Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour
2024 Rules, Guidelines, and Procedures
Mission Statement
Our mission at the Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour is to provide a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for young golfers to develop their skills and love for the game. Through friendly competition, a focus on sportsmanship, and playing from a skill appropriate yardage, we strive to foster a lifelong passion for golf. Our ultimate goal is to help our young golfers reach their full potential both on and off the course, and to prepare them for success in golf and in life.
Divisions
The Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour places players in divisions based on their skill level, not by age or gender. All players will begin from the shortest distance division, unless they meet one of the test out provisions (see below). Players will compete against all other players in their same division for that event. If players shoot a score at or below the target score for 9 holes they will GRADUATE and advance to the next division at the next event.
Graduate
When players improve and shoot at or below the target score at any Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour tournament that player will graduate and advance to the next division at the next event. Graduating players will also receive an award to commemorate their achievement and be recognized
Target Score
Division Standard Courses Par 3 Courses
White 39 39
Green 39 39
Grey 39 36
Blue 39 33
Yellow 39 30
Yardages
Division Par 3’s Par 4’s Par 5’s Total
White 40 65 90 585
Green 65 90 140 860
Grey 90 140 190 1260
Blue 110 190 240 1650
Yellow 145 240 290 2070
Black 170 290 340 2470
*All yardages are approximate and may vary based on course and tournament conditions
Division Test Out
Players may test out of lower divisions if their skill level has advanced. This may be achieved by;
- Providing tournament scorecards from other junior golf tournaments with the Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour Staff or,
- Player evaluation
The Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour staff will use the above information to better gauge the current playing ability of the player. Placing them in the appropriate division
Tournament Awards
After the completion of the tournament round in each division, awards will be given to the Top 3 finishers, as well as prize money issued to a golf shop gift card.
Tie Breakers
All ties will be broken using the USGA method, in order
- Total score for last 6 holes
- Total score for last 3 holes
- Score for last hole
- Last hole backwards
Free Golf Greens Fees for a Year
Instead of points, the Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour will award the players in each age and gender category that advanced to the highest division through the 2024 season. Players must have played in a minimum of half of the tournaments for the season including the Tour Championship at Kearney Hill on Saturday, July 6. If multiple players have reached the same division from the below categories, the player that shoots the lowest score at Kearney on July 6 will be the winner.
*Due to allowing some players to start further back based on scores or player evaluation with parents, some players may not be eligible for overall Champion. If this occurs players and parents will be contacted in advance and notified before the Tour Championship
Player’s age on April 1, 2024 will determine their placement for the season
Categories Girls 17-15, Girls 14-13, Girls 12-11, Girls 10-9, Girls 8 and younger
Boys 17-15, Boys 14-13, Boys 12-11, Boys 10-9, Boys 8 and younger
Each CHAMPION will receive FREE greens fees at all the 5 Lexington City Golf Courses from July 7, 2024 through July 6, 2025. Good 7 days a week, course accessibility subject to tee time availability based on regular play, tournaments, outings, closures, etc. Cart fees and tournament fees are not included.
Youth on Course
The core purpose of Youth on Course is to provide youth with access to life changing opportunities through golf by offering through discounted daily rates at over 60 participating courses in Kentucky including all Lexington City Golf Courses. Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour Players will earn a discount on tournament entries with a valid and active Youth on Course card number.
For more information and to sign up for Youth on Course membership, CLICK HERE
Pairing Requests
During registration, if your child wishes to play another player in their group, you may request so. Only one request, the other two players will be chosen at random.
Dress Code
The Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour will play different courses in the central Kentucky area. We will want to respect the wishes and dress code of each one of these facilities as we are guests. Dress code will vary per course. Dress code for 5 Lexington City Golf Courses (Kearney, Tates Creek, Lakeside, Picadome, and Meadowbrook) Players may wear t-shirts, golf shirts, golf attire, and the like. Players may wear athletic shorts, shoes, skirts, and more. Players are restricted to any type of footwear that may damage the golf course (boots, soccer cleats, etc) or graphics on clothing that may be considered vulgar or offensive. If the dress code is different from this for other courses we will send an email out to parents before the event.
Behavior
Abusive language, club throwing, cheating, disrespect of other players, officials, volunteers or club staff, abuse to the golf course or facilities, littering or other inappropriate behavior by players, caddies or spectators will not be tolerated. The Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour reserves the right to dismiss any player, caddie or spectator at any time for any reason during an event. Repeat violations may lead to rejection of future entries
Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Drug, alcohol or tobacco use will not tolerated on the golf course or any facility affiliated with the event. The use of these products by players or caddy will result in disqualification and possible suspension from future events.
Code of Conduct Violation Penalties
The Tournament Committee, based on severity and frequency of the violation(s)
- Warn the player,
- Issue a one stroke penalty for breach of conduct
- Disqualify the player from the tournament at which the violation occurs, or
- Depending on the severity of the violation, a tournament disqualification may also result in disqualification from the next tournament(s) for which a player has been accepted.
- The Tournament director reserves the right to suspend or revoke a player’s membership or entries for a serious breach of the Code of Conduct.
- A player’s disregard of others is not limited to the current round but may include repeated offenses from tournament to tournament
USGA Rules
Govern all play except where superseded by a local rule below
Online / Live Scoring
Online and live scoring is mandatory and will be conducted using the Golf Genius app. One player, caddy, or spectator in each group must input their groups scores into Golf Genius using the GGID listed on their scorecard. Players will still keep a paper scorecard for verification purposes only. Online scores will be the official score for the tournament.
Time of Starting/Late to Tee
If a player arrives at his/her tee five minutes or less past his/her starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is two strokes at the first hole. The player may tee-off and join their group with a 2 shot penalty. If a player arrives for his/her tee time more than five minutes after the starting time he/she will receive a score of 8 on that hole. If players group finishes out 1st hole the player can no longer join and will be withdrawn from the tournament. If the Player is more than 5 minutes late for the tee time, they may not join the group during play of 1st hole; they must join them on the next tee.
Conditions of Play
Players may lift, clean and place their ball within one scorecard length of where there ball comes to rest anywhere in the general area of the course. Players must play the ball as it lies in penalty areas and bunkers.
Red Penalty Areas
Red penalty areas are any areas on the course golf marked with either red lines or stakes, in addition to this all tall grass, native, and heathered areas on the golf course are to be played as a red penalty area. Most of these areas will not be marked red but are to be played as such. If you are unsure if an area is in this category or not please see Tournament Rules official. Refer to Rule 17 in USGA Rules of Golf for options and clarification.
Lost Ball
If a ball is lost in the general area of the golf course (not in a penalty area, bunker, or out of bounds) the player may, with assistance from their playing partners, determine the closest point where the ball should have mostly likely been. After finding that spot, the player may drop another ball into play within 2 club lengths of that spot, add 1 penalty shot, and continue play. Players may not take more than three minutes to search for their ball once they arrive to the area. Once three minutes have elapsed the ball is considered lost.
8 Shot Rule/Stroke Limit
A player shall take no more than 8 strokes on a hole. Once 8 has been reached, a player must pick up their ball and wait for the other players in the group to complete the hole. The score of 8 will count for the hole score, players are not disqualified or exempt from winning prizes because of picking up for an 8.
Miss/Whiff
While attempting to hit a shot anywhere on the golf course, it is only considered a shot if the ball moves from its original location. Missing the ball/whiffing will be considered a practice stroke whether the player intended to hit the ball or not.
Distance Measuring Device
Players are permitted to use optical devices (rangefinders) that measure distance based on a through-the-scope calculation by the player. GPS (global positioning system) devices with pre-programmed distances, and devices capable of gauging or measuring other conditions, are permitted. If GPS device shows slope or wind speed, these options must be disabled for tournament. If not disabled, a player will be accessed an 8 on any hole used.
Caddie Policy
Junior players are allowed to have a caddy for tournaments. Caddies must be 18 years of age or older. Caddies are encouraged not to emphasize winning, get too involved, or “over-coach". A caddie may NOT assist in any way during the swing or make official rulings. Caddies are an extension of the player and any actions that may violate the rules of golf or PGL GB guidelines and procedures will apply to the player. Caddies must not unduly delay play.
Ready Golf
In the interest of pace of play, ready golf will be used for all Play Golf Lex Gilber Bunnell Junior Tour events.
- Players that are ready to play first may play away, regardless of their position on the course, ie teeing ground, general area, putting green etc. being mindful of your fellow golfers and safety
- Players should take no more than 45 seconds from the time their turn begins to hit their shot, players monitored in violation of this will be assessed penalty strokes
Pace of Play
Players should play without undue delay and use ready golf practices. Ideal pace of play will be set at no more than 12-13 minutes per hole for twosomes, 13-14 minutes per hole for threesomes, and 14-15 minutes per hole for foursomes. Caddies are asked to please refrain from over-coaching the player. It is the caddie’s duty to help the player hit each shot within a reasonable period of time. Play “READY GOLF” and walk quickly.
A group will be deemed to be out of position on the golf course when they are over time par. When it is determined that a group is out of position on the golf course the group will be warned and asked to speed up play. If the group does not get back into position, any player in that group who does not play their stroke within 45 seconds when it is their turn will get a warning. A second warning will incur a one-stroke penalty. Subsequent warnings will incur a two-stroke penalty for each occurrence not to exceed the maximum of an 8 on each hole in question. The 45-second rule is in place to assure playing without “undue delay” and to prevent over coaching and slow play.
|
Group |
1st Hole |
2nd Hole |
3rd Hole |
4th Hole |
5th Hole |
6th Hole |
7th Hole |
8th Hole |
9th Hole |
|
Twosome |
:12 |
:24 |
:36 |
:48 |
1:00 |
1:12 |
1:24 |
1:36 |
1:48 |
|
Threesome |
:13 |
:26 |
:39 |
:52 |
1:05 |
1:18 |
1:31 |
1:44 |
1:57 |
|
Foursome |
:14 |
:28 |
:42 |
:56 |
1:10 |
1:24 |
1:40 |
1:54 |
2:08 |
Scoring for Tournaments
Immediately follow the completion of your last hole. All players in that group are to proceed to the scoring area together where scores will be verified, attested, and posted.
Disqualification Policy
No player will be disqualified for any violations of the Rules of Golf. Instead, the player will be assessed a maximum score of 8 on any hole where the infraction would normally lead to disqualification. In situations where the round or hole has been completed, the score of 8 will apply to the last hole played or to the hole where the infraction occurred. Exceptions: Code of Conduct violations
Signals for Suspension and Resumption of Play
If play is suspended by one long siren or horn blast or verbal direction by a Rules Committee member, the player must immediately discontinue play and look for shelter. All practice areas are closed during suspension for a dangerous situation until the Committee has declared them open for use. Penalty for breach of this rule is an 8 on the first hole when play resumes. It is the player’s responsibility to be ready when play resumes that will be signaled by two short siren blasts repeated or verbal direction. All players failing to start play on time after a delay will be assessed a score of 8 on that and any subsequent hole(s) on which their group has already begun play. A player may not join a group during play of the hole; but must join them on the next tee. A player may discontinue play and seek shelter if he believes there is dangerous weather (lightning, tornado, hurricane, etc.) regardless of whether any tournament suspension siren has been heard. The player must report to the committee as soon as practical. Bad weather (rain, wind, etc.) is not itself a good reason for discontinuing play.
The Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell tournament staff will make all decisions regarding weather delays and/or cancellations on site the day of the event. The intention is to play the event on its scheduled day, and everything possible will be done in order to do so.
Spectator Policy
Spectators may rent a golf cart at the discretion of the golf course but must remain on the cart path or in rough where there is no path at all times. All spectators walking must remain on the cart path or in the rough at all times. Spectators may not give players advice during the round. First offense: warning; Second offense: two-stroke penalty against the player; Third offense: Immediate removal of the spectator from the golf course.
Result of the Competition
When all the scorecards have been signed, attested, collected and approved by the Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour scoring staff member, the result of the competition is deemed to have been officially announced.
Range balls
Range balls are not included in tournament entry fees. Any players wishing to hit balls may purchase them in the pro shop before the round. Range availablilty will vary by golf course.
Cart Rental
When carts are available and permitted by the host facility, spectators and caddies may rent carts at their own expense. Anyone renting a cart must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license. Spectator carts are to be kept on the cart path or in rough away from fairway when no path available at all times - No Exceptions.
Caddies may rent a cart during PGL GB Junior Tour events at their own expense if carts are allowed by the host facility based on availability. Caddie carts must follow posted golf course cart guidelines for that day (90* rule, Cart Path Only, etc)
Players are not allowed to drive carts
We encourage spectators and caddie carts to transport players and their clubs between golf holes only. Players or caddies should carry or push clubs and walk the duration of the hole from players tee to green
Push/Pull Carts
Push or pull carts are permitted during competition
Safety
Participation during a golf tournament can be dangerous. Please be aware of others near you at all times on the course and practice areas. When driving or riding in a golf cart, please follow the manufacturers safety notices at all times. Riding in a cart or being struck by a club or ball can cause serious injury or death. Should a player or caddie feel there are dangerous weather conditions, or are alerted to another good reason such as illness, they may discontinue play. Seek shelter or medical help should these conditions arise. You may use a cell phone to call for help at any time during an event. While necessary precautions are taken by the Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour and the host facility to insure everyone’s safety, it is important that everyone work together to provide a safe environment.
Late Registration Policy
- Registration for all Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour events will close 3 days prior to event day.
- A player may request entry into an event after registration closes by emailing Chris Boysel, PGA at cboysel@lexingtonky.gov
- A late registration request will be accepted only if there is open space available
- Once tee times are created, posted and e-mailed, it is difficult to change.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
All cancellation requests should be submitted online through the Play Golf Lex Gilbert Bunnell Junior Tour tournament page or through the confirmation email received for that event.
Waiting List
If an event is full at the time a player is registering, that player will be placed on a waiting list.
- If spots in an event open up BEFORE TEE TIMES ARE CREATED, those spots will be filled based on the order of registration on the waiting list
- If spots in an event open up AFTER TEE TIMES ARE CREATED, those spots will be filled based on the order of registration within the player’s division and tee times available
- Any player that is added from a waiting list will be notified via email of their opportunity to compete in that event