Conditions

 
Terms & Conditions of entry in the 2010 Australian Social Golf Club Championships

 
The Event

1. The Australian Social Golf Club Championships (ASGCC) shall be under the management and control of Social Golf Australia.

2. All enquiries pertaining to the ASGCC are to be made directly to the tournament director at the contact numbers and/or email address supplied with the entry form. 

3. The tournament director determines the playing conditions for the event and this information will be provided to players prior the event. 

4. The event is an official national championship supported by Golf Australia. The Championships will be conducted in accordance with the Rules of Golf as adopted by the Royal & Ancient Club of St. Andrews and subject to the local rules and playing conditions provided by Palm Meadows, Lakelands, Robina Woods and Social Golf Australia.


Handicapping

5. All male and female golfers are welcome to enter the Championships and mixed teams are welcome. Only golfers with current official Australian golf handicaps are eligible to compete for the team and/or individual divisions, titles and prizes. Non-handicapped competitors will not have their own division and will not be competing for the titles and prizes – they will be playing rounds of social golf.

6. Your GOLF Link number must be provided as proof of handicap with the entry form and additional proof of handicap may be requested prior to play. All rounds in the Championships will be entered on GOLF Link and handicap adjustments in accordance with the current Australian handicapping system will be made after each round.

7. The maximum official handicaps in the Championships are 45 for ladies and 36 for men.

8. Players must check their handicap prior to play in each round and it is solely the player’s responsibility to play off their correct valid handicap in each round. A player will be disqualified if playing from an incorrect handicap during any round of the Championships.

9. If players have an official handicap but do not have a GOLF Link card and/or a GOLF Link number, they must present a letter from their club handicapper along with their contact details and the phone number of the club where their handicap is held. Failure to verify a handicap prior to play will render player’s scores ineligible for the Championships and the round will be regarded as social only.

10. Social Golf Club handicaps are not recognised. If you wish to obtain an official handicap, contact the Tournament Director, Matthew Pitt. He is a qualified handicapper and a Golf Australia-approved GAA Handicap provider through event partner Bushranger Golf.

11. Golfers in the process of submitting cards to obtain a handicap may enter by noting their GOLF Link number on the application as Pending. However, the GOLF Link number and/or proof of handicap must be supplied to Social Golf Australia prior to Championships. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. The player can still participate, but will only be playing a social round and their three teammates’ scores will count as the team total. 


The Tournament

12. Players participating in the Championships agree to abide by the rules and etiquette of golf, in particular as this applies to the consideration towards, and safety of, other people on the golf course and agree to maintaining an acceptable pace of play.

13. Accredited Rules’ Officials will be on the course for each competition round of the Championships.

14. Player registration for the Championships will take place at the Palm Meadows from 9am to 4pm on Sunday 23rd August.  If necessary, you may also register prior to the first round at Lakelands.

15. The practice round, which is included in your entry, is to be played on Sunday 23rd August 2009 only at one golf course of your choice (subject to availability).  Transfers are not included for the practice round, with transport to and from the course at the player’s own expense. Note that the Radisson Resort is walking distance from Palm Meadows and guests of the Radisson can arrange a complimentary resort shuttle to Lakelands Golf Club next door. Radisson guests must arrange their own transport to Robina Woods for the practice round. If playing in the afternoon, please be mindful that your Welcome Cocktail Party is from 5pm – 7pm at the Palm Meadows clubhouse.

16. The competition rounds will be played on Monday 24th at Lakelands, Tuesday 25th at Robina Woods and the final round is on Wednesday 26th at Palm Meadows. All entrants in the Championships agree to abide by the rules of the participating courses.  Competitors are required to comply with the dress regulations of each of the participating courses. 

17. The first round at Lakelands Golf Club is an afternoon shotgun start. Players will be grouped with three individuals from other clubs. The second round at Robina Woods is a morning shotgun start. Players will be grouped with one teammate and a pair from another club. The final round is a seeded draw off the 1st tee at Palm Meadows. Players will be grouped with one teammate and a pair from another club. The seeded draw will be according to standings in the team event with the leading teams teeing off last.

18. No golf courses partaking in the Championships are walking venues.  Spectators are not permitted on any course.  Electric carts are included in the entry fee and are compulsory. Players driving electric golf carts must hold a current Australian or International Drivers’ License; otherwise, you remain a passenger for the duration of the event. 

19. A draw for the first two rounds will be completed prior to the tournament and the draw for round three will be completed after the second round. Tee times and groups will be allocated at the discretion of the tournament director. A maximum of two players from the same social golf club will be drawn in the same group. Players from the same social golf club are not permitted to mark each other’s card. Should this arise, disqualification will occur.

20. The competition for the national championship is between teams of four players and entrants must be a member of the social golf club they represent. Proof may be requested by the tournament director. Players can be a member of more than one golf club (social or otherwise) but they may only enter as a representative of one social golf club in any given year. Each club can have multiple teams enter in the Championships. e.g.: Cow Park A, Cow Park B, Cow Park C etc. 

21. The team event will be played as an aggregate stableford between teams of four players over 54 holes with the best three scores on each day of the event counting as the team score for that day. To be eligible to play in the team event for the national championships, each team must field a minimum of three players. Team captains must advise the tournament director of each team member’s name prior to play in round one.  Players in each team must remain the same for the duration of the event.

22. The individual events will be played over 54 holes over three consecutive days with men’s and ladies’ categories in each grade (pending numbers).  The competition will be stableford in all divisions. Players are asked to “pick up” if they cannot score. The Championships marshals will monitor this closely. 

23. Men’s divisions:  A grade = 0 to 9, B grade = 10 to 18, C grade = 19 to 27, D Grade = 28 to 36.  Depending on the number of entries, the divisions may be altered without notice at the tournament director’s discretion.  A division may be deleted if an inadequate number of competitors in each division enter the Championships.  The maximum handicap for men is 36

24. Ladies divisions:  A grade = 0 to 20, B grade = 21 to 30, C grade = 31 to 45.  Depending on the number of entries, the divisions may be altered without notice at the tournament director’s discretion.  A division may be deleted if an inadequate number of competitors in each division enter the Championships. The maximum handicap for women of 45.

25. Players shall remain in the division in which they commence play on Monday 24th August 2009 for the duration of the Championships, despite any increase or reductions in handicaps upon entering the event. Defending champions will play in the division in which they commence play on Monday 24th August irrespective of the division in which they won the previous year.

26. All male players will play off the same tees as allocated in the playing conditions on the day. All female players will play off the same tees (red).

27. There will be no playoffs in the team or individual events. All ties will be decided by countback. In the team event, the best team score (the team’s top three individual scores) on the final day wins, then the best team score on Day 2 and so on. After this, the fourth players’ scores are used and the best team total (all four scores) on the final day wins, then the best team total on Day 2 and so on, then the best final nine holes and so on. In the individual grades, the win on countback will be awarded to the best final nine holes, then the last six, then the last three holes and so on.

28. In the event of wet weather, the tournament director will monitor the golf course and weather bureau closely then make a decision on the conditions in due time.  Player’s patience will be appreciated.  Players are not permitted to leave the premises and must remain within the golf course boundary to remain eligible for the Championships.

29. If weather conditions prevent players from completing any round, that round will be cancelled and the Championships reduced accordingly.  Where a competition round is cancelled or players complete less than 12 holes, golfers will receive a voucher for another round of golf (including cart) valid for 12 months (subject to availability, not redeemable for cash, not transferable and not valid for the following years’ Australian Social Golf Club Championships).

30. The use of mobile phones is forbidden during play or near the tee grounds during competition, other than to contact the tournament director or a rules official. Any player found to be using a mobile phone during play may be disqualified.

31. In the event of any disputes during play, please pull aside and wait for the marshal, rules’ official and/or the tournament director to attend to your enquiry or play a second ball. 

32. The tournament director’s decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into. 


Prizes

33. Prizes and giveaways awarded during the Championships will be in accordance with the Rules of Golf, closely observing the rules of amateur status.

34. There will be no daily presentations following golf. Presentations of daily prizes will take place at the player briefing prior to the commencement of the following day’s play.  Results will be posted at registration on the following morning.

35. Final round prizes, along with all major awards, will be presented at the Presentation Dinner on Wednesday 26th August at the Radisson Resort ballroom.

36. Prize winners are responsible for the collection of their prizes for all awards presented during the Championships. Prizes will be held for 30 days after the Championships and will be surrendered after this time if not collected. 

37. In addition to daily prizes, the categories in the 2009 Australian Social Golf Club Championships are:
• Champion Australian Social Golf Club
• Men’s and Ladies’ Individual Champions and runners-up in each grade
• Founding Member Winner
• State Of Origin Winners


Entry

38. Teams, clubs and individuals can register their intention to play by notifying the tournament director by phone, fax or email to reserve a place in the field. This place will be held until the entry form and payment is received or until entries close or the field is full.

39. Entries close at 5pm Friday 31st July 2009 or when the field is full (whichever occurs first).  Entries received after the field is full will be placed on a waiting list and notified when places are available. Entry fees quoted are based on a per-person basis in Australian dollars and are inclusive of GST. 

40. The Early Bird Discount closes at 3pm Tuesday 30th June 2009.  The discount only applies to those players who have paid all fees IN FULL by this date.  After this time, the discount does not apply and full fees are required.

41. Entry fees do not include airport or practice round transfers, travel insurance, airfares, any incidentals, food or beverages outside of that outlined in the terms and conditions. All figures quoted are based on a per person basis in Australian dollars and inclusive of GST.

42. A deposit of $200 each for players and partners MUST accompany each completed entry form to reserve your place in the Championships and/or accommodation at the Radisson Resort.

43. A late fee of $50 per player may be charged on top of the entry fee to players who have not paid in full by August 1st. Players on the “reserves” list will be given first option to fill any unpaid spaces after this date.

44. Credit card payments can be made by Visa or MasterCard only and incur a 2% transaction fee added to the entry fee. Diners Club, American Express or any other credit card are not accepted. Social Golf Australia recommends players and their guests pay by cheque, money order, direct deposit or electronic funds transfer (EFT) where NO transaction fees are incurred.

45. Refund applications received in writing before 5pm Tuesday 30th June 2009 may be subject to a $100 administration charge.

46. Cancellation in writing after August 1st 2009 and before 9am Monday 10th August 2009 may be subject to a 50% cancellation fee.  Cancellation after 10th August 2009 may be subject to a 75% cancellation fee plus 100% of the cost of accommodation.

47. Social Golf Australia will take no responsibility for any misdirected payments, cheques, money orders or deposits made directly or by EFT. Social Golf Australia will take no responsibility for any misdirected credit card details as all details and records are kept secure at all times. Social Golf Australia will take no responsibility for any misdirected entry forms or deposits made via post.  Proof of posting is not proof of receipt. If payment has been misdirected, it is the player’s responsibility to track down the lost payment and/or provide proof of the transaction. 

48. When payment has been received in full, a receipt, welcome letter and an event itinerary with detailed instructions will be emailed or posted to you as soon as possible after July 1.  You will only receive this information once your completed entry form and full payment has been received by Social Golf Australia.

49. Photocopies and/or faxes of this entry form will be accepted but must be clearly legible and show each competitor’s original signature.  No block entries will be accepted.  Each competitor must complete their own entry form.  Only partners are permitted to enter on the same form and it is understood that the signatory has explained these terms and conditions to them or provided them with a copy to read.


General Conditions

50. Dress code for Presentation Evening is semi-formal attire.

51. Children are not permitted to attend the Gala Presentation Evening.  Attendees must be over 18 years of age in observance of Queensland’s liquor licensing laws.

52. Beverages included at each social function include standard Australian beer, wine, juice and soft drinks.  Functions do not include spirits, but they will be available for purchase.

53. Golf course transfers are included on competition days and are to and from scheduled golf courses and the Radisson Resort only.  Off-route stops will not be made unless in an emergency. Should any player or partner miss their transfers, their onward or return journey will be at their own expense.  No claim can be made or will be heard by Social Golf Australia.

54. Food or beverages are not permitted in any transferring vehicle, coach, limousine, car or bus.

55. Lunch is included for competition days only.  Lost lunch tickets will not be replaced. 

56. BYO alcohol is not permitted on any of the golf courses.

57. Social Golf Australia may arrange media promotion and publicity before, during and after the Championships.  Competitors agree to references to them and/or photographs of them appearing and/or being used for purposes determined by Social Golf Australia or their representative/s and sponsors via their signature appearing on this entry form.

58. All competitors, partners, family and their guests participate in the Australian Social Golf Club Championships at their own risk.

59. Damages to or theft from (if any) any golf course (and/or but not limited to), electric carts, surrounding residential areas, entrances, transfer vehicles, the Radisson Resort, Social Golf Australia property, car parks, garden beds and any other and all property is to be paid for by the individual(s) responsible.

60. Social Golf Australia reserves the right to refuse entry into the Championships, disqualify and/or remove any person or people from the premises or the Championships without notice, in the event of anti-social behaviour, verbal abuse towards staff, or abuse of the Responsible Service of Alcohol act. Social Golf Australia along with management of any venue participating in the event will solely determine what is and what is not anti-social behaviour.  No further correspondence will be entered into.

61. Social Golf Australia reserves the right to withdraw, cancel or vary the event without notice.

62. Social Golf Australia reserves the right to amend any conditions, playing conditions, format, venues, rules or terms of the Championships before, during or after the event without notice.

63. The term “fore” is to be used by a player or their group to warn any person/s on, near or surrounding the golf course boundary of a moving ball that may cause harm. If a person has been hit by a golf ball, golf club or any other part of a player’s equipment, that player is deemed responsible for any and all damages that may be incurred. Social Golf Australia, the participating courses, sponsors, suppliers and/or any person or organisation associated with the Championships will not be held liable in any circumstances. 

64. Golf activities can be dangerous. All competitors understand that they are exposed to certain risks during golf activities and that accidents can and do happen.  Acceptance of entry releases Social Golf Australia and the participating courses from all claims that entrants may have or may have had but for this release arising from or in connection with  participation, and indemnifies each competitor and will keep indemnified Social Golf Australia and the participating courses in respect of any claim by any person arising as a result of or in connection with participation in any golf activities. 

65. Social Golf Australia, Palm Meadows Golf Course, Lakelands Golf Club, Robina Woods Golf Course, Gold Coast Direct Charters, the Radisson Resort, sponsors and any other suppliers of goods or services accept no liability for any death, injury, property loss or damage incurred during or arising out of any aspect of the conduct of the Championships.  The Australian Social Golf Club Championships shall be under the management and control of Social Golf Australia in conjunction with management of the venues.

66. By signing and returning your entry form, you agree that you will receive correspondence from sponsors and have read this section (Terms and Conditions of Championship Entry) of the Australian Social Golf Club Championships and agree to abide and be bound by them.