"Every good society needs a set of rules & regulations
to ensure clarity and fairness for all its members"
to ensure clarity and fairness for all its members"
To see a quick guide to the rules of golf by the R&A - CLICK HERE
The society shall be called Bunkers Golf Society.
THE COMMITTEE
· The Committee shall consist of the Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Handicap Secretary, The Captain, The President and the Members' Representative - giving a maximum of seven members on the committee.
· The Handicap Committee is led primarily by the Handicap Secretary but decisions must then be agreed by all other members of the committee. It will be there responsibility to choose what type of competition will be played and stroke allowance, if any, to be given. In the case of a discrepancy the Handicap Secretary will make a ruling on the day and their decision will be final. If the they cannot make a decision then the full committee will meet and their decision will be absolute.
· All members of the Committee shall remain in office until they decide to retire - with the exception of the Captain who will serve on the committee only for the period of his Captaincy. If another member decides to stand for a position on the Committee, then it will be proposed and seconded and voted upon at the next AGM.
· Any member of the Society can apply for a position on the Committee but their proposal needs to be seconded by at least 1 other member of the society.
· Any proposal for a rule change, addition, or a new rule applied or amended must be given in writing to the committee.
THE COMMITTEE
· The Committee shall consist of the Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Handicap Secretary, The Captain, The President and the Members' Representative - giving a maximum of seven members on the committee.
· The Handicap Committee is led primarily by the Handicap Secretary but decisions must then be agreed by all other members of the committee. It will be there responsibility to choose what type of competition will be played and stroke allowance, if any, to be given. In the case of a discrepancy the Handicap Secretary will make a ruling on the day and their decision will be final. If the they cannot make a decision then the full committee will meet and their decision will be absolute.
· All members of the Committee shall remain in office until they decide to retire - with the exception of the Captain who will serve on the committee only for the period of his Captaincy. If another member decides to stand for a position on the Committee, then it will be proposed and seconded and voted upon at the next AGM.
· Any member of the Society can apply for a position on the Committee but their proposal needs to be seconded by at least 1 other member of the society.
· Any proposal for a rule change, addition, or a new rule applied or amended must be given in writing to the committee.
PAYMENTS TO PLAY
This is potentially the most difficult part of any society and is usually a reason why they would fail or cease to run.
As we are sure you can appreciate most bookings will need to be made weeks if not months in advance and most places will want a deposit of some description.
Therefore, the following rules apply to payment:
- The society reserves a specific number of tee times [usually enough for 16-20 players] If the number of members wishing to play an event exceeds this we will endeavour to do our best to secure more tee times. In the event that we cannot do this, the places we have reserved will be given to members on a first come first pay basis [so in short, the order in which the payments hit the Bunkers account]. This has been done as we have reserved excess tee times in previous years and then not filled them leaving us owing clubs and in an awkward position.
It is a members responsibility to inform the society that they wish to take part in an event or not. Players MUST make contact with the Treasurer or Chairman regarding EVERY EVENT - even with a simple "YES" or "NO" as to whether they will be participating.
- Members will be reminded of events AT LEAST 5 WEEKS in advance by the Treasurer. However, members can see the full season and payment dates on the website from January each year meaning there is no excuse for not knowing what is happening in the society.
- Once a member has decided to play an event, they must pay FULL 1 month before play and ALL payment dates are clearly advertised throughout this website. .
Members can see full details of how to pay by CLICKING HERE
- Bunkers provide discounts on our events to our members and therefore the price advertised is not the price we paid to the clubs in some cases as we subsidise the events for members. Therefore, if you pay later than the advertised date [without prior contact with the Treasurer or Chairman] you will be required to pay the full [non subsidised price] and MUST make contact with the Treasurer prior to paying the balance owed.
- Additionally, any guests wishing to play our events may incur a higher price than advertised and members wishing to bring guests to our events must make contact with the Treasurer to enquire about the cost.
Unfortunately, payments are NON-REFUNDABLE. If you make full payment and then inform us that you cannot make the event we will make all reasonable steps to recover and refund the payment. However, should the golf club refuse full or partial refunds, and we cannot find an alternative player to fill your space - then unfortunately the full payment will be lost.
Members wishing to save monthly are welcome to do so and should contact the chairman to make arrangements for this to be done via standing order. CLICK HERE TO CONTACT
This is potentially the most difficult part of any society and is usually a reason why they would fail or cease to run.
As we are sure you can appreciate most bookings will need to be made weeks if not months in advance and most places will want a deposit of some description.
Therefore, the following rules apply to payment:
- The society reserves a specific number of tee times [usually enough for 16-20 players] If the number of members wishing to play an event exceeds this we will endeavour to do our best to secure more tee times. In the event that we cannot do this, the places we have reserved will be given to members on a first come first pay basis [so in short, the order in which the payments hit the Bunkers account]. This has been done as we have reserved excess tee times in previous years and then not filled them leaving us owing clubs and in an awkward position.
It is a members responsibility to inform the society that they wish to take part in an event or not. Players MUST make contact with the Treasurer or Chairman regarding EVERY EVENT - even with a simple "YES" or "NO" as to whether they will be participating.
- Members will be reminded of events AT LEAST 5 WEEKS in advance by the Treasurer. However, members can see the full season and payment dates on the website from January each year meaning there is no excuse for not knowing what is happening in the society.
- Once a member has decided to play an event, they must pay FULL 1 month before play and ALL payment dates are clearly advertised throughout this website. .
Members can see full details of how to pay by CLICKING HERE
- Bunkers provide discounts on our events to our members and therefore the price advertised is not the price we paid to the clubs in some cases as we subsidise the events for members. Therefore, if you pay later than the advertised date [without prior contact with the Treasurer or Chairman] you will be required to pay the full [non subsidised price] and MUST make contact with the Treasurer prior to paying the balance owed.
- Additionally, any guests wishing to play our events may incur a higher price than advertised and members wishing to bring guests to our events must make contact with the Treasurer to enquire about the cost.
Unfortunately, payments are NON-REFUNDABLE. If you make full payment and then inform us that you cannot make the event we will make all reasonable steps to recover and refund the payment. However, should the golf club refuse full or partial refunds, and we cannot find an alternative player to fill your space - then unfortunately the full payment will be lost.
Members wishing to save monthly are welcome to do so and should contact the chairman to make arrangements for this to be done via standing order. CLICK HERE TO CONTACT
HANDICAPS
As mentioned above, handicaps are calculated in line with CONGU rules and regulations by our Handicap Secretary. The very nature of society golf and the greater frequency [on average] of competition cards submitted, means that our handicaps are often far more accurate than those held at golf clubs - where members may be infrequently entering club competitions.
The system used by Bunkers is in line with the scoring system used at any CONGU affiliated club in the United Kingdom and can be seen in more detail HERE.
- In certain circumstances the Handicap Secretary may seek approval from the Committee to adjust the handicap of a player in the period between Annual Reviews if there is compelling evidence that their Exact Handicap does not reflect their current playing ability. This is referred to as "General Play Adjustment". This adjustment can be made in either direction - either a reduction or handing shots back to a player who is struggling.
- If a member of Bunkers Golf Society is a member at a golf club and holds a CONGU registered handicap, it is the members responsibility to notify our Handicap Secretary of any changes in their official CONGU handicap accordingly. Failure to do so, may result in actions being taken in due course.
- We should never have a situation whereby members of Bunkers Golf Society should have significant differences in handicap between their society handicap and official CONGU handicap - and if this is the case it should be highlighted immediately to the Handicap Secretary for review. [It is widely regarded that a well operated society handicap could in fact be slightly lower than a CONGU handicap purely on the grounds that more competition regulated cards are submitted - but would rarely be vice versa]
NEW MEMBER HANDICAPS
- Any new member joining the society will be able to play off whatever handicap they tell us. However, they will not be eligible to win any prizes, other than nearest the pins, unless they are providing a verified CONGU handicap from the outset.
- Any new member MUST play at least once with a member of the committee during their first 3 outings with the society.
- Any new member MUST submit 3 scorecards that have been completed in Bunkers events. These will then be used to provide them with an official society handicap.
- Any disputes with society handicaps should be directed to the Handicap Secretary in the first instance who will refer the matter to the full committee for discussion. The final decision will then be relayed to the member in question by the Chairman and the decision made by the committee is then final.
As mentioned above, handicaps are calculated in line with CONGU rules and regulations by our Handicap Secretary. The very nature of society golf and the greater frequency [on average] of competition cards submitted, means that our handicaps are often far more accurate than those held at golf clubs - where members may be infrequently entering club competitions.
The system used by Bunkers is in line with the scoring system used at any CONGU affiliated club in the United Kingdom and can be seen in more detail HERE.
- In certain circumstances the Handicap Secretary may seek approval from the Committee to adjust the handicap of a player in the period between Annual Reviews if there is compelling evidence that their Exact Handicap does not reflect their current playing ability. This is referred to as "General Play Adjustment". This adjustment can be made in either direction - either a reduction or handing shots back to a player who is struggling.
- If a member of Bunkers Golf Society is a member at a golf club and holds a CONGU registered handicap, it is the members responsibility to notify our Handicap Secretary of any changes in their official CONGU handicap accordingly. Failure to do so, may result in actions being taken in due course.
- We should never have a situation whereby members of Bunkers Golf Society should have significant differences in handicap between their society handicap and official CONGU handicap - and if this is the case it should be highlighted immediately to the Handicap Secretary for review. [It is widely regarded that a well operated society handicap could in fact be slightly lower than a CONGU handicap purely on the grounds that more competition regulated cards are submitted - but would rarely be vice versa]
NEW MEMBER HANDICAPS
- Any new member joining the society will be able to play off whatever handicap they tell us. However, they will not be eligible to win any prizes, other than nearest the pins, unless they are providing a verified CONGU handicap from the outset.
- Any new member MUST play at least once with a member of the committee during their first 3 outings with the society.
- Any new member MUST submit 3 scorecards that have been completed in Bunkers events. These will then be used to provide them with an official society handicap.
- Any disputes with society handicaps should be directed to the Handicap Secretary in the first instance who will refer the matter to the full committee for discussion. The final decision will then be relayed to the member in question by the Chairman and the decision made by the committee is then final.
GAMES AND RULES
· All games are to be played under the rules of golf as directed and approved by the Royal and Golf Club of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. All Handicaps will be adjusted under the rules of the Council of National Golf Union & The English Golf Unions.
· There is no rule of Golf requiring a player to initial any mistake on a scorecard. Any mistake must be crossed through and the correction entered at the side, all players must sign the scorecard at the end of a round to confirm gross scores only. The player may initial instead of signing, it doesn’t need to be in the correct space, it can be in either the player or markers space. Rubbing out will not be allowed, cards cannot be altered after being handed in, any doubtful points must be clarified before doing so. All comps will be made up of rounds of Stableford and rounds of Strokeplay, so scores must be returned. A no return on one hole on a card will result in disqualification from the competition (except for Stableford events), but will still count towards your handicap, so it is in your interests to ensure you return a score.
· All players are responsible for the scores per hole and NOT the addition of the gross score. Players should not add scores at the end of a round or apply the recorded handicap, this is the responsibility of the committee.
· It is a player’s responsibility to ensure his correct handicap is entered onto his card as posted on our website. If the wrong handicap is entered onto his card and he does not correct it, the player will be disqualified.
· Any player found guilty of trying to falsely build a handicap would have his existing handicap suspended for the remainder of the season.
· Gimmees ARE NOT played in Bunkers events unless announced prior to play on the day. We play "see the ball into the hole" as this avoids any issues further down the line.
· Lost or out of bounds [OB] - From 1st January 2019
In line with R&A rule changes Bunkers will be implementing the new local rule for balls deemed out of bounds:
After looking for a maximum of 3 minutes, you now have 2 options:
1 - Go back to where the shot was originally played from, and replay, incurring a stroke and distance penalty.
2 - From January 2019, Bunkers committee are permitting the rule of allowing golfers the option to drop the ball in the vicinity of where the ball is lost or out of bounds (including the nearest fairway area), under a two-stroke penalty. It addresses concerns raised at the club level about the negative impact on pace of play when a player is required to go back under stroke and distance. You can watch a video explaining how this works HERE
· There are a lot of wrong balls played, so to clarify, it is up to you to ensure the correct ball is played. If a wrong ball is played you must play the correct one adding two penalty strokes Rule 15.3. Bunkers requires ALL PLAYERS entering their competitions to make their golf ball in such a way that it is identifiable to be theirs and no one elses.
· The society has limitations on the number of associate members initially, this shall be reviewed six monthly. Presently this is set at 34 and is by recommendation of members.
- Members MUST NOT discuss post round scores amongst themselves. It spoils the presentation of the day and is not in the etiquette and sporting intention of the game.
- The Society Captain has priority on the course and in the clubhouse. He can select his preferred tee time and will be served for food before all members. The Captain has his own table at events and can select who he wishes to join him.
· These rules cancel all other rules in force
· All games are to be played under the rules of golf as directed and approved by the Royal and Golf Club of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. All Handicaps will be adjusted under the rules of the Council of National Golf Union & The English Golf Unions.
· There is no rule of Golf requiring a player to initial any mistake on a scorecard. Any mistake must be crossed through and the correction entered at the side, all players must sign the scorecard at the end of a round to confirm gross scores only. The player may initial instead of signing, it doesn’t need to be in the correct space, it can be in either the player or markers space. Rubbing out will not be allowed, cards cannot be altered after being handed in, any doubtful points must be clarified before doing so. All comps will be made up of rounds of Stableford and rounds of Strokeplay, so scores must be returned. A no return on one hole on a card will result in disqualification from the competition (except for Stableford events), but will still count towards your handicap, so it is in your interests to ensure you return a score.
· All players are responsible for the scores per hole and NOT the addition of the gross score. Players should not add scores at the end of a round or apply the recorded handicap, this is the responsibility of the committee.
· It is a player’s responsibility to ensure his correct handicap is entered onto his card as posted on our website. If the wrong handicap is entered onto his card and he does not correct it, the player will be disqualified.
· Any player found guilty of trying to falsely build a handicap would have his existing handicap suspended for the remainder of the season.
· Gimmees ARE NOT played in Bunkers events unless announced prior to play on the day. We play "see the ball into the hole" as this avoids any issues further down the line.
· Lost or out of bounds [OB] - From 1st January 2019
In line with R&A rule changes Bunkers will be implementing the new local rule for balls deemed out of bounds:
After looking for a maximum of 3 minutes, you now have 2 options:
1 - Go back to where the shot was originally played from, and replay, incurring a stroke and distance penalty.
2 - From January 2019, Bunkers committee are permitting the rule of allowing golfers the option to drop the ball in the vicinity of where the ball is lost or out of bounds (including the nearest fairway area), under a two-stroke penalty. It addresses concerns raised at the club level about the negative impact on pace of play when a player is required to go back under stroke and distance. You can watch a video explaining how this works HERE
· There are a lot of wrong balls played, so to clarify, it is up to you to ensure the correct ball is played. If a wrong ball is played you must play the correct one adding two penalty strokes Rule 15.3. Bunkers requires ALL PLAYERS entering their competitions to make their golf ball in such a way that it is identifiable to be theirs and no one elses.
· The society has limitations on the number of associate members initially, this shall be reviewed six monthly. Presently this is set at 34 and is by recommendation of members.
- Members MUST NOT discuss post round scores amongst themselves. It spoils the presentation of the day and is not in the etiquette and sporting intention of the game.
- The Society Captain has priority on the course and in the clubhouse. He can select his preferred tee time and will be served for food before all members. The Captain has his own table at events and can select who he wishes to join him.
· These rules cancel all other rules in force
DRESS CODE
· DRESS CODE is strictly smart and in keeping with the game [and our own personal standards] COURSE DRESS shall be polo shirts or collared t-shirts. Pants without studs or leg pockets must be worn and golfing shoes in keeping with course rules apply. Jumpers should be as plain as possible and should not be covered in large advertising or brand logos. POST GOLF DRESS for any meals/functions shall be smart casual as you would expect on any respectable 'night out' and should be shoes NOT trainers.
DISPUTES
· The Committee shall exercise its discretion on any point of dispute; any point not covered by these rules shall be referred to the rules of golf. The committee decision is final.
· These rules are not exhaustive but are expected of us all. Please take the time to read and digest, and hopefully we can all enjoy a fantastic season.
· It is a requirement of the society that the annual subscriptions be paid on an advised due date each year [Normally in January].
- Subscriptions provide members with a Bunkers welcome pack consisting of a embroidered polo shirt, a membership benefit, 365 day golfing insurance & a society discount card entitling money off when using our partner agencies. Members also get the ability to have their handicap calculated throughout the year and the chance to win prizes and competitions on our sciety dates.
Money is also to assist with the cost of booking deposits, the upkeep of this website and social media sites and all administration costs the society may incur.
- Any monies carried forward will contribute to the next year’s subscriptions.
- Monies will be verified by the society treasurer.
Last Reviewed & Updated: 30/01/2019
· DRESS CODE is strictly smart and in keeping with the game [and our own personal standards] COURSE DRESS shall be polo shirts or collared t-shirts. Pants without studs or leg pockets must be worn and golfing shoes in keeping with course rules apply. Jumpers should be as plain as possible and should not be covered in large advertising or brand logos. POST GOLF DRESS for any meals/functions shall be smart casual as you would expect on any respectable 'night out' and should be shoes NOT trainers.
DISPUTES
· The Committee shall exercise its discretion on any point of dispute; any point not covered by these rules shall be referred to the rules of golf. The committee decision is final.
· These rules are not exhaustive but are expected of us all. Please take the time to read and digest, and hopefully we can all enjoy a fantastic season.
· It is a requirement of the society that the annual subscriptions be paid on an advised due date each year [Normally in January].
- Subscriptions provide members with a Bunkers welcome pack consisting of a embroidered polo shirt, a membership benefit, 365 day golfing insurance & a society discount card entitling money off when using our partner agencies. Members also get the ability to have their handicap calculated throughout the year and the chance to win prizes and competitions on our sciety dates.
Money is also to assist with the cost of booking deposits, the upkeep of this website and social media sites and all administration costs the society may incur.
- Any monies carried forward will contribute to the next year’s subscriptions.
- Monies will be verified by the society treasurer.
Last Reviewed & Updated: 30/01/2019
