Player's Club - How To:

Rule 4-2(a) Playing Characteristics of Club Changed

Rule 4-2(a) Playing Characteristics Changed

During a stipulated round, the playing characteristics of a club MUST Not be purposely changed by adjustment or by any other means.

It is important to note clubs must conform to USGA standards and no foreign Material should be added to the face of the club.  Club manufacturers have built clubs (mostly Drivers and Putters) which allow for adjustment.  Whatever adjustment a player makes MUST be done prior to the start of his/her round.  4-2(a) is specific which addresses clubs that are altered by adjustment or adding weight once the round begins.

If a player makes an adjustment to a club once their stipulated round has started, they are subject to a 2 stroke penalty per occurrence (max. 4 strokes).  Continued use of a club that has been adjusted could result in disqualification.  Visit www.usga.org to learn more about Rule 4 – Clubs in The Decisions on The Rules of Golf.  You will hear often that the Rules of Golf are the responsibility of the player and not knowing a rule does not eliminate the penalty associated with the breach of the rules.

2011 Season Kick Off - Stonewall Orchard

Registration for the first event on the Chicago North schedule will close April 10th, 2011 and now is the time to reserve a spot in the tournament.  Guests of a Member or Non-Member are welcome to play but not permitted to compete for the Trophy or Prize Fund.  A $20 refund will be given at the time of the tournament to guests or non-member.

As you prepare for tournament golf, remember that we will play in most weather conditions so ensure that you are prepared.  A tournament will only be cancelled if conditions are too extreme or the course is closed.  The weather in April is unpredictable and can change during a round, don't allow the conditions ruin the round by not being prepared.

Any questions regarding the tournament at Stonewall Orchard, contact John Downey 630-750-3121 or jdowney@gcamtour.com.

Player Status - Pending Approval

A question has been raised by a member: “How do I see all the participants when I click View All, they don’t appear?” 

Pending Approval is merely a place holder designation until a member’s credit card is processed or payment has been received.  Once a player has paid for the tournament or credit card has been processed, the player becomes active and the “Pending Approval” drops off.  Those who have already been approved will not appear in the list of Pending Approval’s.  So if there are 3 Active and 25 Pending, the field size is 28.

To see how many players are competing within a flight, simply click on the Flight Filter button and the report will sort by flight.  Note; if anyone flight has less than 6 participants, both the Mid-Am and Senior flights will be combined.

Tournament Player Status - Pending Approval

A question has been raised by a member: “How do I see all the participants when I click View All, they don’t appear?” 

Pending Approval is merely a place holder designation until a member’s credit card is processed or payment has been received.  Once a player has paid for the tournament or credit card has been processed, the player becomes active and the “Pending Approval” drops off.  Those who have already been approved will not appear in the list of Pending Approval’s.  So if there are 3 Active and 25 Pending, the field size is 28.

To see how many players are competing within a flight, simply click on the Flight Filter button and the report will sort by flight.  Note; if anyone flight has less than 6 participants, both the Mid-Am and Senior flights will be combined.

Do you know the answer?

Question:  Grass cuttings left on the course which have been abandoned and are not intended to be removed are ground under repair.   True / False

The Rules of Golf – Appendix I – Part B

5. Stones in Bunkers – the ONLY hazard which a stone can be considered as a loose impediment are in a bunker.  The purpose of the rule is to prevent injury to the player or others, a stone can be deemed a movable obstruction and Rule 24-1 applies.

Answer to above question: 25/11 in the Decisions on The Rules of Golf (USGA / R&A).  Grass cuttings are ground under repair ONLY if they have been piled for removal; player is entitled to relief under Rule 25-1b.  Because the grass cuttings are NOT intended for removal, the area is not considered ground under repair. (the answer to the question above is False)

Visit www.usga.org and test your knowledge of the rules.  Note, there are differences between stroke play and match play.

2010-11 Decisions of The Rules of Golf
2010-11 The Rules of Golf

Tournament Registration Policy

The following policy applies ONLY to local tournaments and does not apply to Majors, National Championship or other tours schedule.  Registration closes 7 days prior to the tournament date.  1-2 additional tee times will be reserved for those who missed the cut off.

Once tee times are posted, late entries will not be accepted UNLESS there is an opening within the member's flight.  However, Thursday is the absolute latest that any player would be considered.  Late entries will need to contact me to be considered.

CANCELLATION: To avoid paying the $15 cancellation fee, you MUST cancel no later than 7 days prior  to the tournament date and definitely  before credit cards are processed which is 5-7 prior to the tournament.

John Downey
Tour Director