Standing Rules

DUTIES OF APPOINTED OFFICERS

The TROPHY CHAIRMAN/GOODWILL & COURTESY is responsible for awards for any tournament as directed by the Tournament Chairman. Includes purchasing name tags for the membership and maintaining plaques and photographs of club presidents and major tournament winners. Also includes goodwill and congratulatory correspondence for the membership at the direction of the President.
The MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN is responsible for membership records, applications, renewals, and the Big Sister Program. She will host an annual New Member party. She provides information to the Handicap Chairman and the Roster Chairman.
The RULES CHAIRMAN provides advice on the Rules of Golf as sanctioned by the USGA, posts local rules, and serves on the Tournament Committee. She shall provide answers to all Rules of Golf questions and report as needed.
The SOCIAL CHAIRMAN is the liaison with club management for monthly luncheon meetings and PVWGA Social Activities.
The WEB COMMUNICATIONS CHAIRMAN is responsible for maintenance of the PVWGA website and Facebook page.

DEFINITIONS

GHIN MAINTENANCE ONLY MEMBER–A Palm Valley Homeowner/Proprietary Member of Palm Valley C.C. who is not a PVWGA member but maintains her GHIN through the PVWGA. A GHIN ONLY membership allows the lady golfer to play as a Guest in PVWGA Guest Days unless she has a current Golfing Membership at PVCC. In addition, a GHIN ONLY Membership does NOT qualify her to participate in any organized PVWGA play days or tournaments.
HONORARY MEMBER–A member who has served on the Board and/or made other significant contributions to our association who is no longer an active member of PVWGA. Nomination for an honorary member will come from a current Board Member and have Board approval. Honorary Members will continue to have their name and contact information in the annual membership roster and be allowed to attend monthly luncheon meetings. Each year, the Board will decide how the Honorary Members are to be recognized.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP–A major individual medal tournament.
HORSE RACE–An organized team, alternate shot competition.
MAGIC PUTT, MIRACLE PUTT, MULLIGAN–A “free stroke” given by the Tournament Committee during a competition, designated for use on the course or on the green. For posting, one stroke must be added to your score for each “free” stroke taken. Individuals must clearly mark the scorecard on the hole the ‘’free” stroke was taken with an “M”. Signed and attested cards will be turned in as determined by the Pro Shop.
MOF–Make your own foursome.
MOTT–Make your own tee times.
PARTNERS TOURNAMENT–A two person gross and net tournament.
PRESIDENT’S TOURNAMENT–A major net match play tournament.
TEN STROKE DIFFERENTIAL–A method used to balance the handicaps of twosome and foursome teams for tournament competition. If a ten-stroke differential is applied to the team, it means everyone on the team must play with a handicap no greater than 10 strokes higher than the lowest handicap on the team. As an example, in a four-person team, if the handicaps are 15, 28, 30, and 32, everyone on the team will play with a handicap less than 25.

GENERAL RULES

The PVWGA official playing season is November 1 to May 31.
Members must play at a pace to keep up with the group in front of them.
Any personal grievance must be presented in person to the Executive Board at their next regular meeting.
Caddies are not permitted for any PVWGA events.
Most Birdies and Most Chip-Ins are individual competitions to record the most Birdies and Chip-Ins by a player for the season on the Championship Course only. Birdies and Chip-Ins will not be recorded when playing a Shamble or Scramble format.
Ringers (Eclectic) is an individual competition to record your best score on each hole over the season. Ringer scores are recorded on Play Days only and not when playing a Shamble or Scramble format. Players must post their hole-by-hole scores in the Ringer notebooks in the Ladies’ Locker Room in order to be eligible.
Hole-in-one (ACE)–A hole-in-one may be recorded on any day a minimum of 9 holes is played at PVCC. The scorecard must be signed by the player and attested to by another golfer in the group as listed on the ForeTees tee sheet for that day. The player must notify the Handicap Chairperson. All dues and fees must be current to be eligible for prizes. The maximum payout is $250 per hole-in-one covering the November 1 to May 31 period. Total winnings will be split between all “ACE” members for that period and awarded at the following season’s membership meeting in November.
Most Improved Golfer–is an award based on handicap period from November 1 through May 31. All eligible participants must be a member of PVWGA and have an established GHIN handicap. She must have played in at least ten (10) PVWGA ladies club events within the above time period. This award will be presented at the November meeting.

HANDICAP

If a new member has a current verified GHIN index from another club, she may use that handicap for competition. When a new member does not have an established GHIN handicap, a temporary handicap will be assigned after five (5) scores have been posted. Competition in major events will require a valid GHIN Handicap Index based on twenty (20) rounds of golf. You may turn in scorecards from outside regulation courses, as well as PVCC scorecards when establishing your handicap. Cards can be dropped off in the marked box in the locker room.
When establishing a handicap, you must turn in actual scores up to a maximum of ten (10) strokes on each hole; no picking up or x-ing out below ten (10) strokes.

LOCAL RULES

All competitions will be played in accordance with the USGA Rules of Golf. USGA allows golf organizations to apply local rules in Appendix I of the Rules of Golf. The following are the Local Rules that apply to PVWGA competitions.

RED PENALTY STAKES–As per USGA rules, for red stakes around a penalty area allow 2 club lengths relief from the last point the ball crossed the margin of the area, no closer to the hole, with a 1 stroke penalty.
PENALTY AREAS–Red stakes identify the type of penalty, not the boundaries of said penalties. The edge of hazard is defined by the edge of the grass.
WOODEN PYLONS AND BRIDGES–Pylons and bridges adjacent to greens and penalty areas are considered part of the penalty area, thus no relief without penalty.
PROVISIONAL BALL OVER WATER–In the interest of speeding up play, a provisional ball over a water penalty area (yellow stakes) will be allowed.
GREENSIDE SPRINKLER HEADS–If a sprinkler head within 2 club lengths of the putting green interferes with the line of play of a ball that is within 2 club lengths of that sprinkler head, the player may lift and take a drop at the nearest point no nearer the hole that avoids such interference.
RELIEF FROM IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS–Nearest relief (stance and intended swing plus one club length) no closer to the hole, is allowed, no penalty. This relief does not include line of sight. Obstructions include rocks, cart paths, bushes surrounding electrical boxes, drains, and grates. Relief from bushes is taken as close as possible to point of entry. If the ball is not found in the bush, free relief is allowed if players are certain or virtually certain that the ball entered bush.
OUT OF BOUNDS–OB is defined by white stakes and curbing on streets. A ball that crosses a public street and comes to rest beyond that street is OB even though it may lie on another part of the course.
TEMPORARY CART PATHS–Player has the option of playing the ball where it lies or taking full relief.
CELL PHONES/RADIOS– Cell phones and radios are not permitted in any PVWGA event. It is prohibited to use a cell phone for communication purposes to phone, text, or email during a competition. The penalty is 2 strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play.
GPS RANGE FINDERS AND CELL PHONE APPLICATIONS–These may be used to measure distance only. No other features on these devices may be used.

POSTING YOUR SCORE

Scorecards must have full names, GHIN number, and correct date. They should be complete, legible, signed and attested.
Scores for all PVWGA events (Meeting Days, Play Days, Guest Days, Invitational, Partners Events, President’s Tournament and Club Championship) must be posted on the internet. All GHIN members can access the internet posting screen by going to the website: ghin.com and following the prompts to post their score. Members can also post using the GHIN cell phone application available for download from Play Store or Apple Store. Scores are not posted on a day when a Shamble or Scramble format is played.
All posted scores including tournament (competition) scores are to be adjusted. A Competition score is a score made in a competition organized and conducted by a committee in charge of the competition.

HOW TO ADJUST SCORES FOR POSTING

An adjusted gross score is determined by limiting the maximum score on a hole to par plus two plus any strokes allocated to the player for that hole. (If a player is allocated one stroke on a par 5 hole, the maximum hole score is 5+2+1 = 8)

PVWGA PLAY DAYS/MEETING DAYS

Tuesday of each week will be Ladies Play Day. A luncheon meeting will be held once a month, on a Tuesday, following the Monday of the Executive Board meeting

Cancellation Policy: If a member needs to cancel, it can be done one of two ways:
- On ForeTees by 1 pm on Saturday prior to Tuesday.
- Contact the Pro Shop by 8am on Sunday prior to the Tuesday.
Late Cancellation–$25 plus the cost of the lunch, if on a meeting day.
A 72-hour cancellation notice is REQUIRED prior to the event. If a member signs up for any event which includes food and is unable to stay for the meal, they will be charged for the meal.

A member is not in contention for any prizes if she picks up or x’s out a hole, unless the Play Day is partnership, team event, or that hole does not affect the outcome of the Play Day.
All scorecards MUST be signed, attested, and turned in immediately after play. Any disputes must be resolved before the scorecard is signed and attested. If the player turns in a score for any hole lower than actually taken, she will be disqualified. If she turns in a score for any hole higher than actually taken, the higher score will stand.
Sign-up for Play Days and Meetings Days will be online on ForeTees three (3) weeks prior to the Play Day or Meeting Day. Sign up no later than 1pm on Sunday prior to the Tuesday day of play. Pairings are available on ForeTees afternoon on Monday prior to the Tuesday event.
Scorecards will be distributed by the starter. Mark birdies and chip-ins on the Play Day Card. Keep a second card for verifying the scores. Turn in both cards.
Pace of Play on Meeting Days:
- Players must be finished golfing and attested scorecards handed in to the Pro Shop in a timely manner to quality for prizes. Late cards will be disqualified. (USGA Rule 6-7, Undue Delay, Slow Play).
- Time consideration will be given on tournaments with more than 126 players.

TOURNAMENTS

GENERAL TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
- Members compete for awards using their full handicap for the Palm Valley Women’s Invitational, Club Championship, Partners’ Events, President’s Tournament, and Guest Days, which will have a maximum of 36 handicap.
- All disputed rules during a tournament will be decided by the Rules Committee, whose decision shall be final (USGA rule 34-3). Disputes must be resolved before the scorecard is signed and attested.
- Scores from the events listed below will be posted as tournaments.
  - Partner Tournament (non-eclectic)
  - Club Championship

Cancellation Policy: If a member needs to cancel, it can be done one of two ways:

On ForeTees by 1 pm on Saturday by prior to Tuesday.
Contact the Pro Shop by 8am on Sunday prior to the Tuesday.
Late Cancellation will incur a $25 fee.
A 72-hour cancellation notice is REQUIRED prior to the event. If a member signs up for any event which includes food and is unable to stay for the meal they will be charged for the meal.
- Pace of Play:
  - Players must be finished golfing and attested scorecards handed in to the Pro Shop in a timely manner to quality for prizes. All late cards will be disqualified. (USGA Rule 6-7, Undue Delay, Slow Play).
  - Time considerations will be given on tournaments with more than 126 players.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
- In order to qualify for the Club Champion Tournament on either the Championship or the Challenge Course, a member must be in good standing in the PVWGA with an established GHIN handicap and have played in at least six (6) PVWGA events within one year prior to the tournament. These events must include at least two (2) Tuesday Play Days and/or Meeting Days. The President’s Tournament and any 2-day Tournament will be counted as two events. Spring and Fall Team matches will be counted as one event each. Qualification audit will be performed by the Tournament Committee.
- The Club Champion and Runner-Up will be the lowest and second lowest gross scorers in the field.
GUEST DAYS are organized events with a meal and prizes. Sign up will be on ForeTees to secure a spot. The field will be limited to the first 128 players (64 members and 64 guests).
- All members are required to have played in three (3) meeting days and/or play days in the past 12 months. New members joining after May 31, will need to play in the November and December meeting days to qualify for the December guest day. New members must meet the full qualifications for February and April guest days.
- Entry forms MUST BE COMPLETE with guest name, GHIN number, and food selection, if asked, and a check for both players by the designated date. Forms will be available on the PVWGA website, in the locker room and attached to the email announcing the event.
- If there is a waitlist, the order of sign up on ForeTees will determine who will move up should there be a cancellation.
- Maximum Handicap for all Guest Days is 36.
- The following members and their guests will be automatically included in the field:
  - Chairman
  - 3 Committee Members
  - PVWGA President
- In any Guest Day, there will be no more than a ten (10) stroke differential applied to the foursome. If the spread exceeds ten (10) strokes, the higher handicap shall play down. The Guest Day Chair will determine if the 10-stroke differential is applicable to their tournament.
- Guests must have an established current GHIN handicap or another verified current USGA handicap.
- A PVCC golfing member who is not a member of the PVWGA will not be eligible to participate in Guest Day Tournaments. A GHIN Only member is allowed to play as a guest in PVWGA (Ladies 18-Holer) Guest Days, unless she has a current golfing membership at PVCC.
PARTNERS TOURNAMENT is an annual, members only, best ball tournament. There will be a maximum ten (10) stroke differential. If the spread exceeds ten (10) strokes, the higher handicap shall play down. The maximum handicap is 36.
PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS TOURNAMENT is an organized match play, net tournament usually played over three days with a maximum handicap of 36.
PALM VALLEY WOMEN’S INVITATIONAL–UP, UP, and AWAY–is an annual PVWGA Member/Guest Tournament.
- The field is limited to 72 members (144 players) with a maximum handicap of 36.
- The following members and their guests are to be automatically included in the field: Invitational Chairperson and Committee (maximum 6) and the Current President of PVWGA.
- In order to qualify for the tournament, a member must be in good standing in the PVWGA with an established GHIN handicap and have played in at least five (5) PVWGA events within one year prior to the end of December of the current calendar year. These events must include at least two (2) Tuesday Meeting Days (must play golf and attend the meeting) and three (3) other events, which may be a combination of Tuesday Play Days and/or major tournaments. Major tournaments include the Club Championship on the Championship and Challenge Courses, the President’s Tournament, and Partners. Any two-day tournament will be counted as two events. A grace period of one additional month (January) will be granted to those new members who join at the beginning of the season. A qualification audit will be performed by the Tournament Committee.
- The Registration process will be on a first come, first served basis, with online sign up on ForeTees. Sign up will open at 6:45 on January 15.
- A completed registration form, including partner’s name and GHIN number, along with payment, must be received by February 5 to be eligible for play.
- Once the online sign up reaches 72, the next in line on ForeTees will be on the waiting list, first come, first served. Those who qualify take precedence on the waiting list over those who have not met playing requirements.
TEAM PLAY
- Any PVWGA member may participate in team play. They must be a member in good standing of the PVWGA prior to the entry of the first roster submission to the team league. Team members must meet league handicap qualifications. In order to be eligible for a subsequent year of team play, a player must attend two (2) Tuesday Meeting Days (must play golf and attend the meeting) and three (3) other Ladies Club events.
- Team members may play on Fall or Spring Team, but not both, in the same season.
- Any PVWGA Team member who has been in good standing in previous years and has met all requirements to play on team, but due to extenuating circumstances is unable to qualify for the subsequent year, will need to have a majority approval vote of the Board of Directors to participate in team play.

(10/9/23) rk