These Rules and Terms are effective from 1st February 2024


Part I – General Rules Applying to All Competitions


Section 1 – General

These general rules apply to the following Hertfordshire Golf (HG) competitions:


Mens Individual & Pairs

Womens Individual & Pairs

Boys

Girls

Senior Men

Senior Women

Male Team

Junior Team Events

Mixed Events

Schools Events

 

1.1 The Rules referenced in these rules and terms are those to be found in the current Rules of Golf as published by R&A Rules Limited.

1.2 All competitions shall be played in accordance with the current Rules of Golf and of Amateur Status as laid down by R&A Rules Limited, the England Golf hardcard and such Local Rules as shall be agreed by the HG Championship Committee.  In the event that the England Golf hardcard is in conflict with the Terms of Competition (ToC) then the ToC shall take precedence. Note: Model Local Rule E-5 (alternative to Stroke and Distance for Lost Ball or Ball Out of Bounds) is not in operation in any HG event.

Please click here to view the England Golf Hard Card.

1.3 Unless otherwise indicated all competitions are scratch competitions and the winners of stroke play events are those with the lowest gross scores. In Handicap competitions, allowances in accordance with the  approved handicapping system currently in operation will apply.

1.4 All stroke play competitions played under Competition Play Conditions will be qualifying competitions for handicap purposes and the terms and conditions of the current approved handicapping system shall apply.

1.5 All e-mail correspondence must be directed to the County Secretary, secretary@hertfordshiregolf.org.

Section 2 – Entry Qualifications

Entrants must:

1. be a playing member of a golf club affiliated to Hertfordshire Golf and listed on the WHS as such.

2. from the date of applying to enter until the closure of the competition be of Amateur Status as defined by R&A Rules Limited

3. meet such other requirements as may be stipulated in the Terms for the applicable competition in Part III – Rules and Terms Applying to Specific Competitions.

Entrants must not:

1. have represented any other County or have taken part in any County Championship organised by another County in the current calendar year.

Section 3 – Entry Requirements

Entries must be received by the relevant date.

Late entries may be accepted under the following conditions:

1. If there is a free space in the draw

2. All reserves have been used up

Section 4 – Competitor Information

A competitor shall be required to provide the County Office with:

1. their full name and Membership ID Number (CDH)

2. their date of birth when entering any event with age restrictions

3. such other information as the Championship Committee may require.

HG reserves the right to hold information supplied by a player or by their club on their behalf on any media it shall decide for the purpose of assisting in the administration of the competition and HG.

Section 5 – Ballots

Unless the Terms of a competition state otherwise, if the number of approved entries for a stroke play competition exceeds the number of places available, remaining places shall be filled by entrants with the lowest Handicap Indices. Drawing of lots will decide when more than one entrant has the same Handicap Index.

An appropriate number of those entrants balloted out shall be placed on a reserve list to fill any vacancies that may occur.

Section 6 – Withdrawn Entries

6.1 An entrant who has made an application to enter a competition and wishes to withdraw must inform the County Office in writing (e-mail is acceptable subject to clause 1.5 above).

6.2 Entry fees will be refunded if notification in writing is received before the closing date for entries.

After the closing date for entries, entry fees will be refunded to those entrants balloted out of the competition, who do not subsequently fill a vacancy.

6.3 A competitor who has been allotted a place in a competition and subsequently withdraws must inform the County Office as soon as possible and must confirm the withdrawal in writing (e-mail is acceptable subject to clause 1.5 above).

Only in exceptional circumstances will a refund of the entrance fee be granted, if any player withdraws after the draw has been published.

6.4 If a competitor who has been allotted a place in a competition:

i) fails to meet the requirements of 6.3 above, or

ii) withdraws after the draw has been published, or

iii) withdraws at any time during a stroke play competition, or

iv) fails to show at the tee for his scheduled start for any round of a stroke play competition,

the Championship Committee may bar them from entry to such future competitions, as it deems appropriate.

Section 7 – Presentations

The Committee in charge of a competition will announce the results as soon as possible after all the scores are reported and present awards and prizes as soon as is practicable thereafter.

Competitors are requested to remain at the venue for the announcement of results and the presentations.

The Championship Committee reserves the right to withold a prize from a competitior who does not attend the Presentation.

Part II – Terms of Play Applying to All Competitions

Section 1 – The Committee

On any day of a competition, the Committee in charge of the competition shall be the HG Championship Committee or a representative number thereof.

The Chair of the Committee in charge of the competition shall be the Chair of the Championship Committee or such other person as they shall authorise to deputise for them in their absence.

The decision of the Committee shall be final.

Section 2 – The Stipulated Round

2.1 The HG Championship Committee shall decide the venue at which the event shall be staged and the competition course on which it shall be played.

2.2 A stipulated round may start at such hole or holes as the Committee shall decide.

Section 3 – Starting Times

The Committee reserves the right to fix and where necessary alter starting times.

Players are required to be at their starting point ten (10) minutes before their start time to allow for briefing from the Referee in match play or Starter in stroke play. A player who arrives at the starting point, ready to play, no more than five minutes late incurs the General Penalty applied to his/her first hole.  Otherwise the  penalty for breach of Rule 5.3a is disqualification.

As far as is practical competitors shall be drawn to play with other competitors of simular handicaps. No playing group should include more than one competitor from any given club.

Section 4 – Caddies

There are no restrictions on the use of caddies, except: a) in the Boys Under 14 & 16 Championships, the Womens Interclub Foursomes and the Family Cup, when caddies are not allowed; and b) in the Boys Under 18 Championship, all Girls events and the Junior Champion Club, where any caddy must be under 18 on 1st January of the year in which the Championship is being played.

Penalty for breach of Term: the player incurs the general penalty for each hole during which the Term is breached. If the breach happens or continues between two holes, the player gets the general penalty for the next hole.

Section 5 – Practice

During practice rounds, one ball only may be played with the following exceptions: i. If a player misses the green with his shot to the green, he may play one additional shot, ii. Where the Rules of Golf apply (e.g. provisional ball), iii. A player may practice putting (but not chipping or bunker play) provided play is not unduly delayed. Note i. Trolleys must not be taken onto tees or between a greenside bunker and the green and/or onto fringes of greens. If a serious breach of the above Regulations occurs, or where there are repetitive breaches, a player may be disqualified for a serious breach of etiquette and/or may be barred from entering or playing in HG Championships for such period as HG may decide.

Section 6 – Pace of Play

Rule 5.6b applies. The HG Pace of Play Policy is in operation.

Please click here to view the HG Pace of Play Policy

Section 7 – Performance Enhancing Drugs

A player shall not knowingly make use of any drug to enhance his performance. Attention is drawn to the list of prohibited drugs issued by UK Anti Doping. A player infringing this condition or, if asked to do so, refusing to take a test, may be disqualified. For a list of banned drugs see
https://www.ukad.org.uk/medications-and-substances/prohibited-list/

Section 8 – Markers

A competitor’s scores shall be recorded by a marker authorised by the Committee.

Section 9 – Conduct

The EG Code of Conduct Policy is in operation.

Please click here to view the EG Code of Conduct Policy.

Section 10 – Transportation

During a stipulated round, a player or caddy must not ride on any form of motorised transportation, except when prior authorisation has been granted in accordance with the HG Transportation Policy, see

https://www.hertfordshiregolf.org/company_polices

Section 11 – Adverse Weather Conditions

11.1 In the event of adverse weather conditions or a dangerous situation arising during a stroke play competition, the  Chief Referee present shall be responsible for any suspension and resumption of play.

11.2 If in the opinion of the Committee, adverse weather or player conditions make it impossible to complete an event in accordance with the Terms, the Committee shall be empowered to vary such Terms to the extent necessary to achieve a result.

Section 12 – Extreme Weather Policy 

12.1 HG will postpone any scheduled Championship or strokeplay competition if a Met Office Red warning for extreme weather is in place for the location of the host club.

12.2 If any League or knockout match is due to be played on a course where a Met Office Red warning for extreme weather is in place, the match may be postponed at the request of either of the clubs/teams/players involved.

Section 13 – Submission of Results

13.1 The Committee shall establish a manned Recorder’s Area to which all results shall be reported. Where necessary it shall provide adequate signage to assist players to return their results and score cards to that point.

13.2 Both sides are responsible for reporting the result to the Recorder immediately on completion of their match. Any outstanding claim should be resolved before the sides leave the Recorder’s Area.

13.3 In a stroke play competition, all
 competitors within a group must report to the Recorder’s Area together immediately
 on completion of the last hole. At the Recorder’s Area scorecards will be checked and signed. Competitors must report any play of a second ball under Rule 14.7b or any ball played from a wrong place under Rule 20.1c(3) and settle any doubtful points. Once a competitor has left the Recorder’s Area, their scorecard is deemed to have been returned.

13.4 A competitor who fails to return his scorecard to the Recorder’s Area within twenty minutes of leaving the last putting green may be disqualified.

Section 14 – Resolution of Ties

Unless the Terms of a particular competition state otherwise ties shall be resolved in the following manner:

14.1 In match play if a match is all square after eighteen holes, additional holes shall be played until one side wins a hole. The play of additional holes shall start at the hole where the match started.

14.2 If there is a tie for winner of a scratch stroke play Championship, the competitors with the joint lowest scores shall play in a play-off over holes selected by the Committee in a stipulated order until one competitor scores less at a hole than their fellow-competitor(s).

14.3 The Committee shall determine the holes to be played in a stroke play play-off before commencement of play of the final round.

14.4 The groupings for a play-off and the order of play shall be decided by lot by the Committee.

14.5 If there is a tie for a place (second, third, etc) of a scratch stroke play event for which an award is to be made, the tie shall be resolved by the matching of score cards as described in Term 14.7 below.

14.6 If there is a tie for the winner or places of a handicap stroke play event or award, the winner and places shall be determined by the matching of score cards as described in Term 14.7 below.

14.7 In the matching of scorecards, where a competition is over more than one round, the competitor with the lowest score for the last round shall be the winner. If the tying competitors have the same scores for the last or only round, the winner shall be determined on the basis of the last 9 holes, then the last 6 then the last 3 and finally on the last hole. For a scratch event the gross scores shall be matched: for a handicap event the nett scores shall be matched by deducting the appropriate portion of the competitor’s playing handicap, without rounding, from their total gross score for the holes being matched. For example, when matching the last nine holes, half of the competitor’s playing handicap is deducted, if matching the last six holes, one-third of the competitor’s playing handicap is deducted, and so on. In a multiple tee start, the last nine holes shall be deemed to be holes 10-18 and the last six holes, holes 13-18 irrespective of the hole at which a competitor started.

14.8 If the method described in Term 14.7 above does not decide a winner or a place then the result will be decided on the last 6, 3 or 1 holes of the first 9 holes of the last or only round

14.9 If the method described in Term 14.8 above does not decide a winner or a place then joint winners or places shall be announced and each competitor rewarded in equal measure

Section 15 – The Closure of Competitions

15.1 For the purposes of Rule 3.2a(5) the result of a match is final once the result has been recorded on an open results sheet and that sheet has been publicly displayed, or the winner has teed off at the start of the next round, or at the commencement of a presentation ceremony, whichever occurs first. Where matches are played individually at various courses, a match is deemed to have been officially announced once the result of the match has been communicated or despatched to the County Secretary.

15.2 A stroke play competition is deemed to be closed at the commencement of a presentation ceremony or, for a stroke play qualifying round followed by match play, when the player has teed off in their first match.

Section 16 – Prizes

The Championship Committee and/or the County Secretary will decide the values of prizes in all competitions.

Section 17 – Safety on the Course

When play is suspended for a dangerous situation, players, caddies and spectators should proceed immediately to the clubhouse.

  • Keep to the sides of fairways
  • Avoid walking under tall trees if at all possible
  • Do not use an umbrella in any circumstances
  • Do not use a mobile phone
  • Leave your clubs and trolley on the course if necessary

If there is insufficient time to evacuate the course, please comply with the following instructions:

  • Keep well away from any pylons or overhead power lines
  • Keep away from your clubs and trolley
  • Avoid tall trees and keep away from their trunks
  • Move to the lowest ground
  • Keep as low as possible and if necessary, crouch down in the nearest bunker


Section 18 – Junior Golfers playing with Adults 

In competitions at which Hertfordshire Golf has no physical representation on the day of the activity itself, such as but not limited to Men’s & Women’s Scratch League matches, the responsibility and welfare for any junior player will fall on the club of representation and therefore the captain and/or organiser of the team and/or match.

It is the Golf Club’s responsibility to inform Parents/Guardians/Carers that if a junior player is entered on behalf of the Golf Club or is selected to play in a match against another Golf Club in a predominantly adult competition, that they may play with and/or against an adult competitor.

Good practice would see that this information is provided to Parents/Guardians/Carers when they are completing welfare forms regarding the junior and specifically ahead of the match or competition in question. Parents/Guardians/Carers should be given the opportunity to agree or disagree to this and communicate to the Golf Club.

The Golf Club should receive written permission from Parents/Guardians/Carers of junior players of secondary school age that they are aware and happy for their child to play with and/or against an adult competitor.

The home club must notify the visiting club regarding any local rule that each Golf Club has regarding how old a child can be when out on the Golf Course without a Parent/Guardian/Carer. If the local rule states that a child below a certain age needs Parent/Guardian/Carer when out on the course, then that rule is the same for competition play.

Section 19 – Rule 25

HG will follow England Golf guidance on the eligibility of players to use Rule 25 in all County competitions.
Please see here to view Rule 25 Guidance.
 Any player wishing to use Rule 25 must apply to the County Secretary no less than 4 weeks in advance of the competition.

Section 20 – Players subject to Disciplinary Sanction by host Golf Club

The provisions of this section apply to a player who, as a result of disciplinary action, is subject to a ban from attending a golf club which is hosting a Hertfordshire Golf event.

The provisions of this policy apply only to a ban which has:

  • been imposed following a formal disciplinary process in accordance with that club’s rules, and
  • been clearly communicated to the player.

Matchplay Events 

A player subject to a ban will be ineligible to compete in any Hertfordshire Golf matchplay fixture to be played
at that club only.  They remain eligible to play in fixtures at other venues.

In individual matchplay competitions, if a fixture is scheduled to be played at a club where the player is banned, the match will be awarded to their opponent.

In pairs matchplay competitions, if the Rules of Golf allow the remaining eligible player to compete alone they may do so; otherwise the match will be awarded to their opponents.

In team matchplay competitions (either league matches or knockout matches), the player will be ineligible for team selection for that fixture.  A team fielding an ineligible player will forfeit the points for that player’s match or as specified by any specific rules for that competition.

Strokeplay Events

Where a club is hosting a Hertfordshire Golf strokeplay event, that event will be run by HG staff and decisions on player eligibility will be made by Hertfordshire Golf in accordance with the relevant Terms of Competition.

If a host club is concerned about the potential attendance of a player subject to a ban from their club, they should contact the County Secretary at the earliest opportunity.  Hertfordshire Golf will be happy to discuss and review that player’s situation with the host club, and would look to decide eligibility on a case by case basis.

Part III – Rules and Terms Applying to Specific Competitions

Section 1 – Mens County Championship

1.1 Qualifications

a. Entrants must be male and hold a handicap index of 5.4 or lower on the date their entry for the Championship is submitted.

1.2 Maximum Entry

a. The maximum number of competitors shall be 66.

b. 50 competitors will be granted automatic entry into the County Championship. These will be the current holders of the Mens Under 35s, Boys, Mens Seniors and Mens Mid-Age Championships, the quarter finalists from the previous year (as detailed in 1.5.d below) who have entered the current year’s Championship, plus as many entrants with the lowest handicap index as required to make up the 50 competitors.

c. The 72 players with the next lowest handicap index will gain entry into the Hertfordshire Salver.

d. The remaining 16 places for the County Championship will be allocated to the 16 players with the best gross scores achieved at the Hertfordshire Salver (See section 3 below).

e. In the event that any of the 50 direct qualifiers for the County Championship withdraws prior to the conclusion of the Hertfordshire Salver, additional places will be allocated at the Hertfordshire Salver, to make up a full field of 66 players at the County Championship.

1.3 Terms of Play

a. The County Championship is a three day event comprising 36 holes stroke play on the first day, with the sixteen players returning the lowest aggregate gross scores qualifying to enter the match play knock out stage played over the second and third days. In the event of a tie for the last place(s), the final entrant(s) for the match play stage shall be decided by play-off.

b. The sixteen qualifying players shall play off in singles match play over 18 holes on the morning of the second day. The winning eight players shall play off in singles match play over 18 holes on the afternoon of the second day. The winning four players shall play off in singles match play over 18 holes on the morning of the third day. The two finalists shall play off in singles match play over 18 holes on the afternoon of the third day.

c. Should any of the sixteen qualifiers withdraw from the event before the matchplay draw is made, they will be replaced by the next player(s) on the list. If the withdrawal comes after the draw is made, they will not be replaced.

1.4 Order of Play

The draw for match play stage of the Championship will be made using the ‘General Numerical Draw’, based on players Qualifing Scores, in accordance with Section 5G(1) of the Committee Procedures.

1.5 Prizes

a. The County Champion shall receive the trophy, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

b. He will be expected to accept the invitation of England Golf to represent HG in the EG Mens Champion of Champions Tournament of the same year. If accepted, HG will make a contribution towards the expenses incurred by the Champion in attending the EG Mens Champion of Champions Tournament.

c. The runner-up, the semi-finalists and the medalist (player with the best score from the strokeplay qualifying) shall all receive vouchers.

d. The competitors who reach the quarter finals stage will be granted automatic exemption into the following years stroke play event.

Section 2 – Womens County Championship inc. Womens Champion Club

2.1 Qualification

a. Entrants must be female and hold a handicap index of 12.4 or lower on the date their entry is submitted.

2.2 Maximum Entry

a. The maximum number of competitors shall be 66.

b. Automatic entry into the County Championship will be given to the holders of the Girls, Womens Under 35s and Womens Seniors Championships and the quarter finalists from the previous year (as detailed in 2.5.f below)who have entered the current year’s Championship. The remaining places in the field will be given to the entrants with the lowest Handicap Index.

2.3 Terms of Play

a. The County Championship is a three day scratch event comprising 36 holes stroke play on the first day, with the sixteen players returning the lowest aggregate gross scores qualifying to enter the match play knock out stage played over the second and third days. In the event of a tie for the last qualifying place(s), the final entrant(s) for the match play stage shall be decided by play-off.

b. The sixteen qualifying players shall play off in singles match play over 18 holes on the morning of the second day. The winning eight players shall play off in singles match play over 18 holes on the afternoon of the second day. The winning four players shall play off in singles match play over 18 holes on the morning of the third day. The two finalists shall play off in singles match play over 18 holes on the afternoon of the third day

c. Should any of the sixteen qualifiers withdraw from the event before the matchplay draw is made, they will be replaced by the next player(s) on the list. If the withdrawal comes after the draw is made, they will not be replaced.

d. From entries received, each club enters one team of two or three players in the Womens Champion Club competition. These will be the two/three players with the lowest Handicap Index per club, unless otherwise nominated by the club to the County Office before the start of the Championship. The winning team shall be the team with the lowest aggregate gross score for the 2 best from 3 scores of each of the morning and afternoon rounds from the 36 holes strokeplay event. In the event of a tie the third gross scores in both morning and afternoon rounds will be included and any 2 player teams eliminated. If a tie still arises the winning team will be the Club with the lowest aggregate gross score of the 3 players over the last 18, 9, 6, 3 and final hole.

2.4 Order of Play

a. The draw for match play stage of the Championship will be made using the ‘General Numerical Draw’, based on players Qualifying Scores, in accordance with Section 5G(1) of the Committee Procedures.

2.5 Prizes

a. The County Champion shall receive the trophy, which she shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

b. She will be expected to accept the invitation of England Golf to represent HG in the EG Women’s Champion of Champions Tournament of the same year. If accepted, HG will make a contribution towards the expenses incurred by the Champion in attending the EG Women’s Champion of Champions Tournament.

c. Trophies will also be awarded for the best gross score in the 36 hole qualifier, the Scratch Aggregate Cup, and the best nett score in the 36 hole qualifier, the Anne Pyke Salver. One player may win both of these trophies.

d. The losing Finalist and Semi Finalists shall receive a memento each.

e. The winning team shall recieve the trophy and a voucher each. The club will be expected to represent HG in the EG Womens Champion Club tournament of the same year. If accepted, HG will make a contribution towards expenses incurred by the winning club in attending the event.

f. The competitors who reach the quarter finals stage will be granted automatic exemption into the following years stroke play event.

Section 3 – Hertfordshire Salver

3.1 Qualifications

a. Entrants must be male and hold a handicap index of 5.4 or lower on the date their entry is submitted.

b. Once the ballot for the Men’s County Championship has been made, late entries will only be accepted from players whose handicap index, on the closing date, was equal to or greater than the handicap index at which the ballot was made.

3.2 Maximum Entry

a. The maximum number of competitors shall be 72.

b. After exempt and lowest handicap index players (totalling 50 players) have been removed for automatic entry to the Men’s County Championship, the 72 next lowest handicap indices will be granted entry to this competition.

3.3 Terms of Play

a. The Hertfordshire Salver is an 18 hole stroke play competition.

b. The winner shall be the player with the lowest gross score for 18 holes.

c. The sixteen players with the lowest gross scores for 18 holes shall qualify for the Men’s County Championship. Additonal places may be available in accordance with Section 1-2e above.

d. In the event of a tie the winner will be decided by a play-off.

e. In the event of a tie for the remaining place(s) for the Men’s County Championship, the places shall be decided by card count-back

f. Players who miss out on qualification for the Men’s County Championship will form a reserve list to maintain an entry of 66 for that competition.

g. The order of the reserve list will be determined by the gross scores achieved with the order of equal gross scores being decided on card count-back and/or lot.

3.4 Prizes

a. The winner shall receive the trophy, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

b. The runner-up and 3rd place shall receive vouchers.

Section 4 – Mens & Womens Under 35s Championships (formerly the Colts Championship)

4.1 Qualifications

a. Two seperate competitions will be played. Entrants to the Men’s Under 35s Championship must be male; entrants to the Womens Under 35s  Championship must be female.

b. All entrants must be aged 18 or over as at 00:00 hours on 1st January preceding the Championship and 34 or under on the day of the Championship

c. All entrants must hold a handicap index of 9.4 or lower on the date their entry for the Championship is submitted.

4.2 Maximum Entry

a. The maximum number of competitors shall be 66.

4.3 Terms of Play

a. The Championship shall comprise a 36 hole stroke play competition.

b. The Men’s winner shall be the male player with the lowest aggregate gross score for 36 holes. The Women’s winnner will be the female player with the lowest aggregate gross score for 36 holes.

c. In the event of a tie in either event, the winner will be decided by sudden death play-off.

4.4 Prizes

a. The winner of each event shall receive a trophy, which they shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

b. The runners-up and 3rd places shall receive vouchers.

c. The highest placed eligible male and female players will be entered by HG into the English U25 Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship, held at Woburn each year.

Section 5 – Boys Championship incorporating the Boys Team Championship and Malcolm Reid Trophy

5.1 Qualifications

a. Entrants must be male and under the age of 18 at 00:00 hours on 1st January preceding the Championship and

b. Must hold a handicap of 12.4 index or lower on the date their entry for the Championship is submitted.

c. Each club affiliated to HG may enter one team of two or three players in the Team Championship, each of whom must have that club as his HOME club for handicapping purposes. These will be the two/three players with the lowest Handicap Index per club, unless otherwise nominated by the club to the County Office before the start of the Championship.

5.2 Maximum Entry

a. The maximum number of competitors shall be 66.

5.3 Terms of Play

a. The Championship shall comprise a 36 hole stroke play competition.

b. Caddies are permitted but must be under the age of 18 on 1st January preceding the Championship.

c. Parental assitance is not allowed. Parents, relatives, friends or professionals must obey the rules of Section iV – Parents & Spectators – Code of Conduct.

i. Boys Championship

a. The winner shall be the player with the lowest aggregate gross score for 36 holes.

b. In the event of a tie the winner will be decided by play-off.

ii. Malcolm Reid Trophy

a. The winner shall be the player under the age of 16 on 1st January preceding the Championship with the lowest aggregate gross score for 36 holes

b. In the event of a tie the winner will be decided by card count-back.

iii. Team Championship

a. The winning team shall be the team with the lowest aggregate gross score for the 2 best from 3 scores of each of the morning and afternoon rounds.

b. In the event of a tie the third gross scores in both morning and afternoon rounds will be included and any 2 player teams eliminated.

c. If a tie still arises the winning team will be the Club with the lowest aggregate gross score of the 3 players over the last 18, 9, 6, 3 and final hole.

5.4 Prizes

a. The individual winner shall receive the Berkhamsted Challenge Trophy, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento. He will also be expected to represent HG in the EG Junior Champion of Champions Tournament of the same year. If accepted, HG will make a contribution towards the expenses incurred by the Champion in attending the EG Junior Champion of Champions Tournament.

b. The Under 16 age group boy shall receive the Malcolm Reid Challenge Trophy, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

c. The Runners-Up in both the under 18 and the under 16 age categories shall receive a voucher each.

d. The winning team shall receive the Inter-club Championship flag (presented by Porters Park), which they shall hold for one year, and a voucher each.

Section 6 – Girls Championship

6.1 Qualification

a. Entrants must be female and under the age of 18 at 00:00 hours on 1st January preceding the Championship and

b. Must hold a handicap index of 24.4 or lower on the date their entry for the Championship is submitted.

6.2 Maximum Entry

a. 72 entrants.

6.3 Terms of Play

a. The Championship shall be an 18 hole strokeplay event.

b. Caddies are permitted but must be under the age of 18 on 1st January preceding the Championship.

c. Parental assistance is not allowed. Parents, relatives, friends or professionals must obey the rules of Section IV – Parents & Spectators Code of Conduct

d. The winner shall be the player with the lowest gross score.

e. In the event of a tie, the winner of the gross competition will be determined by sudden death play-off. The winners of handicap prizes will be decided by card count-back.

6.4 Prizes

a. The winner shall receive the trophy, which shall hold for one year, and a memento.

b. The winner will be expected to accept the invitation of England Golf to represent HG in the EG Girls Champion of Champions Tournament of the same year. If accepted, HG will make a contribution towards the expenses incurred by the Champion in attending the EG Girls Champion of Champions Tournament.

c.  A player may be awarded both Championship and nett trophies/mementos, but no player may win more than one prize voucher.

Section 7 – Mens Seniors Championship

7.1 Qualifications

a.  Entrants must have attained the age of 55 years on or before the first day of the Championship and must not have played in the Mid Age Championship in the same calendar year.

b. must hold a handicap index of 12.4 or lower on the date their entry for the Championship is submitted.

7.2 Maximum Entry

a. The maximum number of competitors taking part on Day 1 shall be 72.

7.3 Terms of Play

a. The Championship shall comprise a 36 hole gross and nett stroke play competition.

b. The Championship winner shall be the player with the lowest aggregate gross score for 36 holes

c. In the event of a tie for the Championship the winner shall be decided by sudden death play-off

d. The nett competition winner shall be the player with the lowest aggregate nett score for 36 holes.

e. In the event of a tie for the nett competition the winner shall be decided by card count-back.

f. The event shall be played over 2 consecutive days.

g. After completion of Round 1 there shall be a cut to determine the field to take part in Round 2. The lowest 30 scores + ties from the Gross leaderboard will qualify, as well as all players within 8 shots of the gross lead.

7.4 Prizes

a. The Championship winner shall receive the trophy, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento. He will also be expected to represent HG in the EG Seniors Champion of Champions Tournament of the same year. If accepted, HG will make a contribution towards the expenses incurred by the Champion in attending the EG Seniors Champion of Champions Tournament.

b. The runner-up shall receive a voucher.

c. The winner of the nett competition shall receive the Terry Trude Trophy, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento

d. A player may be awarded both Championship and nett trophies/mementos, but no player may win more than one prize voucher.

Section 8 – Womens Seniors Championship

8.1 Qualification

a. Entrants must be female and have attained the age of 50 years on or before the day of the Championship and

b. must hold a handicap index of 20.4 or lower on the date their entry for the Championship is submitted.

c. Entrants aged 65 and over on the day of the Championship are eligible for the Veterans Championship.

8.2 Maximum Entry

a. 72 entrants.

8.3 Terms of Play

a. The Championship shall be an 18 hole strokeplay event.

b. The Champion in each category will be the player in that category who returns the lowest gross score.

  c. In the event of a tie for the Seniors Championship the winner shall be decided by sudden death play-off. All other ties willl be decided by card countback.

8.4 Prizes

a. The winners will be awarded the trophies, which they shall keep for one year, and a memento.

b. The Seniors Champion will be expected to accept the invitation of England Golf to represent HG in the EG Senior Women’s Champion of Champions Tournament of the following year. If accepted, HG will make a contribution towards the expenses incurred by the Champion in attending the EG Senior Women’s Champion of Champions Tournament.

c. A player may be awarded more than one trophy/memento, but no player may win more than one prize voucher.

Section 9 – Mens Champion Club

9.1 Qualifications

a. Each golf club affiliated to HG may enter one team of three players (no handicap limit) each of whom must:

1.
be a current male member of the club they are representing

2. have that club as their home club for handicapping purposes

b. A club may make changes to their nominated team members and/or their playing order at any time, including on the day of the event.

9.2 Maximum Entry

a. The number of teams that take part in the Final each year is decided by the Championship Committee and is determined by whether the hosts and/or holders are exempt from qualification. The minimum number of teams in the Final is 22 and the maximum number of teams would be 24.

b. If more than the maximum number of teams enters the Championship then the following clubs will gain automatic entry to the Final:

    i.  Host club and last year’s Champion Club

    ii. Clubs in the top two divisions of the current year’s Mens Scratch League.

c. The non-exempt Clubs will play off in one of two Semi-Final events.

    i.  The clubs will be allocated alternately to the Semi-Finals, dependent on their position in the previous year’s Men’s Scratch League.

    ii.  Clubs entering, who were not in the previous year’s Mens Scratch League, will be allocated alternately to the Semi-Finals in order of receipt of
application.

9.3 Terms of Play

a. The winning Club in the Final will be the Club with the lowest aggregate gross score of all 3 players over 36 holes.

b. In the event of a tie for the winning score in the Final, the winning team will be the Club with the lowest aggregate gross score of the 3 players over the last 18, 9, 6, 3 and final hole. In the event of a tie for the qualifying score in the semi-final, the same procedure will apply.

c. Should there still be a tie then, in the Final, the same procedure for the first 18 holes will apply.  In the Semi-Final, the Senior Rules Official on the day will toss a coin to decide the qualifier(s).

d. A minimum of 4 teams from each Semi-Final will qualify for the Final.

e. A club that withdraws after the draw for the Final has been made may face sanctions under Section 6.4 of the HG General Rules.

f. In the Final all players are expected to complete 36 holes. Section 6.4 of the HG General Rules applies.

9.4 Prizes

a. The winning team shall receive the trophy, which they shall hold for one year, and a memento each.

b. The winning club will be expected to represent HG in the EG Champion Club Tournament of the same year. If accepted, HG will make a contribution towards the expenses incurred by the winning club in attending the EG Champion Club Tournament.

Section 10 – Junior Champion Club

10.1 Qualifications

a. Each golf club affiliated to HG may enter one or two teams of three players, each of any gender(maximum handicap index – 28.4 for boys, 36.4 for girls) each of whom must:

i.  be a current member of the club they are representing

ii. have that club as their home club for handicapping purposes

b. Each entrant must be under 18 years of age at 00:00 hours on 1st January preceding the Championship.

c. A club may make changes to their nominated team members and/or their playing order at any time, including on the day of the event.

10.2 Maximum Entry

a. 24 teams.

b. If more than the maximum number of teams enters the championship, then the holders of the trophy and the host club will gain automatic entry. Priority will then given to ‘A’ teams, with a ballot for places if necessary based on date of entry, with the earlier entrants given preference.  If space remains in the draw, ‘B’ teams will be accepted, with a ballot for places if necessary based on date of entry, with the earlier entrants given preference.

10.3 Terms of Play

a. The winning Club will be the Club with the highest nett stableford score of 2 players out of 3 over the 18 holes.

b. In the event of a tie the third stableford score for the round will be taken.

c. If a tie still arises the result shall be decided on the highest nett stableford scores of the three players over the last 9 ,6, 3 and final hole.

d. Caddies are permitted but must be under the age of 18 on 1st January preceding the Championship

e. Parents, relatives, friends or professionals must obey the rules of Section IV – Parents & Spectators – Code of Conduct

10.4 Prizes

a. The winning team shall receive the trophy, which they shall hold for one year and a memento each.

b. The winning club will be expected to represent HG in the EG Junior Champion Club Tournament of the same year. If accepted, HG will make a contribution towards the expenses incurred by the winning club in attending the EG Junior Champion Club Tournamen

Section 11 – Mens Senior Champion Club

11.1 Qualifications

a. Each golf club affiliated to HG may enter one team of three players (no handicap limit) each of whom must:

i.  be a current male member of the club they are representing

ii. have that club as their home club for handicapping purposes

iii.be nominated at time of entry

b. Players must have attained the age of 55 years on or before the day of the Championship.

c. A club may make changes to their nominated team members and/or their playing order at any time, including on the day of the event.

11.2 Maximum Entry

a. 24 teams.

b. If more than the maximum number of teams enters the Championship, then the holders of the trophy and the host team will gain automatic entry, with a ballot for the remaining place, with teams having the lowest combined handicap given preference.

11.3 Terms of Play

a. The winning Club will be the team with the lowest aggregate gross score of

all 3
players over 18 holes.

b. In the event of a tie the winning team will be the Club with the lowest aggregate gross score of the 3 players over the last 9, 6, 3 and final hole.

11.4 Prizes

a. The winning team shall receive the Bailey Bowl, which they shall hold for one year, and a memento each.

Section 12 – Mens Foursomes Championship, incorporating the Peggy Harkett Memorial Trophy

12.1 Qualifications

a. Each golf club affiliated to HG may enter a team of two pairs – A & B (maximum combined handicap index of 16.0 for each pair). Each player must;

1. be a current male member of the club they are representing

2. have that club as their home club for handicapping purposes

b. A club may make changes to their nominated team members and/or their playing order at any time, including on the day of the event.

12.2 Maximum Entry

a. 66 pairs.

b. If more than the maximum number of pairs enter the Championship then the holders of the trophy and the host club will gain automatic entry, with a ballot for the remaining places, with pairs having the lowest combined handicap index given preference.

12.3 Terms of Play

a. The Championship shall be 36 hole stroke play.

b.  In the morning round, Player A will tee off on the odd numbered holes, Player B will tee off on the even numbered holes. In the afternoon, Player B will tee off on the odd numbered holes, Player A will tee off on the even numbered holes.

c. The winner of the Championship shall be the pair with the lowest aggregate gross score.

d. The winner of the Team Championship shall be the club with the lowest aggregate gross scores of the 2 pairs

e. In the event of a tie for the Championship the winner will be decided by sudden death play-off

f. In the event of a tie for the Team Championship the winner will be decided by card count-back.

12.4 Prizes

a. The winning pair shall receive the trophy, which they shall hold for one year, and a memento each.

b. The winning team shall receive the Peggy Harkett Trophy, which they shall hold for one year, and a memento each.

Section 13 – Womens Interclub Foursomes

13.1 Qualification

a. Each Club affiliated to HG may enter a team of two pairs.  The maximum combined handicap index for each pair is 32.0.

b. Each player must;

i. be a current female member of the club they are representing

ii. have that club as their home club for handicapping purposes

c. A club may make changes to their nominated team members and/or their playing order at any time, including on the day of the event.

13.2 Maximum Entry

a. 24 clubs = 48 pairs.

b. Entries will be accepted from the 24 Clubs with the lowest combined handicap index of the four players on the closing date. Ties for the 24th place will be balloted.  Clubs not included in the draw will be placed on a waiting list in order of combined handicap index.

13.3 Terms of Play

a. The Championship shall be 18 holes foursomes stroke play.

 b. Caddies are not permitted in this event.

              c.  The winner will be the club with the lowest aggregate gross score of its two pairs.

d. All ties will be decided by card countback.

13.4 Prizes

a. The winning club will receive the Interclub Challenge Cup.

b. The club with the lowest aggregate nett score will receive the Handicap Cup.

c. The pair with the lowest gross score will receive the Hertfordshire Maps.

d. The pair with the lowest nett score will receive the Hertfordshire Coasters.

e. A club/pair may win more than one prize.

Section 14 – Mens Seniors Challenge Trophy

14.1 Qualifications

a. Entrants must be male and have attained the age of 55 years on or before the day of the competition

b. Must hold a handicap index no lower than 5.5 and no higher than 28.4 on the date their entry is submitted

14.2 Maximum Entry

a. The maximum number of competitors shall be 72.

b. If more than the maximum number of entries are received then the lower ages will be eliminated, by ballot if necessary.

14.3 Terms of Play

a. The competion shall be an 18 hole handicap Stableford.

b. The winner shall be the competitor with the highest nett Stableford score for the 18 holes.

c. In the event of a tie the winner shall be decided by card count-back except that the player with the highest nett Stableford score (rather than the lowest medal score) shall be the winner

d. Rule 10, Transportation, is waived for this event. A player may use a buggy if he wishes, providing buggies are permitted by the host club. It is the player’s responsibility to confirm that the host club does permit buggy use. A player is responsible for providing his own buggy or for hiring one from the host club at his own expense. The player using a buggy will be required to sign a Buggy Use Agreement form.

14.4 Prizes

a. The winner shall receive the trophy, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

b. The runner-up and third best scores will receive vouchers.

c. Prizes will also be awarded to the winner in the following categories: aged 65 and over, and aged 75 and over.

d. No player may win more than one prize.

Section 15 – Mens Herts Team Cup

15.1 Qualifications

a. This is a knock-out competition open to all men’s clubs affiliated to HG. Each club may enter one team, comprising of 8 players, of which the composition may change from fixture to fixture.

b. All competitors must be male, amateur golfers, affiliated to HG, with their Home Club in Hertfordshire. Competitors belonging to more than one club in Hertfordshire may only play for one club (not necessarily their Home Club) during any season.

c. Part II Section 20 Players subject to Disciplinary Sanction by host Golf Club applies.

15.2 Terms of Play

a. Each Fixture will comprise of 4 matches:

Match A: a fourball betterball match in which each player has a Handicap Index no lower than 5.5 and no higher than 12.4.

Match B: a fourball betterball match in which each player has a Handicap Index no lower than 5.5 and no higher than 12.4.

Match C: a fourball betterball match in which each player has a Handicap Index no lower than 12.5 and no higher than 20.4.

Match D: a fourball betterball match in which each player has a Handicap Index no lower than 12.5 and no higher than 20.4.

b. A player will be eligible to compete in any given match if he has a Handicap Index within the relevant range on the date of the fixture, or has had a Handicap Index within that range in the preceding 14 days.  However, on the date of the fixture, players in Matches A & B must use a Handicap Index no higher than 12.4 and players in Matches C & D must use a Handicap Index no higher than 20.4.

c. All matches are to be played over 18 holes in accordance with the Rules of Golf. The Home club shall designate the tees to be used.

d. Each match will be played off handicap, in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping for the WHS.

e. Handicap calculation in each match – Each player determines their Course Handicap using the handicap boards on display at the home course. Players then take 90% of the difference between the CH of the lowest handicapper and each other player in the group. (NB Handicap strokes in these matches should not be calculated using an app or online calculator)

f. All fixtures must be played on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays. It is the responsibility of both clubs to ensure fixtures are played within the time allocated. If there is difficulty in arranging a fixture, the home club must offer the away club a minimum of 3 dates to play the fixture.

g. The away team must be given courtesy of the course to play the fixture. HG hopes that the home club will provide appropriate refreshment for both teams after the matches are completed.

h. The Competition Organiser will notify the clubs of the draw for each round of the competition and the date by which the fixture should be completed. Each club must designate a Team Organiser. The home Team Organiser must notify HG of the agreed date of the fixture. The winning Team Organiser must notify HG of the result of the fixture.  As far as the draw permits, clubs will be drawn alternately at home or away.

i. One point is awarded to the winners of each match. Half a point is awarded to both teams if a match is all square after 18 holes. The team scoring more points from the 4 matches shall win the fixture and will progress to the next round of the competition, with the losing team eliminated from the competition.

j. In any fixture other than the Final, if the final score is 2-2 the fixture shall be awarded to the Away team. In the Final, if the final score is 2-2 the fixture shall be decided in favour of the team with the greater total of holes up after
all 18 holes have been completed in
all 4 matches. If the match is still tied, the winner will be decided by a sudden death play off between the pairs in Match A starting from the 1st tee and using the same handicap strokes as in the original match.

k. The Final will be played as part of Hertfordshire Golf Finals Day.

l. Once a date is agreed, it may only be changed by agreement of both clubs or if the course is deemed unplayable. In the event of bad weather, every effort should be made to complete the whole fixture on the arranged date. A match can only be abandoned if the home club closes the course or if the two Team Organisers (Captains) agree that the course has become unplayable. In this instance a reasonable amount of time should be allowed for conditions to improve.

m. Any dispute should be referred to the Competition Organiser, whose decision shall be final.

n. In accordance with Rule 24.4 of the Rules of Golf,  each team may name one advice giver whom players on the team may ask for advice and receive advice from during the round (in addition to those permitted under Rule 10.2a). That person must not be a Professional golfer and must keep off all putting greens. The advice giver must be identified to the opposing team at the start of the match.

o. A player may use a caddie, provided he has only one caddie at any one time. That caddie must not be a Professional golfer. A player whose own game has concluded may then caddie for a team mate.

p. A player may only use a buggy in accordance with Section 10 – Transportation of the HG Terms of Play applying to all Competitions.

15.3 Prizes

a. The winning club shall receive the team trophy, which they shall hold for one year, and a memento for each player.

b. The runners-up will each receive a memento.

Section 16 – Powell Cup

16.1 Qualification

a. Each club affiliated to HG may enter one pair.

b. All competitors must be female amateur golfers who are affiliated members of Hertfordshire Golf with their Home club in Hertfordshire. Competitors may only play for their Home club and may only play for one club during any season.

c. Part II Section 20 Players subject to Disciplinary Sanction by host Golf Club applies.

16.2 Maximum Entry

a. 32 clubs

b. Entries will be accepted from the first 32 Clubs who enter by date.

16.3 Terms of Play

a. All matches are played over 18 holes as foursomes matchplay off scratch. Should a match finish all square, it shall be decided by sudden death play off, starting from the hole that was played as the first hole of the match.

b. The first drawn club will be the ‘Home’ club. The match must be played on the course of the ‘Home’ club.

c. It is the responsibility of both clubs to ensure fixtures are played within the time allocated. If there is difficulty in arranging a fixture, the home club must offer the away club a minimum of 3 dates to play the fixture, including at least 1 weekend and 1 weekday date.

d. Courtesy of the course for the visiting club on the day of the match must be offered.

e. After each round the winning club must immediately return the result to the organiser. Results must be received within two days of the end of each round.  A Team who do not return the result in time may be disqualified.

f. The competition shall be played over five rounds, including the semi-finals and final. Each round shall be drawn separately. If any byes are required, they will be given by ballot.

 g. Players may be substituted. The same players do not have to play in each round.

 h. The Final will be played as part of the Hertfordshire Golf Finals Day.

i. Any disputes should be referred to the Organiser whose decision is final.

16.4 Prizes

a. The winning club shall receive the Powell Cup and memento – 1 per pair.

b. The losing finalists shall recieve the Powell Cup Runners Up Salver and memento – 1 per pair.

Section 17 –  Boys Under 16 Championship

17.1 Qualifications

Entrants must be a) male, b) under the age of 16 at 00:00 hours on 1st January preceding the Championship and c) must hold a handicap index of 28.4 or lower on the date their entry for the Championship is submitted.

17.2 Maximum Entry

a. The maximum number of competitors shall be 72.

b. Provided that there are enough entries then there will be a minimum of 24 entrants for each age category

17.3 Terms of Play

a. The Championship shall be 18 hole stroke play.

b. Caddies are not permitted.

c. Parental assistance is not allowed. Parents, relatives, friends or professionals must obey the rules of Section IV – Parents & Spectators Code of Conduct

d. In the event of a tie for the Championship the winner will be decided by sudden death play-off

e. In the event of a tie for any of the age group competitions the winner will be decided by card count-back

17.4 Prizes

a. The boy of any age with the lowest gross score over 18 holes shall be the Championship winner and shall receive the Gil Jones Cup, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

b. The boy aged 15 as of the 1st January preceding the Championship with the lowest gross score over 18 holes shall receive the Duke Cup, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

c. The boy aged 14 as of the 1st January preceding the Championship with the lowest gross score over 18 holes shall receive the James Cup, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

d. The boy aged 13 or less as of the 1st January preceding the Championship with the lowest gross score over 18 holes shall receive the Harkett Cup, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

e. The players with the best handicap scores in each of the three age groups listed above shall receive a voucher each.

f. A player may be awarded more than one trophies, but no player may win more than one prize voucher.

Section 18 – Girls Spring & Autumn Meetings

18.1 Qualification

a. Entrants must be i) female, ii) under the age of 18 at 00:00 hours on 1st January preceding the Championship and iii) must hold a handicap index of 36.4 or lower on the date their entry is submitted.

b. Girls representing their club in the Junior Champion Club will automatically be entered into the Girls Spring Meeting.

18.2 Maximum Entry

a. 72 entrants.

18.3 Terms of Play

a. The competitions shall be 18 Hole Stableford events

b. Caddies are permitted but must be under the age of 18 on 1st January preceding the Championship.

c. Parental assistance is not allowed. Parents, relatives, friends or professionals must obey the rules of Section IV – Parents & Spectators Code of Conduct

d. In the event of a tie for all prizes, the winners will be decided by card count-back.

18.4 Prizes

a. The Spring Cup will be awarded to the best nett Stableford Score at the Spring Meeting. The Autumn Cup will be awarded to the best nett Stableford Score at the Autumn Meeting. The Barbara Quirk Shield will be awarded for the best gross Stableford score at the Autumn Meeting. The Cunningham Salver shall be awarded to the best gross aggregate Stableford score for the Spring and Autumn Meetings.  The Girls Handicap Salver shall be awarded to the best nett aggregate Stableford score for the Spring and Autumn Meetings.

b. A player may win more than 1 prize, except that the same player will not be awarded more than 1 prize voucher at either the Spring or Autumn Meetings.

Section 19 – Mens Mid Age Championship

19.1 Qualifications

a. Entrants must be male

b. On the day of the Championship entrants must be between the ages of 35 and 54 inclusive and must not have played in the Mens Under 35s Championship in the same calendar year.

c. Must hold a Handicap Index of 12.4 or lower on the date their entry for the Championship is submitted

19.2 Maximum Entry

a. The maximum number of competitors shall be 66

19.3 Terms of Play

a. The Championship shall comprise a 36 hole gross and nett stroke play competition

b. The Championship winner shall be the player with the lowest aggregate gross score for 36 holes

c. In the event of a tie for the Championship the winner shall be decided by play-off

d. The nett competition winner shall be the player with the lowest aggregate nett score for 36 holes

e. In the event of a tie for the nett competition the winner shall be decided by card count-back

19.4 Prizes

a. The Championship winner shall receive the trophy, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

b. The runner-up shall receive a voucher.

c. The winner of the nett competition shall receive a voucher

d. No player may win more than one prize.

Section 20 – Boys Under 14 Championship

20.1 Qualifications

Entrants must be a) male, b) under the age of 14 at 0:00 hours on 1st January preceding the Championship and c) must hold a Handicap Index of 28.4 or lower on the date their entry for the Championship is submitted.

20.2 Maximum Entry

a. The maximum number of competitors shall be 72.

b. Provided that there are enough entries then there will be a minimum of 24 entrants for each age category.

20.3 Terms of Play

a. The Championship shall be 18 hole stroke play.

b. Caddies are NOT permitted

c. Parental assistance is not allowed. Parents, relatives, friends or professionals must obey the rules of Section IV – Parents & Spectators Code of Conduct

d. In the event of a tie for the Championship, the winner will be decided by a sudden death play-off

e. In the event of a tie for any of the age group competitions the winner will be decided by card count-back

20.4 Prizes

a. The boy of any age with the lowest gross score over 18 holes shall be the  Championship winner and shall receive the Alan Green Trophy, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

b. The boy aged 13 as of the 1st January preceding the Championship with the lowest gross score over 18 holes shall receive the Lee Duncan Trophy, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

c. The boy aged 12 as of the 1st January preceding the Championship with the lowest gross score over 18 holes shall receive the Tony Pohlman Trophy, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

d. The boy aged 11 or less as of the 1st January preceding the Championship with the lowest gross score over 18 holes shall receive the Knight & Day Trophy, which he shall hold for one year, a voucher and a memento.

e. The players with the best handicap scores in each of the three age groups shall receive a voucher.

f. A player may be awarded more than one trophies, but no player may win more than one prize voucher.

Section 21 – Mens Members Cup

21.1 Qualifications

a. This is a knock-out competition open to all men’s clubs affiliated to HG.

b. Each club may enter one player. It is suggested that this player is the winner of the club’s major singles knockout competition from the preceding year but, should this player not be available, the club may enter an appropriate alternative.

c. All competitors must be male, amateur golfers who are affiliated to HG, with their Home Club in Hertfordshire.

21.2 Terms of Play

a. The format for each match will be singles matchplay, using the full difference between Course Handicaps.

b. All matches are to be played over 18 holes in accordance with the Rules of Golf. The Home player shall designate the tees to be used.

c. Fixtures are to be arranged between the two players, using contact details given at the time of entry.

d. It is the responsibility of both players to ensure matches are played within the time allocated. If there is difficulty in finding a mutually agreeable date, the Home player should offer the Away player a minimum of 4 dates to play the match, of which at least 2 should be a weekend date.

e. The away player must be given courtesy of the course to play the fixture.

f. The Competition Organiser will notify the players of the draw for each round of the competition and the date by which the fixture should be completed.  As far as the draw permits, players will be drawn alternately at home or away. The winning player must notify the Competition Organiser of the result of the fixture as soon as is possible.

g. Should a match finish all square after 18 holes, the fixture shall be decided by sudden death play off, starting from the hole that was played as the first hole of the match, and using the same handicap strokes as in the original match.

h The Final match shall be played as part of Hertfordshire Golf Finals Day.

i. Once a date is agreed, it may only be changed by agreement of both players or if the course is deemed unplayable. In the event of bad weather, every effort should be made to complete the whole fixture on the arranged date. A match can only be abandoned if the home club closes the course or if the two players agree that the course has become unplayable. In this instance a reasonable amount of time should be allowed for conditions to improve.

j. Any dispute should be referred to the Competition Organiser, whose decision shall be final.

k. A player may use a caddie, provided he has only one caddie at any one time. That caddie must not be a Professional golfer.

l. A player may only use a buggy in accordance with Section 10 – Transportation of the HG Terms of Play applying to all Competitions.

n. Once the 1st round draw is published, replacements will not be allowed.

21.3 Prizes

a. The winning player shall receive the trophy, which they shall hold for one year, a memento and a voucher.

b. The runner-up will receive a voucher.

Section 22 – Womens De Paula Cup

22.1 Qualification

a. Entrants must be a) female and b) hold a handicap index no lower than 12.5 and no higher than 20.4 on the date their entry for the Championship is submitted, but players will be permitted to use their actual Handicap Index on the day of the match.

22.2 Terms of Play

a. The format for each match will be 18 holes singles matchplay, using the full  difference between Course Handicaps. Should a match finish all square, it shall be decided by sudden death play off, starting from the hole that was played as the first hole of the match.

b. The first player drawn will be the ‘Home’ player. The match must be played on the course of the ‘Home’ player. As far as the draw permits, players will be drawn alternately at home or away.

c. It is the responsibility of both players to ensure matches are played within the time allocated. If there is difficulty in finding a mutually agreeable date, the Home player should offer the Away player a minimum of 4 dates to play the match, of which at least 2 should be a weekend date.

d.It is hoped that courtesy will be given to the ‘Away’ player when playing the match. If not the green fee should be shared.

e. After each round the winner must immediately return the result to the organiser. Results must be received within two days of the end of each round.  A player who does not return the result in time may be disqualified.

f. The final will be played as part of the Hertfordshire Golf Finals Day.

g. Any disputes should be referred to the Organiser whose decision is final.

22.3 Prizes

a. The winner shall receive the De Paula Cup, which they shall hold for one year, and a memento.

b. The runner-up will receive a voucher.

Section 23 – Mens Order of Merit (MOOM)

a. The Men’s Order of Merit (MOOM) is an annual competition open to male competitors who play in qualifying events, who are members of a club affiliated to HG, which is their “HOME” club.

b. A Men’s Open of 18 or 36 holes, played under Stroke Play terms, will qualify for merit points in the MOOM table when run by a Golf Club affiliated to HG. Closed competitions are not accepted.

c. To register a Men’s Open as a MOOM qualifying competition, clubs must forward a copy of their terms of entry qualification sheet to the County Secretary for approval.

d. Points are awarded in the MOOM table in descending value to competitors finishing in the top 20 places – shared positions in all competitions will be awarded full points. Competitors from clubs outside the county who occupy merit point position places will be retained in the competition results sheet, as qualifying competitors do not improve their position placing for that competition.

e. The stroke play section of the County Championship will have all points multiplied by 3 (e.g. Winner gains 60 points and 20th place and ties obtain 3 points).

f. 36 hole Open competitions will have all points multiplied by 2 (e.g. Winner obtains 40 points, 2nd place obtains 38 points etc).

g. 18 hole and “restricted” events will have all points multiplied by 1.

h. The current list of Competitions recognised for MOOM points is

1 Mens County Championship

2 Herts Salver

3 Mens Champion Club

4 Berkhamsted Trophy

5 Knebworth Gold & Silver Bowls

6 Moor Park, Hertfordshire Stag

7 Porters Park, King George V Cup

8 South Herts, Rees & Vardon Trophy

9 Commemoration Jug, Welwyn Garden City

i. Clubs must return all competitors scores, handicaps, players HOME club, and final order result sheets to the County Secretary ASAP following the completion of the event.

j. The winner of the MOOM will be the competitor with the highest number of points from his best five competitions He will be awarded the Clive Harkett Salver, which he will retain for twelve months, plus a memento prize.

k. The Trophy will be presented at the Hertfordshire Golf Finals Day.

l. In the event of a tie, the higher number of their best four, three, two, or one positions in all competitions will determine the winner.

m. The County Secretary will maintain a OOM table when results are received. This will be posted on the HG web site.

n. In the event of any disputes the decision of the Championship Chairman will be final.

o. Results should be forwarded either by e-mail to secretary@hertfordshiregolf.org.

Section 24 – Boys Order of Merit (BOOM)

a. The Boys Order of Merit (BOOM) is an annual competition open to boys who play in qualifying events, who are members of a club affiliated to HG, which is their “HOME” club.

b. A Junior Open for Boys, of 18 or 36 holes, played under Stroke Play terms, will qualify for merit points in the BOOM table when run by a Golf Club affiliated to HG. Closed competitions are not accepted.

c. To register a Junior Open as a BOOM qualifying competition, clubs must forward a copy of their terms of entry qualification sheet to the BOOM organiser, no later than 28 days prior to the event to obtain approval.

d. Points are awarded in both SCRATCH and HANDICAP BOOM table in descending value to competitors finishing in the top 25 places in a 36-hole competition, and top 20 places in an 18-hole competition and in addition, for the SCRATCH BOOM, to the top 40 places in the Boys  Championship. Points are based on SCRATCH and HANDICAP score final position, (e.g. for Boys Championship – 40 points will be awarded for 1st place down to 1 point for 40th place – shared positions in all competitions will be awarded full points). Boys from clubs outside the county who occupy merit point position places will be retained in the competition results sheet, as qualifying competitors do not improve their position placing for that competition.

e. The Junior Open must have an upper age limit of Under 18 years prior to 1st January of the year of the competition to be accepted but an under 14’s or 16’s age competition, girls competition, or the like, may be run within the competition. However the final scratch and nett score order must contain the entire field of all competitors to allow BOOM points to be allocated.

f. Boys must be under 18 years at 00.00 hours on 1 January of the year of the event.

g. Clubs must return all competitors scores, handicaps, players HOME club, and final order result sheets (Scratch & Handicap) to the BOOM organiser (C G James) ASAP following the completion of the event.

h. There is no limit as to the number of junior opens competitors may enter in order to receive points in the SCRATCH and HANDICAP merit table.

i. The R & A Rules of Golf shall apply in all Junior Open competitions.

j. Order of Merit tables will operate for approved events staged within the calender year.

k. If a competitor submits a “no return” or is disqualified in any qualifying competition, he will not be eligible for any position place points in the merit table for that competition.

l. The winner of the annual SCRATCH BOOM will be the boy with the six best-combined SCRATCH position points in junior opens plus his Boys Championship position points. He will be awarded the Hertfordshire Boys Order of Merit Scratch Trophy (N.E. Foster Cup), which he will retain for twelve months, plus a memento prize.

m. The winner of the annual HANDICAP BOOM will be the boy with the six best-combined HANDICAP finishing position points in junior opens. He will be awarded the Hertfordshire Boys Order of Merit Handicap Trophy (C G James Cup), which he will retain for twelve months, plus a memento prize.

n. Both Trophies will be presented at the AGM. In the event of a tie, the higher number of their best six, then five, four, three, two, or one positions in all competitions will determine the winner.Competitors may only win one trophy and The SCRATCH BOOM has the higher status.

o. The BOOM organiser will maintain a SCRATCH and HANDICAP merit table when results are received which will be posted on the HG web site.

p. In the event of any disputes the decision of the Hertfordshire Golf Player Performance Committee will be final.

q. Results should be forwarded either by email to admin@hertfordshiregolf.org.

Section 25 – County Fourball Championship

25.1 Qualifications

a. Each golf club may enter a maximum of three pairs, one pair consisting of two males, one pair consisting of two females and a third pair comprising of any combination of males and females.

b. Players must be current members of the club they are representing

c. Players must have a Handicap Index of 28.4 or lower on the date their entry for the Championship  is submitted.

d. A club may make changes to their nominated team members and/or their playing order at any time, including on the day of the event.

25.2 Maximum Entry

a. 48 pairs.

b. The first two pairs entered by a club will be accepted in the order they are received up to a maximum of 48 pairs. Any third pair entered by a club will be accepted should there be space in the field.

25.3 Terms of Play

a. The Championship shall be 18 holes Fourball Better Ball handicap stableford, played using 85% handicap allowance.

b. Male and female players will each play from the tees designated by the Championship Committee, using the appropriate stroke indices for the tees being used.

c. The winner of the Championship shall be the pair with the highest stableford score.

d. In the event of a tie the winner will be decided by card count-back.

25.4 Prizes

a. The winning pair shall receive the trophy, a memento and a prize voucher each.

Section 26 – Family Cup

26.1 Qualification

a. Each pair must consist of one adult and one junior, i.e. one of the pair must be under 18 years of age at 00:00 hours on 1st January preceding the competition and one of the pair must be aged 18 or older at 00:00 on 1st January preceding the competition.

b. The two players in the pair must be related to each other.

c. Each player must have an Handicap Index of no higher than 32.4 on the date their entry to the competition is submitted.

d. The players in a pair do not have to be from the same club.

26.2 Maximum Entry

a. 48 pairs

b. Entries will be accepted from the first 48 pairs that enter

26.3 Terms of Play

a. The event shall be an 18 hole fourball betterball handicap stableford, played using 85% handicap allowance

b. Male and female players will each play from the tees designated by the Championship Committee, using the appropriate stroke indices for the tees being used.

c. The winners of the event shall be the pair with the highest stableford score

d. In the event of a tie the winners shall be decided by card count-back.

e. Caddies are not permitted in this event.

26.4 Prizes

a. The winning pair will receive the trophy, a memento and a prize voucher each.

Section 27 – Mixed Foursomes Championship

27.1 Qualification

a. Each pair must consist of one male and one female.

b. The pair must have a combined Handicap Index no greater than 24.0 on the date their entry is submitted.

c. The players in a pair do not have to be from the same club.

27.2 Maximum Entry

a. 48 pairs.

b. Entries will be accepted from the 48 pairs with the lowest combined Handicap Index.

27.3 Terms of Play

a. The Championship will be a 36 hole foursomes strokeplay.

b. The winners of the Championship shall be the pair with the lowest aggregate gross score.

c. In the morning round males will tee off on the odd numbered holes, females will tee off on the even numbered holes. In the afternoon, females will tee off on the odd numbered holes, males will tee off on the even numbered holes.

27.4 Prizes

a. The winning pair will receive the trophy, which they shall hold for one year, and a memento and a voucher each.

b. The pair with the best aggregate nett score will recieve a memento and a voucher each.

c. No pair may win more than 1 prize.

Section 28 – Mixed Greensomes Knockout

28.1 Qualification

a. This is a knock-out competition open to all clubs affiliated to HG.

b. Each club may enter a maximum of two pairs – A & B. Pair A will be guaranteed entry. Pair B will be accepted unless the total entry exceeds the maximum allowed, in which case Pair B’s entry will be accepted in the order in which they were received by the County Office.

c. Males must have a Handicap Index no higher than 28.4 and Females no higher than 36.4 on the date their entry to the Championship is submitted, but players will be permitted to use their actual Handicap Index on the day of the match.

28.2 Terms of Play

a. All matches are played as 18 holes Greensomes Matchplay. There is no limit to the number of drives by either player that may be selected.

b. Please use the following link to calculate handicap strokes to be given –

Please click here to use the calculator provided.

c. Matches must use the card of the shortest course in use in the match.

d. The Home pair shall designate the tees to be used.

e. Fixtures are to be arranged between the two pairs, using contact details given at the time of entry.

f. It is the responsibility of both pairs to ensure matches are played within the time allocated. If there is difficulty in finding a mutually agreeable date, the Home pair must offer the Away pair a minimum of 4 dates to play the match, of which at least 2 should be a weekend date.

g. The away pair must be given courtesy of the course to play the fixture.

h. The Competition Organiser will notify the players of the draw for each round of the competition and the date by which the fixture should be completed. As far as the draw permits, pairs will be drawn alternately at home or away. The winning pair must notify the Competition Organiser of the result of the fixture as soon as is possible.

i. Should a match finish all square after 18 holes, the fixture shall be decided over sudden death play off, starting from the hole that was played as the first hole of the match, using thesame handicap strokes as in the original match.

j. The final will be played as part of the Hertfordshire Golf Finals Day.

k. Once a date is agreed, it may only be changed by agreement of all players or if the course is deemed unplayable. In the event of bad weather, every effort should be made to complete the whole fixture on the arranged date. A match can only be abandoned if the home club closes the course or if the players agree that the course has become unplayable. In this instance a reasonable amount of time should be allowed for conditions to improve.

l. Any dispute should be referred to the Competition Organiser, whose decision shall be final.

m. A player may use a caddie, provided they only use one caddie at any one time. That caddie must not be a Professional golfer.

n. A player may only use a buggy in accordance with Section 10 – Transportation of the HG Terms of Play applying to all Competitions.

o. Once the 1st round draw is published, replacements will not be allowed.

28.3 Prizes

a. The winning pair will receive a memento and a prize voucher each.

b. The runners up will receive a prize voucher each.

Section 29 – Women’s Fourball Knockout

29.1 Qualification

a. This is a knock-out competition open to pairs of Women who are members of clubs affiliated to HG. The players in a pair may be                 members of different clubs.

b. One player in each player must have a Handicap Index no higher than 18.0 on the date their entry to the Championship is submitted; the other player must have a Handicap Index between 18.1 and 36.0.  Players are permitted to use their actual Handicap Index on the day of any match.

29.2 Maximum entry is 64 pairs.

29.3 Terms of Play

a. All matches are played as 18 holes Fourball Betterball Matchplay.

b. Each match will be played off handicap, in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping for the WHS.

         c. Handicap calculation in each match – Each player determines their Course Handicap using the handicap boards on display at the                home course. Players then take 90% of the difference between the CH of the lowest handicapper and each other player in the                      group.(NB Handicap strokes in these matches should not be calculated using an app or online calculator).

d. The pair drawn at home shall designate the course at which the match is to be played at and the tees to be used.

e. Fixtures are to be arranged between the two pairs, using contact details given at the time of entry.

f. It is the responsibility of both pairs to ensure matches are played within the time allocated. If there is difficulty in finding a mutually agreeable date, the Home pair must offer the Away pair a minimum of 4 dates to play the match, of which at least 2 should be a weekend date.

g. It is hoped that courtesy will be given to the ‘away’ players when playing the match. If not the green fees should be shared between the pairs.

h. The Competition Organiser will notify the players of the draw for each round of the competition and the date by which the fixture should be completed. As far as the draw permits, pairs will be drawn alternately at home or away. The winning pair must notify the Competition Organiser of the result of the fixture as soon as is possible.

i. Should a match finish all square after 18 holes, the fixture shall be decided over sudden death play off, starting from the hole that was played as the first hole of the match, using thesame handicap strokes as in the original match.

j. The final will be played as part of the Hertfordshire Golf Finals Day.

k. Once a date is agreed, it may only be changed by agreement of all players or if the course is deemed unplayable. In the event of bad weather, every effort should be made to complete the whole fixture on the arranged date. A match can only be abandoned if the home club closes the course or if the players agree that the course has become unplayable. In this instance a reasonable amount of time should be allowed for conditions to improve.

l. Any dispute should be referred to the Competition Organiser, whose decision shall be final.

m. A player may use a caddie, provided they only use one caddie at any one time. That caddie must not be a Professional golfer.

n. A player may only use a buggy in accordance with Section 10 – Transportation of the HG Terms of Play applying to all Competitions.

o. Once the 1st round draw is published, replacements will not be allowed.

29.4 Prizes

a. The winning pair will receive a memento and a prize voucher each.

  b. The runners up will receive a prize voucher each.

Section 30 – Boys Spring Meeting

30.1 Qualification

a. Entrants must be i) male, ii) under the age of 18 at 00:00 hours on 1st January preceding the Championship and iii) must hold a handicap index of 36.4 or lower on the date their entry is submitted.

b. Boys representing their club in the Junior Champion Club will automatically be entered into the Boys Spring Meeting.

30.2 Maximum Entry

a. 72 entrants.

30.3 Terms of Play

a. The competition shall be 18 Hole Stableford event

b. Caddies are permitted but must be under the age of 18 on 1st January preceding the Championship.

c. Parental assistance is not allowed. Parents, relatives, friends or professionals must obey the rules of Section IV – Parents & Spectators Code of Conduct

d. In the event of a tie for all prizes, the winners will be decided by card count-back.

30.4 Prizes

a. The winner and runner up will receive prize vouchers.

Section 31 – Schools Scratch Championship (Rosebowl)

31.1 Qualification

a. Entrants may be male or female golfers but must be in full time education in Hertfordshire (Year 13 and below).

b. All entrants must be amatuer golfers that are current playing members of an England Golf affiliated club.

c. All players must be in possession of a current WHS Handicap Index of 12.4 or less at the time of entry for males and 18.4 or less for females.

31.2 Maximum Entry

a. 72 entrants. If oversubscribed a ballot will take place based on HI as of the closing date.

31.3 Terms of Play

a. The competition shall be an 18 hole strokeplay medal.

b. The overall winners shall be the competitors who return the lowest gross scores.

c. In the event of a tie, standard countback rules will apply.

d. Caddies are not permitted.

e.  Parental assistance is not allowed. Parents, relatives, friends or professionals must obey the rules of Section IV – Parents & Spectators Code of Conduct

31.4 Prizes

a. The Boys and Girls winners will recieve a trophy each and the best Under 16 score by both a Girl and a Boy will win a trophy each. Runner Ups in each category will recieve a memento.

31.5 Progression

a. The four boys with the lowest gross scores on the day and the three girls with the lowest gross scores on the day will be invited to represent Hertfordshire at the next playing of the Regional Schools Championship event.

Section 32 – Schools Mid Handicap Championship

32.1 Qualification

a. Entrants may be male or female golfers but must be in full time education in Hertfordshire (Year 13 and below).

b. All entrants must be amatuer golfers that are current playing members of an England Golf affiliated club.

c. All players must be in possession of a current WHS Handicap Index of between 12.5 and 32.4 at the time of entry for males and between 18.5 and 34.4 for females.

32.2 Maximum Entry

a. 72 entrants.  If oversubscribed a ballot will take place based on HI as of the closing date.

32.3 Terms of Play

a. The competition shall be an 18 hole stableford played off 95% of Course Handicap.

b. The overall winners shall be the competitors who return the highest stableford scores.

c. In the event of a tie, standard countback rules will apply.

d. Caddies are not permitted.

e.  Parental assistance is not allowed. Parents, relatives, friends or professionals must obey the rules of Section IV – Parents & Spectators Code of Conduct

32.4 Prizes

a. The Boys and Girls winners will recieve a trophy each. Runner Ups in each category will recieve a memento.

32.5 Progression

a. The top 10 players with the highest stableford scores on the day will be invited to represent Hertfordshire at the next playing of the Intercounty McPartlin Trophy event.

Section 33 – Schools Team Championship

33.1 Qualification

a. Entrants may be male or female golfers but must be in full time education in Hertfordshire (Year 13 and below).

b. All entrants must be amatuer golfers that are current playing members of an England Golf affiliated club.

c. All players must be in possession of a current WHS Handicap Index of no higher than 28.4 for males and 36.4 for females at the time of entry.

d. Teams consist of either 2 or a maximum of 3 players, which may consist of all male, all female or a mix of both.

e. Substitutions to the confirmed team are permitted after entry and prior to the competition.

33.2 Maximum Entry

a. 24 teams of 3 – 72 entrants.  If oversubscribed a ballot will take place based on combined HI of the team as of the closing date.

b. If space allows Schools will be permitted to enter more than 1 team of 3 players, but preference will be given to Schools ‘A’ teams above ‘B’ teams.

33.3 Terms of Play

a. The competition shall be an 18 hole stableford played off 95% of Course Handicap.

b. The overall winners shall be the team who return the highest aggregate score using the best 2 of 3 scores.

c. In the event of a tie, the unused score will be used. If still tied, standard countback will be used using cumulative scores as a team.

d. Caddies are not permitted.

e.  Parental assistance is not allowed. Parents, relatives, friends or professionals must obey the rules of Section IV – Parents & Spectators Code of Conduct

33.4 Prizes

a. The winning team will recieve the trophy and the runner up team recieve mementos.

33.5 Progression

a. The winning team will be invited to represent Hertfordshire at the next playing of the England Golf Schools Team Championship. The runner up team may be invited dependant on entries and would be confirmed by England Golf nearer the time.

Part IV – Parents and Spectators – Code of Conduct

During competitions parents and spectators should not get inappropriately involved with their child, their game or their playing partner(s) or their game(s). They should never give rulings.

It is recommended that they:

a. walk ahead of the game and act as “ball spotters” for all players.

b. stay at least 25 metres from players at all times during play, and do not encroach onto tees or greens. This guideline may be dispensed with when helping to search for a ball or handing over refreshments but they must be mindful of any discussions with players.

c. do not converse with players at any time whilst play is in progress – applause and gentle encouragement are fine though.

d. show equal respect and appreciation for good shots to all players.

e. do not make any contact (other than the usual pleasantries) with any of the players either before or during the game.

f. ensure all players are given some ‘space’ before tee-off to compose their thoughts.