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WMC President’s Cup Individual Match Play Rules and Procedures – 2020
All players must be active members of the Willows Men’s Club and the GHIN handicap system. Each player will be assigned an opponent based on seed (best net score) from the President’s Cup Qualifying Rounds.
Tournament Fee: $25. See Payments Section in the Top Navigation bar.
Participation Requirements: Match play Quarter-Final rounds (Round of 8) require at least 18 holes of golf played in regular Willows Mens Club events during the same year. The Final Championship requires 36 holes of golf in regular WMC events. Players who do not meet the requirements prior to their match will be disqualified.
Posting Scores: All match play scores must be posted using standard 2020 USGA posting rules (e.g. net double bogey). You must post your own Match Play score to GHIN handicap system using "Hole by Hole" entry (not total score)[1]. The tournament directors will not be posting scores for you for Match Play. Match play scores are acceptable for posting per USGA rules: See Handicap rule 2.1a.
Net Par: Once the match is decided, WMC requires all remaining holes be treated as “not played” for scorecard & posting purposes and Handicap rule 3.2 applied (3.2 When a Hole is Not Played - match finished before final hole). You may elect to actually play the remaining holes, but all remaining holes should be posted at Net Par. If you get two strokes on a Par 4, you post as a 6, no matter what you scored (lower or higher). This posts a handicap-neutral score for each remaining hole and removes any concerns about level of effort once the match intensity is no longer present. (Note: The dots on the card are relative to your opponent, not the full strokes that you use for Net Par.)
Net Double Bogey replaces ESC: Make sure you apply the new “Net Double Bogey” score limit to your individual hole scores for posting purposes. All players are strongly encouraged to use the Hole-By-Hole (HBH) posting on the GHIN web site or app, which will automatically limit hole scores correctly (plus make it easier on your handicap chairman). The handicap chairman has stated that failure to follow proper USGA posting rules can result in a handicap reduction (on the assumption that the correct net double bogey was not used in computing handicap) or disqualification, at the discretion of the handicap chairman. Using HBH posting is the simple way to eliminate this risk.
Pace of Play: Please keep up pace of play when playing match play.
- If you are out of a hole, please concede the hole and both players pick up your balls without putting it out and move on.
- If your opponent concedes the hole and you have not yet holed out, please pick up your ball and move to the next hole.
- If you pick up, estimate your “most likely score” for posting: A "most likely score" is the score a player must post for handicap purposes if a hole is started but not completed or if the player is conceded a stroke. The most likely score consists of the number of strokes already taken plus, in the player's best judgment, the number of strokes the player would take to complete the hole from that position more than half the time. If this number exceeds the player's Equitable Stroke Control limit, you can just write the ESC number.
Scheduling Matches
Please contact your opponent directly and arrange a mutually agreeable time to play each of your matches. You should schedule your next match as soon as both opponents are known – you do not need to wait for the end date of a round.
This can give you a larger window to find a mutually agreeable date. It is the responsibility of EACH player to contact each other to agree on a date and time and course. The tournament committee may send reminders when a prior round is complete but you should not rely on a reminder. The current bracket can be found here: https://wmc-presidents-cup-match-2020.golfgenius.com or in the Golf Genius app (GGID: TAHEZP)
Play can be played from Eagle Talon white tees or Coyote blue tees only. Players must schedule their tee times in advance with the Pro Shop. Important: Please notify the Pro Shop when scheduling your tee time that this is a Men’s Club Match event.
If the opponents can’t agree on a date prior to the round end date, please contact the WMC Tournament Committee. In some cases, we may be able to grant a brief extension. However, please realize that this affects your next opponent and the delay can cascade into future rounds if the subsequent match cannot be completed within the allotted dates. If a match schedule cannot be mutually agreed upon by the participants and the committee, assuming both teams made a good effort to find a mutually agreeable time, the match will be decided via a coin toss.
Please have all matches completed and results reported by 9:00pm on the dates in the following schedule:
|
# |
Round |
Players |
Deadline |
Weeks |
|
1 |
Round of 64 |
64 |
8-Jun |
3 |
|
2 |
Round of 32 |
32 |
29-Jun |
3 |
|
3 |
Round of 16 |
17 |
20-Jul |
3 |
|
4 |
Quarter Finals |
8 |
10-Aug |
3 |
|
5 |
Semi-Finals |
4 |
31-Aug |
3 |
|
6 |
Championship |
2 |
21-Sep |
3 |
Handicap:
A conversion to course handicap will be made for Eagle white or Coyote black tees, depending on what course is agreed upon for the match. As per USGA Handicap Rules, the higher-handicapped player receives the full difference in Course Handicap between the two players; the lower-handicapped player plays from scratch.
Scorecards, Strokes and the WHS “Daily Handicap Update”
The new World Handicap System updates handicaps every night after you post a new score. This means that handicaps can update daily, and it means there’s a good chance that the dots on a preprinted scorecard will be out of date by the time you play a match. The good news is that I’ve fixed it so the dots show for everyone in Live Scoring. We have already had one match where they played to the dots on the scorecard and thought one player won, but when they entered via the Live Scoring with the current handicap, the other player won. DO NOT RELY ON THE DOTS ON THE SCORECARDS – Use Live Scoring to see the correct strokes/dots during your match. If you prefer a printed scorecard, transfer the dots by hand from Live Scoring to a card before your match. I’m not going to be doing any more PDF scorecards this year as they will just be out of date and confusing.
Tip: To see scorecard view in Golf Genius: Go to the “Leaderboard” view, find your match, and click on one of your names. This will show the full scorecard view, with dots on individual holes, and will show total strokes beside player names in parenthesis.
Tip: To make up a printed scorecard: I recommend that you copy the strokes from the leaderboard view to a printed scorecard (using a pen or pencil) the same day as your match (to make sure you have current handicaps) so you have a printed scorecard on the course with you.
Scorecards: Please contact the Tournament Director at least 4-5 days in advance and we will send you a PDF scorecard. The Pro Shop will NOT be printing scorecards this year You should print a paper copy yourself. If we are unable to send you a PDF due to time constraints, the Pro shop can manually make up a card with the correct dots. Please give them a call in advance to request a dotted scorecard. If you arrive at the course the day of the match, you will have to dot your own scorecard. You can also do this at home.
How to Dot your own Scorecard in 2020. It's not the way you used to do it.
Do not try to compute Course Handicap like you have in the past, the formula is different this year!Use the GHIN app on your phone. Use the Course Handicap Calculator in the GHIN app. Player 1 will be listed.Click Select Golfers to add your opponent.Set the Tees for both players.Subtract the low Course Handicap from the higher CH to get the "Strokes Given"Dot the card starting with the "Handicap Hole #1" and working your way up for the number of strokes.
Scoring:
Each hole is worth 1 point to the winner. If tied no points are awarded. Exchange cards and keep each other’s score. If tied after 18 holes you will play sudden death.
Sudden Death Playoffs if tied after 18 holes
If the match is even after 18 holes, players must continue, starting at hole #1, and play until a winner is decided. You must see the Willows Run Golf Shop staff about getting back on the course to complete the match. Per-hole handicap strokes remain the same for playoff holes as the original round.
Reporting your Score
- LIve Scoring on Golf Genius App: Please use Live Scoring on the Golf Genius app. DOUBLE CHECK all scores at the end of the match against the paper scorecard to fix any typos.
- Scorecard: One player should keep a paper scorecard of the match. Write down the Match Result CLEARLY on the card (e.g. Smith 6 & 5).
- Take a Photo and Send an Email: Winner - take a photo or scan of your scorecard with your phone. The WINNER is responsible for sending email with (a) the Match Result (typed in the body of the email) AND (b) the Scorecard Photo to willowsmensclub@hotmail.com. Please copy your opponent.
- POST: Post your OWN score to GHIN as a Tournament (T) Score. Be sure to account for Net Double Bogey strokes. WMC does not post match play scores.
Please remember to include your opponent on the email results so they can verify the results (and watch out for typos).
Posting: Your score must be posted to the GHIN handicap system, and must be recorded as a “T” (Tournament) score. If you forget to register it as a T score, contact the Willows Mens club and we will correct it. This is a valid handicap round and tournament score.
This is a pure match play event, but for purposes of handicap posting, it is important that each player complete the scorecard for every hole. (USGA Handicap Manual, Section 5-1(c)).
- Hole Not Completed: If a given hole is conceded or otherwise not completed, the player must record the score he most likely would have earned. Players may elect to putt out a conceded hole, however the concession will stand.
- Match Over before hole 18: If the match ends before playing 18 holes, a score of par plus any handicap strokes must be recorded for holes not completed ((3.2 When a Hole is Not Played - match finished before final hole). Once the match is decided, treat all remaining holes as “unplayed” for posting purposes. You may play the remaining holes for fun but all remaining holes should be posted at Net Par, e.g. if you get two strokes on a Par 4, you post as a 6, no matter what you scored (lower or higher). This posts a handicap-neutral score for each hole.
- In both situations, mark the score with an “X” next to the number. Example = X6 for a par 5 where the player is entitled to a handicap stroke.
A quick note on Match Result Terminology:
A match result is “Smith beat Jones 2 and 1” or “Smith won 2 up” or “Smith won in 20”.
- 2 and 1 – means up by 2 holes with one remaining hole. This is not “Smith won 2 up on 17”.
- 3 and 2 – means up by 3 holes with two remaining
- 1 up or 2 up – mean 18 holes played and the match was won by either one hole or by two holes.
- 3 up or 4 up – this doesn’t mean anything. You either win 3 & 2, 4 & 2, or 4 & 3. Etc.
- Smith won, 20 holes. Means Smith one on the 20th hole. This is not “1 up after 20” it’s just “20H”. There’s no way to win by 2 up after 20.
Match Play Rules – This match will be played under the Match Play rules of the USGA, Rule 3.2. http://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules/rules-2019/players-edition/rule-3.html#Rule%203.2 Key items are called out below.
Winter Rules and Local Rules: Willows Run course determines whether Winter Rules or regular rules apply and posts a sign on the starter shack. Please refer to the WMC Local Rules <click here> regarding applicable rules.
Combining Match and Stoke Play: You can't play a round and have it count for both Match Play and the Thursday night League play. Rule 3.1 states “Forms of Play. Match play and stroke play are very different forms of play.”
2-1 General
A match consists of one side playing against another over a stipulated round. In match play, the game is played by holes. Except, as otherwise provided in the rules, each hole is won by the side holing out in the fewest number of strokes. In a handicap match, the lower net score wins the hole. The state of the match is expressed by the following terms: so many “holes up’’ or “all square,’’ and so many “to play.’’
2-2 Halved Hole
A hole is halved if each side holes out in the same number of strokes. When a player has holed out and his opponent has been left with a stroke for the half, if the player subsequently incurs a penalty, the hole is halved.
2-3 Winner of Match
A match is won when one side leads by a number of holes greater than the number remaining to be played.
2-4 Concession of Match, Hole or Next Stroke
- A player may concede a match at any time prior to the start or conclusion of that match.
- A player may concede a hole at any time prior to the start or conclusion of that hole.
- A player may concede his opponent’s next stroke at any time, provided the opponent’s ball is at rest. The opponent is considered to have holed out with his next stroke, and the ball may be removed by either side.
- A concession may not be declined or withdrawn.
2-5 Doubt as to Procedure; Disputes and Claims
IMPORTANT: Know this rule!
In match play, if a doubt or dispute arises between the players, a player may make a claim. If no duly authorized representative of the committee is available within a reasonable time, the players must continue the match without delay. The committee may consider a claim only if the player making the claim notifies his opponent (i) that he is “making a claim,” (ii) of the facts of the situation and (iii) that he wants a ruling. The claim must be made before any player in the match plays from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the match, before all players in the match leave the putting green.
A later claim may not be considered by the committee unless it is based on facts previously unknown to the player making the claim, and the player had been given wrong information (Rules 6-2a and 9) by an opponent.
Once the result of the match has been officially announced, a later claim may not be considered by the committee unless it is satisfied that the opponent knew they were giving wrong information.
The privilege of playing a second ball does not exist in match play. If you play a second ball, that becomes the ball in play.
2-6 General Penalty
The penalty for a breach of a rule in match play is loss of hole, except when otherwise provided.
Decision 2-5/1 Player’s Obligation Regarding Lodging Claim
In match play, a player may disregard a breach of the rules by their opponent, provided there is no agreement between the players. There is a difference between overlooking an opponent’s breach and an agreement with the opponent to waive a penalty. Rule 1-3 prohibits the latter.
Decision 2-5/2 Procedure for a Valid Claim
For a claim to be valid, the claimant must notify their opponent (i) that they are making a claim, (ii) of the facts of the situation and (iii) that they want a ruling. They must do so within the time required by Rule 2-5. For example, Rule 16-1e prohibits putting from a stance astride an extension of the line of putt behind the ball. In a match between A and B, if A putts from a stance astride an extension of the line and B states “that is not allowed, you are penalized,” or, “I’m making a claim because of that stroke,” the committee should consider the claim.
Statements by B such as “I’m not sure that’s allowed,” or, “I don’t think you can do that,” do not by themselves constitute a valid claim, because each statement does not contain the notice of a claim, the facts of the situation and an indication that they want a ruling.
18.3 Provisional Ball Procedure
If your ball might be lost outside a penalty area, to save time you may play another ball provisionally under penalty of stroke and distance.
18.3.b. Announcing Play of Provisional Ball
Before the stroke is made, you must announce that you are going to play a provisional ball.
It is not enough for you only to say that you are playing another ball or are playing again.
You must use the word “provisional” or otherwise clearly indicate that you are playing the ball provisionally under Rule 18.3.
If you did not announce this (even if you intended to play a provisional ball) and played a ball from where the previous stroke was made, that ball is your ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance.
Announcement of Provisional Ball
Q.A player hits his ball into an area where it may be lost outside a water hazard. The player then drops another ball and plays it. The player intends the dropped ball to be a provisional ball, but he does not inform his opponent, marker or fellow-competitor that he is "playing a provisional ball." In such a situation, can a player's actions constitute announcement that he is playing a provisional ball?
A. No. Rule 18.3 specifically provides that the player must inform his opponent, marker or a fellow-competitor that he intends to play a provisional ball.
The player's statement must specifically mention the words "provisional ball" or must make it clear that he is proceeding under the Provisional Ball Rule 18.3. Therefore, a player who says nothing has put another ball into play.
The following are examples of statements that do not satisfy the requirement of announcing a provisional ball:
- "That might be lost. I am going to re-load."
- "That might be out of here."
- "I'd better hit another one."
- "I will never find that one. I'll play another."
Willows Run Golf Complex Local Rules:
- To avoid slow play and maintain position, your group must keep the group ahead of you in sight.
- If the group ahead is out of sight and the group behind is waiting, your group is out of position – please make your group aware they must speed up play and regain position.
- Environmentally Sensitive areas are treated as lateral hazards. A ball coming to rest in these areas cannot be searched for and must be abandoned. Drop a ball as near as possible to the point where the original ball entered the hazard adding one stroke to your score.
- Please make every effort to repair ball marks on the green and apply sand to fairway divots
- Lateral hazards: Red stakes or Mow Line
- Water hazards: Yellow stakes or Mow Line
- Environmentally sensitive areas: Red stakes with green tops. You may not play the ball, you must take a drop and a stroke.
[1] Scores are posted for you for Thursday League nights and Weekend Tournaments only.