Rules of the Competition

  1. The championship will be played in accordance with the Rules of Golf as laid down by The R&A.
  2. It is recommended that competitors carry an up-to-date Rules of Golf book so that any queries during play can be resolved immediately and without delay.
  3. The entry fee is £80 per team of 2 players for our Pairs Matchplay & Scratchplay Events, and £40 per person for our Singles Matchplay.
  4. Entries close April 30th 2022
  5. Once accepted entries can be withdrawn but not refunded.
  6. Entry is open to amateur male and female golfers, aged 18 or over as of 1/4/2022
  7. Entrants must hold an ‘active’ CONGU handicap at the time of the closing date and this must remain active during the championship.
  8. Entrants must be a member of an affiliated  golf club in Scotland.
  9. Entrants can only represent one golf club.
  10. The field of players will be split in to regions within Scotland.
  11. When entering the Pairs competition players do not have to be from the same golf clubs. A ‘home’ course however, must be nominated for any home matches and should be used throughout the tournament (unless mutually agreed by both sides to change).
  12. No changes can be made to the names of the entrants or playing partners after the 1st match has been played (i.e. due to injury/illness/work commitments/holidays/availability). Any changes required must be made to the Tournament Organiser before the closing date.
  13. Entry Payment should be made online.
  14. All queries should be sent in the first instance to the Tournament office by email - this is Info@Golfinscotland.co.uk
  15. All decisions concerning the championship rest with the Tournament Director whose decision in all matters is final.
  16. The Tournament Director reserves the right to change the International Finals without prior notice should circumstances be deemed appropriate
  17. The competition invites entrants from male, female and mixed pairs.

Handicaps and strokes

  1. The maximum handicap limit for both men and woman is 18; however, players with handicaps 19+ may enter but must reduce to 18 for competition purposes (before any strokes are calculated).
  2. No strokes or allowance is given in our Scratchplay Tournament.
  3. Strokes should be taken against the gents Stroke Index as displayed on the host golf club’s scorecard for our Singles and Matchplay Pairs Events.
  4. Each player receives 9/10 of the difference between the handicaps and are calculated from lowest handicapped player..
  5. Proof of handicap must be provided at each match.
  6. Handicaps may increase/decrease throughout the season and you must play off your current handicap on the day of the match.
  7. It is the player’s responsibility to maintain an accurate record of their handicap.
  8. In order to preserve the integrity of The Golf in Scotland Matchplay Pairs, the organisers’ reserve the right to disqualify a player or players from the tournament in the event that the tournament committee determines, in its absolute discretion, that a player’s handicap is inaccurate when compared with their actual playing ability. The tournament committee will determine whether a player’s handicap is inaccurate by taking into consideration any or all of the following:
    • Handicap history review;
    • Previous tournament/competition results;
    • Current sanctions from any other national golf tournaments or from any County or National golf administrative bodies;
    • Judgement on the relevance of completed qualifying competitions within the past 36 months;
    • Complaints which are in the public domain and any other handicap inconsistencies that are brought to our attention

Playing the match

  1. Once you have registered and paid your entry fee you will be notified about your first round opponents shortly after the competition closing date.
  2. Players will receive notification of the draw by email from the Tournament Organiser. This will include details about opponents including contact details, the venue for the match and when it must be played.
  3. Home players are responsible for contacting opponents to arrange a mutually agreeable date before the closing date of each round. If contact has not been made within 7 days of the draw being published the Tournament Organiser should be contacted without delay.
  4. If courtesy of the course is not given at the home venue, the visitor green fees should be split 4 ways.
  5. The home side is responsible for ensuring play is possible at their course on the agreed date and time.
  6. If the home course is closed but the away course is open on the agreed date the venue should be switched, subject to availability. If neither course is open a neutral course may be used if this is mutually agreed by both sides with any green-fees split equally. Games should still go ahead if preferred lies, temporary tees or greens are in use.
  7. Both sides are responsible for knowing the local rules of the host golf course.
  8.  Both sides are required to provide at least 6 dates for playing each round (at least 3 of which are midweek and at least 3 on a weekend).
  9. The Tournament Organiser will disqualify any players who fail to complete their match by the deadline date.
  10. We strongly advise that matches are arranged and played ASAP in case of bad weather or other circumstances force the delay or postponement. Contact should be made with opponents within the first 2 days or the draws being announced.
  11. Extensions will not be granted unless at the absolute discretion of the tournament organiser.
  12. Players should consult the Tournament office ASAP if they have any problems arranging any match.
  13. In many cases the home clubs will support their members and offer courtesy of the course to visiting players. If for any reason they do not grant this then green-fees must be paid and shared equally between all players, usually at the member’s guest rate.
  14. The competition tees (normally white) should be used by men with ladies playing from the ladies tee  (usually Red) Should the host golf club not allow visitors to play from the competition tee men should play from the general play tee  (normally yellow). Where there are two sets of competition tees (i.e. blue & white) it is at the discretion of the home side as to which are used, subject to approval from the host club.
  15. If the match is all-square at the completion of 18 holes the match goes into extra holes starting at the first, with strokes being taken as per the scorecard until a winner is determined.
  16. If a match has to be abandoned (i.e. due to poor light or adverse weather) the round should be restarted from the place it was abandoned at a mutually convenient time but before the round closing date. When arranging the game we advise to allow plenty of time for fading light as extra holes may need to be played. Failure to complete the match before the deadline will result in disqualification.
  17. Once a date and time has been agreed if either side cancels the match within 72 hours of the agreed start time the opponents may claim the match. If more than 72 hours’ notice is given the match should be re-arranged at a mutually agreed time. Cancelling a match twice, or cancelling a match that is arranged within 7 days of the deadline, may be claimed by the opposition.
  18. Failure to play a match by the stated dates will result in the disqualification of both sides.
  19. The winner(s) in each round must notify the organiser by email before the closing date for each round. A confirmation email that the result has been received will be sent within 48 hours with details of your next opponent(s) if they are available.
  20. If a dispute arises and an agreement cannot be reached between opponents the Tournament Organiser should be contacted urgently and his decision will be final. If players fail to comply with the rules of the championship they will face disqualification.

Other rules

  1. Distance Measuring Devices (DMD’s) are allowed for competitors use. However, please note devices that also measure slope/gradient, temperature, wind-speed etc are not permitted regardless of whether such an additional function is used. Please see the Rules of Golf 14-3 for further information on this subject.
  2. Caddies are permitted unless they are a qualified PGA or LPGA professional.
  3. Buggies can be used provided advance permission has been granted by the host golf club.