
SomersetGolf Union
The following General Conditions and Rules apply to all Somerset Golf Union Championships and must be read in conjunction with the England Golf ‘Hard Card’. The word ‘Championship’ includes all Somerset Golf Union events. e.g. ‘Tournaments’, ‘Finals’ and ‘Competitions’.
1. Rules of Golf
All Championships shall be played in accordance with the Rules of Golf and such Local Rules and Conditions of Competition as shall be approved by Somerset Golf Union.
In the case of entry by a golfer with disability, he/she can apply to Somerset Golf Union for adoption of the Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities.
2. Amateur Status
All players must be of Amateur Status as defined by The Rules of Amateur Status.
3. Entry: Method and Fees
All entries must be completed and received by the Somerset Golf Union by 12 noon on the date entries close. They must be accompanied by payment either by cheque (payable to “Somerset Golf Union”) via Paypal on the Somerset Golf Union website. Entries without payment will not be accepted. No entry will be included in the draw unless complete in every detail.
Entries received after the competition closing date will only be considered if the maximum field size has not been achieved.
4. Entry: Handicaps
a) All players who hold a WHS handicap and wish to enter any Somerset Golf Union not exceeding 28.4 (men) and 36.4 (women), unless a lower or higher handicap limit is stated in the Conditions of Competition for an individual competition. To enter online, players must possess a WHS ID number as stated in 3a above.
b) When entering any Somerset Golf Union event by any of the methods in Condition 3 above, a player’s Handicap Index must be recorded on the entry form. Any entry ballot will be based on the handicap index of the relevant players, as at the closing date of entries using the WHS platform. Where a WHS number is not available players are required to notify the Championship department of any changes prior to the closing date. Note: It is the player’s responsibility to ensure that their exact handicap on the WHS platform is up to date. Somerset Golf Union shall take no responsibility for any out of date handicap index used for balloting purposes.
5. Withdrawals
6. Reserves
7. Registration
Players must register their intention to compete in a Championship on the day of the competition. Failure to do so will result in the player forfeiting their place. The player concerned will also forfeit their entry fee.
8. General Conduct and Practice Round Regulations
Note ii. It would be appreciated if the making and receiving of calls is done outside of the clubhouse Note iii. Making/ sending or receiving calls or texts: Mobile phones (and similar devices) may not be used on the course (including on practice days) for such purpose, except in cases of emergency.
If a serious breach of the above Regulations occurs, or where there are repetitive breaches, a player may be disqualified under Rule 1.2b for a serious breach and/or may be barred from entering or playing in Somerset Golf Union Championships for such period as Somerset Golf Union may decide.
9. Clubs and Ball
10. Caddies
There are no restrictions on the use of caddies, except:
Penalty for breach of Local Rule: General Penalty - See Model Local Rule H-1.1 & H-1.2
11. Practice (Rule 5.2)
Exception:
12. Appointment of Advice Giver in Team Competition
13. Returning Score Card
A player’s score card is deemed officially returned to Somerset Golf Union when they have left the recording office/area. Note: Players must promptly return their score cards to the Administration Desk.
14. Result of a Match and when Competition Closed
15. Decision of Ties
16. Inclement Weather
If, in the opinion of Somerset Golf Union, it becomes impossible to complete a Championship in accordance with that Championship’s Conditions because of adverse weather or other circumstances, Somerset Golf Union may vary the Conditions to the extent necessary to achieve a result within the time available.
17. Trophies & Prizes
a) All trophies won by an individual player and Nations Cups will be held by Somerset Golf Union and displayed, with the winner’s names, at the National Golf Centre or such other location as determined by Somerset Golf Union
b) A winning County or Club will be responsible for a trophy and its insurance from the time it is presented until it is relinquished and shall ensure it is returned to Somerset Golf Union before the next year’s Championship.
c) Unless otherwise stated in the competition conditions a player may win more than one trophy but not more than one prize voucher.
18. Transportation
During a round (including practice), a player or caddie must not ride on any form of motorized transportation except as authorized or later approved by the Committee.
Penalty for Breach of Local Rule: The player gets the general penalty for each hole during which there is a breach of this Local Rule. If the breach occurs between the play of two holes, it applies to the next hole.
Note: Prior approval for the use of motorized transport is required.
Note i: See also Somerset Golf Union’s Transportation Policy (www.somersetgolfunion.co.uk), which includes provisions for people with disabilities.
19. Dress Code
Players and caddies may wear standard golf apparel, including tailored shorts, unless otherwise specified in the Players Information.
20. Health and Safety
Somerset Golf Union operates a Health & Safety Policy for the benefit of competitors and spectators and, as such, there will be first aid trained personnel available throughout practice and the Championship. Should there be any need to contact them competitors should contact the Somerset Golf Union Championship Office, which will be “control” for any such situation.
Under the Health & Safety Policy, if competitors or spectators require any assistance or witness any incident, they should report to the radio control operator in the Somerset Golf Union Administration Desk. All Somerset Golf Union referees, when on duty, have a radio through which such contact can be made. Details of the nearest A&E can be obtained from the Administration Desk. Players should familiarise themselves with emergency procedures and fire exits in the Clubhouse.
In the event of thunder and lightning, Somerset Golf Union will signal a suspension of play for a dangerous situation with one long note of the klaxons. This is the signal for everyone to evacuate the course. People on the course are responsible for their own actions in such a dangerous situation.
21. Liability
either the Club nor Somerset Golf Union can be held responsible for the loss of or damage to, equipment or personal possessions.
22. Somerset Golf Union/ Championships’ Policies, Procedures, Codes, etc.
All Somerset Golf Union policies apply, as appropriate, to Somerset Golf Union Championships. They include but are not limited to:
Safeguarding Policy
Equality Policy •
Transportation Policy (including provisions for people with disabilities
Anti-Doping Regulations
Disciplinary Policy
Gender Policy
Photographic Policy
All relevant policies are available to be viewed at www.englandgolf.org/championships
23. Photography Consent
By entering a Somerset Golf Union event all players are consenting to being filmed or recorded (images and sound) by or on behalf of Somerset Golf Union, or another authorised third party, and consent to these images (or likenesses) being used in any film, recording, photograph or other footage(“recording”) in the promotion of Somerset Golf Union activities. All rights in the recording shall be owned by Somerset Golf Union or the authorised third party. Players agree that any recording may be used by Somerset Golf Union or an authorised third party in any media and for any purpose throughout the world, including, without limitation, for promotional materials and activities, merchandise, or other commercial activities. Players acknowledge that no payment or compensation for use of their image or likeness shall be payable to them.
Please contact the Competitions Secretary at competitions@somersetgolfunion.co.uk if you have any queries regarding this General Condition.
24. Ready Golf
“Ready Golf” is a commonly used term which indicates that players should play when they are ready to do so, rather than adhering strictly to the “farthest from the hole plays first” stipulation in the Rules of Golf. In stroke play competitions, to avoid slow play, Somerset Golf Union actively encourage players to play when they are ready, provided it is safe to play. Examples of playing out of turn without endangering other players on the golf course, whilst also being aware of player etiquette, include:
• Hitting a shot when safe to do so if a player farther away faces a challenging shot and is taking time to assess their options
Edited November 2020