Women’s South Carolina Golf Association
2004 Longtown Road E. Blythewood, SC 29016
(803) 973-9749 admin@wscga.org www.wscga.org
WSCGA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Eligibility
To compete in WSCGA Championships, a participant must:
- Be a female amateur golfer who is a permanent legal resident of South Carolina for a minimum of six months prior to the championship.
- Enter from the South Carolina club which you receive your current USGA GHIN handicap-index.
- Be a member of a golf club which is a Regular or Associate member of the WSCGA or have an Individual Membership through a South Carolina Associate e-Club
- If you are a transgendered individual, please contact the WSCGA office for the WSCGA policy and additional application procedures.
Exceptions:
1. Entrants in the Senior Championship and any Senior Division must be at least fifty (50) years of age on the first day of the tournament.
2. Entrants in the Junior Girls Championship must be at least 8 years of age and must not have reached their nineteenth (19) birthday by the first day of the tournament immediately following graduation from high school, and must not have started college.
Eligible Handicap Indexes
Handicap Indexes will be verified as of the specified revision prior to the start of the tournament to determine eligibility and handicaps to be used in the competition. Entrants must have an active 18-Hole GHIN World Handicap Index no higher than 36.0, that is issued by a licensed club that utilizes the WSCGA GHIN Handicap Program. Provided the field is not full, players outside the specified limits may be accepted at the discretion of the WSCGA.
Note: All modified GHIN World Handicap Indexes will be reviewed by The Committee in charge of the competition. The player's score history will be reviewed and the handicap chair responsible for making the modification will be consulted before The Committee determines if the modified index will be permitted for use in the WSCGA Championship in question. All events will use the Handicap Revision seven (7) daysprior to first round of the event being played and will use the USGA recommended handicap allowances according to format.
Tournament Entry Policies
Completed on-line entry forms must be accompanied by the appropriate entry fees. Players have until the tournament entry window deadline to submit entries. On-line Tournament Registration will be open for a 4-week period, with opening date starting 6 weeks, 9:00 a.m. EST prior to the start of the tournament, and closing date at 2 weeks, 5:00 p.m. EST prior to the tournament. Please call the WSCGA office if you need assistance with the entry process.
All entrants will remain on the waitlist until entry fees are processed within 24 hours after the entry deadline. Entrants will be notified via email of their entry status within 48 hours after the entry deadline. Entrants may see their entry may see their entry status by going to the WSCGA website and logging into the tournament site and looking under “Participants”. Entries are subject to rejection at any time (including during the Championship) by the WSCGA. Reason for rejection may include a fraudulent entry or handicap or unbecoming conduct.
Withdrawals and Refunds
If a player needs to withdraw from a WSCGA Championship, she must notify the WSCGA office as soon as possible.
If an entrant is not accepted into a tournament because her handicap is too high, she was on the waiting list, or she withdraws before the entry window deadline, her entry fee will not be processed.
Cancellations: 8 - 14 days prior to the event 7% processing fee. 0 - 7 days prior to the event No Refunds.
In team competitions, if a player needs a substitute for her original partner after the field is closed, she must arrange for another eligible partner and manage the entry fee between partners. The WSCGA office must be notified in advance of the Tournament.
Those players who fail to appear for their assigned tee time without notifying the WSCGA or the host club, may be suspended from play for all WSCGA tournaments for one year. NO Showsalso include withdrawals without notification to the official in charge.
THE FOLLOWING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY:
Breaking of Ties
Overall Gross Champion – Championship, State, and Legends Divisions: The winner of the tied competitors shall be determined by a hole-by-hole golf course play-off, starting on the 18thhole. If no winner is determined after the first hole play-off, they shall play the 18thhole again, and continue until a winner is determined.
All Other Flights: Winners will be determined by a scorecard play-off:
Gross: The winner of the tied competitors shall be determined by matching total scores of the last nine holes of the course. If this does not break the tie, match the total scores of the last six holes of the course. If this does not break the tie, match the total scores of the last three holes of the course. If this does not break the tie, match the score of the last hole of the course. If this method has not broken the tie, the winner shall be determined by going to the number one handicap hole on the scorecard and proceeding in sequence until a winner is determined.
Net: The winner of the tied competitors shall be determined by matching the total net scores of the last nine holes of the course. If this does not break the tie, match the total net scores of the last six holes of the course. If this does not break the tie, matchthe total net scores of the last three holes of the course. If this does not break the tie, match the net score of the last hole of the course. If this does not break the tie, the winner shall be determined by going to the number one handicap hole on the scorecard and proceeding in sequence until a winner is determined.
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Caddie/Cart Policy
Caddies are not permitted in WSCGA events, unless otherwise stated in the specific Tournament information. All players are required to use a cart. Juniors are required to walk in all Junior Championships, but may use a non-motorized pushcart. Players without a driver’s license will be paired with a driving partner or assigned a volunteer driver.
Championship Formats:
AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
The Championship is contested at 54 holes of stroke play. Three sets of teeing grounds will be used; a Championship Tee at approximately 6000 yards, a State Tee at approximately 5200 yards, and a Super Senior Tee (65+) at approximately 4800 yards. All Players with a 5.0 handicap index or less must play the Championship Tee, with the exception of players age 50+ who may play the State or Super Senior Tee if desired. The field will be pre-flighted according to handicap.Only players on the Championship Tee can win the overall Championship title. 95% handicap will be used to determine the Mytrice Riccoboni Net Champion.
JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
The Championship is contested at 54 holes of stroke play. Players are flighted according to age. Age groups are as follows:
11 and under Nine Holes
12-14 Eighteen Holes
15-18 Eighteen Holes
Participants may choose to play in an older age division. If you compete in an older age group you are not eligible to win in a younger age group.
Top six (6) finishers (13 and older) will be invited to compete in the GA/SC Girls Challenge Matches
All Juniors Ages 12 - 18 can earn points for the SCJGA Junior Rankings. They receive seven weights - the highest for any event!
MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP:
Championship Division:Played at approximately 6000 yards. The lowest indexes will be accepted if there are more than 16 entrants. Last year’s Champion will have the first seed. The Maximum number of spots in the Championship flight may be limited to 8 depending on registrations. Any player with an index of 5.0 or below must play in the Championship flight regardless of age. Any player regardless of index may sign up to play in the Championship flight.
State Division: Played at approximately 5200 yards. Consists of players who wish to sign up for the State Division and will be flighted by handicap index and all flights will consist of a maximum of 8 players. There will not be a stroke play qualifying round. All matches will be played with handicaps stroking off the lower handicap in match.
Criers Tournament: All players that get eliminated from the Match Play Championship will be able to play in the Criers Tournament on last day during Final Matches.
MIXED TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (WSCGA/SCGA)
Open to all members of the SCGA and WSCGA who are residents of South Carolina and who have reached their 18thbirthday by date of Championship.
First round - Four Ball stroke play. Second round – Modified Alternate Shot. The field will be flighted within their Division based on the First Round score. Two sets of teeing grounds will be used; a Championship Division tee and a Senior Division tee. To compete in the Senior Division the female player must be older than the age of 50 and the male player must be over the age of 55 years of age. Any team, from any flight may win their respective Division.
PALMETTO CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
Teams of 6 women who must keep a handicap at the club they are representing. Players can only compete on 1 team.
The Palmetto Cup Championship shall be 18 holes, team Four Ball Match Play. The field will consist of 20 teams accepted on a first come, first served basis. Individual Handicap Index limit for entering is 36.0; 90% of team handicap will be used. Teams will be split into 3 teams of two, paired by handicap order from Low – High; named Team A, B & C. Ties for the Championship Title shall be decided by sudden-death playoff of the A Teams from each club.
SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
Open to any female amateur golfer who has reached her 50thbirthday by the first dayof the Championship.
The Championship is contested at 36 holes of stroke play with a Championship Division (ages 50-64; approximately 5400 yards) and a Legends Division (ages 65+; approximately 4800 yards). Players that are age 65 and over may opt to play in the Championship Division but will waive any right to prizes in the Legends Division.
TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
The WSCGA Team Championship shall be 36 holes, stroke play. Two sets of teeing ground will be used: Championship Tee at approximately 5800 yards and State Tee at approximately 5200 yards. The field will consist of 50 teams with the lowest combined handicap-index. Individual Handicap Index limit for entering is 36.0; 85% of team handicap will be used. The first round will be a pre-flighted Best Ball format. The second round will be a Modified Alternate Shot format. The total of the two days scores will determine the winner. Only players on the Championship Tee can win the overall Championship title.
Player’s indexes within the team may not exceed a difference of 10 strokes. If they do, the higher index of the partners will be lowered to be no more than 10 strokes higher than her partner.
Flighting:
Each player’s handicap will be converted to the course handicap.
Each player will then receive 85% of her course handicap.
If the players have more than a 10-stroke differential, the player with the higher handicap index will be lowered so the differential is no greater than 10.
The partner indexes will then be combined.
Flighting will be determined off this combined team handicap.
Oversubscribed Tournament Policy
Each tournament field will be comprised of the lowest registered handicaps. The lowest combined index will be used to determine the lowest handicaps in the WSCGA Team Championship.
Pace of Play Policy
STROKE PLAY: The WSCGA Pace of Play is a “checkpoint” policy based on players reaching a specific point on the course by the time established by the Committee. It replaces the old policy of timing players who were out-of-position and had been warned. The concept is simple: maintain your position on the golf course. It places the responsibility for maintaining the pace where it belongs: with you, the player. Checkpoint pace-of-play is currently being used in USGA competitions and by many other golf associations.
The goal of the WSCGA Pace of Play Policy is to ensure that a reasonable pace of play is maintained by the entire field, not to force an unreasonable pace of play.
Scorecards will have the time your group is expected to complete each hole. If you fall behind, you are expected to play efficient golf and get back into position.
Shotgun Starts: Your group must not be more than 15 minutes behind the group ahead of you. If you can’t see the group ahead of you, your group is out of position and subject to penalty. At the conclusion of the round the field will have 45 minutes to turn in scorecards. The timer starts after the second group in returns their scorecard(s). Anyone/group who turns their scorecard(s) in after this 45 minute period will not be included in the competition and forfeits their rights to any prizes.
Checkpoints: Officials will be present to verify time at the following checkpoints:
#9 Putting Green (Time checked upon completion of #9)
#18 Putting Green (Time checked upon completion of #18)
First Group Missing Checkpoint: Each contestant in the group must add a ONE-STROKE PENALTY to their 9th hole score. If they are also behind the Expected Pace after the second checkpoint, each contestant in the group mustadd an additional TWO-STROKE PENALTY to their score for the 18th hole.
Subsequent Groups: If any subsequent group passes the checkpoint over the expected pace AND more than 15 minutes behind the group in front, each contestant in the group must add a ONE-STROKE PENALTY to their 9th hole score. If they also pass the second checkpoint over the expected pace AND more than 15 minutes behind the group in front, each contestant in the group must add an additional TWO-STROKE PENALTY to their score for the 18th hole. As long as your group is less than 15 minutes behind the preceding group you will not be penalized!
Slow Players: A player concerned about a slow player(s) in her group should first speak with the player(s) and encourage them to play more efficiently. Then, the concerned player may, before or after penalties are assessed, ask to have an official time the group. The individual player does not have to be identified; the request just needs to be made. At some point during the stipulated round, the group will be monitored. If a player is identified as holding up the pace of the group, penalties may be applied to that player only. This is the point where players should step up and identify the slow player.
Appeal Process: Pace of Play penalties may be appealed to the Committee in charge of the event but must be made before scorecards are signed and returned. In order for an appeal to be considered, there must have been an action by the Committee, a circumstance beyond the contestant’s control, or some similar occurrence that contributed to the delay such as an action by an individual member of the group. An appeal may result in a one step reduction of a penalty (i.e., Three strokes to one stroke then one stroke to no penalty, but not three strokes to no penalty). Each appeal is handled separately.
MATCH PLAY: The following are general guidelines that will be used for defining “out of position”:
The first group(s) to start will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, the group is behind the prescribed schedule as detailed on a Pace of Play Time Chart the WSCGA will provide in advance.
Any following group will be considered out of position if it completes play of a hole (replaces the flagstick) later than the maximum allowable time given and:
Reaches a par-3 hole that is clear of all play and all players in the preceding group have played their strokes from the teeing ground of the next hole.
Reaches a par-4 or par-5 hole which is not clear of all play but which becomes clear of all play before all players in the group have played their strokes from the teeing ground.
Reaches a par-4 or par-5 hole which is clear of all play.
If a group is to be monitored, a player generally must play a stroke within 40 seconds from the time he or she can make a stroke without interference or distraction.
The USGA/WSCGA uses the following penalty structure for pace of play violations:
One bad timing exceeding the allotted time – Warning
A second bad timing – Loss of Hole
A third bad timing – Loss of Hole
A fourth bad timing – Disqualification
NOTE: If the group in question regains its proper position, any previous timing of more than the allotted time will be carried over for the remainder of that round in the event that the group requires additional monitoring
Rain/Inclement Weather Policy
A determination as to canceling a tournament, whether a One-Day or a major championship, due to inclement weather will not be determined until the morning of the tournament. We request that participants do not contact the WSCGA offices or the host club prior to that time. Participants will be notified of cancellation/postponement ASAP by e-mail.
If there is potential of a Hurricane during an event, an email will be sent out and the processing of entries will be delayed until we can determine which way the storm is headed. If we have to cancel event, we will make every effort to reschedule at a later date with-in the year.
The WSCGA official-in-charge and the staff of the host club have the authority to discontinue play or cancel an event due to inclement weather or conditions. Competitors may discontinue play only if they consider themselves to be in danger from lightning or for some other factor, such as sudden illness, which the WSCGA official-in-charge considers satisfactory.
If an event is canceled, all entry fees, minus credit card processing fee, will be refunded, with the exception of any club/restaurant fees that they deem non-refundable. No refunds are made to groups or individuals who fail to start due to inclement weather when an event is not canceled.
Players/teams in a multi-day tournament/championship that have a round of play canceled will not be issued a refund for that round
Cell Phone Policy
Cell phones, with ringers turned off, may be used for the purpose of emergencies or business relations only. Any use of a cell phone must be used discreetly and must not distract or disturb your fellow competitors.
Junior Championships: Absolutely no cell phone use permitted.
First Violation: Warning
2ndViolation: 2 Strokes
3rdViolation: Disqualification
Distance Measuring Devices
A player may use a distance measuring device to measure distance only. However, if, during a stipulated round, a player uses a function that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient, wind-speed, temperature, etc.) the player is in breach of Rule 4.3 (1).
Dress Code
The WSCGA Dress Code is designed to maintain an atmosphere consistent with the traditions of the game of golf and the WSCGA. Proper golf attire is required. Tank tops, halter tops, racer-back shirts with no collar, blue jeans, cut-offs, short shorts (less than a 4-inch inseam), or bare feet are considered inappropriate attire.
The WSCGA Tournament Committee is obliged to strictly enforce the dress code as specified by the host course for each Championship. The Committee shall enforce the decision made by the host course staff as to whether the requirements of the dress code have been met. Players are notified of specific host club dress code requirements in the confirmation letter sent out prior to each Championship.
Discontinuing Play
Competitors are permitted to discontinue play in accordance with Rule 6-8 (USGA Rules of Golf). The WSCGA official-in-charge and the staff of the host club also may discontinue play.
Lightning Warnings: Warning Signals: One Long Blast: immediately stop play, mark your golf ball, and return to clubhouse. If a player does not stop play when signaled with One Long Blast, the player will be disqualified (Rules 6-8b, Appendix I). Three Short Blast: Mark you ball and return to clubhouse and/or finish current hole then return to clubhouse. Two Short Blasts: Resume play. Be prepared to return to the course and resume play as soon as it is announced it is safe to continue to play.
If conditions become so severe that play cannot be resumed the same day, the committee may suspend, postpone, or cancel the round. When play is suspended, play will be resumed from where it was stopped, and all posted scores stand. When play is postponed, returned scores may be canceled at the discretion of the committee.
There will only be a prize payout if a minimum of 18 holes are completed in a multi-day Championship, or 9 holes in a one day Championship.
Hole-In-One Club
WSCGA members have the opportunity to participate in the WSCGA’s Hole In One Club. Registration is done on an individual basis, online at www.wscga.org.
- The entry fee is a one time fee of $5 for the present season.
- Sign ups will run January - April of each year.
- You must sign up prior to the hole-in-one.
- The Hole-In-One Club runs from the first tournament of the year to the last tournament of the year. You must have a hole-in-one at a WSCGA tournament (ie: One Day or Championship -- not a practice round)
- The hole-in-one pot will be divided after the last tournament of the season between all hole-in-ones minus 5% for administrative fees.
- If no hole-in-one during the WSCGA season, money will goto the WSCGA. The validity of a hole-in-one will follow these USGA recommendations:
- If made during a round of at least nine holes, except that a hole-in-one made during a match should be acceptable even if the match ends before the stipulated round is completed.
- If attested by someone acceptable to the Committee.
- If made at a hole with a temporary tee and/or putting green in use, even if the Committee did not specifically define the teeing ground with tee-markers; the length of the hole at the time should be stated on any certificate. Must have regulation cup.
- If made in a “scramble” competition, which is played as follows: A side comprises two tofour players. Each member of a side plays from the teeing ground, the best drive is selected, each member plays a second shot from where the best drive is located, and so on.
- You, as the player, must notify the WSCGA Tournament Coordinator (Taylor Lance: (803) 973-9794 orWSCGA Chairman atthe event you play in) of your hole-in-one. Report hole #, yardage and witnesses. Scorecard must have 2 signatures.
- The Hole in One Contest will NOT be valid in a Par Three.Contest/Tournament.
Musical Devices
Players are allowed to use a device to listen to music, a radio broadcast or any other type of broadcast during a stipulated round (Rule 4.3a (4)) through an airpod device in only oneear. Player must announce playlist to starter if doing so prior to round.
Player of the Year Point System
The WSCGA Player of the Year standings are based on a point system earned through performance and participation throughout the golf season. Points are awarded for most of the major women's amateur events across the country. Please see the WSCGA website for Point Chart.
This point system will select the WSCGA Player of the Year and Senior Player of the Year. The WSCGA Board of Governors has additional factors that also will be part of the selection process including, but not limited to: 1) Participation in WSCGA events. 2) Sportsmanship. 3) Scores Posted.
Points earned while playing in a particular event only count towards that specific ranking list. For instance, regular events will not count toward senior rankings and vice versa.
Player's are responsible for submitting information on your finish in non-WSCGA events. Please include Division, Host Association, Event Name, Site, Date, and place you finished.
Points Earned must be submitted by December 17th to be counted.
Rules of Golf
The Rules of Golf shall govern play and also the provided Local Rules and Conditions. Unless otherwise indicated, penalty for breach of a Local Rule is two strokes (stroke play), or loss of hole (match play), and penalty for breach of a Condition of Competition is Disqualification. Additional Local Rules, as deemed advisable, may be imposed during Championships and will be announced to players prior to play. All rules questions shall be settled by The Committee, whose decision shall be final.
Sexual Abuse and Molestation Prevention Policy
Please see “Rules and Policies” at WSCGA.org for full policy
Spectator Policy
The WSCGA highly encourages friends and relatives to follow players as a gallery during WSCGA Championships. Please note that Rule 8-1 in the Rules of Golf states that a player may receive advice only from her caddie or partner. The penalty for giving or asking for advice is two strokes in stroke play, or loss of hole in match play. The player is responsible for following this rule.
Spectators must remain at least 15 yards from players at all times (including all designated practice areas), and are not permitted on fairways or putting greens. There may be NO communication between players and spectators that could be deemed as advice of any nature for the duration of the stipulated round. Those spectators using golf carts must keep their carts on the cart paths, obey all cart rules of the host club, and remain behind the competitors at all times. Spectators must show respect for all players, other spectators, golf course personnel, and WSCGA personnel. Spectators who do not comply with this policy will be asked to leave the golf course. The Committee may disqualify a player from a Championship if a spectator associated with them does not comply with this policy and entry into future WSCGA Championships could also be affected. The player will be permitted to appeal the decision of the Committee to the WSCGA Board of Governors.
For Championships that do not allow spectator carts:
The following protocol has been established with respect to the use of golf carts for disabled spectators:
- Each request requires supporting medical documentation (e.g., physician's slip, ADA handicap card, etc.) will be forwarded to the Golf Committee for approval.
- If the committee approves the use of a cart, the spectator will be charged a daily cart fee for use of the cart.
Amended 01/010/2020