Members' Handbook
PLAYING THE GAME
Local Rules of The Northumberland Golf Club
EGU and EWGA introduced an Active/Inactive handicap system to operate from 2010. Players will be required to have submitted 3 qualifying scores during calendar year 2009 to avoid having an inactive handicap. A handicap can be restored to Active by the submission of 3 qualifying scores.
Members of both Clubs can continue to enter and win Club competitions.
For full information, see the FAQ produced by EGU and EWGA - Active/Inactive handicaps Frequently Asked Questions
In the absence of special rules, pace of play will dictate standing on the course.
Any match playing a whole round is entitled to pass a match playing a shorter round.
If a match fails to keep its place on the course and loses more than one clear hole on the players in front, it should allow the match following it to pass.
Holes in bunkers
Before leaving a bunker, a player should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints.
Rakes
It is the Club’s policy to leave all rakes inside bunkers with 50mm (2”) of the handle resting on the grass and the rake pointing in the direction of the green centre.
Restore divots, repair ball marks and damage by spikes
Through the green, a player should ensure that any turf cut or displaced by him is replaced at once and pressed down, and that any damage to the putting green made by the ball is carefully repaired. Damage to the putting green caused by golf shoe spikes should be repaired on completion of the hole.
The R&A have issued guidelines about slow play to both players and organisers. As a guide, generally two-ball rounds should take no more than 3 hours, three-balls should take no more than 3 hours 30 minutes and four-balls no more than 3 hours 45 minutes.
Their advice to players is:
Keep an eye on the group in front and do not fall behind your position relative to them.
Signal the players behind them to pass as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found; do not search for five minutes before doing so.
Always be ready to play your shot.
Position your bag such that you can move out of the way quickly after you have finished a hole.
Move off the green as soon as you have all played – mark your cards at the next tee whilst others are driving.
For a full version of the advice, see Pace of Play
LOCAL RULES OF THE NORTHUMBERLAND GOLF CLUB
1. OUT OF BOUNDS (Rule 27-1)
(a) Beyond the fences or lines of white stakes to the right of the 1st, 2nd, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 18th holes.
(b) Beyond the white posts in the vicinity of the practice putting green.
(c) On or beyond the footpaths and paved trolley stand in front of the clubhouse.
2. MOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS (Rule 24-2)
The chain link fences (Including the uprights) around the 1st tee and the 18th green are movable obstructions. If they cannot be moved for any reason then they are to be treated as movable obstructions.
3. IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS (Rule 24-2)
The racecourse railings, hurdles and fences, the safety rail behind the 17th green, all roads and paths not subject to local rule 1c, shelters and other fixed objects of a similar nature are immovable obstructions.
Immediately to the right of the 16th hole, the road and the sandy galloping track are to be treated as a single immovable obstruction. In addition immediately to the right of the 4th and 16th holes, any racecourse railings within 6 club lengths from the fairway edge of the road are to be treated as part of the same immovable obstruction as the road. Where such racecourse railings are in place the obstruction extends from the fairway edge of the road to the outside edge of the uprights of the railings at ground level.
Relief from interference from these may be taken without penalty in accordance with Rule 24-2.
4. STONES IN BUNKERS
Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions (Rule 24-1 applies)
5. GROUND UNDER REPAIR (Rule 25-1)
Hoof marks and tractor tyre marks are ground under repair. However relief is denied for interference to stance in such a situation.
6. PROTECTION OF YOUNG TREES
Protection of young trees identified by stakes or wiring. If such a tree interferes with a player's stance or area of his intended swing, the ball must be lifted without penalty and dropped in accordance with the procedure in Rule 24-2b (immovable obstructions). The ball may be cleaned when lifted under this local rule.
Exception. A player may not obtain relief under this local rule if (a) it is clearly unreasonable for him to make a stroke because of interference by anything other than the tree or, (b) interference by the tree would only occur through use of an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing or direction of play.
7. IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS CLOSE TO PUTTING GREEN
Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be obtained under Rule 24-2. In addition, if a ball lies off the putting green but not in a hazard and an immovable obstruction on or within two club-lengths of the putting green and within two club lengths of the ball intervenes on the line of play between the ball and the hole, the player may take relief without penalty as follows:
The ball must be lifted and dropped at the nearest point to where the ball lay that (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids intervention and (c) is not in a hazzard or on a putting green. The ball may be cleaned when lifted.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE 6 AND 7
Match Play - Loss of hole. Stroke Play - Two stokes
8 DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES
Devices that measure DISTANCE ONLY may be used in accordance with Specimen Local Rule 9 in the Rule Book.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE 8
DISQUALIFICATION
Members should also refer to the section Rules of Golf on our Menu to see some of the Captains rules comments.
The Club does not carry insurance for the loss of, or damage to, Members golf equipment and Members should check that their household policy, or special golfing policy, provides cover against theft and third party liability.
NGC members.
These devices can be used in all competitions.
GPLGC members.
Distance measuring devices are allowed in all EWGA Medal Competitions at Club level. Their use is not allowed in Medal Finals or Regional and National Finals.
Northumberland County allows the use of DMDs in County Competitions and in all Team Matches. Durham County has decided against their use in such competitions. As a result DMDs may not be used in the Scout Cups, Journal/Callers Competitions or any competitions with competitors from both Northumberland and Durham County.
The Devices
Our Local Rule 8 states that any such devices used should be capable of measuring distance only. The rule refers to specimen rule 9 in the Rules of Golf which says it is a breach of the Rules to use a device which is designed to measure other aspects e.g. gradient, wind speed, temperature, etc. regardless of whether any such additional function is actually used.
To study more about this great game, click www.randa.org. You will find information on current tournaments as well as interesting articles many aspects of the game. See how you get on with the Rules test!
Competition Format
The following links, subject to changes made for specific competitions, explain the formats for each of our competitions.
GPLGC Other Trophy Competitions
All competitions announced on the Club Diary are medal unless noted otherwise. The Tee noted below is the norm for each type of competition but players must check the signing in sheet before play.
Except where stipulated all Medal Competitions will be played as three-balls and the accepted format of the day will have precedence over any other combination playing the course; this includes two-balls playing in a Competition.
Tee White
Handicap Full
Record gross score at each hole and deduct handicap from 18 hole total to give net score.
A Spoon competition is in Medal format. The winners and runners-up (and those with the same core but beaten on count back) of the Monthly Spoon competitions play for the Diamond Jubilee Trophy.
The Club Championship is in Medal format but off Scratch; it is played for during the competition for the J W Carr Cup. The top 8 qualify and then play in knockout matches during August and September.
Tee Yellow
Handicap Full
Record gross score and points for each hole.
Score 4 points on any hole with a net eagle
Score 3 points on any hole with a net birdie
Score 2 points on any hole with a net par
Score 1 point on any hole with a net bogey
Score 0 points on any hole with a net double bogey or over
Pick up when you have reached the point where you cannot score.
Each hole is a small separate competition. The winner is determined by the number of holes won rather than the total score. If the number of holes runs out, the match finishes (i.e. if a player is 3 up with 2 holes left, the player has won 3 & 2).
Tee White or Yellow
Teams 4 or 3
Handicap 10% of combined for team of 4
12.5% of combined for team of 3
All team members drive. Ball in best position is selected. Position is marked, ball is played, each other player then place their own balls within 6” (150mm) of the mark and plays as normal. Play continues until ball is holed.
Record gross score at each hole and deduct handicap from 18-hole total to give net score.
Tee Yellow
Handicap 1/2 of combined
Two players form a team and hit alternate shots at each hole until they hole out. One player tees off at the even holes and the other on the odd holes. The game is played in two teams of two players. This is the format for the President’s Cup which is a medal competition. Foursomes is frequently played in matchplay format.
Tee White or yellow
Handicap 1/2 of combined
Two players form a team, both drive at each hole and select the preferred ball after which they play alternate shots as in Foursomes. The game is played in two teams of two players, frequently in matchplay.
Tee White or yellow
Handicap Full
Two players form a team, each plays their own ball and the lower net score on each hole counts. The game is played in two teams of two players, frequently in matchplay.
Howarth Trophies Four Ball Better Ball
Tee Yellow
Handicap Full to maximum of 18
Format Stableford
Parkinson Tankards Four Ball Better Ball against par
Tee Yellow
Handicap Full
Format Score plus for a net birdie
Score 0 for a net par
Score – for net one or more over par
Tee White/Yellow
Handicap Full
Format Score plus for a net birdie
Score 0 for a net par
Score – for net one or more over par
Tee Winter tee at 1st and 15th holes
Handicap Half the combined exact handicaps of the two players, no rounding up or down.
Format - Played in two teams of two players each. Each player is allowed one club only. Players tee up on the 1st tee and play, be whatever route they wish, to the 13th green where they hole out. Players then tee up on the 15th tee and play, by whatever route they wish, to the 18th green where they hole out.
Each shot taken is marked on a special scorecard. If a ball is lost, another is dropped as close as possible to where the ball is thought to be with a penalty of one stroke. If a ball lands in a bunker it may be lifted and dropped outside the bunker with a penalty of one stroke. If a ball lands on another green it must be lifted and dropped with a penalty of one stroke.
On completion, the net scores of both players are added.
Tee White
Handicap Full difference between players
FORMAT -
Singles Handicap Match Play over 18 holes with a 36 hole final.
Competitors may, with the consent of their opponent, commence play at any Tee and the requirement of the “Stipulated Round” is waived.
Each match will be played to a finish. In the event of a tie at the end of 18 holes, play will continue until a hole is won. Strokes will be taken as for the first round.
Strokes will be taken in accordance with the Stroke Indexes on the Score Card. Fractions of one half and over will count as one stroke. The handicap of each competitor on the day of each match will apply.
The following definitions apply:-
The Challengers - The persons on the top of the draw
The Challenged - The persons on the bottom of the draw
Last date for playing - Midnight on the day by which each round has to be played.
DATES
(i) Within 7 days of the last day of the previous round having to be played, the Challenger will offer the challenged at least four dates, two of which must on separate weekends. Four days notice must be given for proposed dates.
(ii) If rule (i) does not take place, the Challenged, within 14 days of the last day of the previous round having to be played, will offer the Challenger two dates, one of which must be on a weekend. Four days notice must be given for proposed dates.
(iii) If rules (i) and (ii) do not take place and the match is not played then both parties will be scratched.
(iv) If rule (i) takes place and the match is not played, then the Challenger goes through.
(v) If rule (ii) takes place and the match is not played, then the Challenged goes through.
(vi) There will be no extensions granted to the “last date for playing”, for whatever reason.
(vii) It is the duty of the winner of each round to ensure that his name is on the board by midnight of the “last day for playing”.
(viii) The final is to be arranged mutually, as quickly as possible.
Tee White
Handicap 1/2 of the difference of combined handicaps of each pair
FORMAT
Foursomes Match Play over 18 holes.
Competitors may, with the consent of their opponents, commence play at any Tee and the requirement of the “Stipulated Round” is waived.
Each match will be played to a finish. In the event of a tie at the end of 18 holes, play will continue until a hole is won. Strokes will be taken as for the first round.
Strokes will be taken in accordance with the Stroke Indexes on the Score Card. Fractions of one half and over will count as one stroke. The handicap of each competitor on the day of each match will apply.
The following definitions apply:-
The Challengers - The persons on the top of the draw
The Challenged - The persons on the bottom of the draw
Last date for playing - Midnight on the day by which each round has to be played.
DATES
(i) Within 7 days of the last day of the previous round having to be played, the Challengers will offer the challenged at least four dates, two of which must on separate weekends. Four days notice must be given for proposed dates.
(ii) If rule (i) does not take place, the Challenged, within 14 days of the last day of the previous round having to be played, will offer the Challengers two dates, one of which must be on a weekend. Four days notice must be given for proposed dates.
(iii) If rules (i) and (ii) do not take place and the match is not played then both parties will be scratched.
(iv) If rule (i) takes place and the match is not played, then the Challengers go through.
(v) If rule (ii) takes place and the match is not played, then the Challenged go through.
(vi) There will be no extensions granted to the “last date for playing”, for whatever reason.
(vii) It is the duty of the winners of each round to ensure that their names are on the board by midnight of the “last day for playing”.
(viii) The final is to be arranged mutually, as quickly as possible.
Format Foursomes knockout
Tee Winter
Handicap Shots are taken from the player with the lowest handicap. The remaining three players get ¾ of the difference from the lowest.
eg
Player A handicap 6 Gets no shots
Player B handicap 15 Gets 15-6 =9x¾ = 6.75 = 7
Player C handicap 18 Gets 18-6 = 12x¾ = 9
Player D handicap 24 Gets 24-6 = 18x3/4 = 13.5 = 14
Irrespective of which team the players is on.
Notices for mixed competitions will generally be circulated by email and placed on the appropriate notice boards. Those wishing to play should add their names to the list which will be placed on the notice board in the Mixed Lounge.
The convention is for Members to play with their spouses/partners if they are golfers and members of GPLGC. However, it is possible for members of NGC and GPLGC to play if they do not have spouses/partners or whose spouses/partners are not golfers. They should contact the organiser who will make the necessary arrangements.
NGC Captains Team v Lady Captains Team
NGC members must play with a member of GPLGC and to whom they are NOT married.
Format Foursomes stableford
Tees - Yellow/Red
Handicap - 1/2 of combined with strokes taken in accordance with the stroke indexes on the NGC score card.
It is recognized convention that Gentlemen drive at the odd holes and Ladies at the even holes but couples can agree to vary this.
The event is normally followed by a meal in the Dining Room and the dress code is formal.
NGC members MUST play with a member of GPLGC who is ideally their spouse/partner.
Format Foursomes Stableford over 18 holes
Tees - Yellow/Red
Handicap - 1/2 of combined with strokes taken in accordance with the stroke index on the NGC score card.
It is recognized convention that Gentlemen drive at the odd holes and Ladies at the even holes but couples can agree to vary this.
The event is normally followed by a meal in the Dining Room and the dress code is formal.
NGC members MUST play with a member of GPLGC who is ideally their spouse/partner.
Format Foursomes Stableford over 18 holes
Tees - Yellow/Red
Handicap - 1/2 half of combined with strokes taken in accordance with the stroke index on the NGC score card.
It is recognized convention that Gentlemen drive at the odd holes and Ladies at the even holes but couples can agree to vary this.
The event is normally followed by a meal in the Dining Room and the dress code is formal.
NGC members MUST play with a member of GPLGC who is ideally their spouse/partner.
Format Foursomes Stableford over 18 holes with a shotgun start.
Tees - Yellow/Red
Handicap - 1/2 half of combined with strokes taken in accordance with the stroke index on the NGC score card.
It is recognized convention that Gentlemen drive at the odd holes and Ladies at the even holes but couples can agree to vary this.
The event is normally followed by a meal in the Dining Room and the dress code is formal.
NGC members MUST play with a member of GPLGC who is ideally their spouse/partner.
Format Foursomes Matchplay
Tees - Yellow/Red
Handicap - 1/2 half of combined with strokes taken in accordance with the stroke index on the NGC score card.
It is recognized convention that Gentlemen drive at the odd holes and Ladies at the even holes but couples can agree to vary this.
Groups are drawn from those names on the entry list; each group will normally consist of four or five teams. The teams in each group play each other over 18 holes on a matchplay basis; winners are awarded 2 points whilst a draw gives each team 1 point. The team with the greatest number of points wins their group.
In the event of a tie at this stage, the leading teams in each group play again. If there is no result in a match after 18 holes, the match continues to a conclusion on a sudden death basis.
The names of the winners of each group are then placed in a draw and matches are then played on a knockout basis, each match being played to a conclusion.
A dinner is arranged for all competitors, which is normally held in late November/early December.
NGC Captain’s team v Lady Captain’s team
The Lady Captain chooses her team of 14 players and NGC then select those husbands who play and then make the team up with other selections
Format Foursomes matchplay over 18 holes
Tees - Yellow/Red
Handicaps - 1/2 of combined with strokes taken in accordance with the stroke index on the NGC score card with each Lady receiving 3 courtesy shots (ie 6 per pair) to reflect the difference in the Standard Scratches of the two cards.
In the event of a tie in a Medal or Bogey Competition, the first nine holes, then the first six, then the first three, then the first hole, followed by the back nine, back six, back three and then the last hole will decide the winner. In 36 hole Competitions, the first round will decide the winner and then as for an 18 hole tie. If tied after 18 holes the second round is then counted as per 18 hole competitions.
If there is still a tie after 18 or 36 holes then there will be an 18 hole play-off with sudden death if still tied.
Pybus Salver and Grandmother’s Prize
Trophy competitions played with EWGA medals
Cecil Leitch – National Playing Fields Association Trophy
Trophy stableford competitions
EWGA Medal competitions are played as two-balls.
Handicap - Full
All EWGA Medal winners from the previous season qualify for the Bell Salver played in conjunction with an early season Medal.
Where a Medal winner has already qualified the next best score is substituted.
No replacement is allowed if a qualifier is unable to play on the due date.
At play off the qualifiers play first.
Winner of the Silver Division (0–20) plays winner of the Bronze Division (21-36) in the final, matchplay off handicap. If both qualifiers were in the same division the two best nett scores play in the final.
The final must be played within three months of the Bell Salver date.
Home Club players only
The Club Championship is in Medal format off scratch. The top eight qualify for the automatic draw for knockout matches in matchplay format.
Presentation is made after the final.
Scratch Trophy Winner
Richmond Cup & Saucer Best qualifier
Home Club players only
Handicap limit 21-28
Eight top scores qualify for matchplay off level (no handicap involved). The draw is made with 10 playing days between each round.
Home Club players only
Handicap limit 29-36
Qualifying round is held on the same day as the Bronze and Scratch Trophy qualifying rounds.
The two best net scores qualify for matchplay off handicap.
Each hole is a separate small competition. The number of holes won determines the winner not the total score. If the number of holes runs out, the match finishes i.e. if a player is 3 up with 2 holes to play, the player wins 3 & 2.
Handicap Full
Record gross score and points for each hole.
Score 4 points on any hole with a net eagle
Score 3 points on any hole with a net birdie
Score 2 points on any hole with a net par
Score 1 point on any hole with a net bogey
Score 0 points on any hole with a net double bogey or over
Pick up when you have reached the point where you cannot score.
Handicap ½ of combined
Two players form a team and hit alternate shots at each hole until they hole out. One player tees off at the even holes and the other at the odd holes. The game is played in two teams of two players. This is the format for the RVI and Coronation Foursomes.
Played early in the season. Foursomes Medal round with winners progressing to the Area Finals in June.
Home Club players only
Foursomes Medal round. The winners’ names are forwarded to County with SSS.
Handicap ½ of combined
Two players form a team, both drive at each hole and select the preferred ball after which they play alternate shots as in Foursomes. The game is played in two teams of two players, frequently in matchplay.
Handicap - Full
Two players form a team, each plays their own ball and the lower net score on each hole counts. The game is played in two teams of two players, frequently in matchplay.
Handicap 10% of combined for team of 4
12.5% of combines for team of 3f 3
All team members drive. Ball in best position is selected. Position of the ball is marked, ball is played. In turn the other players place their balls within 6” (150mm) of the mark and play as normal. Play continues until ball is holed.
Record gross score at each hole and deduct handicap from 18-hole total.
Handicap Full
Format Score + for a net birdie
Score 0 for a net par
Score – for a net one or more over par
Pybus Salver and Grandmother’s Prize
Handicap - Limit 30
Format - Bogey competition.
Gross scores entered on scorecards.
The Grandmother’s prize is awarded to the ‘Granny’ with the best score in the Pybus Salver Competition.
Trophy competitions played with EWGA medals
One round Medal play played with a May Medal.
Winner of the Silver Division (0-20) plays the winner of the Bronze Division (21-36) in matchplay off handicap.
Final is played within three months of the qualifying date.
Home Club players only
Played with a May Medal
Winner’s name is forwarded to the County Competition. The six best net scores from the County Competition qualify for the Northumberland/Durham Final.
Home Club players only
Played with a June Medal
Winner’s name is forwarded to the County Competition. The qualifiers from this competition proceed to the Northumberland/Durham Final.
Cecil Leitch – National Playing Fields Association Trophy
Home Club players only
Played with a Medal
Eight best scores qualify for an automatic draw. Following rounds are off matchplay.
If possible there are six weeks between rounds but the Final must be played before 24 August.
Winner’s name is forwarded to the County Final.
Played with a July Medal.
Eight players qualify for the automatic draw for the remaining rounds played in matchplay format.
There are four weeks between the first two rounds and 14 playing days between the third and final rounds.
Home Club players only
First round played with the second Medal in July, the second round with the first Medal in August.
Two best net Silver (0-20) and the two best net Bronze (21-36) qualifiers play a final Medal round together.
The classification of a player as Silver or Bronze depends on their handicap on the day of the second round.
The final round is to be played with a September or October Medal when all four players are available.
Home Club players only
Played with a September Medal. Runner up receives Patsy’s Plate.
Trophy stableford competitions
Stableford qualifying competition. Trophy presented annually. Donation is made to the EWGA Trust in accordance with their criteria.
Format Stableford Foursomes
Players choose partners but no player may play with the same partner more than two years in succession. Partnerships must be Silver/Bronze or High/Low Bronze combination.
Runners up share the silver salver presented by Doris Bartlett for her 7 years’ service as Secretary of the Club.
Home Club players only
Stableford competition arranged as near as possible to 23rd June (Bertha’s birthday) but not before that date.
Home Club players only
Stableford competition played in August together with the Macmillan Support Competition.
Played with a September Stableford.
Format
All matches must start at the 1st tee.
Format Singles Matchplay over 18 holes
Handicap allowance Full difference in handicap as on day of each match
Strokes are taken in accordance with the Stroke Indexes on the Score Card. Fractions of one half and over will count as one stroke.
Each match is played to a finish. Should the match be halved after 18 holes play continues until either player wins a hole. Strokes are taken as for the first round.
The Challenger – the first named player in each match
The Challenged – the second player in the match
Dates
The challenger offers her opponent three dates.
When the challenger has not contacted her opponent within a week of the previous round she should make arrangements herself.
If no date can be agreed the match will be played on the last day available at 11.00am.
Should only one player be at the tee at this time she may claim the match.
The winner of each match should enter the result on the draw sheet.
If the name of the winner is not entered on the result sheet by the end of the last day of the round both players will be disqualified.
All finals to be played by the end of September.
Players must be over 60 on date of draw
Handicap Limit 34
Players knocked out in the first rounds of the President’s and Hardie Reid Trophy Competitions may compete in this competition.
Draw made one week after completion of the first rounds.
Rounds to be completed by the end of October with an equal number of playing days between each round.
Format Knockout Foursomes – Choose partners
Handicap Limit 30
Draw made in June. Competition runs through the winter.
First round played by 30th September, second by 31st October, third by 31st January, forth by 30th April and the final by 30th June.
Winners qualify as Club representatives in the Daily Mail Competition the following year.
Awarded on Captain’s Day for the best net score.
Awarded on Captain’s Day for the second best net score
Presented annually for the best reduction in handicap during the season. Only scores recorded at Gosforth Park count
A Spoon competition is in Medal format. Eight spoons are awarded during the year
Record gross score at each hole and deduct handicap from the 18-hole total to give net score.