GUIDELINES

CODE OF CONDUCT – Violations of the Code of Conduct include: verbal or physical abuse of any person, club throwing, cheating, disrespect of volunteers or officials, abuse of the golf course (divots not replaced, bunkers not raked, ball marks not repaired), discarded trash not placed in proper receptacle, vandalism, use of smoking or chewing tobacco products, use of drugs or alcohol, not adhering to dress code, leaving course during a competition round without permission of a tournament official, or any other conduct not becoming a Tournament participant.  Violations of the Code are subject to a two-stroke penalty or disqualification, dependent on CKG TOUR Tournament Committee’s decision.  Players and parents should always conduct themselves in a professional manner while at event sites.  Under no circumstances will displays of temper, either verbally or physically, be tolerated, and such acts will result in the permanent suspension of all parties involved from all tournament courses for the duration of the tournament.  Other complaints or violations not specifically covered will be reviewed by the Tournament Committee and they will determine the final action to be taken.

COMPETITION – All play shall be governed by current USGA Rules of Golf and its Decisions, and, where applicable, by Local Rules, Conditions and Definements, subject to changes or amendments by the CKG TOUR Rules Committee.  CKG TOUR tournament officials at each competition course will be in charge of tournament activities at that course. Decisions of CKG TOUR officials are final.

DRESS CODE – Proper attire is required on golf course, practice tee and practice greens.  Any violation will result in the player not being allowed to participate until he/she has met the following regulations.  The dress code prohibits shoes having metal spikes, short shorts, tank tops, halter-tops, bare midriffs, T-shirts, denim shorts and jeans, and headphones.  All hats and caps must be worn properly; collared shirts must be worn and tucked in (girls may wear a collarless shirt if it is part of a coordinated outfit).  Offensive slogans, language and/or pictures on clothing will not be tolerated.

PACE OF PLAY – Rules 6-7 of the USGA Rules of Golf states:  “The player shall play without undue delay.”  The penalty for breach of Rule 6-7 is two strokes in stroke play.  The penalty for repeated offense is disqualification.  The first group of the day will be considered out of position if it takes more than 15 minutes to complete any hole.  Subsequent groups will be considered out of position if they fall behind the group ahead and take more than 15 minutes per hole.  Players in a group who are out of position will be monitored until the group is back in position.  Each player will be given 45 seconds to play a shot. Timing of the player will begin when it is his/her turn to play.  If the player exceeds the time limit, he/she will be given a warning.  Rule 6-7 goes into effect for a repeated offense.

CADDIES AND CARTS -- No player may ride in a powered golf cart during his/her competitive rounds, with the exception of tournament-approved shuttles at certain sites.  Players may have one caddy but must walk.  Specified caddy only may give advice

PLAYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES – Carry enough liquid in your golf bag for at least nine holes.  Carry a current USGA Rules Book and the LPGC Tournament Information in your bag and know how to find answers.  Know the Definitions in the USGA Rules Book.  Contestants/Caddies may NOT have cell phones or pagers on course during competition.   Range Finders are allowed to measure DISTANCE ONLY.  Devices that are capable of measuring slopes and other conditions are NOT permitted and subject to disqualification. 

SCORING – Caddy may count and record scores.  It is player/caddy’s responsibility to check the score recorded with the competitor after each hole.  Scorecards must be exchanged within each group. It is the competitor’s responsibility to check his/her card after the completion of each round before signing it.  Every scorecard must be signed by competitor and scorer before being turned in to Scorer’s Table.  Each competitor should wait at Scorer’s Table until his/her card has been checked and competitor is dismissed by the scorer. Competitor is responsible for hole-by-hole score only.  Spectators must not become involved with scoring.

SPECTATORS – Spectators are welcome and may follow the players, but may not communicate with them in any manner at any time during their competition round.  Clapping and encouragement for good play are allowed as long as it does not interfere with tournament play.  Contestants are reminded of Rule 8-1 concerning advice and receiving assistance:  Penalty two strokes. Contestants are responsible for actions of parents/spectators and are reminded that significant contact/conversation may be construed as advice by fellow competitors.  Spectators are requested to turn off cell phones or pagers on every golf course during competition.

STARTING TIMES – Plan to arrive 10 minutes at the first tee before your tee time.   Rule 6-3a of the USGA Rules of Golf provides:  “The player shall start at the time established by the Committee.”  The penalty for breach of this Rule is disqualification.  However, it is a condition of the competition that, if a player arrives at his/her starting point, ready to play, within 15 minutes after that starting time, in the absence of circumstances which warrant waiving the penalty of disqualification as provided in Rule 33-7, the penalty for failure to start on time is two strokes at the first hole.  Because of the distance between courses and the subsequent problems that may arise, it is suggested that if a parent sees that his/her player may be late because of traffic or other associated reason, the parent should call the Tournament Committee representative at the competition course to advise them of such situation and request an extension.  This will only be allowed in extenuating circumstances where the parent cannot get the child to the course on time.  Final decision is up to the Tournament Committee at the competition course upon consultation with the Executive Director if necessary. 

The penalty for missed tee time for the 9-hole divisions is a maximum score of double par plus one.  

TIES – Ties for first place in each Division shall be decided by hole-by-hole playoff immediately following conclusion of play in each Division.  Ties for third through fifth place will be decided by card off – best score on the last day (last round).  If scores are tie on the last day, a card off of the last day score should be followed:  For 18-hole players, best score on the last nine.  If the tying players have the same score for the last nine, it will be decided on the basis of the last six holes, last three holes and finally the 18th hole.  For 9-hole players ties are decided on the basis of the best score on the last six hole, last three holes and finally the 9th hole.  In the case of darkness or adverse weather conditions, ties may be decided by hole-by-hole putt-off or matching cards backwards, starting with final hole played.