Thank
you for your entry into a CGA Championship. Your participation enables the CGA
to conduct an extensive tournament program for golfers in the state. When you
enjoy these opportunities, please thank the club, course managers,
professionals, and volunteers who make it possible. Your positive input helps
the CGA to continue to obtain quality courses and retain outstanding volunteers
for statewide competitions.
Player
Responsibilities. Rule 6-1 states, “The
player and his caddie are responsible for knowing the Rules and the
conditions under which the competition is to be played.” We strongly recommend
all players study the Rules of Golf, examine the CGA Local Rules
and Conditions of Competition for 2009 CGA Tournaments and Championships (Hard Card), and review this section prior to competing. Any player in a CGA event
may request and receive from the starter, a free copy of The Rules of Golf 2008-2009
and the CGA Hard Card.
Tournament
Committee. The CGA
Tournament Committee sets policies and procedures for CGA events. CGA members
are encouraged to contact the CGA with comments and concerns about CGA competitions.
CGA
Colorado Cup Point Series. The CGA will once
again administer the annual cup point series with CGA members earning points
through top finishes in CGA and USGA Championships, pre-selected club hosted
events, and select national tournaments.
Points accumulated throughout the current season can earn players an
invitation on to the following years Colorado Cup Team, as well as possible
exemptions into CGA Championships and invitations to represent the CGA in
various national and international competitions. For the complete point allocation information
CLICK HERE!
New for 2009!
CGA
Walking Only Policy. Players wishing
to use a golf cart in Colorado Golf Association (CGA) events which are walking
only may submit a request, in writing, to the CGA at the time of entry. The CGA
will evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, any request to use a golf cart due to a
claimed permanent disability under the Americans With
Disabilities Act (ADA). In order for the CGA to properly evaluate such
requests, it is necessary to submit medical documentation setting forth the
exact nature of the disability and how that disability prevents such player
from walking during a stipulated round. In addition, players will have to
submit information sufficient to enable the CGA to determine that providing a
cart would not provide a player with an advantage over other players.
Please note that if you intend to request a golf cart, both the request
and entry into the championship must be submitted together by mail prior to the
application deadline.
Requests due to “temporary” injuries or impairments that do not qualify
as a permanent disability under the
Players will receive written notification after a decision has been
made whether or not their request has been granted.
Also see: Approved Medical Devices
2009 CGA Match Play Championship. The 2009 CGA Match Play Championship will be a walking
only event.
On-Line Registration. Nearly 100% of CGA players entered 2008 CGA through
on-line registration. We encourage players to continue to use this resource at
our new website at http://www.COgolf.org/.
Paper Entries. Players who
choose to use a paper entry for CGA events may print them out from the CGA website
or contact the CGA offices to have a copy faxed or mailed.
Over-Subscribed Field. All CGA qualifiers are filled on a
first-come, first-serve basis using the original registration date. If a player is unable to compete at the
selected site because the qualifying field is over-subscribed the player will
have the option of being placed on a wait list in order of entry, or being
moved to another qualifying location on a space available basis. Unless noted otherwise in the
events description, if a team championship field is oversubscribed (number of
entries exceeds the field limit) teams will be rank ordered according to their
combined handicap index. Exceptions are
the Father/Son Championship and the Super-Senior field of the Senior Match Play
Championship.
CGA Stroke Play Championship. The 2009 Amateur
Stroke Play Championship, at Lakewood Country Club, is a walking only event.
CGA Match Play Championship. The 2009 Amateur
Match Play Championship, at Bear Creek Golf Club, is a walking only event.
High Plains Amateur. The Kansas Golf Association (KGA) will again
administer this popular event in 2009. Further information and registration is
available on the KGA website, www.kansasgolf.org.
Exemptions. A complete list of exemptions and exemption criteria
for the 2009 season is available online or can be requested from the CGA
offices. If you do not have access to
the internet or have questions concerning exemptions please contact Pete at the
CGA (ext. 107).
USGA Qualifiers. All applications
have to be sent to the USGA. Players over the age of 18 can enter a USGA
Championship online at www.usga.org. Junior players may have their
parent/guardian enter events for them on-line, or fill out a paper application
and have their parent/guardian sign it and then mail it to the USGA. Players
who wish to use a paper entry may print it off the USGA web-site or call the
USGA (908-234-2300) and request the form.
Players wishing
to participate in a CGA qualifier that is also a USGA qualifier must be
registered with the USGA to compete in that specific qualifier. These events are first and foremost a USGA
qualifier, which means all players must be trying to qualify for the national
event. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy! These are combined as a service to
players who cannot take two days off to try to qualify for both events.
Player’s may qualify at separate sites, using the USGA qualifier only for the
USGA event, and signing up for the CGA qualifier at a separate site. This decision
needs to be made prior to the close of the CGA registration.
For the U.S. Amateur Public Links Sectional Qualifier there is a cut to the low 30% plus ties after the first 18 holes. Except for the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship, all players are required to walk, unless a waiver has been specifically granted in advance by the USGA. Players can either carry their own bag or have a caddie. Caddies are also required to walk. Parents, step parents, or guardians may not caddie during the U.S. Junior Amateur. Spectator carts are not allowed at any USGA qualifier.
For a complete
list of conditions for the USGA event you are competing in please refer to the
entry blank, or the USGA website at www.usga.org.
CGA Qualifier Registration. Players may only attempt to qualify once per CGA championship. If a player fails to qualify on his first
attempt he may not register and compete in another qualifier for the same
championship. A player who has
registered for a qualifier and then notifies the CGA that he must WD prior to
the start of the qualifying round may be placed in another qualifier at the
discretion of the CGA on a space available basis. If a player is a no show (has not contacted
the CGA), or begins a qualifying round and then subsequently WD’s he will not
be issued a refund or placed in another qualifying field.
Players who register for a qualifying location where
the CGA qualifying is secondary to another competition must complete the
primary competition in full for the CGA qualifying to stand. If a player completes the first round of such
an event and subsequently withdraws from the primary competition without reason
his registration into the CGA championship is subject to rejection.
Championship Alternates.
Each CGA qualifying location will have at least four alternates added to
the alternate worksheet for the championship.
In the event that a player finishes with the same qualifying score as
the last alternate, the player will be awarded an alternate position even if
this number exceeds four. Alternates will be ranked in order based on a blind
draw to set the allocation schedule for the championship’s qualifiers. If an exempt player withdraws from the
championship alternates will be admitted in rank order. If a qualifying participant withdraws from
the championship the next available alternate from the same qualifying site
will be selected to fill the void spot.
Alternate worksheets and allocation schedules are available for each CGA
championship upon request.
General. Entry is open to
any amateur golfer who is a current CGA member. Entrants must have an active
GHIN number and an established USGA Handicap Index through a CGA member
club, verifiable upon entry deadline. All entries are accepted until the
tournament closing date deadline. Late entries may be accepted at the discretion
of the CGA, if a tournament’s field is not full. Entries are subject to
rejection at any time (including during the tournament) by the CGA. Reasons
for rejection may include a fraudulent entry, fraudulent handicap, unbecoming
conduct, or dress code violations.
Entries. All players, including exempt players,
must apply for entry either online at www.cogolf.org or by mailing a completed entry blank to the
CGA. These can be obtained on the CGA website or by contacting the CGA tournament
department. A photocopy of the entry form is acceptable. Incomplete entries
will be returned. Players should allow ample time in case of delay or error in
delivery. Player tee time information will be e-mailed at least one week prior
to the tournament and posted on the CGA website. Please do not call prior to
one week before the tournament.
Mailed entry forms, accompanied by the appropriate entry fees,
must be in the CGA office by 4:00 p.m. on the closing date of the tournament.
Incomplete entries or entries by e-mail, telephone or FAX are not acceptable.
Deadline for entries means time of receipt at the CGA, not when sent.
Payment. Entry fees will
be deposited upon receipt. This does not assure an entrant a spot in the
tournament. Entrants will be notified as soon as possible after the entry
deadline by
Students: High school or college golf team members
should check with their coaches and/or their leagues governing body (CHSAA,
NCAA, etc.) regarding participation and the effect, if any, on their
eligibility.
Handicaps. The
player’s USGA Handicap Index as shown on the latest GHIN Handicap revision is
used for tournament eligibility and determination of Course Handicap in net
events.
Senior. A player must be 50 years of age or
older as of the first day of a tournament. For those events with a super senior
category, the player must be 60 years of age or older as of the first day of a
tournament. In team events, both
partners must meet the age requirements to play in the Senior Flight or the
team must play in the Open division. A
player may qualify prior to his 50th birthday.
Mid-Amateur. A player must be
25 years of age or older as of the first day of a tournament. A player may
qualify prior to his 25th birthday.
Junior Eligibility. Open to players
through the summer immediately following graduation from high school, who have not reached their 19th birthday
on or before the last day of a tournament.
General. Full refunds are
issued to players who did not get into an event because the field was
over-subscribed or were on a waiting list and did not get in. Entry fee will be
refunded, less a $25 service charge, regardless of reason if the CGA is
notified of withdrawal before the close of the entry deadline. Players will
receive a 50 percent refund of the entry fee if the CGA is notified after the deadline
but at least two business days prior to the first day of the tournament (this
gives us time to contact an alternate). Normally there is no refund after the
two business day cutoff up to the start of the tournament. After the tournament
has started, there is no refund for any reason. NOTE: Players must notify the
CGA, not the host course, to receive a refund. All refunds will be sent to the
person named on the entry form. Processing refunds may take up to two weeks.
There is no partial refund if a player fails to advance to the next stage of
any competition.
Team Events. In team
competitions, if a player needs a substitute for his original partner after the
field has closed, he must arrange to get the
substitute. Any substitute must meet all eligibility requirements of the
specified competition. The CGA must be notified of any substitutions prior to
the start of the tournament.
General. The
Rules of Golf 2008-2009 govern play. The Local Rules and
Conditions of Competitions for 2009 Colorado Golf Association Tournaments and
Championships (CGA Hard Card) and any site-specific Notice to Players
will supplement The Rules of Golf 2008-2009. Host course local rules are
not applicable, unless they are on the Notice to Players. The Committee,
whose decision is final, shall settle questions. Selected policies from the CGA
Hard Card are listed below.
Group
Pace of Play Penalties. The Colorado Golf Association utilizes a group pace of play policy in
all stroke play rounds of our championships as authorized by Rule 6-7, Undue
Delay; Slow Play. When group penalties are in effect for a
qualifying or championship round each player will receive a course specific
time sheet explaining the event’s policy times and parameters. The policy’s goal is to reduce the average
round time in all CGA events, thereby increasing the satisfaction level of all
participants. The CGA policy will
closely model similar policies already in effect throughout the country
including the one that is used by the USGA in their amateur championships.
Electronic
Measuring Devices. The CGA Rules and
Tournament Committees have approved the use of distance-measuring devices by
Local Rule (allowed by Decision 14-3/0.5) in all 2009 CGA Championships with
the exception of the CGA Junior Stroke Play and Junior Match Play Championships
(or any qualifier associated with these championships). Please note that these devices are not
allowed in any CJGA event or USGA qualifier.
CGA Local Rule for Distance-Measuring Devices: For all CGA events, a player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. However, if, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient, wind-speed, temperature, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional functions are actually used.
Players please note: According to the USGA, any Local Rule, regardless of the wording,
must prohibit the use of a distance-measuring device that is capable of gauging
or measuring other conditions that might affect play, even if such a function
is not used. For example, if a golfer uses a distance-measuring device that
also has compass and factors in changes in elevation, that golfer would be
disqualified even if he or she uses the device solely for distance information
and does not use the compass or elevation-change function. Players should
be very careful as to which devices they buy to use during CGA events.
Approved Medical Devices. Players wishing to use equipment for
medical reasons under Exception 1 to Rule 14-3 must do so in writing to the CGA
prior to the event. On site requests will be evaluated on a time available
basis.
Cell Phones and
Pagers. A player may only use devices that do not make an audible noise. If his cell phone or pager does make an
audible noise (including vibrations which can be heard) during the stipulated
round the penalty is: First offense –
warning; Subsequent offense – Disqualification.
Annoying cell phone use during a stipulated round is considered
unbecoming conduct and the Committee may
disqualify a player under Rule 33-7 for a serious breach of etiquette and/or
reject a player’s entry in future events. Spectators who misuse cell phones
will be asked to leave the course.
Automotive Transportation. Permitted
in all CGA events except the Stroke Play Championship, Match Play Championship,
the Junior Boys’ Match Play Championship, the Junior Boys’ Stroke Play
Championship, and any junior qualifiers. Prohibited in USGA Qualifiers except for the U.S. Senior
Amateur qualifier. Any variation to this policy will be on the event’s Notice
to Competitors. When prohibited, the optional condition prescribed in Appendix
I is in effect. Please note the definition of caddie and equipment when using
carts. If a course hosting agreement requires paying cart fees, players may
still walk and/or use a caddie. All
drivers must have a valid drivers license. All
players, both walkers and riders, are required to maintain the pace set for the
competition. Spectators are not authorized to ride in a player’s cart.
Ties. Ties for first place or qualifying positions are broken by sudden
death playoff as determined by the CGA, or by matching scorecards as
recommended in Appendix I. In the absence of an announced policy for an event-requiring
tie breaking, matching scorecards will be used (this includes all CGA
qualifiers for Pub-Links, Stroke Play, Senior Stroke Play, Senior Match, Junior
Stroke Play, Junior Match and Mid-Am).
If all options in Appendix I are used and a tie still exists, the tie
will be decided by lot. If the competition has a multiple tee or shotgun start,
the last nine holes, last six holes, etc., are considered to be holes 10-18,
13-18, etc.
Score
Posting. For handicap purposes, the CGA will post all applicable
tournament scores to the GHIN Handicap service. In most match play or four-ball
events, players are required to return a scorecard with actual or most likely
scores for holes played (when a stroke or hole is conceded, or when a player
picks up). Holes not played will be scored at par plus any handicap strokes.
The computer will calculate this automatically, allowing the score to be
posted.
Failure to Complete. In stroke play, failure by a
player to return his scorecard to the scoreboard official, or withdraws during
play without notifying an official and surrendering his scorecard to that
official, is considered a serious breach of etiquette and unbecoming conduct.
This can result in the player being suspended from future CGA events. This also
applies in match play if both players leave the course without notifying the
scoreboard official of the match result.
Caddies. Players may bring their own
caddie. CGA dress code and conduct requirements apply to caddies. Caddies are
not necessarily extended all the courtesies of the host golf club. Caddies are
not allowed in the CGA Junior Boys’ Match and Junior Boys’ Stroke Play
Championships. Caddies are allowed in the U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier with
exceptions – parents, step parents and guardians are not allowed to caddie (see
US Junior Amateur entry blank).
Dress Code.
Proper golf attire is required of players and caddies on the golf course, in the
clubhouse and on the grounds. Slacks and
Conduct. Unbecoming conduct by a
player or his caddie, reported to the Rules Committee before, during or after a
competitor’s round, may be cause for rejecting a player’s entry or action under
Rule 33-7. Objectionable conduct includes club throwing, foul language, abuse
of the golf course or course property, abuse of officials, alcohol/drug impaired
behavior, or any conduct unbecoming a gentleman. Players may also be suspended from playing in
future CGA tournaments.
No Shows. Players failing to appear for their assigned
tee time without notifying the CGA or host club before or on the day of a tournament, may be denied entry from play in all CGA tournaments
for up to one year.
Spectators. Spectators
are welcome at all CGA and USGA events as long as they maintain proper golf
demeanor while watching the event. This ensures all players have the
opportunity to perform at their very best. Spectators should remain on cart
paths or in the rough, and at least 10 yards away from players during the play
of a hole. There may be no communication between spectators or players that
could be deemed advice of any nature (Rule 8-1) during the round. Spectators are
not permitted to ride in a player’s cart, as this privilege is reserved for
caddies only. For medical reasons, the Tournament Director may authorize a
spectator to ride in his/her own cart during CGA events. Spectator carts are
not allowed during USGA events. If a
spectator is riding in a player’s cart, the player will be warned and asked to
follow the CGA policy. If the player refuses, his entry will be withdrawn.
Eisenhower-Evans Bag Tag. Players
are encouraged to support this outstanding scholarship program for
Practice Rounds. Practice rounds are generally not complimentary.
Before an event, each host site will establish times for players to play a
practice round on a space-available basis. Please check with the host club for
availability and charges.
Prizes. An
amateur golfer plays primarily for the love of the game, and as a
non-remunerative or non-profit making sport. Symbolic prizes such as medals,
plaques or trophies are generally awarded to champions. Prize money, if given,
is in the form of gift certificates redeemable in the host club golf shop. In
general, if an individual is eligible to win two prizes, he will be awarded
only one prize, the one with the greatest value. Normally, merchandise prizes
will be split among those tied, except in those cases where a playoff is used
to determine a winner.
Photographic/Video. By submitting an
application, the player agrees to allow the CGA to use the player’s photographic/video
image for any CGA media related use.
Liability. By
submitting an entry form and subsequently playing in a CGA event, players agree
to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the CGA and its respective affiliates,
directors, officers, employees, agents, and assigns from and against any and
all claims, damages, liabilities and losses, including without limitation
reasonable attorney’s fees and costs and expenses of litigation, arising out of
any act of God, negligent act or omission of the indemnifying party in
connection with this competition. Contingent upon successful entry into this
tournament the participant agrees to all conditions, policies, procedures and
terms set forth in this booklet.
Ed Mate, CGA Executive Director
Pete Lis, CGA Director of Rules and Competitions
Mike Boster, CGA Rules Committee Chairman
Jim Bunch, USGA Rules of Golf Chairman
Jon Burnett, Chief Rules Official
Richard Langston, Chief Rules Official
Jim Magette, Chief Rules Official
Ken McGechie, Chief Rules Official
Gene Miranda, Chief Rules Official
Robert T. Nelson, Chief Rules Official
Joe Salvo, Chief Rules Official
John Sova, Chief Rules Official
The Committee for any competition consists of the designated
Tournament Director, the designated Chief Official, and
Any member of the CGA Rules of Golf Committee
At
the competition or contacted by phone.