Unified Handicapping -System in detail
Unified Handicapping -System in detail
7. Golf Course
Dec.7(a) Teeing Areas
Clubs should endeavour to maintain their course at its measured length at all times for Qualifying Competitions. However, it is accepted that the placing of tees for competitions will be subject to many influencing factors, particularly the condition of teeing grounds, which may mean on some occasions the precise definition of the Competition Tee cannot be satisfied. This should not, of itself, render the competition Non Qualifying. Such a tee placement may be regarded as temporary and the provisions of Clause 13.1 would then apply, provided that the 'Temporary' tee still meets the requirements of the Rules of Golf. Thus in instances where a tee(s), does not meet the precise Competition Tee definition, provided that the course is not shortened (or lengthened) overall by more than 100 yards (91 metres) the competition should remain Qualifying and the allocated Standard Scratch Score will apply.
If for any reason the course has been shortened, or lengthened, by more than 100 yards (91 metres), but less than 300 yards (274 metres) overall, then the competition should be allowed to remain Qualifying even if the deviation is discovered after the competition has commenced. In such circumstances the allocated Standard Scratch Score should be reduced/increased by one as required by Clause 13.2.
It should be understood that in this context 'overall' refers to the total nett change to the measured length with each reduction in hole length being subtracted from, and each increase added to the measured yardage.
Dec.7(b) Distance Points and Measured Course
On some golf courses the placing of Distance Points at the back of the tees has made it difficult to conform to the definition of a teeing ground in the Rules of Golf and also to satisfy the requirements of Clause 12 of the UHS.
In order to clarify the situation and ensure that Qualifying Competitions are played over courses of correct length the following provisions now apply:
a) Distance Points on all new courses and on any new holes or holes that have had their length altered on existing courses shall be placed not less than four yards from the back of each tee.
b) On a reassessment of an existing Standard Scratch Score the calculation shall provide for each hole being measured from a point not less than four yards forward of the back of each tee.
c) Any competition played over a course which fails to provide teeing grounds as defined by the Rules of Golf or to satisfy Clause 12 of the UHS shall be a Non Qualifying Competition.
d) In exceptional circumstances a Union or Area Authority may sanction in writing the use of a Teeing Ground that does not satisfy these requirements.
Note: There is no requirement to change or reposition Distance Points on existing courses except under sub-clause (b) above.
It should also be noted that the requirements for a Measured Course include provision for tee markers to be placed in front as well as behind the Distance Point – see definition of a Competition Tee.