Heron Lakes Men’s Club

2026 Byron Wood Match Play
Tournament Rules & Information

 

Entry Fee: $50 (100% to prizes). Invoices will be emailed to participants.

Tournament Format:

• Round Robin Group Play:

  • Players will be divided into groups of 4 based on handicap index.

  • Each player will play 3 matches, one against each group member.

  • A schedule will be created with a 2-week playing window; however, they may play outside the scheduled window to meet players' needs.

  • Matches must be completed by June 28th.

  • Each hole is worth 1 point (0.5 points for a tie).

  • A win earns a 3-point bonus.

  • Round Robin matches can end in a tie; no extra holes.

• Advancement to Bracket Play:

  • Group winners will advance to the bracket.

  • In the case of a tie in Round Robin play, the tie breaker will be the head-to-head round. If there is a tie, players will play off, and the winner(s) will advance.

• Bracket Play (Single Elimination):

  • Bracket rounds begin in July, with a two-week completion deadline per match.

  • Final match completion targeted for late August.

  • If a match is tied after 18 holes, sudden-death play begins on the first hole, with handicap strokes applied.

General Rules:

• Match Format: 

  • 18-hole net match play. 

  • The higher handicapper receives the full handicap differential.

  • Players will use their handicap index as of the start of each round (May 4, May 18, and June 1, etc).

• Course and Tees:

  • Default Course: Greenback Course

  • Default Tees: Application Standard HLMC tee eligibility

  • It is best practice for players to play the same tees and should do so when possible.

  • Course Alterations: By agreement, players may choose to play their match at any agreed-upon course.

• Scoring/Reporting:

  • When playing at Heron Lakes, use the GolfGenius app to log scores. Players may select the course and tees. This will automatically update points and brackets.

  • When playing an alternate course, use the GHIN app or a paper scorecard to keep score and email results to Aaron Blackwelder (aaronblackwelder@mac.com).

• Scheduling:

  • Players contact each other (view member info in the GolfGenius app or portal).

  • Matches can be played at any agreed-upon time, including club rounds.

  • During club rounds, players may participate in scheduled games (putt everything out).

• Reschedules:

  • Each player may request one reschedule after a match is confirmed.

  • Reschedule requests must be made at least 48 hours before the match time.

• No-Shows and Forfeits:

  • If an opponent fails to appear at the tee time, the present player begins play and wins any hole played.

  • The match is forfeited if the opponent does not join by the start of the 4th hole.

  • During the Round Robin, a forfeited match results in 12 points awarded to the winner. In bracket play, the winner advances.

• Unplayed Matches:

  • Round Robin: Matches not completed by June 29th result in zero points for both players.

  • Bracket Play: Matches not completed by deadlines are decided by a coin toss, simulating 18 holes.

• Posting to GHIN

  • Because participants may play during league play and at various courses, the club is placing the onus of posting scores upon the player. The club will not be posting.

  • For guidance on how to post unplayed, conceded, and given putts, check here on the USGA website.

Prizes: 

• All group winners earn $85; bracket bonuses are 1st - $400 | 2nd - $300 | T3 - $200 (2 players) | T5 - $100 (4 players)

 

Round Robin Groups, Brackets, and Results will all be posted on the Club’s GolfGenius portal: 2026hlmc.golfgenius.com

 

Good Luck to everyone!