Competitions Information

Types of Competitions

Stableford

Normal stableford rules apply. In order to speed up play, players should pick their ball up when the maximum number of allowed strokes on the hole has been exceeded.

Points are allocated as follows:

  • 2 points – when a player’s total strokes played on a hole equals the number of total strokes allocated according to their handicap
  • 1 point – when a player’s total strokes played on a hole is one (1) stroke greater than the number of total strokes allocated according to their handicap
  • 0 points – when a player’s total strokes played on a hole is two (2) strokes greater than the number of total strokes allocated according to their handicap. This is the maximum number of strokes allowed on the hole.
  • 3 points – when a player’s total strokes played on a hole is one (1) stroke less than the number of total strokes allocated according to their handicap
  • 4 points – when a player’s total strokes played on a hole is two (2) strokes less than the number of total strokes allocated according to their handicap
  • 5 points – when a player’s total strokes played on a hole is three (3) strokes less than the number of total strokes allocated according to their handicap

 

Four Ball Better Ball (4BBB) Stableford

A 4BBB is played as a two-person event, where the better stableford score of the two is scored on each hole.

If there is only three players in the group, the player with the lowest handicap will be the swinger. i.e. will partner each of the other two players.

 

Canadian Foursomes

Played as a stroke event players are paired off into two teams of two. Both players tee off and then choose which ball they wish to continue with. The player whose ball was not chosen then plays the second shot and this continues with alternate shots until the ball is in the hole. This method is then used on every hole until the round is finished.

 

Irish Team Stableford

Played as a stableford event with a team of four.  The best two scores of the four players are recorded on each hole and tallied up at the end for a result.  

 

Ambrose (Stroke)

An Ambrose competition, scored as a stroke event, is played as a 4BBB event. Through the green, balls may be placed within one club length of the selected ball no nearer the hole. When on the green, balls may be placed within one card length of the selected ball, no nearer the hole.

Each person must record a minimum of three tee shots with drives recorded on the score card.

Handicapping is as follows:

  • Two Players in a group – 1/4 of aggregate stroke handicap.
  • Three Players in a group – 1/6 of aggregate stroke handicap.
  • Four Players in a group – 1/8 of aggregate stroke handicap.

Each player must have his or her name and handicap recorded on the card. At the completion of the event the card is counter-signed by another member of the team. Total gross and net scores are to be shown on the card and the team with the lowest net score is the winner.

 

General Advice

Handicaps

You must know your correct Golf Australia (GA) handicap on the competition day and check your Daily Handicap on the Slope System Chart displayed at the course before you play. Your GA handicap can be found in Golf Link (GL). If you play off a handicap that is more than your correct handicap, you will be disqualified.

Before handing in a competition card, it is the player’s responsibility to ensure that:

  • The player’s full name, correct daily handicap and GL number are written on the score card.

  • Both marker and player have signed the card.

  • The gross score for each hole is correct.

  • The score card is handed in no more than 15 mins after the completion of your round.

Penalty for breach of any of the above is disqualification from the competition.

 

Local Rules

Members should check the local golf course noticeboard for any Local Rules that may impact play on the day.

 

Out of Bounds Rule

Under the standard out of bounds rule, if a player hits their ball out of bounds or they think it may have gone out of bounds they are required to play another ball from the same spot as the previous shot and add one penalty stroke to their score for that hole. Before playing the second ball the player is to announce they are playing a provisional ball. If the original ball is located within play the player continues playing that ball without penalty. If the original ball is not located and therefore considered lost or out of bounds the provisional ball is played with the penalty.

This often slows up play where players spend time looking for their ball and if unsuccessful walking back to the spot they played the shot from and hitting another ball. In order to speed up play ACT Veterans Golf have opted to implement the “optional local out of bounds rule (Model Local Rule E5)” allowing a player to drop the ball within two club lengths of the fairway and no closer to the hole from where the ball is estimated to have come to rest or crossed the out of bounds line. In doing this a two shot penalty will apply to the players score for that hole.

In the interests of reducing slow play this optional rule is encouraged. 

 

Countbacks 

The best score for the last nine holes on the card shall be used.  If there is still a tie, the last six holes, if still tied the last three holes. If a tie persists, then hole by hole scores shall be taken backwards from the 18th hole.

 

Prizes

Depending on the number of players in each day’s competition, prizes for up to five (5) places will awarded.  Where Monthly Medal fields are greater than 75 players, there will be an A and B grade. The ACTRVGA Annual Championship field has A, B and C grades with prizes for Overall Gross Champion, Overall Nett Champion plus Best Gross and Best Nett in each grade.

It is the member’s responsibility to collect prizes.  Those not collected within three (3) months will be forfeited.  Prizes at the Xmas Cheer Day must be collected on the day by the player or representative.

 

Etiquette

Members are reminded to follow proper golf etiquette and adhere to all dress standards required by each of the golf courses played at.

 

Starting Times

Players must check the start sheet the day before the game to see if there have been any changes to start times, including those resulting from inclement weather or gaps in the field.

Players must ensure they report to the Starter at least 15 minutes prior to your allocated teeing time.  If you are unable to attend on the day or meet your starting time, you must advise the Starter as early as possible prior to your scheduled tee-off time.  Repeat offenders may face suspension from future matches.

 

Reducing Slow Play

Please avoid slow play and keep up with group in front.  Most clubs have a recommended time for completion of a round of golf. Players should make every attempt to complete the round within that time. Slow players may be subject to warnings, a two-stroke penalty and/or disqualification as per Rule 5.6.