2022 Bear Dance
Men’s Club Manual
Congratulations
Jon Stirling
2021 Player of the Year
Winner of 2022 Weekday Limited Golf Package
Mike Vinski
2021 Player of the Year Runner-Up
Winner of Custom Callaway Driver
Jon Stirling
2021 Match Play Champion
Brian Fairchild
2021 Club Champion
02.13.22
TABLE OF CONTENTS & KEY PERSONNEL
Committee Members w/email addresses…………… 2
Recent Changes…………………………………….. 3
2022 Schedule of Events…………………………… 4-5
Event Registration/Cancellation…………………… 6
Membership Benefits/Event Fees/Optional Cash Games…. 7
Flight Calculations/Tournament Pairings……..…… 8
Rules of Play……………………………………….. 9
Local Rules/Native Rule/No Play Zones…………. 10
Tournament Payout Calculations……………….….. 11
Player of the Year Calculations….……………..….. 12
Club Championship …….…………......................... 13
Match Play Single & Partner Championships……… 14-16
Handicap Policy…………………………………….. 17
Addendum I- Pace of Play………………………….. 18-19
2022 Men’s Club Committee
Don Rutkowski DonRutkowski.16@gmail.com
Chuck Borzych ceborzych@comcast.net
Kevin Arvidson kevin.arvidson@gmail.com
Kendall Walker kendall.walker@us.loomis.com
Jon Stirling jstirling@spenceassetmanagement.com
Mark Pfingston, PGA proshop@beardancegolf.com
Head Golf Professional
Websites
Bear Dance: http://www.beardancegolf.com
Bear Dance Men’s Club: http://www.bdgmc.org
RECENT EDITS & CHANGES
2022 EDITS/CHANGES
New 2 Day, 36 Hole Senior Club Championship. Runs congruently with Club Championship
New Match Play Formatting for Singles and Team Match Play
Player of the Year will receive a Complimentary 2023 Limited Annual Golf Package
Runner-Up will receive a Custom Fit Callaway Driver
Third Place will receive Complimentary 2023 Men’s Club Dues
4th & 5th Place will receive complimentary 2023 MHGT 4 Course Pass
funding a mortgage free home to a Colorado Veteran
$20 “Elected” Single Rider Cart Fee option; $35 for general public
Weekend tournament Men’s Club green fee $109; disounted off the $139 rate
No show/No call fee $109
Late cancellation inside a 48-hour window fee of $35
NEW LOCAL RULE
“No Play/No Entry PenatlyZones”
Prohibiting players to enter and PROHIBIT PLAY from private residences
2021 CHANGES
Players 65 or older will have the option to move up ONE set of tees if they are flighted in the Blue or Blue/White Flight for individual events only.
This option will not be applicable for match play, or the Club Championship.
In the past there was a reduction that was manually applied based upon the course ratings. Under the new handicap rules, the course handicap is automatically adjusted based on if you are playing a shorter set of tees or a longer set of tees.
Very Important!!!
Eligible players who elect to move up tees MUST notify the committee no later than noon on the Monday prior to tournament play!
2022 Men’s Club Schedule of Events
“ICE BREAKERS” Join US for a few pre-seasons Hit n’ Giggle Cash Games
April 16 & 24
#1-SATURDAY APRIL 30, 2022 OPENING DAY
Morning Shotgun ~ Club Makes Teams/Pairings
SATURDAY MAY 7, 2021 OPENING DAY ALTERNATE DATE IN CASE OF SNOW
#2-SUNDAY MAY 15, 2022 THE MICHELADA
Individual Stroke Play ~ AM Tee Times
INDIVIDUAL MATCH PLAY DOUBLES MATCH PLAY (TBD)
Anyone can elect to compete for the Championship from Blue Tees Select anyone for a partner ~ Alternate Shot
All others will be flighted by handicap; Blue/White or White One Flight & ALL play Blue/White combo tees
Optional participation/cash entry & payouts/participation points & no placing points
Registration ONLY in person/over phone/no online/closes 5/15/22 with Draft party that afternoon
See Men’s Club Manual for additional information
#3-SATURDAY MAY 28, 2022 FOLDS OF HONOR MEMORIAL DAY
Individual Stroke Play ~ AM Tee Times
#4-SATURDAY JUNE 11, 2022 TIGER TEST
Individual Stroke Play ~ AM Tee Times
JUNE 23rd, 24TH & 25TH “DOS OSOS” Member-Guest
MUST BE one BD MC Member & one guest with a valid handicap ~ Thursday optional practice round & Par 3 challenge, Tee Gift, Bloody, Breakfast, & Dinner Friday & Saturday Golf competition with Cash Horse Race ~ No participation points & No Placing Points, MCPP not included, $900/team
#5-SUNDAY JULY 10, 2022 “THE HUMMINGBIRDS”
Individual Modified Stableford ~ Morning Tee Times
#6-SATURDAY JULY 23, 2022 “SUMMER SOLSTICE”
2 MAN 6/6/6 & HORSE RACE ~ 915a Tee Times ~
Plus, a 330p Horse Race to follow event if you qualify
Must register with a partner
#7-SUNDAY AUGUST 7, 2022 DAWSON’S BUTTE
Individual Stroke Play ~ AM Tee Times
#8-SUNDAY AUGUST 21, 2022 BAGGER’S LAST DANCE
Individual Stroke Play ~ AM Tee Times
#9-SEPTEMBER 9th, 10th, & 11th, 2022 BRUENING CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP/SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 54 Holes Medal Stroke Play~ 36 Hole Senior Championship~ Triple/Double Prize Fund & POINTS ~ WIN POY!
Friday afternoon Tee Times ~ Saturday Mid-Morning Tee Times ~ Sunday early morning Tee Times
SEPTEMBER 24 & 25, 2022 INAGURAL STUART’S VALLEY CUP
Plum Creek vs. Bear Dance ~ 2 Day Home n’ Away
#10-SUNDAY OCTOBER 2, 2022 BEAR’S CUP & ANNUAL AWARDS LUNCHEON
8a Shotgun ~ 130p Awards & Lunch
2022 Bear Dance Men’s Club Detailed Schedule
All event registration MUST be completed on-line & events close the Friday Night, one week prior to the event
Prize Funded Event
Sat April 30 OPENING DAY 3 Man “Lonestar” Better Ball Yes #1
900a Shotgun Earn 5 participation points. No POY placing points - $89 Green Fee
Sat May 7 OPENING DAY 3 Man “Lonestar” Better Ball (Alternate Day) Yes #1
900a Shotgun Earn 5 Participation points. No POY placing points- $89 Green Fee
Sun May 15 “The Michelada” Individual Stroke Play Yes #2
812a Single Tee Earn 3 participation points & Earn POY placing points - $89 Green Fee
Mon May 16 Singles Match Play Begins---$75 cash entry No
Match Play Events Begin Cash Payouts to winners - Earn 5 participation points
All scorecards MUST be turned into golf shop as Individual Match Play scores will be recorded
Partner Match Play---$150 cash entry/team No
Cash payouts to winners-Earn 5 participation points
Sat May 28 Folds of Honor Memorial Day Individual Stroke Play Yes #3
700a Single Tee Earn 3 participation points & Earn POY placing points - $109 Green Fee
Sat June 11 Tiger Test Yes #4
700a Single Tee Each flight will play back one set of tees (Blue to Black, etc)
Earn 5 participation points – No POY placing points - $109 Green Fee
Fri-Sat June 24/25 “Dos Osos” 2 Person Member-Guest No
3:30 Par 3 SG Front Nine Par 3 contest shotgun, skills challenge in practice area
700a Single Tee No Participation or PoY Points -
Sun July 10 “The Hummingbirds” Individual Modified Stableford Yes #5 700a Single Tee Earn 3 participation points & Earn POY placing points - $109 Green Fee
Sat June 11 Pick-Your-Partner 6-6-6 & Horse Race to follow Yes #6
915-1112a Single Tee Earn 5 participation points – No POY placing points - $109 Green Fee
3:30p Horse Race Must Qualify for Horse Race by winning your flight gross or net – Cash entry & payout for HR
Sun Aug 7 “Even Stevens” Individual Stroke Play Yes #7
700a Single Tee Earn 3 participation points & Earn POY placing points - $109 Green Fee
Sun Aug 21 Bagger’s Last Dance Individual Stroke Play Yes #8
700a Single Tee Earn 3 participation points & Earn POY placing points - $109 Green Fee
Fri-Sun Sept. 9,10,11 Bruening Club Championship 54/36 Holes Medal Stroke Play Yes #9, 10, 11
1233p #1 Tee Day 1 Triple Points & Prize Fund!!! - Earn 10 participation points - Earn POY placing points
1000a #1 Tee Day 2 $109 Green Fee-Player is obligated for three days of green fees upon registering for event
700a #1 Tee Day 3 Senior Club Championship will be a 36 Hole event, running Saturday and Sunday
Sat Sept 24 Stuart’s Valley Cup Round 1 Luncheon (At Plum Creek) No
900a Single Tee Fee for party & Raffle Prizes is included in dues
Sun Sept 25 Stuart’s Valley Cup Round 2 Luncheon & Awards (At Bear Dance) No
800a Shotgun Lunch/Party/Awards to follow Golf ~ Fee for party & Raffle Prizes is included in dues
Sun Oct 2 Bear’s Cup ~ Champions Awards ~ Party & Luncheon Yes #12
800a Shotgun $109 Entry for Green Fees, plus $30 Team Gift ~ $30 Entry for Annual Pass Holders for Team Gift
Lunch/ Awards to follow Golf ~ Fee for party & Raffle Prizes is included in dues
Event Registration/Cancellation
Registration: It is the sole responsibility of the Men’s Club Member to sign up for the events they wish to play! Registration for all events will be handled via Internet only! Players calling the golf shop will be directed back to the website below for all registrations.
NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE TAKEN VIA PHONE!
How to Register for an Event: Go to The Bear Dance Golf www.beardancegolf.com and select the “Golf” Drop down menu. Next Click on “Men’s Club” and then “Event Registration. Click on “New Registration”, type in your last name and follow the prompts to complete the registration. You can also edit and cancel a past reservation by clicking “Edit Registration”.
All tournament entries will close on the Friday at 11:59 p.m., 8 to 9 days prior to each event! The only players who will be allowed to enter after the tournament has closed will be those filling any openings in groups that are vacant. Late entries will be on a first come, first serve basis. Availability of these “late entry” possibilities will be emailed to each member via the Men’s Club. Flights and Pairings of the tournament will not be altered for late entrants! All late entries will compete in their appropriate flights from their appropriate tees; however, they may be paired with other competitors competing in different flights and possibly playing from different tees.
Cancellation of an Event Registration: It is the individual’s sole responsibility to cancel properly by sending an email to the golf shop, proshop@beardancegolf.com, plus follow up with a phone call to the golf shop verifying the notification of cancellation by 5:00 PM on the Monday before the event. When calling, please speak with a golf shop professional. Individuals who cancel within 48 hours of the event will be charged a late cancellation fee of $35.
“No-Show” Policy: Individuals that fail to show for an event for which they have registered will be charged $109.00! (Annual Card Holders included!)
Membership
Responsibilities & Benefits
All members of the Bear Dance Men’s Club will: (Men’s Club Committee reserves the right to modify at any time)
- Pay appropriate annual dues.
- Have USGA Amateur Status.
- Provide valid credit card number to be on file with the golf shop.
Each Member will have the following benefits:
- USGA Handicap services.
- A discounted rate for “Green Fees” every time the MC member plays (does not apply to guests).
- New 14-day advance golf reservations via on-line/app only (public gets 7 days).
- 15% discount off suggested retail on all in-stock golf merchandise (will not apply to sale items).
Tournament Fees
Each Bear Dance Men’s Club Member will have paid for their “Tournament Merchandise Fee” for each event by paying their entry into the Men’s Club. (Match Play, Member Guest and The Bear’s Cup are not included.) For each tournament round, each member will be charged up to $109.00 in tournament green fees, dependent on seasonal rates, automatically, by the golf shop for each day of play!
Optional Cash Games
Optional Cash Game registration closes 30 minutes prior to last tee time of the day’s event!
There will be optional cash games that each participant may enter for each day of competition. Daily registration is required! Cash only please!! Normally there will be the following optional games to enter for each day of competition (may vary based upon event). Players who choose not to enter prior to play will not be eligible to win! Each individual/team may choose to enter none, all, or select from the following games:
- Closest to the Pin ($20entry ~ pot divided by the four Closest to Pin Winners ~ non-flighted event)
- Gross and Net Skins ($20 entry ~ pot divided evenly for both gross and net skins—must enter both to be eligible)
- Closest to the Pin pays for each par 3. Amount will be 25% of total pot for each par 3.
- Rather than Hole-in One insurance this year, if anyone gets a hole in one during tournament play, they will win all four closest to the pin contests that day. Half of the cash winnings will be obligated to cover the bar tab in celebration and the 2nd half goes in your pocket. Well done! However, you MUST have entered the cash contest prior to the start of the round to be eligible.
Flight Calculations/Tournament Pairings
Individual Event Tees
Blue Flight 6,706 70.7 132
Blue/White Flight 6,287 69.9 127
White Flight 6,064 68.6 124
COMBO TEES: Blue/White Flight Only (Look for the “dual color” tee markers.)
Blue Tees: 3,5,6,8,11,12,16,17,18
White Tees: 1,2,4,7,9,10,13,14,15
If you are competing in the Blue flight, you will play all 18 holes from the Blue Tees. If you are competing in the White flight, you will play all 18 holes from the White Tees.
Senior Player Tee Options:
Players 65 or older will have the option to move up ONE set of tees if they are flighted in the Blue or Blue/White Flight for individual events only. This option will NOT be applicable for match play or the Club Championship. If the player elects to move up one set of tees. In the past there was a reduction that was manually applied based upon the course ratings. Under the new handicap rules, the course handicap is automatically adjusted based on if you are playing a shorter set of tees or a longer set of tees.
Very Important!!! Eligible players who elect to move up tees MUST notify the committee no later than noon on the Monday prior to tournament play!
Men's Club Event Tee Ranges
Players with Indexes +3.0 to 10.0 will play Blue Tees
Players with Indexes 10.1 to 13.3 will play White/Blue Tees
Players with Indexes 13.4 and higher will play from White Tees
Flights for Individual Events
The tournament committee will create flights to make them as equal as possible based on handicap ranges and the number of entries in each tournament. Chances are very good they will change from tournament to tournament. Our goal is to provide everyone with a challenging course and a competitive field so we can enjoy gentlemanly competition and camaraderie while focusing on enjoyment for the game.
Flights for “Team” Events
Flights for “Team” events will be calculated by the “Team’s” cumulative handicap. Size of flights will be in direct correlation to number of total entries. Our optimal goal will be to have the same number of teams in each flight. Men’s Club reserves the right to have unequal numbers of teams in each flight and to modify the number of flights to keep the competition fair for all players.
Handicap Utilized for Flight Calculation and Tournament Play
USGA handicap will be utilized. The maximum course handicap for an individual for all competitions is 36. The Handicap Committee reserves the right to establish a course handicap for any player in order to make the competition fair for all participants. For example, the odds are 1 in 37,000 that a player with an index from 13 to 21 can score 10 strokes below their handicap. Should this occur for any player for two consecutive tournaments, the Handicap Committee may establish a Bear Dance Men’s Club event course handicap for that player for future events. Due to nightly revisions starting in 2020, it is not feasible for the golf shop to use the most current handicap on the day of play to prepare for the event. Therefore, the shop will use a revision earlier in the week (likely a Tuesday or Wednesday) and all players will be calculated off the same revision date. Match play events are the exception and players should use the most current revision for their match.
Tournament Pairings
Once flights have been established, the Men’s Club Pairings Chairman will determine the pairings and tee times and flights will be published by COB Thursday.
Rules of Play
The USGA Rules of Golf will govern all tournament play. Players should download a free version of the 2019 Rules of Golf by downloading the USGA Official Rules of Golf 2019 App on their phones or players may purchase a 2019 Rules book through various avenues online on their own.
For stroke play events, competitors are not eligible to play the golf course prior to a stroke play event on the same day but ARE ALLOWED to play the course in between multiple day events; after the round.
For match play events, competitors are eligible to play the course prior to a match play event on the same day.
Disputes
Any challenges or “call outs” for rules infractions brought to the board must have both parties present. If you need a ruling pertaining to the “rules of golf” during play, you should play 2 balls and then go directly to the Pro Shop for a ruling. If it is Men’s Club issue, bring it to the any of the Committee listed on page 2, and the board will resolve it internally.
Score Posting
The golf club no longer has a score posting computer as it is now performed online or on an app. Every time you play a round of golf, regardless of the # of holes played, a score should be posted in the spirit of the game. This will ensure a true and realistic handicap index. Under NO circumstances is a player allowed to post another player’s score in the USGA system without their permission. If a competitor does post another player’s score without their permission, they will be asked to leave the Men’s Club and their dues will not be refunded.
Format Sheet
A format sheet will be created for every event and it’s the player’s responsibility to know all the pertinent information for the day’s play. Please do not call the golf shop during the round for information if you did not complete you’re own due diligence prior to the start of play.
“Pace of Play” Policy
Pace of play is a key ingredient to adding enjoyment to the game. The Men’s Club is committed to making pace of play an important aspect to our tournaments going forward. For the 2022 season, the MC Committee has implemented policy changes. Review the changes so you are aware of the policy before the season starts.
Any group finishing over 4 hours and 30 minutes, and 15 or more minutes behind the group in front of them will be penalized. Time is kept from the moment your cart leaves the first tee box until it arrives at the clubhouse. The Men’s Club Competition Committee will assess penalties.
Penalty for infraction- All players in the group receive a two-shot penalty. This will be added to your gross score thereby affecting both gross and net scoring for that tournament.
Appeal of infraction- If a player feels he is unjustly penalized because of the slow play of one or two others in his group he may appeal the penalty. The other players will be questioned and if all agree that player ‘A” was the reason for the slow play that will be the only person penalized.
See attached Addendum I for additional information and guidelines on this important pace of play policy.
Player “On Time” Policy (Local Men’s Club Rule)
1. Players will be assessed a 2-stroke penalty if they are not at the tee box, ready to tee off, when the starter instructs your group to play away. Player will be assessed penalty to the first hole played.
2. To paraphrase the rules of golf: Penalty for lateness beyond five minutes of player’s starting time is disqualification. The Board strongly recommends that you be at your appointed tee box 5 minutes before your time! Trains or weather delays do not excuse you from your responsibility to be punctual and it’s NOT the golf shops responsibility to find you…. On time is LATE!
BEAR DANCE LOCAL RULES
The Golf Club at Bear Dance has 2 primary local rules governing our Men’s Club event play
“NATIVE RULE” & “NO PLAY/NO ENTRY ZONES”
And is imperative every player is understands these rules fully and how to proceed when facing these scenarios.
NATIVE RULE: To assist players in pace of play, Bear Dance utilizes a local “Native Rule” that is an adopted rule for all events. Players who believe they have hit their ball into any native area defined as “non-maintained turf area” will have the option to utilize the local “Native Rule” whether the original ball is found or not.
“Local Native Rule” Options:
1. Play the ball as it lies, out of the native area, no penalty.
2. If the ball is lost or unplayable within the native area, from the point of entry at which the ball entered the native area (not where the ball was found), the player may take relief two club lengths from this “point of entry” starting at the maintained turf line under Rule 17.
-Relief must be no closer to the hole, dropping the ball into play, player will incur a 1 stroke penalty. -NOTE: Player is NOT allowed to keep point of entry between themselves and the flag and drop as far back as desired. -If player plays from Native Area & ball becomes unplayable in said area, the player IS allowed to utilize the 1 stroke penalty and take relief back in maintained turf based on the original entry point with an additional 1 stroke penalty; Rule 17.2a.
From any point on the course, the player can play a “Provisional Ball.” If a provisional ball is played, the player has the option to play either the original ball or the provisional ball. If the provisional ball is selected to be played, the player will incur the penalty of one stroke. NOTE: Even if the player finds the original ball, he may still elect to play the provisional ball with the applicable one stroke penalty.
“NEW” No Play/No ENTRY ZONES/Private Property Local Rule: Identified by BLUE PAINT/STAKES. Players are NOT eligible to play their ball if found on maintained private property (homeowners’ yards) regardless if they have permission or not. If ANY part of the ball is in contact with ANY part of the line or stake it is considered to be in the no play/penalty zone and can-not be played. The only option for the player would be to proceed under Option #2 of the Native Rule which is to take relief from the point of entry where the ball entered the native area. The player will take two club lengths from this “point of entry” starting at the maintained turf line and incur a one stroke penalty. Examples of these Home Residential No Play/No Entry Zones are below and not intended to be a complete listing:
Right of #1 Green Behind & Right #2 Green Right of #4 Fairway Right of #5 Fairway Right & left of #8 FW/Green Left & Right ALL #9 Left & right #10 Fairway Right of #14 fairway Right of #15 Green Right #16 Fairway & behind Green
Hole #8: The left side of #8 fairway/green marked on the hole side of the adjacent pond/stream with either red stakes or paint. But the entire native areas (into infinity) left of the water features opposite the hole side will be played as a NO PLAY ZONE. Thus, if a player’s shot carries to the left of the stream and penalty area line and comes to rest in the native area between the stream and the houses, the player’s ball is deemed to be in the NO PLAY ZONE and can take relief of 1 penalty stroke following Rule 17.
Pond left of Hole # 8 tee: A designated drop area will be marked right of the pond.
Hole # 16 House Behind Green “NO PLAY/NO ENTRY ZONE”: The golf course’s playable area directly behind the 16th green has been identified and marked with BLUE STAKES/PAINT. If any part of the player’s ball lies ON OR BEYOND the BLUE STAKES/PAINT, the player’s ball is deemed to be on private property and the player will incur a 1 stroke penalty and MUST take a drop in the nearest of the two drop zones and proceed with play. A stake is in place dividing the two Drop Zone opportunities and will determine which zone is nearer to and the one you MUST play from. There are no other playing options available when playing from behind Hole #16.
If any ball is located on the golf course property (inside the marked BLUE STAKES/PAINT) and the player’s swing is obstructed by the net and/or fence, the player will be given a FREE drop and the ball must be dropped and played within the nearest identified Drop Zone. If your ball is not on private property, nor your swing obstructed by the net and/or fence, then the ball must be played as it lies, or the player can proceed using the Native Rule.
Native Line Left of Hole #16 Fairway: The native area left on hole #16 begins immediately on the scrub oak line. Thus, if your ball lies in the native area left of the fairway, your drop area is left of the cart path, 2 club lengths no closer to the hole from the scrub oak line. Dropping it to the right of the cart path is not an option.
Tournament Payout Calculations
Payouts for Individual and Team Events ~ Golf Shop Credit
- 35% of each flight participants/teams will earn golf shop credit (rounding up at .5 or greater)
- Total number of payout places for gross and net positions are indicated below.
- Taking the total dollar amount available in the “Tournament Prize Fund Account” and dividing it by the number of play dates remaining on the schedule, dividing the purse equally, calculates the tournament purse. (Total of 11 play days.)
- To calculate the prize fund for each flight, take the total purse for the event and divide it by the total number of flights. (Rounding of figures will be utilized at Golf Shop’s discretion.)
- Each flight’s total purse will be distributed to the winning individuals/teams in Golf Shop Credit.
- Golf Shop Credits are redeemable for in-stock golf shop merchandise only!
- All Golf Shop Credit expires the 20th of December each year.
Payout Percentages for General Flights
3 places 4 places 5 places 6 places 7 places
1st gross (40%) 1st gross (35%) 1st gross (30%) 1st gross (27%) 1st gross (23%)
1st net (40%) 2nd gross (15%) 2nd gross (15%) 2nd gross (15%) 2nd gross (14%)
2nd net (20%) 1st net (35%) 1st net (30%) 3rd gross ( 8%) 3rd gross (10%)
2nd net (15%) 2nd net (15%) 1st net (27%) 1st net (23%)
3rd net (10%) 2nd net (15%) 2nd net (14%)
3rd net ( 8%) 3rd net (10%)
4th net ( 6 %)
Payout Percentages for “Single” Flight Only
3 Places 4 Places 5 Places
1st 50% 1st 40% 1st 30%
2nd 30% 2nd 30% 2nd 25%
3rd 20% 3rd 20% 3rd 20%
4th 10% 4th 15%
5th 10%
The “1st Place Gross” position will be determined first, then “1st Place Net” next, and so forth. A player may only win one place when competing for Golf Shop Credit. Golf Shop credit will be posted under your name in the POS system in the golf shop within 48 hours of tournament conclusion.
As a member of the Men’s Club, you will receive 15% off retail for all in-stock merchandise. Any credit must be spent prior to December 20th each calendar year. For best selection, Bear Dance recommends spending Golf Shop Credit prior to October 15th. Last shipments for new merchandise are received in late August.
Tie Breaking Method
Other than for “Over-All Club Champion” and “Match Play”, all ties will be determined utilizing recommended USGA method: Matching cards of the best score for the last nine holes. If the tiebreaker is not determined, then utilize the best score for last six holes, last three holes and finally 18th hole. If further tiebreaker is needed, repeat procedure with first nine holes as above. To determine net winners utilizing above method, one-half, one-third, and one-sixth of tournament handicaps will be deducted. Holes 10-18 will always be considered as the last nine holes of play for tiebreaker purposes.
Player of the Year Calculations
Each year, the ownership of Bear Dance gives a complimentary Weekday Limited Annual Golf Pass (Monday-Thursday) to the Player of the Year for the following season! The Men’s Club appreciates this generous prize, which makes this yearly event exciting and rewarding. The prize is non-transferable!!
The Golf Club has also added exciting new prizes for the following POY runners-up:
Runner-Up Custom Fit Callaway Driver
3rd Place Men’s Club Membership for the next season
4th & 5th Place Complimentary Mile High Golf Trail 4 course pass
Prizes are non-transferable or exchanged for credit
Player of the Year “Participation” Points:
- Participation Points will only be awarded for simply participating in the following tournaments:
- Season Kick-Off Golf Event 5 points
- 3-Man Better Ball 5 points
- 2-Man Better Ball 5 points
- 2-Man 6/6/6 & Horse Race 5 points
- Individual Events 3 Points
- Club Championship 3X points if you play all 3 days 9 Points
- Match Play 5 Points
- No POY Points will be awarded for competitions scheduled after Club Championship
Player of the Year “Placing” Points:
- Player of the Year Placing Points will be awarded to all players that place in their flight and earn Golf Shop Credit.
- Points will be distributed to winners in the following manner:
1st Place Net or Gross 10 Points + participation pts
2nd Place Net or Gross 8 Points + participation pts
3rd Place Net or Gross 6 Points + participation pts
4th Place Net or Gross 4 Points + participation pts
5th Place Net or Gross 2 Points + participation pts
Participation 3 Points
The Club Championship will earn TRIPLE the amount of Placing Points!
Player of the Year Tie Breakers
The following method will be utilized in realization of a tie for the Player of the Year award:
An 18-hole Medal Net Stroke Play playoff with a match date determined by parties involved. Players will play from the farthest back tee that they have individually competed from in a Men’s Club Schedule of Events. Handicap allocation will be 100% as of the date of play. If there is a tie at the completion of the 18-hole match, players will then proceed to a sudden death playoff with strokes falling where applicable. Green fees for this match will be courtesy of Bear Dance Management!
Club Championship
- Club Championship will be a flighted 54-hole medal GROSS play event.
- The “Club Champion” will be the player with the lowest 54-hole total gross score played from the furthest set of tees used during the championship.
- Participation, Placing & Prize fund for this event will be tripled off a regular one-day event.
- If there is a tie for the Overall Club Champion, there will be a sudden-death playoff immediately following the conclusion of regular play. Spectators for the playoff are encouraged to come out to see some great golf.
- All members are eligible to compete for the overall gross Club Championship by opting into the Championship division and play all three rounds from the correct tees.
- The final day of competitions scorecard will be used for any ties using USGA guideline of last 9/6/3/1.
- The Men’s Club Committee has allowed the play of recreational golf in-between rounds of official club championship play.
- Practicing or playing on course prior to play is prohibited.
Senior Club Championship
- Senior Club Championship will be a 36-hole medal GROSS play event.
- The “Senior Club Champion” will be the player with the lowest 36-hole total gross score played from the set of tees used during the championship.
- Participation, Placing & Prize fund for this event will be doubled off a regular one-day event.
- If there is a tie for the Overall Senior Club Champion, there will be a sudden-death playoff immediately following the conclusion of regular play. Spectators for the playoff are encouraged to come out to see some great golf.
- All members who are over the age of 60 are eligible to compete for the overall gross Senior Club Championship by opting into the Senior Championship and play both rounds from the correct tees.
- The final day of competitions scorecard will be used for any ties using USGA guideline of last 9/6/3/1.
- The Men’s Club Committee has allowed the play of recreational golf in-between rounds of official club championship play.
- Practicing or playing on course prior to play is prohibited.
- Players who elect to compete for the Senior Club Championship are not eligible to compete in the Overall Club Championship. The events will run simultaneously on the Saturday and Sunday of the Club Championship Weekend.
Match Play Championships
Match Play Championships – Individual and 2 Man Teams
These are not scheduled events but are open to all players who sign up and pay the cash entry fee by the deadline, May 15th, 2022. The entry fee is to be paid in cash to the Match Play Committee.
- These are season long championships.
- Deadline for signup and payment of cash only entry fee is May 15th, 2022.
- Brackets will be based off Championship flight, and subsequent flights. There will only be 1 bracket per flight.
- The Championship Bracket will be based on following rankings, after which the remainder will be a blind draw. If any 1 seed spot is filled by a duplicate player, the runner up in that category will fill the spot.
1 Seed: Previous year Match Play Champion
2 Seed: Previous year Club Champion
3 Seed: Previous year Match Play Runner Up
4 Seed: Previous Year Player of the Year
- Players/Teams are equally responsible for scheduling and completing each match by the scheduled due date. If the match is not completed by deadline date, both players/teams could be disqualified. Keep a record of the effort that is made to schedule your match, it will be effective in determining whether both or one will be disqualified. If both players/teams make an honest effort to schedule the match but are unsuccessful, the Committee will appoint a winner. All rulings by the committee are final. Reasons for delay such as a family emergency, illness, injury or business will not be accepted. It is highly recommended to communicate via email to show a record. Both parties MUST communicate within the first week of each round. The Match Play schedule will be posted once the amount of players in the respective flights are determined.
- If one player/team forfeits the match, their opponent will move onto the next round.
- Participation points will be awarded for all players/teams who play in the Match Play events.
- Match Play greens fees are the standard Men’s Club 15% discount on the day of play rate.
- Players are eligible to play golf on the course prior to match play events.
It is the players responsibility to acquire indexes, ensure accuracy & make the official scorecard!
All Results & Scorecards must be returned to the Golf Shop upon completion of contest.
The Golf Shop will post all Individual Match Play Scores.
If match ends prior to playing 18 holes, an 18 holes score will be derived by using the “your handicap and a par plus” method on all holes after the match concluded.
Individual Match Play Cash Payouts—5 Participation Points
1st (60%)
2nd (35%)
2-Man Match Play Cash Payouts—5 Participation Points
1st (60%)
2nd (35%)
Individual Match Play
- Each bracket will have its own champion. There will not be a play off between flights.
- Each match will be based on the difference between the two course handicaps using 100%.
- Entry fee is $75 per player.
- NEW FOR 2022: There will ONLY be 1 bracket per flight. Anyone who elects to play for the Match Play Championship is eligible and welcome to, however they agree that they will play all matches from the Blue Tees. This is not negotiable, in order to be named Match Play Champion, you must play from the Championship Tees. If more than 16 players elect to play in it, there will be bye weeks, with seeding and bracket based off qualifying scores.
- NEW FOR 2022: There will no longer be Points awarded based off finishing position. Only Participation Points will be awarded. Therefore, the deadline for playing in all matches would be prior to the End of Season Bear’s Cup and Awards Banquet.
It is the players responsibility to acquire indexes, ensure accuracy & make the official scorecard!
2 Man Match Play Teams
- Teams will consist of two Men’s Club members. There will be no “A” or “B” player designation requirement. Course handicaps for team pairings will be the 2022 USGA handicaps at the close of registering. Those wishing to play but who do not have partner, please reach out to fellow members via email expressing your interest and your index.
- The Championship Bracket will be based on following rankings, after which the remainder will be a blind draw. If any 1 seed spot is filled by a duplicate player, the runner up in that category will fill the spot.
1 Seed: Previous year Match Play Champion
- All players who will be competing for the Team Match Play Championship will play from the Blue/White tees.
- Team handicaps will be one-half of the combined course handicaps of the two players. Team handicaps ending in .5 will be rounded up to the next whole number. Course handicaps for matches will be the USGA handicap in effect on the date each match is played.
- Handicaps are calculated on day of play. It is the PLAYER’S responsibility to make scorecards and ensure accuracy of all handicaps and math. The golf shop is happy to assist.
- 2 Person Match format will be foursomes pursuant to USGA Rule 29-1. Two play against two, and each side plays ONE ball. Partners play alternately from the teeing grounds (i.e., one team member tees off from the odd numbered tees and the other tees off from the even numbered tees) and alternately during the play of each hole. Penalty strokes do not affect the order of play.
- Use the same ball from tee to putting out on that hole. You may change balls on the next tee.
- Entry fee is $150 per team.
It is the players responsibility to acquire indexes, ensure accuracy & make the official scorecard!
Bear Dance Men’s Club Handicap Policy
In keeping with the tradition of the Bear Dance Men’s Club to promote gentlemanly competition and camaraderie while focusing on enjoyment for the game, the Men’s Club Board of Directors has modified the handicap policy for 2022 tournament play for new members. Below is the description of the updated handicap process for new members:
- New member with a current USGA Handicap Index:
Current USGA Index will be applied as the starting index.
- New member with NO GHIN or equivalent index:
Players will need to have a valid USGA handicap prior to the first round of play. In order to establish a handicap, the player must have at least 5 scores recorded before the revision date. Please keep in mind that players who do not have a current handicap are able to backdate scores as well to establish a handicap. Players who do not meet the criteria will play as a 0 handicap until they have established a handicap.
- Now that indexes are computed daily, handicap revisions from Monday or Tuesday the week of play will be used for flighting and pairing purposes based on availability.
- The professional golf staff will post all competitive scores. Player’s do not duplicate entries.
- A GHIN Handicap will be provided by Bear Dance as a part of the Men’s Club Dues. Players transitioning from another Handicap service will need to backdate any scores for a current index to be established.
The BDMC Committee reserves the right to adjust a players USGA index based on a player’s current and past scoring history. There will not be any injury adjustments for handicaps or flights!
Addendum I
Pace of Play ~ Play Ready Golf
Again, pace of play is a key ingredient to adding enjoyment to the game. The Men’s Club is committed to making pace of play an important aspect of our tournaments going forward. For the 2021 season, the Men’s Club has implemented changes to this policy. Please review the changes below so you are aware of the policy before the season starts.
For self-monitoring suggestions, the GPS System on the golf carts is set for a 4:19 round of golf. The line underneath the hole information block informs players of their status to pace of play. The recommendation is that all players play “Ready Golf”! The course Marshals are instructed to inform all groups as to their position in relation to the group in front of you. The Marshals will inform the lead group (those without a group in front of them) as to their position in relation to the GPS System’s pace of play, informing the group as to how far out of position the group is, if at all. The marshals are there to assist the Men’s Club, please treat them with respect and courtesy.
For the group teeing off first, please be cognizant of the fact that if you dally and play your round in 4:30, the last group will be doomed to have a 5 plus hour round. Nobody wants that! Remember, you control the Pace of Play for the entire day, and not just for the Men’s Club, but for the entire course for the entire day. The dedicated people at the Bear Dance pro shop work with us to make our Men’s Club successful. Let’s work with them to insure an enjoyable golfing experience for everyone.
Here are some tips for speeding up play without feeling like you are being rushed:
- Members of a group should not travel as a pack, with all members driving together to the first ball, then the second, and so on. Each member of the group should go directly to his own ball.
- When two players are riding in a cart, drive the cart to the first ball and drop off the first player with his choice of clubs. The second player should proceed in the cart to his ball. After the first player hits his stroke, he should begin walking toward the cart as the second golfer is playing.
- Use the time you spend getting to your ball to think about the next shot- the yardage, and the club selection. When you reach your ball, you’ll need less time to figure out the shot.
- If you are unsure if your ball has come to rest in the natural area on your tee shot, or may be lost, immediately declare and hit a provisional ball.
- Begin reading the green and lining up putts as soon as you reach the green. Don’t wait until it’s your turn to putt to start the process of reading the green. Do it as soon as you reach the green so that when it’s your turn you can step right up and putt.
- Never delay making a stroke because you are having a conversation with a playing partner. Put the conversation on hold, make your stroke, then pick up the conversation again.
- If using a cart on a cart-path-only day, take more than one club with you when you walk from the cart to your ball. Getting to the ball only to find out you didn’t have the right club is a huge time waster on the golf course.
- After putting out, don’t stand around the green chatting or take practice putting strokes. Leave the green promptly so the group behind can play.
- When leaving the green and returning to your golf cart, don’t stand there fussing with your putter or other clubs. Get in the cart, drive to the next tee, and then put your putter away when you take your club out for your next tee shot.
- Likewise, mark your scorecard after reaching the next tee, not while lingering on or near the just-completed green.
- When using a cart, never park in front of the green. Park it only to the side or behind the green. And don’t mark your scorecard while sitting in the cart next to the green (do it on the next tee). These practices open the green for the group behind. And is additionally a safety measure.
- If you are the type who likes to offer tips to playing partners, save it for the driving range- or only do so on the course when you are sure that you’re not slowing down play (and sure that you are not annoying your partners).
- Don’t ask your playing partners to help you search for a lost ball- unless you are absolutely certain there is time for them to do so. If the group is behind pace, your partners should continue moving forward, not slow things down further by stopping to help you search.
- On the tee, pay attention to your partner’s drives. If they lose sight of their ball, you can help direct them to it and avoid any searching. Players- when you hit an errant shot, keep your eye on the ball flight and mark where the ball comes down, don’t look away in disgust, and remember you hit it!
- When waiting on the tee for the group in front to clear the fairway, don’t be so strict about the order of play. Let the shorter hitter- who can’t reach the group ahead- go ahead and hit.
- Work on building a precise pre-shot routine. If your pre-shot routine is a lengthy one, it’s probably in your best interest to shorten it anyway. Limit practice strokes to one at most.
- Don’t bother marking lag putts- go ahead and putt out if it’s short enough and you won’t be stepping on another player’s line.
- Leave your cell phone in the car.
- Walk at a good pace between shots. No, you don’t have to look like a race walker; however, if your between shots gait can be described as a “shuffle” or an “amble”, you are probably going too slow. Speeding up your gait a little is good for your health, but also might help your game by keeping you loose.
- Carry extra tees, ball markers and an extra ball in your pockets so you never have to return to your golf bag to find one when needed.
- When chipping around the green, carry both the club you will be chipping with plus your putter, so you don’t have to return to the bag. Placing your chipping club on the edge of the green between the hole and your cart so you can pick it up on your way back to the cart is a huge time saver.
- Try playing ready golf, where order of play is based on who’s ready, not on who’s away. Starting the round by saying you want to play ready golf sets the tone.
- Note: Seeing a professional golf tournament on TV or in person is great fun, but tour professionals do a disservice to the regular golfer. If we imitate their pace of play, “public golf” would be a disaster- 5, 6, 6 ½, hours to play. They play at their pace because they are trying to make a living, AND they take less shots than we do. Keep in mind we are here because we enjoy the game, competitive spirit, and camaraderie. Let’s go out and enjoy each other.