Policies and Procedures

 

 

 

Late Registration Policy

 

Registration for all Gilbert-Bunnell Interclub events will close 7 days prior to event day.

A player may request entry into an event after registration closes via email, cbowen@lexingtonky.gov and jdickson@lexingtonky.gov.

A late registration request will be accepted only if there is an open tee time within the player’s division.

Once tee times are created, posted and e-mailed, it is difficult to change. GBF Interclub will NOT take tee time or player pairing requests.

 

Cancellation/Refund Policy

All cancellation requests must be submitted via email, cbowen@lexingtonky.gov and jdickson@lexingtonky.gov.

Cancellations must be submitted 7 days prior to the event.

 

Waiting List

If an event is full at the time a player is registering, that player will be placed on a waiting list.

  • If spots in an event open up BEFORE TEE TIMES ARE CREATED, those spots will be filled based on the order of registration on the waiting list
  • If spots in an event open up AFTER TEE TIMES ARE CREATED, those spots will be filled based on the order of registration within the player’s division and tee times available
  • Any player that is added from a waiting list will be notified via email of their opportunity to compete in that event

 

 

SCORES and AWARDS:

After the completion of the tournament round in each division in any GBF Interclub event, awards will be given to the Top 3 finishers in each division, as well as pro-shop credit to the winner of each division to use at the host course. 

  • All Ties will be broken with scorecard playoff, starting from last hole played.  
  • At least 13 holes must be played in an 18 hole event to be considered a tournament
  • At least 5 holes must be played in an 9 hole event to be considered a tournament

 

POINTS SYSTEM:

Individual: Points will be awarded to the top 30 finishers in each division at each regular season event and will accumulate throughout the year. For ties, equal points will be given to each player that ties for that place. A scorecard playoff will only be used to determine awards for that day’s event. 

The player with the highest total of accumulated points for that calendar year’s tour in his or her division will be named Tour Champion in that division. To be eligible to be named Tour Champion in any division, players MUST be a member and have played in a minimum of 6 GBF Interclub events for that season.

Team: The Team golf point race will be a season long race.  The point system will determine the season winner in each division.  The team with the highest point total based on their best 8 finishes in each division at the end of the season will be the 2021 Gilbert-Bunnell Interclub Team Champion

 

Individual Points Structure

 

Place

Points

Place

Points

1

50

16

15

2

45

17

14

3

40

18

13

4

35

19

12

5

32

20

11

6

30

21

10

7

26

22

9

8

23

23

8

9

22

24

7

10

21

25

6

11

20

26

5

12

19

27

4

13

18

28

3

14

17

29

2

15

16

30

1.5

 

 

Team Points Structure

 

Place

Points

Place

Points

1

50

6

30

2

45

7

26

3

40

8

23

4

35

9

22

5

32

10

21

 

 

Golf Tour Players and Caddies must abide by the following Code of Conduct:

 

Dress Code

All players and caddies are required to wear proper golf attire at the host facility. Spectators are strongly encouraged to adhere to this dress code as well. Tank tops, t-shirts, cut-offs, short shorts, denim of any kind or shoes with metal spikes are not permitted. Hats must be worn properly. All golf shirts must have a collar or mock turtle neck and must be tucked in. Players or caddies not in proper golf attire will not be permitted to participate.

 

Behavior

Abusive language, club throwing, cheating, disrespect of other players, officials, volunteers or club staff, abuse to the golf course or facilities, littering or other inappropriate behavior by players, caddies or spectators will not be tolerated. GBF Interclub reserves the right to dismiss any player, caddie or spectator at any time for any reason during an event. Repeat violations may lead to rejection of future entries or dismissal from the Interclub.

 

Electronic Devices

Cell phones, IPODS, headphones, and the like cannot be used during play by any player or caddie.  Distancing measuring devices are allowed in competition, as long as they do not measure Slope. 

 

Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco

Drug, alcohol or tobacco use will not tolerated on the golf course or any facility affiliated with the event. The use of these products by players or caddy will result in disqualification and possible suspension from future events.

 

Code of Conduct Violation Penalties

The Tournament Committee, based on severity and frequency of the violation(s), may in accordance with Rule 33-7:

  • Warn the player,
  • Issue a one stroke penalty for breach of conduct
  • Disqualify the player from the tournament at which the violation occurs, or
  • Depending on the severity of the violation, a tournament disqualification may also result in disqualification from the next tournament(s) for which a player has been accepted.
  • The Tournament director reserves the right to suspend or revoke a player’s membership or entries for a serious breach of the Code of Conduct.
  • A player’s disregard of others is not limited to the current round but may include repeated offenses from tournament to tournament

For more detailed information, please refer to the Rules and Regulations.

For tips on being a positive coach and caddie to your player, visit the POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE.

 

Rules and Regulations

 

1.  Time of Starting/Late to Tee: If a player arrives at his/her tee five minutes or less past his/her starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is two strokes at the first hole. The player may tee-off and join their group with a 2 shot penalty. If a player arrives for his/her tee time more than five minutes after the starting time he/she will receive a score of 8 on that hole and any future holes missed. If the Player is more than 5 minutes late for the tee time, they may not join the group during play of 1st hole; they must join them on the next tee.

 

2.  8 Shot Rule/Stroke Limit: A player shall take no more than 8 strokes on a hole. Once 8 has been reached, a player must pick up their ball and wait for the other players in the group to complete the hole.

 

3.  Distance Measuring Device: Players are permitted to use optical devices (rangefinders) that measure distance based on a through-the-scope calculation by the player. GPS (global positioning system) devices with pre-programmed distances, and devices capable of gauging or measuring other conditions, are permitted. If GPS device shows slope or wind speed, these options must be disabled for tournament. If not disabled, a player will be accessed an 8 on any hole used. Refer to USGA Rules of Golf for additional information.

 

4.  Caddie Policy: Parents and Guardians are allowed to caddie for all 9-hole events. No player may have more than one caddie at a time.  Caddies are encouraged not to emphasize winning, get too involved, or “over-coach".  A caddie may NOT assist in any way during the swing or make official rulings. Any violation by the caddie will be resolved as a penalty against the player. Caddies are not allowed in the scoring area.  

5.  Pace of Play: Each player must play without undue delay, which is defined as taking no more than 45 seconds to play a shot. Caddies are asked to please refrain from over-coaching the player. It is the caddie’s duty to help the player hit each shot within a reasonable period of time. Play “READY GOLF” and walk quickly.

A group will be deemed to be out of position on the golf course when they are over time par. Time par is determined by each hole taking an average of 15 minutes to complete a hole and/or by staying up with the group in front. When it is determined that a group is out of position on the golf course the group will be warned and asked to speed up play. If the group does not get back into position, any player in that group who does not play their stroke within 45 seconds when it is their turn will get a warning. A second warning will incur a one-stroke penalty. Subsequent warnings will incur a two-stroke penalty for each occurrence not to exceed the maximum of an 8 on each hole in question. The 45-second rule is in place to assure playing without “undue delay” and to prevent over coaching and slow play.

 

6.  Out of Bounds: Where white stakes or fence posts are used, the nearest inside points at ground level define out of bounds. When out of bounds is defined by a white line on the ground, the line itself is out of bounds. A ball coming to rest on or crossing any public road is considered out of bounds, even if it comes to rest on another part of the golf course.

 

7.  Water Hazards: Defined by yellow lines and designated by yellow stakes. In the absence of lines, the stakes both identify and define the hazard.

 

8.  Lateral Water Hazards: Defined by red lines and designated by red stakes. In the absence of lines, the stakes both identify and define the hazard.

 

9.  Ball Drops: A “drop zone” is an area enclosed by a white/yellow circle or sign. A “ball drop” is not ground under repair.

 

10. Ground Under Repair: Enclosed white lined areas define ground under repair. The white lines are considered in ground under repair. Other areas of ground under repair, even though not so marked include:
a.    French drains (trenches filled with stones or like)
b.    Fire ant beds and mounds

 

11. Flower Beds Identified by Blue Stakes: To be treated as Ground Under Repair. Relief is mandatory.

 

12. Sod Seams for Lie of Ball Only: To be treated as an embedded ball through the green. All seams in a given area are deemed to be the same seam. See Appendix I, Page 98.

 

13. Lifting an Embedded Ball: The “Embedded Ball Rule” as written in Appendix I, is in effect “through the green.”

 

14.  Accidental Movement of a Ball on a Putting Green:  When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment. The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1. This Local Rule applies only when the player’s ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental.  Note: If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location. A ball-marker moved in such circumstances is replaced.

 

15. Disqualification Policy: No player will be disqualified for any violations of the Rules of Golf. Instead, the player will be assessed a maximum score of 8 on any hole where the infraction would normally lead to disqualification. In situations where the round or hole has been completed, the score of 8 will apply to the last hole played or to the hole where the infraction occurred. Exceptions: Code of Conduct violations or unauthorized use of electronic devices by player or caddie may result in disqualification of the player.

 

16. Signals for Suspension and Resumption of Play: If play is suspended by one long siren or horn blast or verbal direction by a Rules Committee member, the player must immediately discontinue play and look for shelter. All practice areas are closed during suspension for a dangerous situation until the Committee has declared them open for use. Penalty for breach of this rule is an 8 on the first hole when play resumes.  It is the player’s responsibility to be ready when play resumes that will be signaled by two short siren blasts repeated or verbal direction. All players failing to start play on time after a delay will be assessed a score of 8 on that and any subsequent hole(s) on which their group has already begun play. A player may not join a group during play of the hole; but must join them on the next tee. A player may discontinue play and seek shelter if he believes there is dangerous weather (lightning, tornado, hurricane, etc.) regardless of whether any tournament suspension siren has been heard. The player must report to the committee as soon as practical. Bad weather (rain, wind, etc.) is not itself a good reason for discontinuing play.

The Gilbert-Bunnell Junior Interclub will make all decisions regarding weather delays and/or cancellations on site the day of the event. The intention is to play the event on its scheduled day, and everything possible will be done in order to do so. The final eighteen hole round may be separated into a single nine hole round.

 

17. Electronic Devices: Cell phones, IPODS, headphones, and the like may not be used during play. First offense: warning; second offense: disqualification. Exception: Cell phones may be used, if necessary, to alert rangers or seek rules advice from rules officials and/or tour directors during play.

 

18. Tobacco & Alcohol: Tobacco and alcohol use by players or caddies is not permitted during the event. First offense: Warning, Second offense: Disqualification

 

19. Spectator Policy: Spectators may rent a golf cart at the discretion of the golf course but must remain on the cart path at all times. All spectators walking must remain on the cart path or in the rough at all times. Spectators may not give players advice during the round. First offense: warning; Second offense:  two-stroke penalty against the player; Third offense: Immediate removal of the spectator from the golf course.

 

20. Code of Conduct: Violations of the code of conduct include: abusive language, club throwing, cheating, disrespect of volunteers or officials, abuse to the golf course or the facilities, littering, or any other conduct unbecoming of a player. First offense: warning; Second offense: disqualification. Repeated violations may lead to rejection of future entries.

 

21. Dress Code: Players and caddies must adhere to the following dress code: Only acceptable golf attire is permitted. Players are prohibited from wearing shoes with metal spikes, short shorts, swimwear, denim of any kind, t-shirts, or tank tops. Players or caddies not appropriately attired will not be permitted to participate.

 

22. Result of the Competition: When all the scorecards have been signed, attested, collected and approved by GBF Interclub, the result of the competition is deemed to have been officially announced.

 

23. Cart Rental: When carts are available and permitted by the host facility, spectators and caddies may rent carts at their own expense. Anyone renting a cart must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license. At no time will a player be allowed to have a cart. Spectator carts are to be kept on the cartpath at all times-No Exceptions. Caddies may rent a cart during GBF Interclub events at their own expense if carts are allowed by the host facility based on availability. All caddie carts must remain on cartpath at all times-No Exceptions. Players are not allowed to drive carts, ride in carts or have clubs in a cart during play. EXCEPTION: Caddies for players ages 8 & under may keep the player’s clubs in the cart during play, and may cart the player between green and the next tee only. Cart usage by a caddie must not delay a player from playing the next shot in a reasonable amount of time. All players ages 9 and over must walk the course with their clubs.  These players may be carted between green and tee ONLY as deemed acceptable in the local rules of a particular event or when shuttles are provided.

 

24.  Push/Pull Carts:  Push or pull carts are permitted during competition in all age divisions except when prohibited by a host course.

 

25.  Safety: Participation during a golf tournament can be dangerous. Please be aware of others near you at all times on the course and practice areas.  When driving or riding in a golf cart, please follow the manufacturers safety notices at all times. Riding in a cart or being struck by a club or ball can cause serious injury or death. Should a player or caddie feel there are dangerous weather conditions, or are alerted to another good reason such as illness, they may discontinue play. Seek shelter or medical help should these conditions arise. You may use a cell phone to call for help at any time during an event.  While necessary precautions are taken by GBF Interclub and the host facility to insure everyone’s safety, it is important that everyone work together to provide a safe environment.