By-Laws
- Membership
- Annual Dues
- Tournament Schedule
- CTGA Classic
- Handicaps
- Establishing Handicaps
- Tee Times and Pairings
- Starting Time and Entry Fee Payment
- Cancellations and No Shows
- Guests
- CTGA Rules of Play
- Rules of Play Clarifications, Protests and Disputes
- Completing Scorecard in CTGA Tournaments (USGA Rule 6-6)
- Formats
- Flights
- Tees
- Different Tees
- Player Pool Distribution
- Player Pool Ties
- Player Personal Fund Account
- Skins and Deuces Competition
- Player Pool Competition Ties
- Hole in One
- FedEx Cup Point Competition
- Match Play Competition
- Players Not Eligible to Compete in CTGA Player Pools
- Results and Statistics
The Central Texas Golf Association (CTGA) is a non-profit, member-supported organization open to all male and female amateur golf enthusiasts in the greater Austin, Texas area.
CTGA 2008 annual Membership Dues are $50.00. Annual dues are prorated to $30.00 for members starting after May 31st. Dues are payable at the Members’ first tournament after the annual CTGA Classic, unless special arrangements are made with the CTGA Finance Director.
The CTGA fiscal year Tournament Schedule begins with the first event after the 2007 annual CTGA Classic and ends with the 2008 2-day Classic. The time, course, fees and prizes for all tournaments shall be the responsibility of the CTGA Directors. CTGA Directors will provide tournament schedules and league information to all Members. If the course limits the number of players allowed for that event, participation will be determined based on date and time request to play is received.
The annual CTGA Classic is open to all CTGA Members and their Guests. Members must play in a minimum of eight (8) CTGA 2008 tournaments, including four (4) after May 31, to play with full CTGA handicaps. With less than the 8/4 minimum rounds, handicaps will be adjusted downward per the adjustment chart in our CTGA Website. This applies to all Classic competitions, including Medal Play, Trash and Team competition. 2007 Classic participation counts toward 2008 tournaments played.
New members joining after May 31 must play in a minimum of six (6) tournaments to play with 100% of their CTGA established handicap, five (5) tournaments with 95% handicap and four (4) tournaments with 85% handicap.
A general meeting will be held at the conclusion of Saturday’s
Classic round to discuss and vote on policy and procedure improvements
and to elect 2009 Board of Directors.
CTGA handicaps will be established and maintained for each Member by the CTGA Tournament/Handicap Director, using Software Systems Handicap Manager (HM), which conforms to USGA Handicap Standards. Handicaps will be calculated based on the lowest ten (10) of the most recent twenty (20) posted CTGA tournament scores. If a member has less than 20 official CTGA rounds, his/her handicap will be determined using the Low Handicap Differential scores of the following CTGA tournament rounds:
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All active Member handicaps will be carried over to the following year.
Only CTGA Tournament scores will be entered in the CTGA Handicap Database to determine CTGA handicaps
All new Members and/or members (active or inactive) who have not played in a CTGA tournament within the past 10 months must establish a CTGA handicap using one of the following options:
A.USGA/GHIN Handicap: New Member submits a current, established USGA/GHIN handicap or other verifiable handicap from a golf association or club. This handicap, after approval by CTGA Handicap Director, will allow the new Member to compete, with no restrictions, in all CTGA tournament competition player pools (including Individual and Team formats) and Trash competitions (Close-To-Pin, Skins, and Deuces) beginning with his/her first CTGA tournament..
Submitting Current, Establish USGA/GHIN handicaps:
1. Six (6) scores equal to the new Member’s approved USGA/GHIN handicap index are entered into the CTGA Handicap Manager (HM) system, using Roy Kizer Blue (for men) and Roy Kizer Red (for ladies) course rating as our Home Course, to calculate a provisional starting handicap for CTGA;
2.These scores and the New Member’s initial CTGA tournament rounds will be used to determine the calculation of up-to-date CTGA handicaps as follows:
a.Combination of the 1st CTGA tournament scores and the 6 provisional scores;
b. Combination of the first 2 CTGA tournament scores and 5 provisional scores (1 provisional score (PS) will be dropped);
c. Combination of the first 3 CTGA tournament scores and 4 provisional scores (2nd PS dropped);
d. Combination of the first 4 CTGA tournament scores and 3 provisional scores (a 3rd PS dropped);
e. Combination of the first 5 CTGA tournament scores and 2 provisional score (a 4th PS dropped);
f. Combination of the first 6 CTGA tournament scores and 1 provisional score (a 5th PS dropped);
g. The first seven (7) CTGA tournament scores (the 6th and final provisional score will be dropped).
h. From here, all future CTGA Handicaps will be determined using CTGA tournament scores only.
B. Self-Identifying Handicap: New Members who do not have established USGA/GHIN handicaps will self-declare a provisional handicap, based on their average 18 hole scores, using the “Self-Handicapping Chart” provided in our CTGA Website and submit that handicap to the CTGA Tournament Director. This handicap, after approval by CTGA Handicap Director, will allow the New Member to compete in all CTGA tournament player pools, Close-To- Pin, and our optional Skins and Deuces competitions and eligible for all Player Pool payout beginning with their first CTGA tournament, as defined below:
1. In all Individual Format tournaments, Player Pool payout will be limited to 50% of the stated payout for each Place within each Flight until three (3) CTGA event scores have been entered in our Handicap database;
2. In all Team Format tournaments, Player Pool payout will be the same as for all current CTGA Members.
Establishing the new member’s handicap:
1. Six (6) scores equal to the New Member’s approved “Self-Declared” handicap index are entered into the CTGA Handicap Manager (HM) system, using Roy Kizer Blue (for men) and Roy Kizer Red (for ladies) course rating as our Home Course, to calculate the new Member’s provisional handicap to establish a provisional handicap for CTGA;
2. These scores and the New Member’s initial CTGA tournament rounds will be used to determine the calculation of up-to-date CTGA handicaps in the same manner as Rule 6-A-2 above.
Inactive CTGA Members or past Members returning to CTGA who has participated in less than four (4) CTGA tournaments within the past 12 calendar months or no CTGA tournaments within the past 10 months must re-establish new CTGA handicaps using either of the two methods above.
Note: If a new or returning Member has a current, established USGA/GHIN handicap, this handicap takes precedence and must be submitted to establish a CTGA provisional handicap.
The CTGA Tournament Director or the Director in charge of that specific tournament will determine pairings and group tee times for all tournaments, with the requests of individual Members being considered and satisfied when and where possible.
8. STARTING TIME AND ENTRY FEE PAYMENT
Payment of all entry fees will be made to the CTGA Finance Director or designee at the course on tournament day. All CTGA Members and Guests are required to be at the course and ready to play at least 30 minutes prior to their start time. At the discretion of the Finance Director or collector designate, tournament fees will be collected up to 25 minutes prior to the collector's tee time and/or after completion of play. It is each Member’s responsibility to ensure his/her fees and accompanying Guest (if applicable) fees are paid on tournament day. Entry fee for all CTGA tournaments will be listed on the approved 2008 CTGA tournament schedule (*). If a tournament is cancelled due to inclement weather, paid fees will be refunded at the course or applied to Members' personal account. Fees for the optional Skins and Deuces competitions will be charged to Members and Guests unless they verbally “opt out” of these competitions prior start of play.
Tournament fee adjustments may be required based on changes by the golf course and will be announced by the tournament Director as soon as they are known.
Starting times and changing of individual player 4-somes on tournament
day may be made with CTGA Director approval only.
CTGA understands and accepts player cancellations resulting from family emergencies and/or work commitments.
- Players who sign up to play but must cancel, may do so up to 24 hours before the event without course fee penalty providing the course does not charge CTGA;
- If the course charges CTGA a fee for that cancelled spot because of the number of players committed to by CTGA, the player will be charged course fees;
- Players who cancel with more than 24 hour prior notice will not be charged Player Pool tournament fee;
- Players who find a replacement for their spot in the tournament will not be charged;
- Players who cancel within 24 hours of tee time will be charged course fees if the course charges CTGA;
- Players who cancel within 24 hours of tee time may be charged Tournament Fee unless a replacement player fills that spot;
- “No Shows” will be charged course fee and Player Pool tournament fee;
- Members who No-Show 2 times within a 12 month period may be asked to pre-pay tournament fees;
- Members will be responsible for invited Guest(s) as they apply to either cancellations or No-Shows;
- Waiver of any of the above fees may be made at the discretion and
agreement of two CTGA Directors.
CTGA welcomes Guests to play in any CTGA scheduled tournament. All Guests shall understand and accept the competition eligibility, limitation, Rules of Play, event guidelines and Player Pool/Trash tournament fees as specified within these CTGA By-Laws, including:
- Course fees and cart fees (if applicable);
- Member must provide Guest(s) handicap (USGA/GHIN or self-declared) when they sign up;
- Guests are eligible to compete in Individual Format Competition but winnings are limited to 50% of the stated amounts for each Place within each competition Flight;
- Guests are eligible to compete in Team Format Competition and winnings will be the same stated amounts as for CTGA Team members;
- Guests are eligible for Close-To-Pin competitions;
- Guests are eligible for optional Skins and/or Deuces competition ($5.00 entry fee each)
- Individuals may compete as Guests in all applicable CTGA player pool competitions a maximum of 2 events per tournament year. Further participation as a Guest in CTGA events within that tournament year will be as non-participating Guests only.
- Guests may play in our Annual CTGA Classic but competition is limited to Close-To-Pin and optional Skins and Deuces only.
- Guests are not eligible to compete in our FedEx Cup Point competition.
All CTGA tournaments will be played in accordance with USGA Rules of Play, Local Course Rules, and specific CTGA Rules of Play. Special playing rules pertaining to inclement weather, course conditions, local course rules, etc., will be announced prior to the start of that event by CTGA Directors and/or Course Professional. Golf etiquette shall be observed at all times by CTGA Members and Guests. Refer to the CTGA Rules of Play in the RULES & REGULATIONS section in our CTGA Website. Unless otherwise announced, all USGA and CTGA Specific Rules of Play shall be in effect at all tournaments.
It is the responsibility of all CTGA Members to know and understand all Rules of Play, and makes sure his/her Guest player(s) comply with these rules.
In accordance with new USGA approved rules, CTGA Local Rule will allow
personal GPS/Course Rangefinders in all CTGA tournament play.
12. Rules of Play Clarification, Protests and Disputes
Course Professional shall reconcile all concerns regarding Rules of Play. It is appropriate and recommended that, during play, if a ruling is unclear or disputed, and clarification of a ruling is required, the player will continue to play the original ball as it lies and a provisional ball (based on the assumed dispute) through completion of that hole. Record the scores of both balls and consult with a Course Professional to determine the proper ruling and score prior to signing the scorecard. It is solely the player’s option and decision whether to play a second ball and others in the 4-some cannot nor should not be an influence either way. If the decision is to play a 2nd ball, the score for that hole will be the score of the ball, as determined by the correct ruling.
CTGA Directors will reconcile disputes and protests concerning scoring
or eligibility. Protest of a handicap shall be reconciled prior to the
Member(s) start of play on tournament day. The Directors' decision shall
be final.
13. Completing scorecards in CTGA Tournaments (USGA Rule 6-6)
A. INDIVIDUAL FORMAT COMPETITION
1. If individual scorecards are provided for individual players, players must exchange scorecards for scoring.
2. If single scorecard is provided for all players, a marker is designated to record all scores on scorecard.
3. After each hole, the marker should verify the competitor(s) score for accuracy and record it on the scorecard. On completion of the round the marker shall sign the scorecard and give it to the competitor(s) for review and signing. All gross Birdies and Eagles should be circled on the scorecard.
4. Although the Marker will be posting scores on the Player(s) scorecard, the Player is responsible.
5. Each Player is personally responsible for assuring the accuracy of hole-by-hole scores on his/her scorecard, ensure the marker has signed the scorecard, sign it, and turn it in to the Director in charge as soon as possible.
5. Each competitor is responsible for the correctness of his/her score recorded on each hole;
a. A score for any hole lower than actually taken, the Player is disqualified;
b. A score for any hole higher than actually taken, that score, as returned, shall stand.
6. Once signed and turned in, this score becomes the score of record for that event and is not subject to change.
7. It is strongly recommended that all Players keep a separate, personal scorecard during the round to verify correctness of the “official” scorecard.
8. Only Tournament scores are to be entered on the “Official” individual tournament scorecard. If individuals elect to play a side competition amongst themselves, they MUST use a different scorecard.
B. TEAM FORMAT COMPETITION
1. An appointed Team marker is selected to record, for each hole, the gross scores on each of his/her teammates. These gross scores for each player must be individually identifiable or the Team shall be disqualified.
2. An exchange of Team scorecards with other 2-Player or 4-Player Team is required and the same scoring procedure as 13.A above will apply. Explanation on how to record Net Team Score on scorecard will be provide but doing so is optional for the marker.
3. It is strongly recommended that a designated Team member, other than the official Marker, keep a separate Team scorecard during the round to verify correctness of the “official” scorecard.
4. Only Tournament scores are to be entered on the “Official” tournament scorecard. If Teams elect to play a side competition amongst themselves, they MUST use a different scorecard.
Although the Tournament Director or designee is responsible for the addition of final Individual and Team Gross and Net scores recorded on the scorecard for all competitors, it is requested that competitors complete the addition and include the final Gross and Net scores on their scorecards.
No penalty will be applied for failure to complete and/or incorrect final Gross and/or Net scores on scorecards.
CTGA tournaments will play both Individual Formats (Medal Play, Modified Stableford or Skins) and Team Formats (2-Player or 4-Player). All event formats will be determined and posted on our 2007 Tournament Schedule. See Tournament Formats for explanations of the formats.
The CTGA Tournament Director will determine the number of competition flights to be played in all events.
Medal Play & Modified Stableford format tournaments: The number of Flights per Individual Format events will be determined by the number of players in the field and handicap breakdown, with 10 to 12 player preferred Flights.(This is a guideline only and may vary based on handicap spread of the field.)
2-Player and 4-Player Team tournaments will have one or two Player Pool Flight, depending on the number of teams, and determined by Team handicaps.
Trash Flights will always have 2 Flights, determined by player handicaps.
The CTGA Tournament Director will determine the Tees to be played in all events.
Individual Format Tournaments
Courses with maximum yardage of 6300 or less:
- All men will play the Back Tees;
- Ladies will play Red or designated Ladies Tees;
Courses with multiple tees of more than 6300 yards:
- Men with CTGA handicaps of 10 or less will play Back Tees up to but not to exceed 6,800 yards;
- Men with CTGA handicaps of 11 thru 16 will play Middle Tees up to but not to exceed 6500 yards;
- Men with CTGA handicaps of 17 and above will play Tees between 6000 and 6300 yards
- Unless only Middle Tees available are above 6300 and Forward Tees are less than 6000 yards.
- Ladies will play Red or designated Ladies Tees.
2-Player and 4-Player Team Format Tournaments
Courses with maximum yardage of 6300 or less:
- All men will play the Back Tees;
- All Ladies will play Red or designated Ladies Tees;
Courses with multiple tees of more than 6300 yards:
- Men will use the same Tees as the above Individual Formats with multiple tees of more than 6300 yards;
- Ladies will play Red or designated Ladies Tees.
Handicaps will be adjusted accordingly to balance Course Ratings for playing different tees as per Rule 16.
All competitors will play from the tee box selected for that tournament as determined and announced by the Tournament Director or the Director in charge of the event. Play from any tee box other than that specified by the Director in charge will result in disqualification from that tournament player pools and competitions.
17. PLAYERS COMPETING FROM DIFFERENT TEES
Different tees have different USGA Course Ratings. Because Course Ratings reflect the probable scores of scratch golfers, the higher-rated course is more difficult, and the player playing from the set of tees with the higher USGA Course Rating receives additional strokes equal to the difference between the Course Ratings, with 0.5 or greater rounded upward. The additional strokes are added to the Course Handicap of the player playing from the higher-rated set of tees.
- Flight Payout: CTGA procedure is to pay 30% of the field in each Flight;
- Player Pool payout for each Flight will be determined by the number of Flights divided by the total number of competing players and the amount of the total prize money available;
- 1st Place payout is guaranteed in each Player Pool Flight;
- Corresponding places in each Flight will receive equal payout as long as the number of players in that Flight meets the 30% payout guideline.
- Guest Player Pool payout will be as follows:
- 50% of the designated payout at Individual format tournaments;
- 100% of the designated payout at Team format tournaments.
19. PLAYER POOL COMPETITION TIES
First place ties in tournament player pools shall be settled by scorecard play-off. The winner will be determined as follows:
- Results of the last 9 holes, using 50% of the players’ handicaps;
- If still tied, results of the last 6 holes, using 33% of the players’ handicaps;
- If still tied, results of the last 3 holes, using 16% of the players’ handicaps;
- If still tied, results of the 18th hole using #18 handicap hole;
- If still tied, results beginning with the #1 handicap hole until a winner is determined.
- Ties for all other places in each Player Pool Flight will be split equally.
In the CTGA Classic, a sudden death playoff will be used to decide 1st place ties if the course and time permits. Otherwise, a scorecard playoff will determine the winner(s).
20. PLAYER PERSONAL FUND ACCOUNT
- The CTGA Finance Director will maintain a Personal Fund Account for each active Member;
- All prized won, including all Trash Prizes, will be credited to that Member’s Account upon release of official tournament results;
- At Member’s request, the CTGA Finance Director will release funds for any moneys within that Member’s Account;
- All Guest prize payout will be credited to the applicable CTGA Member’s Account.
- Any inactive Member who has not played in a CTGA tournament within the past 12 months and has paid no Annual Dues within that time, shall forfeit any credit within his/her account after attempts to contact said Member fail. Any forfeited funds shall be put into the CTGA General Players’ Fund.
- Members are responsible for invited guest fees
Three Trash competitions will be played at all CTGA tournaments, including Close-To-Pin, Skins and Deuces (see Trash competition procedures). Close-To-Pin fee is included in the player’s Tournament Fee. Skins and Deuces are optional competitions with $5.00 entry fee each.
Two Trash Flights will be determined based on participating player handicaps
with as close to a 50% balance as possible.
- Close-To-Pin Competition: Each Trash Flight will compete for Close-To-Pin prizes on two (2) designated Par 3 holes. Player with closest 1st tee shot on each hole is winner of that hole. Close-To-Pin prize per hole is $10.00. If no player hits the green, the prize money designated for that hole goes into the CTGA General Fund;
- Skins Competition: A Skins hole is won by the player whose gross score is the single lowest gross score on that hole within that Skins Flight. If two (2) or more players within the Flight tie with the same low gross score, no Skin is awarded. Skin prize amount will be determined by the number of players entered into Skins divided by the number of Skins won.
- Deuces Competition: All players who record a gross 2 on their scorecards will share in that Trash Flight’s Deuce Pot. The Deuce Pot is divided equally amongst the total number of gross Deuces recorded.
- Trash Carry-Over: If no Skins and/or Deuces are won within a Trash Flight in an event, the Prize Fund for that Trash competition is carried over to the next tournament.
- Fee for competing in Skins and Deuces in 2-Day tournaments is $10.00 (5.00 for each day).
All CTGA tournaments will have a Hole-In-One prize. One dollar ($1.00)
of each Member's annual dues will go toward the Hole-In-One prize fund
at the start of each tournament year. All Guests will be assessed $1.00
for entry into the Hole-In-One competition. Member prize for a Hole-In-One
will be $200.00. Guest prize will be $100.00. When a Hole-In-One prize
is awarded, each Member will be assessed a dollar ($) amount, based on
the number of active CTGA members, at his/her next tournament to help
re-establish our $200.00 Hole-In-One prize fund.
A reserve will be kept in the CTGA General Fund to supplement the amount
needed to reach the $200.00 Hole-In-Run prize.
24. FEDEX Cup Point Competition
CTGA will initiate a FedEx Cup Point competition in 2008. See FedEx Cup page for full details.
CTGA will have a separate Match Play competition in 2008 if Member sign-up and participation reaches 16 or more players. Match Play guidelines will be provided as a separate entity.
25. PLAYERS NOT ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE IN CTGA PLAYER POOLS
Professional golfers, school age boys and girls who currently and/or will be part of an Intercollegiate, Junior High School or High School, and/or any Junior Golf competition program, etc., may play as Guests of CTGA Members but are not eligible to compete in any CTGA Player Pool competitions. This includes Individual and Team Player Pools, Close-To-Pin, Skins, and Deuces competition. Fees for these Guests will be course fees only (green fees, cart fee, etc.)
Tournament results, statistics, handicap calculations and other member information will be posted on the CTGA Website at the conclusion of each tournament and will be available via email to all Members at their request.
2008 By-Laws (all changes approved by Member vote 09/30/07)