6/15/2021
A common scenario in weekly team games and match play, which is just underway, is what score to mark on your card when you do not finish the hole. The Rules of Handicapping states that these scores must be posted. This situation is explained and covered in rule 3.3. I have inserted it into this post in case you did not attend the Rules of Handicapping seminar back in early May.
3.3 When a Hole is Started But Player Does Not Hole Out
There are various circumstances that might result in a player starting a hole but not holing out. For example, when:
- The result of the hole has already been decided.
- A hole has been conceded in match play.
- A player’s partner has already posted a better score in a Four-Ball format and the player picks up.
- A player has already reached their net double bogey limit on a specific hole.
When a player starts a hole but does not hole out for a valid reason, subject to other provisions set out within the Rules of Handicapping, the player must record their most likely score or net double bogey, whichever is lower, as appropriate for the situation and depending on the format of play. The most likely score is:
- The number of strokes already taken to reach a position on a hole, plus
- The number of strokes the player would most likely require to complete the hole from that position, plus
- Any penalty strokes incurred during play of the hole.
Most likely scores should be determined on any hole in accordance with the following guidelines:
Members are starting to book their 1
st round matches on the tee sheet. As I mentioned in my last post, the Golf Activities Committee was excited to re-introduce this format of competition this season with the understanding that things might be a little different. We anticipated and have experienced very active tee sheets to start the season. Therefore, the Committee agreed that Singles Matches could not be guaranteed playing as a twosome on a busy day, especially weekends. The pro shop will try their best to book members into other groups however there may be instances in which this cannot be avoided. I wanted to point out some etiquette that should be applied in these situations if you are playing a match with one or two other members in your group. This was a very common scenario at Earl Grey last year and we never had any issues.
First, the members playing their match should tee off first on every hole regardless of if another player in the group had the lowest score on the previous hole. Second, when on the putting green, I would recommend letting those in the match putt first. This is especially important if a player not in the match has a putt from further away on the same line as someone in the match. If the player not in the match rolls their putt, they are giving the player in the match a look at the line. This could give them an advantage over their opponent which should be avoided. Lastly, if you are not included in the match, please be respectful. The players in the match could be nervous, especially on the final holes in a close match. They would not appreciate any unnecessary distractions from others in the group. Once again, the pro shop will try not to pair up when a singles match is on the tee sheet. I thought I should point some things out if you find yourself in this situation.
We have another fit day on Saturday, June 19
th. Ping Canada will be returning with all the latest gear including the all new G425 line up. If you are still in the market for clubs, please contact the Pro Shop to book an appointment.
Carl Penfold, Head Professional