RULES & REGULATIONS (T&C's)
1. Rules of Golf
1.1 The events will be run in accordance with “the Rules of Golf” as laid down by the R&A and the Local Rules of the courses visited.
2. Format
2.1 The playing format is stableford (unless stated) with full handicap allowance. Play is generally in three and fourballs. Where permitted play is normally from the white/competition tees. Ladies will play from the red tees
3. Who can play?
3.1 The events are open to all amateur golfers, male and female who comply with the handicap requirements in section 4
3.2 Competitors under the age of 18 are welcome to take part but must be accompanied by an adult.
4. Handicaps
4.1 All competitors must have a current handicap issued by a CONGU affiliated golf club.
4.2 Competitors taking part in their first event will be asked to provide a current handicap certificate.
4.3 The maximum playing handicaps will be 24 for men and 30 for ladies with 3/4 stroke allowance for Team & Pairs Events and Full Handicap on Singles, the gents stroke index on the scorecard will be taken for all players at each event.
5. Ties and Countbacks
5.1 In the case of a tie the result in a regular tour event will be decided on a card playoff.
5.1.1 The GRAND FINAL PLAYOFF will be decided on a sudden death playoff starting from the first hole with handicap allowance being given.
1) For a one round event this will be resolved by taking into account the last nine holes on the scorecard. If there is still a tie the result will be decided on the last 6, 3, 2, 1 hole/s
2) For an event over more than one round this will be resolved by taking into account the last 18 holes played. If there is still a tie the result will be decided on the last 9, 6, 3, 2, 1 hole/s
5.2 In all cases of tied results, the decision will be made based on the order of holes as set out on the scorecard regardless of where the individual competitors started.
6. Caddies & Buggies
6.1 The use of buggies is permitted in the events where they are available for hire. Caddies are permitted at any of the events and the competitor is responsible for his/her caddies action
7. GPS Range finding equipment
7.1 The use of GPS and laser range finding equipment which only measures distance is permitted. Under the R&A Rules of Golf the use of smart phones and other devices which provide additional information such as wind speed/direction and distance taking into account gradient is in breach of the Rules of Golf
8. Order of Merit
8.1 An Order of Merit will be established for each year. Merit points are awarded on the basis of 25 to the winner, 24 for 2nd, 23 for 3rd and so on.
8.2 At each event the Top 25 players and ties will receive Order of Merit points. After the 25th Place these players will be deemed to have missed the cut and “Zero” points will be given.
8.3 Order of Merit points are given on an individual basis and only in Singles events from 2017/18 Season.
8.4 Any tied scores will be decided by a card play off over the last nine holes as they appear on the scorecard. Merit points will then be issued based on finishing position.
8.5 All players will try to gain entry for the end of season GRAND FINAL by finishing in the top 60 of the order of merit.
8.6 The final order of merit will be established after all the events in that year’s tour schedule have been played.
8.7 To be eligible for merit points, a competitor must be a current member of the Finch Golf Tour for which the annual fee is £50 and runs for 12 months from September 1st each season. See Membership
8.8 New competitors must join the Tour before their first event if they wish to be eligible for merit points from that event. Order of merit points will not be allocated retrospectively.
9. Championship Events
9.1 Certain events are designated Championship events and the winner will automatically qualify for the Finch Golf Tour Grand Final. To be eligible to accept this prize a competitor planning in their first season on the Tour must play at least 7 rounds on the Tour before the Grand Final. If a competitor does not comply with the above they cannot accept the automatic place in the Grand Final.
10. Finch Golf Tour Grand Final
10.1 The following competitors will automatically qualify:
1) The top 60 and ties in the final Order of Merit
2) The leading two ladies in the final Order of Merit
3) The leading two senior competitors of 60+ years in the final Order of Merit**
4) The winner in each of the Championship events
** to qualify as a senior competitor in any given year you must have had your 60th birthday before 1st March in that year
10.2 If any competitor qualifying under categories 2 – 5 above, finishes in the top 60 of the final Finch Golf Tour Order of Merit, then the next competitor on the Order of Merit will qualify for the Grand Final.
11. Member’s Guest Entry
11.1 Members are welcome to bring guests to any events. A member wishing to bring guests to a Tour event can only enter their guests by calling the office on 07595190832 or by email to peter@finchgolftour.com
11.2 A member’s guest can play as a non-member but will not be eligible to receive Order of Merit points. A competitor new to the Tour must join the Tour before he/she plays their first event to be eligible for merit points. Order of Merit points will not be allocated retrospectively.
12. Payment Terms
12. Entry Fee Payment – ONE or MORE DAY EVENTS
12.1 To secure a place in an event the relevant deposit is payable at the time of entering. Deposits are non refundable and non transferable.
12.2 Full payment is due one calendar month before the event unless otherwise stated.
12.3 If full payment has not been made one calendar month before the event we cannot guarantee your entry and someone on the reserve list may take your place.
12.4 A competitor can enter an event which is Full and his / her name will be kept on a reserve list. A deposit is not required to be included on the reserve list.
12.5 If a competitor withdraws from an event within one calendar month of the date of the event, and a replacement cannot be found, he/she will be liable for full payment of the golf club/hotel etc charge.
12.6 Payment for events should be made online or by calling the office on 07595190832 with your credit/debit card details.
12.7 Players can also make bank transfers by paying the full amount to: Finch Golf Tour: Account Number: 11269325 Sort Code: 160009
12.8 Any player/s who enter by paying the full entrance fee or by deposit and then withdraws, for whatever reason will lose his/her deposit or entrance fee. No refunds will be given once entry has been action-ed – This is strict policy and no exceptions will be offered.
13. Competitor Information
13.1 The draw for each event will appear on the website 48 hours prior to the event along with an itinerary of the day and including other relevant information. Each competitor will receive an email informing them that the draw and competitor information are ready to view online.