Rules

1 Conditions of Play

(a) The Strokeplay Championship shall be played for annually at one of the following golf courses in rotation:-

Powfoot
Southerness
Stranraer

(b) The 36 hole scratch competition shall be played over two rounds of 18 holes in accordance with the Rules of Golf as approved by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and in accordance with the current local rules of the host Club. The competition shall incorporate the Club Team Championship
(c) The winner of the competition shall be the player who returns the lowest score for 36 holes. If for any reason only 18 holes can be completed by all the competitors the winner shall be the player who returns the lowest score for these 18 holes. If 18 holes are not completed by all the competitors the competition shall be abandoned and the Executive of the South of Scotland Golfers’ Association shall attempt to find another date. The trophy shall be held by the winner for one year and it is his responsibility to ensure that the trophy is returned to the Secretary, South of Scotland Golfers’ Association at least 4 weeks prior to the following year’s competition. He shall also receive a monetary voucher, as will all other prize-winners, issued by the Scottish Golf Union and these vouchers must be used within the stipulated time and in accordance with the current conditions.
(d) In the event of a tie after two rounds, the competition shall be decided by a play-off,
over holes determined by the host Club, which shall take place immediately. If scores are
tied after these holes the competition shall be decided by a hole by hole play-off, over the
same holes, until a winner is determined. In the event of a tie for the other prizes matching
score cards will take place to determine the winner as follows:-

Best score for last eighteen holes
Best score for last nine holes
Best score for last six holes
Best score for last three holes
Best score at last hole.
Best score at last two holes
Best score at last four holes
Best score at last five holes
Best score at last seven holes
Best score at last eight holes

The 16 players, who return the lowest scratch scores, will gain entry to the Matchplay Championship. In the event of a tie for any place after the two rounds, matching score cards will take place to determine the order of qualification as above.
(e) The competition shall be under the charge of a Member of the Executive of the South of Scotland Golfers’ Association to whom all disputes will be referred and whose decision
shall be final. In certain circumstances, the Executive reserves the right to appoint authorised persons to act on their behalf and carry out specific duties.
(f) During the stipulated rounds, a competitor may not use a ride on golf buggy unless specifically authorised by the Executive.
(g) Restriction on Who May Serve as Caddie (Note to Rule 6-4). A player is prohibited
from having a professional golfer, another player in the competition or person deemed to be
unsuitable by the Executive serve as his caddie during the stipulated rounds.
Penalty for Breach of Condition: Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum penalty per round – Four strokes.
(h) Pace of Play (Note to Rule 6-7). The Executive has established a pace of play of 4 hours to help prevent slow play. Notwithstanding, it is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front and not in front of the group behind. In the absence of extenuating circumstances the Penalty for Breach of Condition shall be:-
1st Offence: One stroke to all players in group
2nd Offence: Two strokes to all players in group
Subsequent Offences: Disqualification
(i) Suspension of Play Due to a Dangerous Situation (Note to Rule 6-8b)
When play is suspended by the Executive, or by a person authorised to act on behalf
of the Executive, for a dangerous situation, if the players in the match or group are between
the play of two holes, they must not resume play until the Executive has ordered a
resumption of play. If they are in the process of playing a hole, they must discontinue play
immediately and not resume play until the Executive has ordered a resumption of play.
All players on the course are requested to ensure that all other competitors are aware
of the suspension of play.
The signal for suspending play due to a dangerous situation and the resumption of
play will be notified to all competitors on the day of the competition.
Penalty for Breach of Condition: Disqualification
(j) Time of Starting (Note to Rule 6-3a). If the player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minutes of his starting time, in the absence of circumstances that warrant waiving the penalty of disqualification as provided in Rule 33-7, the failure to start on time is two strokes in stroke play. Penalty for lateness beyond five minutes is disqualification.
(k) The use of electronic measuring devices is permitted provided that they are only
capable of measuring distance and no other variables.

2. Qualification

(a) To be eligible to enter, a player must be male at birth, a Member, whose home Golf Club is affiliated to the South of Scotland Golfers’ Association, and of Amateur Status as defined by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club.
(b) All players must be in possession of a current handicap not exceeding eight strokes
(exact 8.4) under the current CONGU SSS & Handicapping Scheme.

3. Entries

(a) All players must complete an Entry Form, which shall be submitted to the
Championship Secretary, South of Scotland Golfers’ Association, or other person appointed
by the Association, accompanied by the entry fee, to arrive before the final date for entry. No receipt of entry will be issued. Please note that cheques will not be presented for payment prior to the date of the competition. Entry Forms may be found on the South of Scotland Golfer’s Association website www.sgusosga.co.uk
(b) In the event of the competition being oversubscribed, there will be a ballot by
handicap. Entrants who have failed to gain entry will be allocated to a reserve list. Reserves
may be able to compete subject to subsequent withdrawals. Only cash entry fees will be
returned to entrants who fail to gain entry and do not compete. Cheques in this category will
be destroyed.
(c) All entries are subject to the approval of the Executive of the South of Scotland Golfers’ Association who retain the right to refuse or accept any entry and shall not be called upon to give any reason for their action.
(d) The draw sheet will be posted on the Association’s web site www.sgusosga.co.uk
one week prior to the event and be published in the local press during the week preceding the event.
(e) Any player who may not be available to play all rounds of the Matchplay
Championship should advise The Executive on his Entry Form.
(e) Entries shall close one day before the event

4. Registration

(a) Competitors are requested to register at the Starter’s office at least 15 minutes prior
to their tee off time.

November 2012