Competition Rules & Regulations

1. Booking Tee Times

All members intending to play a competition are obliged to book a tee time on Clubnet.

Members should not enter a player name or member guest to fill a space thereby preventing other members from adding their name. This is against the spirit of our golf club and will be monitored and abuse will be sanctioned. Members must not enter another person's name on the Clubnet timesheet unless specifically authorised to do so.

If a member enters the competition but does not book a tee time on Clubnet, their entry will be considered ineligible; however, their score may still count for handicapping purposes.

2. Competition Entry & Sign-In

It is the responsibility of each player to:

• Sign into the competition via the computer system.
• Ensure the competition entry fee is paid via e-purse or cash in an envelope with name, date and competition clearly stated.
• Should the computer be out of order, the competition book is the official back up.

3. Return of Scorecards

All scorecards, whether the round is completed or not, must be returned in the box provided after play, in accordance with the Rules of Golf and Rules of Handicapping. Penalty scores may be issued for non-return of scores.

4. Certification of Scorecards

Players must ensure that:

• Their scorecard is signed by themselves and by their marker.
• Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

5. Submission of Scores (WHS)

Players are responsible for the submission of all acceptable scores; both home and away, including:

• Individual Strokeplay Competition Scores
• Individual General Play Scores
• Fourball Better Ball Strokeplay
• Individual strokeplay scores in society outings

Scores must be submitted as soon as practicable after completion, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Please note: Success in club/inter-club matchplays and team events (e.g. scrambles and classics) will be taken into consideration as part of any handicap review.

6. Away Scores & Handicap Index®

When playing away, including inter-club competitions, it is the player's responsibility to ensure:

• Their correct Handicap Index® is used.
• The score is returned in accordance with the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Handicapping.
• Failure to do so may result in the application of a Penalty score, Disqualification or Disciplinary action.

7. Course Set-Up

During the course of a competition the committee reserve the right to change teeing areas and/or hole locations if considered absolutely necessary (e.g. sudden extreme weather).

8. Draws, Count Back & Play-Offs

Draws, ties, and play-off procedures are determined by the Committee and published prior to competitions.

Standard Count Back Order (Stroke Play)

When two or more players finish with the same net or gross score, the tie is broken in the following order (as per Golf Ireland standard terms):

• 9 Holes: Decide on last 6, 3, 1. If still a tie decide on last 8, 7, 6, etc. If still a tie decide by lot.
• 18 Holes: Decide on last 9, 6, 3, 1 holes. If still a tie decide on last 3, 6, 7, 8 of first 9 holes. If still a tie decide by lot.
• 36 Holes: Decide on last 18. If still a tie decide as for 18 holes.
• 10–17 Holes: Decide on last 9, 6, 3, or 1; if still a tie on the last 10, 11, 12 and so on.
• If still a tie, decide by lot.

9. Gross Prizes

A Gross Prize will be awarded in:

• Captain's Prize
• President's Prize
• Monthly Medal competitions

10. New Members

A new member (defined as a person joining or rejoining as a Full Member) is not eligible to win their first Captain's Prize or President's Prize.

11. Conditions of Competitions

The Committee shall set the Conditions of Competition and reserves the right to amend these conditions when required.

Course and Playing Handicap Allowance for Competitions as per Golf Ireland's suggestions: 95% Stableford — 85% Stroke Play.

Monthly competitions will alternate between stroke play and stableford formats, subject to adjustment based on weather or course conditions. Announcements regarding format changes will be made well in advance. Prize funds will remain unchanged.

The General Local Rules are published via the app and temporary local rules will be communicated via the regular means.

12. Arrears

Any member whose subscription or other monies remain unpaid shall be ineligible to:

• Enter competitions
• Win prizes
• Represent the club

13. Breaches & Penalties

Any breach of these regulations, the Rules of Golf, or the Rules of Handicapping may result in:

• Disqualification
• Application of a Penalty score
• Disciplinary action which may include withdrawal of the player's Handicap Index

14. Complaints & Appeals

All complaints must be submitted in writing or by email to the Competition and Handicap Secretary and the Captain or Honorary Secretary. They will then be reviewed by the Committee, whose decision shall be final.

Handicap appeals follow Golf Ireland's handicap appeals guidelines.

15. Golfer of the Year

The Men's Golfer of the Year shall be awarded to the Order of Merit winner. Order of Merit competitions will be announced prior to the season but are generally the Majors and Monthly Medals.

Points will be allocated for top 10 places with 10 points down to 1.

16. Fixtures & Alterations

The Competition Committee reserves the right to amend fixtures or formats where necessary. Fixtures are available via the Google Calendar or via Clubnet.

17. Prizes for Competitions

The Usual Please competitions carry prizes determined as follows:

Monthly Medals, Major and Sponsored Competitions

• 1st Prize: €100
• 2nd Prize: €60
• 3rd Prize: €40
• Gross Prize: €40
• Front 9 / Back 9: €15 each
• Twos: golf balls

Open Stableford (outside weekends e.g. Wednesdays)

• 1st Prize: €60
• 2nd Prize: €30
• 3rd Prize: €20

Open Stableford Weekends

• 1st Prize: €80
• 4 Category Prizes: €30 each

Prizes will be given as vouchers and can also be exchanged towards e-purse top-up and membership fees. Competition results will be published through the club's usual channels (Clubnet App, HandicapMaster, social media, etc.) as soon as reasonably possible after the closing of the competition.

18. Pace of Play & Position on the Course

A player's position is directly behind the group in front, not ahead of the group behind. Players must maintain their position relative to the group in front.

If a group loses a clear hole or is delaying play, they must invite the group behind to play through. The term "group" includes a single player.

19. Prize Presentations

Prize winners are expected to attend prize presentations unless excused by the Committee.

20. Etiquette & Conduct

Members must observe:

• Proper etiquette
• The Rules of Golf
• Respect for fellow players, staff, and the course at all times

21. Eligibility — Captain's & President's Prize

To be eligible to win:

• A member must have twenty (20) 18-hole singles Competition Scores from any club on their Golf Ireland account.
• The Committee may vary these criteria if circumstances require.

22. Club Representation

Members representing The Usual Please must wear official club colours.

23. Juvenile & Student Members

• Juvenile Member: Under 18 years of age
• Student Member: Over 18 and in full-time education

Juvenile and Student Members are not eligible to win:

• Captain's Prize
• President's Prize

24. Signing Full Members' Cards

Juvenile or Student Members must:

• Be at least 16 years of age, and
• Have two full years of membership

to sign a Full Member's card.

25. Use of Buggies

For all competitions, only the following members/visitors may use buggies:

• Members aged 60 or over, or
• Members with a valid medical certificate

The use of buggies may not be allowed due to weather or course conditions. The Course Convenor, supported by the club committee, will make that decision on a case-by-case basis.

26. Practice Rounds

The course is designated closed for practice on the day prior to Captain's Prize and President's Prize for all members and visitors, to allow ground staff to prepare the course.

27. General Play Restrictions

General Play Scores will not be accepted during competition times on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday.

28. Playing Outside Allocated Times

Any request to:

• Play outside allocated times, or
• Change draw positions

must be approved by the Captain, Vice-Captain, Competition Secretary, or Honorary Secretary.

29. Competition Fees

Competition fees shall be determined annually and published by the Committee. Until further notice, the following fees apply:

• Monthly Medal and Major Competitions: €10
• Stableford Competitions: €8
• Captain's Day and President's Prize: €20
• Any other competitions will have prices published beforehand (e.g. Open Week).

30. General Play Review & Annual Review

Under the Rules of Handicapping (Rule 7 – Handicap Review), the Handicap Committee may adjust a player's Handicap Index up or down if the current index does not reflect the player's demonstrated ability. This is commonly called a General Play Review (GPR).

A committee can apply a manual reduction where there is evidence of:

• A player consistently scoring significantly better in competitions than in casual scores
• Known manipulation (e.g. only submitting bad cards socially)
• Exceptional performance that the system has not yet caught up with
• Rapid improvement (e.g. a junior improving quickly)
• Safeguarding fairness in elite competitions

To ensure fairness, the following process will be followed:

1. Handicap Committee reviews scoring record
2. Evidence documented (scores, patterns, anomalies)
3. Decision recorded in committee minutes
4. Player informed of adjustment and reason
5. Adjustment applied through the system

These regulations shall be reviewed annually (Annual Handicap Review) by the Committee prior to the commencement of the competition season.

31. Availability

Copies of these regulations are available from the Competition Secretary, and the most recent version will be displayed in the Caddy Shack, on the club website and on the app.

These rules are valid from the time of publishing and until changed.

Under the Rules of Handicapping (Rule 7), if a club member is dissatisfied with a handicapping decision made by the Handicap Committee they have the right to appeal the decision as per the Golf Ireland handicap appeals guidelines.