick you up or meet
you at your ball for the next shot.