HARTLEY WINTNEY GOLF CLUB
COMPETITION RULES
The following rules will generally apply to Club Competitions as administered by the Men’s Section:
1. Play shall be under R & A Rules.
2. Competitions are only open to members with a handicap. All match play and medal play competitions must be played off the competitor’s current handicap. Should a competitor qualify for a change of handicap after the first round of a 36 hole medal competition, he must play the second round using the original handicap, but must subsequently play from his amended handicap.
3. Entry fees must be paid and the competitors’ book completed before commencing play, and in the case of drawn match play competitions, before the published closing date. For non-drawn competitions, players must adhere to HWGC starting regulations for the day of the competition.
4. Combining stroke play and match play competitions are not permitted.
5. Main Day and Alternate Day Competitions: When players have a choice between main day or alternate day participation for a single stroke play competition, any player who elects to play on the second day of the competition is still permitted to play on the competition course on the first day of the said competition.
6. Members should return all cards, including ‘no returns’, for Qualifying and non-Qualifying competitions. Failure to do so will mean a ban from playing in the next two competitions. In the case of Ladies, the ban shall apply to the next two competitions that are open to both men and ladies.
7. Competition cards must include the name and handicap of the player and be signed by both player and marker. Failure to carry out all of these requirements will result in disqualification. Cards should also include the name of the competition and date, as well as the start and finish times, without all of which may result in a future competition ban.
8. Competition cards must be marked by a member with a handicap, or a marker authorised by the Competitions Committee before starting the round, on the basis of one marker to one player.
9. Juniors with a handicap of 28 or under are allowed to enter adult competitions. If their playing handicap is over 10 their card must be marked and signed by an adult. It is not permitted for a playing group to be all junior members in an adult competition.
10. Rules and methods for arranging matches in Knockout Competitions are as per the ‘Rules for Knockout Competitions’ dated February 2022 or later.
11. Tied stroke play competitions, with the exception of the Club Championship, will be decided on the last 9, 6, 3, and final holes on the card. In the event that this doesn’t establish a winner, then holes 4-9 (i.e. the back 6 of the front 9) will be used and then 7-9, 9 only
12. Ride-on buggies may be used during closed and open competitions by those suffering from a disability within the meaning of section 6 of The Equality Act 2010. Such persons must have lodged with the Club Secretary/Manager a medical certificate signed by a registered General Practitioner confirming that they are unable to play a full round of golf without the use of a buggy. The Club reserves the right to withdraw authorisation if the medical condition or disability necessitating the use of a ride-on buggy ceases. Members must also familiarise themselves with HWGC’s Golf Buggy Safety Policy, Golf Buggy Safe Working Practice and sign a copy of HWGC’s Golf Buggy Safety Acknowledgement form, copies of which are available in the professional’s shop.
13. Regarding social competitions and others with closing dates and draws for playing partners and fellow competitors, should a member withdraw from a competition after the draw has been made, the Committee shall have the right to find, if possible, a replacement player to take his or her place.
14. Distance Measuring Devices are allowed for use in competitions as per the Local Rule posted.