TERMS OF THE COMPETITION – The Concord Cup 2023
1. Format
1.1 – The Men’s and Women’s Concord Cups (the Championship) shall be decided over 54 holes stroke play.
1.2 - In the event of a tie for the Cup, and conditions permitting, a 2-hole playoff will occur on holes 10 & 9 with the lowest aggregate score being determined as the winner. If a play-off is still required, it will be sudden death on the 10th & 9th holes until a winner is determined. If a playoff is not possible the winner will be determined using the Golf Australia countback system. Where there are ties for runner-up and lower placings, prize winners will be determined using the Golf Australia countback system.
2. Championship Committee
2.1 - The Championship Committee shall comprise the Concord Captains, General Manager and other members of the Concord Course & Match Sub Committee.
2.2 - The Championship Committee shall have the sole management and control of the Championship with full power at any time to alter or vary any of the conditions.
2.3 - The Championship Committee's decision on matters affecting the Championship shall be final. Protests must be made in writing and submitted to the Championship Committee within 15 minutes of the conclusion of the day's play.
3. Rules of Play
3.1 - The Rules of Golf, as adopted by R&A Rules Ltd shall apply together with Local Rules as drawn up by the Championship Committee.
3.2 – Players may only rely on rulings by the Championship Committee or an appointed tournament referee.
4. Entries
4.1- Entries must be made via an online entry (Golf Genius)
4.2 - The entrance fee is AUD $200 (includes GST), payable at the time of entry.
4.3 - Eligible players are male amateurs whose handicap at the close of entries does not exceed 4.0 GA (or overseas equivalent) and female amateurs whose handicap at the close of entries does not exceed 8.0 GA (or overseas equivalent).
4.4 - In the event of the number of applicants exceeding the places available in the Championship, those applicants with the highest handicaps (relative to the maximum allowed handicap) will be progressively removed from the competition, provided that the 56 lowest handicapped female entrants will be exempt from this process. In the event of applicants with the same handicap being liable for removal, there shall be a ballot amongst them to determine who will be removed. Ballot and removal of players will be conducted on players’ GA handicap at the time of close of entries.
4.5 - Entries close at 5:00 pm Thursday 2 February 2023.
4.6 - Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of the Championship Committee.
4.7 - Entries will not be accepted by telephone.
4.8 - Entry fees will only be refunded where an entrant:
- withdraws before the close of entries;
- withdraws after the close of entries on medical grounds (the withdrawal must be accompanied by an appropriate medical certificate);
- fails to qualify for the starting field; or
- withdraws after being placed on the reserve list.
4.9 - Entries must be accompanied by a copy of the entrant's current handicap record for the previous six months, officially endorsed by the entrant's club, unless the entrant has provided his Golf Link number on the entry form.
5. Starting Times
Rule 5.3a applies.
6. Registration
Competitors must register 30 minutes before their allotted tee time at the designated registration area in the Golf Shop.
7. Golf Australia Policies
All competitors must comply with the following Golf Australia policies:
- Match Fixing policy
- Code of conduct
8. Pace of Play
Rule 5.6 will be strictly enforced and a Pace of Play policy endorsed. Penalties will be issued to individuals in such groups, who infringe on the endorsed Pace of Play guidelines (available at the event). Warnings may not be issued before penalties.
9. Golf Balls
It is obligatory for all competitors in the Championship to play with a ball that is listed in the current R & A and/or USGA Conforming Golf Balls list. Penalty: Disqualification
10. Motorised Transport
Players must not ride on any form of transportation during a stipulated round unless authorized by the Committee or a referee. A player who will play, or has played, under stroke and distance penalty is always authorised to use motorised transport to return to the point from which the previous shot was played and/or to re-join their group. Penalty: 2 strokes for each hole at which the breach occurs. A breach between holes is deemed to have occurred at the next hole.
Caddies may use motorised transportation provided:
(i) The competitor does not accept a ride at any time during the stipulated round.
(ii) The competitor does not accept advice from any other person travelling with the caddie.
11. By-Laws, Rules and Dress Regulations
Entrants shall comply with the by-laws, rules and dress regulations of Concord Golf Club. Players and or Caddies not dressed appropriately will not be allowed access to the course. Dress regulations are available at www.concordgolfclub.com.au
12. Player Live Scoring – Use of Mobile Phones
The Championship uses a live scoring phone-based app (Golf Genius) for recording and confirmation of scores. Players are requested to enter scores after the completion of every 3 holes, or more frequently if desired. Certification of scores will take place electronically at the scorer’s desk on completion of the round. Phones should be kept on silent when entering scores. Paper-based scorecards will not be provided.
Apart from the use of mobile phones for recording scores, the use of a mobile phone by a player or their caddie, whilst on the golf course during the event is distracting and inconsiderate. A mobile phone may otherwise only be used to contact an official to request assistance with a ruling, or as a Distance Measuring Device (in silent mode).
If the player or their caddie is in the possession of a mobile phone it should be on silent. If the phone rings this is deemed to be in use and a breach of the Code of Conduct that applies, and the Committee may take disciplinary action against the offending player in accordance with Rule 1.2 “Standards of Player Conduct”.
13. Consumption of Alcohol
The consumption of alcohol by competitors and caddies on the course during a stipulated round is strictly prohibited. Penalty: Disqualification
14. Distance Measuring Devices
A player may use distance measuring devices in accordance with Rule 4.3a. No Local Rule applies.
15. Suspension of Play
The following signals shall apply:
Suspension for a dangerous situation (requiring immediate suspension of play) will be signalled by one prolonged air-horn note.
All other types of suspension (where players may complete their current hole) will be signalled by three consecutive air-horn notes, repeated.
Resumption of play will be signalled by two short air-horn notes, repeated.
All practice areas are closed during suspension for a dangerous situation (e.g. lightning) until the Committee has declared them open.
16. Practice
One practice round prior to the Championship is available to applicants accepted into the starting field at times suitable to Concord GC. Players who are accepted into the field at close of entries may arrange a practice round by calling the Golf Shop on 02 9743 0265. Players are encouraged to make those arrangement as soon as possible after entries into the field are confirmed.
17. Prizes
Prizemoney will be awarded for the five best Men’s & three best Women’s individual aggregate gross scores over the three rounds.