Appendix E: Knockout Competition Rules
Entry Requirements
Members in the Full Membership categories listed in Appendix A may enter the knockout competitions listed in Appendix B (Men), Appendix C (Ladies) and Appendix D (Seniors), subject to having submitted a minimum of 6 Acceptable Scores* (including 3 in Competition play) in the 12 months prior to the date of playing the first match in the competition. Scores submitted for initial handicap allocation are not included.
Entry to the Seniors Match Play Trophy is also subject to having played in a minimum of 5 Seniors competitions in the 12 months prior to the closing date for entry.
Replacements in Pairs
In the event of either player being unable to play in their first match in a pairs knockout competition, a replacement may be found. The replacement must be someone who has not already played (or conceded a match) in the competition. Replacements are not allowed once a pair has played a match (or had a match conceded)..
Handicaps & Strokes Given/Received
Playing Handicaps are 100% of Rounded Course Handicaps.
- Singles: Strokes given/received are 100% of the difference in Playing Handicaps.
- Foursomes: Team Handicaps are the sum of combined Playing Handicaps. Strokes given/received are 50% of the difference in Team Handicaps.
- Four-ball: Strokes given/received are 90% of the difference from the player with the lowest Playing Handicap.
When more than one tee set is in use in Foursomes and Four-balls, adjustments are applied to Playing Handicaps (see the example calculations below).
Arranging Matches
- The first drawn player (pair) in each round is responsible for contacting the opponent(s) and offering 2 or 3 separate dates, ideally to include a weekend day to assist those working full time. Please give as much time to your opponent(s) to agree a date as possible.
- The staff in the Professional’s Shop can advise suitable times for matches to be played and can reserve tee times in advance of the usual 7 day booking window.
- Matches have priority over casual games on the course. Casual players should invite matches to play through.
Matches have equal standing with club competitions on the course and a quicker group (whether it be a match or in a competition) should be invited to play through.
Preliminary Rounds
- All rounds prior to the final are played over 18 holes.
- All matches are played in accordance with the Rules of Golf.
- Matches usually commence at the 1st tee. However, if both players (pairs) agree, play may commence from the 10th tee.
- Men play from the White distance markers (tombstones). Ladies play from the Red distance markers. Seniors play from the Yellow distance markers.
- In Four-ball matches with Ladies playing, the 10th hole is played as a par 3.
- The Honour on the first teeing ground is decided by lot, e.g. the toss of a coin.
- In the event of a tie after 18 holes, play will recommence at the starting hole on a sudden death basis, with the handicap allowance repeated at the holes indicated by the stroke index.
- Matches must be completed by midnight of the round closing date, with no exceptions. If a match is not completed by the closing date, both players (pairs) will be scratched from the competition unless one player (pair) voluntarily concedes.
- The winners of each match are responsible for entering their names on the draw sheet by the round closing date. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
- Participation in Semi-Finals is subject to having submitted a minimum of 6 Acceptable Scores (including 3 in Competition play) in the 12 months prior to the day the Semi-Final match.
Finals Day
- Finals are played on a day selected before the start of the season. You should not enter knockout competitions if you may be unavailable to play on Finals Day.
Exception: the final of the F2R Four-ball will be played on a day that is mutually convenient to both pairs. This may or may not be on Finals Day. - Participation in Finals is subject to having submitted a minimum of 6 Acceptable Scores (including 3 in Competition play) in the 12 months prior to the day of the Final.
- Starting times on Finals Day are published once the participants are known.
- Mens finals are played over 36 holes. All other finals are played over 18 holes.
- All matches commence from the 1st tee.
- If a player qualifies for two or more finals which would entail playing more than 36 holes on Finals Day, alternative days will be arranged by the Committee to play any outstanding matches. The match(es) to be played on alternative days will be chosen with the aim of giving a Finals Day experience to the greatest number of players.
- The alternative day is only to be used for players who have qualified for more than one final and not for any other reason.
- If possible, the alternative day will be before Finals Day, so that players can be presented with their trophies on Finals Day.
Example Handicap Calculations
Singles
Foursomes (Single Tee)
Mixed Foursomes (2 Tee)
*Par from Red tees is used in the calculation of all Course Handicaps
Four-ball (Single Tee)
Four-ball (2 Tee)
* Multi-tee adjustment = difference in pars
