IMPORTANT! GHIN Digital Golfer Profiles

 

Beginning in January 2021, in order to improve data security and golfer privacy, golfers will need to create a digital profile (username / password) to access the mobile app or ghin.com. Golfers will no longer simply use their last names / GHIN numbers. 

 

  • Golfers cannot share an email address (e.g. spouse/partner) - only one digital profile can be tied to one unique email address. The first person to setup a digital profile will "claim" that email address. Another email address must be provided for the other golfer. 

 

  • If golfers do not provide an email address, they will not be able to create a digital profile and log into the GHIN mobile app or ghin.com. They will be able to access a Club Kiosk or have a Club Admin post scores on their behalf. 

 

  • Any child under the age of 13 will be considered a "Minor" and as per the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), they will not be able to provide an email address in GHIN, and thus will not be able to access ghin.com or the mobile app. Minors will have to be linked to a guardian who can access the products and post on their behalf. 

 

New Rules / 2019 / January 01

 

Top 15 Rules deemed by our Rules Chair Jerry Hauck:

 

1- Search time for a lost ball is now 3 minutes

2- If you move the ball during the search for a lost ball now has NO PENALTY. Must be put back in original spot.

3- Embedded ball from ANY AREA may be picked, cleaned and DROPPED from knee height to original spot.

4- All drops are to be made from knee height from standing position.

5- If ball hits player or equipment accidentally, play where it finishes. NO PENALTY

6- A double hit is NO PENALTY. Counts as the stroke only.

7- Touching sand incidentally is NO PENALTY. May not smooth area.

8- Loose impediments may be moved in any area, fairway, rough, sand, etc. IF BALL MOVES, ONE STROKE PENALTY.

9- Unplayable lie in bunker, a 4th option is added. You may drop in line with flagstick and ball outside the bunker. Ball must be dropped from knee height and count 2 STROKE PENALTY.

10- PENALTY AREAS. Water hazards are now called red or yellow penalty areas. Water is not necessary and allows player relief with a drop and 1 STROKE PENALTY.

11- Repairing damage on greens allowed, including cleat marks. NO PENALTY

12- Ball moves on green after being marked and put back. IS NOT PLAYED FROM WHERE IT ENDS UP. MUST BE REPLACED AT ORIGINAL SPOT. NO PENALTY.

13- Ball moved pin green accidentally by player, replace to original spot. NO PENALTY

14- Touching the ground or water in all penalty areas allowed. You are allowed to touch ground in penalty areas and even put club in water behind the ball, NO PENALTY

15- May leave flagstick in while putting at any length. If ball is wedged against flagstick and part of ball is below green surfaced level, it determined to be made.

 

 

Handicap helpful hints

 

 

If my ball lands on a cart path, do I get relief?

 

If the path is artificially covered (asphalt, cement or gravel or dirt placed to create the path), then it is an immovable obstruction and you are entitled to relief. There is no free relief if the path is created over time by foot or cart traffic.

 

 

REMINDER

If you play a round by yourself, you cannot record your score. You must have someone with you to verify the score to be entered for handicap purposes.

 

Why is my handicap so hard to outscore?

 

How often should you beat your handicap?

 

Not often, in fact, you should average about three strikes higher than your handicap.

 

For example, if you have a course handicap of 16, and the Course Rating is 71.2, you should average 90, not 87.  The USGA Handicap System is based on 96 percent of the best 20 differentials (corrected for Course and Slope ratings) of your last 20 rounds.  More than half of your scores be within three strokes over your handicap (87 to 93 in this example).  Most golfers beat their handicap (86 or better in this example) only 20 percent of the time and beat it by three strokes one of every 20 rounds.

 

For a person with a course handicap of 6 to break 80 (beat his handicap by eight strokes), it wold take the average golfer more than 700 years. In other words, it ain’t happening.

 

Current rules questions/answers quiz (see below for Centennial local rules):


What to say, when to say it or does anything need to be said?  These are questions we have all asked ourselves in the midst of life’s situations and now every golfer must ask themselves the same questions when applying the Rules.  A few Rules require a golfer to have a verbal conversation with either his or her opponent, a marker, a fellow-competitor or the Committee.  Still other Rules prohibit having certain conversations with any of the above.  This month we look at the Rules that require a golfer to either hold his tongue or verbally announce his intentions or actions.

Questions:  True/False

  1. A player may ask a spectator for a club suggestion but must not ask another golfer playing in the same competition.
  2. Prior to declaring a ball unplayable and lifting it, a player must announce their intentions to another golfer playing in the same group.
  3. In match play, if a player incurs a one stroke penalty for relief from a water hazard, he or she is not required to inform the opponent of the penalty if the opponent observed the procedure.
  4. After hitting a ball towards an out of bounds fence, a player intends to play a provisional ball but doesn’t announce it as a provisional ball before making a stroke.  The original ball is now out of play and must not be played even if found on the course.
  5. In a competition where the “one ball” condition is in effect, players must announce or at the very least show their fellow players what ball they are playing and any markings prior to teeing off on the first hole. 
  6. In stroke play, a player unsure of a procedure may complete the hole with two balls.  If the player fails to announce which ball he or she wishes to have count before taking further action, the Rule will determine which ball the player must count. 
  7. A player in match play may ask their opponent during play of a hole how many strokes the opponent has taken on the hole. 
  8. In match play, when asked by an opponent how many strokes he or she has taken on a hole, the player must answer before any player makes another stroke.
  9. Before putting, a player sees a fellow-competitor attending the flagstick.  The player putted without ever verbally requesting that the flagstick be attended.  As the player has not verbally authorized that the flagstick be attended, the fellow-competitor is in breach of Rule 17-2 for unauthorized attendance.
  10. A player who is uncertain of how to proceed plays two balls scoring the same with both balls.  Because the score was the same, the player isn’t required to report the procedure to the Committee.

Answers:

  1. False.  Rule 8-1 restricts a player from asking advice from anyone other than his or her partner or either of their caddies.  Therefore, asking advice from a spectator is a breach of the Rules and would result in a loss of hole penalty in match play or two strokes in stroke play.
  2.  False.  When a player declares their ball unplayable under Rule 28, or decides to take relief from a water hazard under Rule 26, they may do so without any announcements.  However, see question #3 for a small caveat in match play.
  3. True.  Rule 9-2 requires a player in a match to inform their opponent when they have incurred a penalty but only if the opponent did not witness the situation.  Failure to inform the opponent of a penalty as soon as practicable results in a loss of hole penalty.
  4.  True.  Under Rule 27-2, intention of the player is not sufficient for the play of a provisional ball.  An announcement must precede the stroke at the provisional ball.  The announcement must include the word “provisional” or make it very clear that the player is proceeding under Rule 27-2.  Making a stroke at the second ball, without announcing it as a provisional ball, renders the original ball lost and the second ball is in play under stroke and distance.
  5. False.  The “one ball” condition of competition (See Appendix) requires a player to use the same brand and model of golf ball throughout the round but there is no requirement that the player announce which brand or any markings placed on the ball. 
  6. True.  Most players know that when in doubt of a procedure they may complete the hole with two balls in stroke play.  However, the majority of golfers fail to announce which ball they want to have counted in their score.  This results in the Rule deciding their score and often producing an undesirable score.  Rule 3-3 doesn’t require an announcement, but makes it a suggestion and would be generally advantageous for the player to do so. 
  7. True.  Under Rule 9-2 a player has the right to know the status of the hole being played as it might influence decisions regarding his or her own play.  See question # 8 for further clarification.
  8. False.  The player may withhold the information requested if it is the player’s turn to play.  He or she must give the answer before the opponent makes their next stroke.  See Decision 9-2/4.
  9. False.  Although no authorization was made, Rule 17-1 Note 2 states that if the flagstick is attended with the player’s knowledge, he or she is deemed to have authorized it.
  10. False.  Failure to inform the Committee of playing two balls results in disqualification of the player regardless of the recorded score.  Anytime a player plays two balls under Rule 3-3 (Doubt as to Procedure) or Rule 20-7 (Correction of a serious breach of playing from wrong place) the player is required to inform the Committee of the procedure. 

 

 

CENTENNIAL RULES

 

Standing Committees and Standing Rules are defined in the following Addenda.  All

Addenda are treated as standing rules under Robert’s Rules of Order.

 

Addendum I – Standing Committees.

 

Section 1.  Titles

 

  1. The titles of the standing committees are:Board of Directors, Golf, Handicap, Rules, Social, Publicity, and Twilight League.
  2. The Board appoints the Chairmen of these committees.
  3. The committees may be consolidated depending on the size and needs of the Club.
  4. Committees may remain inactive if there is no need for that committee to function.
  5. The Committee Chairmen may be appointed as voting board members for Club business.

 

.  Duties of Committees

 

  1. Board of Directors
    1. The Officers are members of the Board of Directors (hereafter known as the Board).
    2. The Officers manage the affairs of the club through the activities of the Board.
    3. The Board will meet at least once every three months.
    4. The Board may appoint one or more Committee Chairmen as voting members of the Board for a one year term.
    5. A majority of the voting members of the Board constitute a quorum.

 

  1. Golf:
    1. Plan and conduct all competitions.
    2. Prepare the schedule of events and, upon approval by the Board, distribute to the members.
    3. Distribute responsibility of the program among the committee members and acquaint players with procedures.
    4. Publish and post special conditions of play.
    5. Assist in preparation of Local Rules, if any, to be used for play.
    6. Post USGA and Local Rules and explain these Rules to players.

 

  1. Handicap:

                 1.    Assume responsibility for scoring, handicap revisions, turning in                                                                   

                                      score cards, assessing penalties, maintaining records and notifying

                                      members of changes.

                               2.    Announce course rating and tees to be used for play.

                             3.    Issue handicap cards to members of a periodic list of players with a handicap index.

 

  1. Rules:
    1. Oversee and adjudicate rules disputes.

 

  1. Social:
    1. Create suitable activities in conjunction with the golf program.

 

  1. Publicity:
    1. Keep members advised of activities.
    2. Distribute information regarding the club to the media and to the sponsoring organization.

 

  1. Twilight League:
    1. Conduct a Twilight League on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
    2. The league will operate under “Centennial Twilight League-League Rules”.

 

 

 

 

Addendum II – Local Rules.

 

1. Stones in bunkers.

 

Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions and can be removed without penalty.

 

2. Winter Rules (Preferred Lies).

 

When the committee determines that the course cannot be played fairly “as the ball lies”, Centennial GC Men’s Club will distribute Guidelines for “Preferred Lies” or “Winter Rules” with instructions on how to proceed with play on the course.

 

3. Pace of Play.

 

The pace of play is 4 hours and 30 minutes for 18 holes and 2 hours and 15 minutes for 9 holes.   The penalty for not completing play within the allotted time may be disqualification as determined by the committee. The completion of play is defined as the time when the signed scorecard is turned in to the tournament scorer as assigned by the committee.

 

4. Aeration holes.

 

The ball coming to rest in an aeration hole may be marked, cleaned, and placed as near as possible to the original spot (no nearer the hole) without penalty. The committee will determine if aeration holes are present.

.

5.Staked Trees.

 

A staked tree with a rope attached between the tree and the stake which interferes with the player’s stance or swing; or the line of flight of the ball may cause damage to the staked tree; the ball must be lifted, without penalty, and dropped within one club of the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole. If the ball is in a hazard, the ball must be dropped in the hazard.

 

6. Uncertain Rule Interpretation.

 

If a rules interpretation situation occurs where members of your group are not certain of the correct rule interpretation or the group cannot agree as to the interpretation, the player should play two balls for the remainder of that hole under each variation of the rule, and then seek the correct rule interpretation from the course professional at the end of your round and before turning in your scorecard. No strokes are incurred for the ball abandoned after the rule interpretation is obtained.

 

7. One ball rule.

 

The one ball rule is not in effect.

 

8. Measuring Devices.

 

USGA/OGA approved devices for gauging or measuring distances may be used in Men’s Club events.

 

9.. Rules of golf.

 

USGA Rules govern all play except for Local Rules.

 

Addendum III – Handicapping Policy

 

The purpose of the USGA Handicap System is to make the game of golf more enjoyable by enabling golfers of differing abilities to compete on an equitable basis.  The System provides a fair Course Handicap for each player regardless of ability, and adjusts a player’s USGA Handicap Index up or down as the player’s game changes.  At the same time, the System disregards high scores that bear little relation to the player’s potential ability and promotes continuity by making a Handicap Index continuous from one playing season or year to the next.  A USGA Handicap Index is useful for all forms of play and is issued only to individuals who are members of a golf club.  Two basic premises underlie the USGA Handicap System, namely that each player will try to make the best score at every hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played, and that the player will post every acceptable round for peer review.  The player and the player’s Handicap Committee have joint responsibility for adhering to these premises.

(Section 1-1, USGA Handicap System Manual, 2006-2007)

 

The following Handicapping and Score Posting Procedures are in effect beginning February 1, 2007 at Centennial GC Men’s Club for all members desiring to have an OGA/USGA Handicap Index.  These procedures must be adhered to as part of “Requirements for Compliance” with USGA handicapping standards, and for Centennial GC Men’s Club to retain certified and licensed membership status in the Oregon Golf Association.  We firmly believe that “A player must earn a USGA Handicap Index.  No player has an inherent right to a USGA Handicap Index without providing full evidence of his ability to the golf club’s Handicap Committee.”  (Section 8-4, USGA Handicap System Manual).

 

 

 

  1. A Handicap Committee has been appointed to ensure that the full intent of the USGA Handicap System is followed.  (Section 8-1)  Our club meets the USGA “Definition of a Golf Club”.  At least one member of the Handicap Committee will be officially certified by the OGA through their Handicap Certification Program. Our club has been licensed by the USGA to issue Handicap Indexes.  (Section 2, Section 8, Club Compliance Checklist)

 

  1. All rounds are to be played in accordance with the principles of the Rules of

Golf.  Although “Preferred Lies” or “Winter Rules” are not endorsed by the USGA or the OGA, a written policy, Guidelines for “Preferred Lies” or “Winter Rules” has been adopted by this club, for Men’s Club events only, and will be posted or distributed for clarification when the weather conditions are adverse enough to warrant such a declaration.  All rounds played under Preferred Lies still must be posted in active season.  (Section 5, 7)

 

  1. Member’s scores are to be returned to Centennial Golf Course GHIN computer. 

Please note the Handicap Revision Schedule for the thirteen times per year that updated handicaps are issued for all clubs in the OGA district.  Since the OGA is a seasonal association, there is an active handicapping period and an “off-season” in which local scores are not to be posted to your score history.  Please take note to these dates.  Handicap cards/stickers are available for pick-up (or you may sign up to receive your update via email through www.oga.org) on revision days at Centennial Golf Course GHIN computer. (Section 8) 

 

  1. All eligible scores must be posted to your score history, including all 9-hole

rounds!  See OGA score posting flyers for detailed clarification.  Home scores are to be posted within 7 days of the round and away scores within 10 days (or you may simply post as a guest at the away courses.)  If the player fails to post an acceptable score within these guidelines, the Committee will post the actual score (if we know what that is) or a penalty score.  Each golfer is responsible for adjusting their own scores for Equitable Stroke Control and for knowing how to adjust scores for not finishing either a hole or a completed round.   If you are confused about the proper adjustments, please consult the bulletin board or ask a

Committee member.  (See “Score Posting Responsibilities”).  If you are traveling during the OGA off-season to Sunbelt states, those rounds MUST be posted to your scoring history.  Post where you play, if at all possible.  It is imperative that you get your rounds posted prior to the season start date as the OGA updates Handicap Indexes on opening day as a courtesy to Sunbelt travelers.  If you find you have made a mistake in posting at any time during the year, please enter it on the “Posting Errors” clipboard and the Handicap Committee will make the correction to your score history as soon as possible. (Section 4, 5, 8)

 

  1. Peer review is an essential part of the USGA Handicap System and will be in place at all times at this club!  Any other member must freely view members’ scores at any time by way of inquiries on ghin.com.  The responsibility rests on all of us to keep each other honest!  Please point out to your fellow players when they are not observing either the Rules of Golf or the Handicap System.  If the player refuses to abide by the proper procedures, do not hesitate to contact the Handicap Committee.  We are determined to keep our games fair and can only do so if everyone follows the same rules.

 

  1. As stated in the USGA Handicap System Manual, the Handicap Committee has the responsibility for making certain that player has a USGA Handicap Index reflecting potential ability.  Under the following circumstances, it will be necessary for the Handicap Committee to adjust the player’s Handicap Index.

 

    1. Improving Faster Than a System Can React.
    2. Numerous Away or Internet Scores Change Index.
    3. Temporary Disability.
    4. Failure to Post.
    5. Player Manipulates Round:  posting erroneous scores, stopping play after 6 holes to avoid posting scores, repeatedly playing more than one ball to avoid posting scores, not adjusting hole scores under Section 4, deliberately reporting more or fewer strokes than actually scored, or deliberately taking extra strokes to inflate a score.

                   f.   Continued violations of Section 5-1f (Unacceptable Scores”).

If it is necessary to attach a penalty score, it will be denoted as a “P” score on a member’s score history and the member will not be notified.  If a modification (adjustment) is due, a letter will be sent to the member describing the infraction and what the adjustment will be to his Handicap Index.  The member will be invited to respond to the Committee prior to the official adjustment.  If a member persists to violate clauses within Section 5-1f and thereby does not observe the spirit of the USGA Handicap System, the Handicap Committee is authorized and encouraged to consider withdrawal of the player’s Handicap Index. (Section 8).

 

 

  1. A Tournament Committee has been appointed to administer club events.

Certain events listed on the club calendar shall be denoted as “tournaments” and these rounds will be posted as “T” scores to members’ score histories by the Committee, not by the individual golfer.  Tournament performance will be reviewed by the Handicap Committee and if a golfer has had their Handicap Index reduced for exceptional tournament play, the Committee may further reduce or override the reduction after careful evaluation (the player has a right to appeal to the committee if they wish), or continue to allow the reduction to run its normal course.  Only the club’s Handicap Committee can make an override decision, not the OGA nor the USGA.  (Section 8-4 and 10-3)

 

  1. For new members, the Handicap Committee will make every effort to obtain any

previous scoring records available with corresponding USGA Course and Slope Ratings (through the player’s previous golf club, authorized golf association, or computation service, or by communicating directly with the player) so that a continuous history can be maintained.  If such a scoring history is unavailable, the new member must return five scores to establish a USGA Handicap Index at the next revision period.  (Section 8)

 

If there are any questions regarding these procedures, please contact a member of the Handicap Committee for clarification and assistance.  Please check the handicap bulletin board for pertinent information from our club, USGA and the OGA throughout the year. 

 

We ask that you assist us in providing equitable and accurate handicaps at our club by complying with all of these policies.  Your role is essential in helping to make the game of golf at Centennial GC Men’s Club both fair and enjoyable. 

 

 

Addendum IV- Standing Rules.

 

1.Members of the Club must be 18 years of age.

 

2.Age appropriate tees are approved for individual play (BM 3-8-11).

 

3.Age appropriate tees (white-green) are approved for all play except the Stroke Play Championship (purple-white-green (BM 1-17-12).

 

 

Addendum V – Resolutions

 

None

 

Addendum VI – Amendments

 

These Addenda may be repealed or amended, or new Addenda adopted by a majority of the members present at an Annual Meeting, a majority of board members at any Board Meeting, or at any special meeting held for that purpose.