GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK - UPDATED 24.09.24
The São Brás Golf Society Governance Framework
This Framework was discussed and originally adopted at the AGM on 07.09.23. It will be updated when required by the Secretary.
It was last updated on 24.09.24 to reflect changes and updates as minuted at the AGM on 19.09.24.
1. Management Committee
The 2024/25 Management Committee of the Sao Bras Golf Society as elected and verified at the AGM on 19.09.24 is: -
Chairperson - Ty Gardner
Captain - Jeff Sweet
Treasurer - Adrian Jones
Secretary – Robin Moore
Vice-Captain – To be confirmed by 31.12.24
2. Committee Responsibilities
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
This document was approved by the Committee on 31.10.23.
3. Constitution – with AGM Confirmations
Certain elements of the Constitution must be confirmed annually at the AGM. These confirmations are noted where appropriate.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS/COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The full Committee should consist of 4 elected officers – being Chairperson, Captain, Treasurer and Secretary – plus a Vice Captain – giving a total of 5 Committee Members. A Committee consisting of only 4 Members will be deemed satisfactory if it can be shown that the responsibilities of the ‘missing’ officer are being covered. Each office/officer will be voted on at the AGM each year. The Captain shall nominate a Vice-captain who will be verified at the annual AGM. Each office will be up for re-election every year.
AGM
The Society will hold an AGM each year to conduct business as set out in the Governance Framework and to address matters raised by Members and placed on the Agenda in advance. The Committee will give reasonable notice of not less than 3 weeks of the date, time, and venue of the AGM. All Members present at the AGM will have 1 vote on any matter voted upon, and - other than where indicated otherwise in the Governance Framework - decisions will be made by simple majority. Where an item is not listed on the Agenda the Chairperson in consultation with the Committee and in his sole discretion will decide whether to allow the discussion on that specific item to proceed or not.
SOCIETY SEASON
The SBGS season runs from the 1 October until the 30 September the following year. Membership applies to the same time frames - after which members must re-apply for the following period.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
The membership fees for the following year will be voted on each year at the AGM.
The Membership Fee for the 2024/25 season is €70. This is non-refundable. New members may apply for membership at any time of the year but there will be no apportionment for part-year membership. Membership fees shall in some form (other than a minimal float amount) all be returned to Members by way of competition prizes, subsidised events etc. The Committee shall decide on the best way to implement this.
‘NOT FOR PROFIT’ ORGANISATION
The Society is run as a ‘not for profit organisation'. Any excess funds accumulated are donated to charities selected by the Committee. Details of all donations made during the current year are detailed on the website and in the Treasurer’s Annual Report as presented at the AGM.
HOME COURSE
Our home course for the following season will be recommended by the Committee each year – considering those factors that it believes at the time to be relevant - and approved at the AGM. For the 2024/25 season, it was confirmed again at AGM as being Quinta da Ria.
WEBSITE
The Society has is own website which is overseen by the Secretary. It holds details about events, results, membership, handicaps, and governance matters and can be found at:
www.saobrasgolf.com
EVENTS DIARY
The Events Diary on the website contains up-to-date details on all planned events for the year – both golf and other/social.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE EVENTS DIARY TAB.
PLANNED GOLF EVENTS AND PRIZES
Events will be organised throughout the season at which both Members and Visitors will be eligible to play. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Competition prizes will only be available to current full Members.
Where possible, dates will be set for the following Golf days:
Monthly Stableford - normally on the 1st Friday of each month. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Nearest the Pin in 1/2/3, Longest Drive.
Past Captains/Jeff Sweet Day in May, Captains Day in June, Vice Captains Day in July and the Christmas Challenge in December. Dependant on format for each, prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd or the Winning team, Nearest the Pin in 1/2/3, Longest Drive.
3-Club and a Putter in August. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
2-Day Challenge in September. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Nearest the Pin in 1/2/3, Longest Drive on both Day 1 and Day 2.
ANNUAL AWARDS
Shields and/or prizes will be awarded at the Annual Awards Dinner – which will take place the weekend after the 2-Day Challenge - to current full members in good standing for the following:
Player of the Year – Winner plus 2nd and 3rd place.
Captains Day and Vice Captains Day - Winning Teams.
3-Club and a Putter Challenge - Winner plus runner-up.
Matchplay Knockout Competition – Winner plus runner-up.
2-Day Challenge – Winner plus 2nd and 3rd place.
Annual Par 3s, 4s and 5s Challenge – Winners of each Category.
Most Improved Player of the Year – Winner plus 2nd and 3rd.
Holes in One - Members making them during the Year.
At the 2023.24 AGM, Members voted do do away with Wooden Shield Returnable Trophies and use non-Returnable Glass Shields in future.
ANNUAL MATCHPLAY COMPETITION
The Committee organises the Competition - which is only open to Members - each year. The latest rules can be found on the ANNUAL MATCHPLAY tab.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE ANNUAL MATCHPLAY TAB.
MEMBER HANDICAPS
The Society runs its own handicap system which is managed by the Secretary. The overall framework is detailed on the website. It is reviewed by the Committee at the beginning of each season, and significant changes must be approved at an AGM.The latest rules can be found on the HANDICAPS AND MEMBERS TAB.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE HANDICAPS AND MEMBERS TAB.
GREEN AND BUGGY FEES
We are unable to guarantee a year-round fee at Quinta da Ria, but we fully expect it to remain between 40-55 €’s. Buggy fees are around €41 and €48 per buggy for Members and Visitors respectively.
For any games organised elsewhere – i.e., not at Quinta da Ria, the Secretary will advise on the green fees before bookings are finalised.
The Secretary will organise buggies for those that request them for any event. Every effort will be made to ensure that the sharing of buggies is maximised. Charges received from the Club will be passed on at cost. When there are an odd number of buggy users at a particular event, a Committee Member may decide and authorise that the Society absorbs the additional cost.
VISITORS WELCOME AT SOCIETY EVENTS
Visitors are welcome into our Society golf events. However, they will not be eligible to win any Society prizes. If more than one guest at an event, a small prize may be provided. Guests will pay €10 to the Society each time they pay. Subject to having paid the agreed standard fee, Visitors will be eligible to participate in the 2s competition. Visitors and Partners are encouraged to attend social events. This will be highlighted by the Committee for all appropriate events. Members are reminded that they should take responsibility for ensuring that their Visitors’ handicaps are correct/reasonable and that their behaviour is always appropriate.
ACCEPTABLE AND APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
All Members are expected to act in an acceptable and appropriate manner when attending Society events – both on and off the golf course or at other venues. Any member who takes any actions, that in any way, detrimentally affects the well-being or reputation of the Society and its Members, in any shape or form, may be expelled from the Society at the discretion of the Committee.
COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION
While Members should primarily accept responsibility for their own discipline, the Committee is empowered to take disciplinary action – including expulsion from the Society - against any Member that and/or transgresses the Constitution or Rules of the Society or brings it into disrepute in any way. Expulsion requires a majority vote of Committee and the Committee’s decision on disciplinary matters is final. Wherever possible, the Committee shall ensure that records are kept of any disciplinary actions and sanctions. No expelled member shall be entitled to any refund of their membership fee.
RULES OF GOLF
The Society follows the R&A Standard Rules of Golf, unless otherwise notified. Certain Society-specific adaptions have been made to keep games flowing and reduce round times. To make it easier for Members, these rules and adaptations are set below in ‘SBGS Playing Rules’ – and form part of the Society’s Constitution and Governance Framework.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE R&A WEBSITE.
HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP (HLTM)
HLTM’s are recommended by the Committee and voted on at the AGM from time to time. HLTM’s have been awarded to Archie Macnish, Mel Sadd, Dave King, Leslie Macnish, Jeff Sweet and Ron Martin.
RAISING MATTERS OF CONCERN
Member are encouraged to raise their concerns – either informally or formally. Any Member who has a matter of concern should in the first instance contact the Secretary who will ensure it is recorded and investigated. Should the matter not be resolved within 4 weeks to the satisfaction of the Member it will then be raised to full Committee level whereupon the Chairperson will endeavour to resolve the issue at a Committee Meeting. Finally following these steps, any Member will have the right to ask that the matter be raised at the AGM should a satisfactory resolution not have already been found.
4. SBGS Playing Rules
These rules are designed to align with R&A Golf Rules as closely as possible – and are generally more generous - while at the same time speed up play.
Members and Monitors should remember that this information as well as the R&A RULES available on line on their phones if they have a query while playing.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE R&A WEBSITE.
Note - There is also now a useful R&A App that can be downloaded from the Apple and Android App Stores.
READY, STEADY GOLF
To speed up play, Members must play ready, steady, golf. This means that regardless of whose “honour” it is, if a player can take his next shot without interfering with other players he may do so. This applies on the tees, fairways, and greens. Please use common sense wherever possible to speed up play.
TOO MANY SHOTS
Any player that has already played too many shots on any hole and cannot score a Stableford Point should pick up their Ball immediately.
“GIMMEE” PUTTS
No “Give Me” putts should be offered, requested, or accepted in SBGS Competitions – other than in Matchplay. A score of “DNF” should be recorded for that hole, and the incident and transgressor should be reported to a member of the Committee immediately on completion of the round.
SEARCHING FOR A LOST BALL
The time to search for balls has been reduced to 3 minutes.
UNPLAYABLE BALL/LIE
A player can deem that their ball is unplayable anywhere on the course except in a Penalty Area - See Internal Penalty Areas below. It is up to the player to decide. For a 1-shot penalty they can either play the ball again from where they originally hit it or take up to a 2-club length lateral distance relief or go backwards on-line of sight relief. If the ball is in a Penalty Area, they must observe the rules for that Penalty Area.
OUT OF BOUNDS
A player hitting a ball out of bounds will play the next shot as close as reasonably possible to the point at which the original ball crossed the line of the out of bounds. One penalty shot should be added to their score. Where there is any doubt as to where that point is, fellow players should be consulted.
LOST BALL – IN BOUNDS
Drop a replacement ball as close as possible to the area in which it was lost - preferably confirming this with fellow players. One penalty shot should be added to the player’s score.
INTERNAL PENALTY AREAS
These are marked by RED or YELLOW stakes – players are entitled to play their ball in the Penalty Area without penalty if they wish. However, if the ball is deemed unplayable or lost in the Penalty Area then a replacement ball should be dropped as follows: For a YELLOW staked Penalty Area, there are two options, 1. Return and play the replacement ball from where the original ball was struck and take a 1-shot penalty. 2. From the point where the original ball entered the Penalty Area, take a line as far back as the player chooses from the entry point in line with the flag and play the replacement ball adding a 1-shot penalty. For a RED staked Penalty Area, both options as for a YELLOW staked penalty area are valid, but an additional option to take LATERAL RELIEF is also available. LATERAL RELIEF allows a player to drop a replacement ball into a relief area for a 1-shot penalty - as near as possible to where the original last crossed the edge of the RED Penalty Area. The line of entry or exit should preferably be confirmed with fellow players.
DROPPING BALLS
Balls should be dropped from knee height.
GROUNDING CLUBS IN HAZARDS
Clubs can now be grounded in hazards. In bunkers it is okay to touch the sand at address but not improve the player’s lie.
BALL COMING TO REST AGAINST A RAKE
Where a ball comes to rest against a rake, the ball may be replaced in its original position without penalty. The position of the ball should be marked before lifting the rake. Players are asked to please leave rakes inside bunkers at all times.
STRIKING ANOTHER BALL ON THE FAIRWAY
Should one player’s ball (A) strike another ball (B) anywhere, fairway or green, replace the ball (B) to its original position and play ball (A) from where it has come to rest.
BALL MOVED BY NATURAL FORCES
A ball at rest which is moved by natural forces must be replaced if it moves to another area of the course or comes to rest out of bounds after being dropped, placed, or replaced.
PUTTING WITH THE PIN IN THE HOLE
A ball can be putted with the pin still in the hole – this allows a putt to be made without having the hole tended. There is no longer penalty for hitting the pin when it is in the hole.
BACK-ON-THE-LINE RELIEF PROCEDURE
The back-on-the-line relief procedure, often used for penalty area and unplayable ball relief, has been simplified so that the player now drops their ball on the line, and the ball must come to rest within one club-length of where it is dropped.
UNPLAYABLE SAND BUNKER
A player can deem a Sand Bunker unplayable and for a 2-shot penalty (add 2 shots to their score) remove the ball on a line from the flag and then play it from outside the bunker, or for a 1 shot penalty take lateral relief or on line keeping the ball in the bunker ( i.e. the ball remains in the bunker) - Rules about being allowed a ‘no penalty relief’ from CASUAL WATER IN A SAND BUNKER remains the same - see below.
CASUAL WATER IN A SAND BUNKER
When there is Casual Water in a bunker, a player is entitled to relief without penalty in the bunker at the nearest point of best or maximum relief - no nearer the hole. The ball must be dropped and come to rest within 1 club length of such point. When a bunker is flooded and has no available place to drop the ball, a back on-line free drop option is available keeping the original ball position in line with the flag (usually means having to play over the bunker). Alternatively, the player may for a 2-shot penalty following the Unplayable Sand Bunker rule above.
DOUBLE HITS
There is no penalty for a double hit of a ball – this usually happens on a player’s follow through.
AIR SHOTS
If a player makes an air shot – they swing at the ball and miss it completely, they should add one stroke to their score for every air shot.
BALL PLUGGED/EMBEDDED IN THE FAIRWAY
Within the rules of golf a plugged lie is known as an embedded ball. Unless you are in a bunker or penalty area, you do now get relief without penalty. Under the pre-2019 rules, this was only the case if you were on the fairway or other closely mown areas. That has now been extended to include the general area – this means all areas of the course except the tee of the hole you are playing, bunkers, penalty areas and the putting green, although, of course, you may always lift and mark your ball if plugged on the putting green, and then repair the pitch mark.
BALL LOST IN AN ANIMAL MADE BURROW/DIGGING
A player is entitled to Free Relief from interference by Animal Holes in certain circumstances.There is an Over-riding Proviso that the player must first be able to show that if there was not an Animal Hole, but their ball was in the same place, they could take their stance and play a reasonable stroke. If this cannot be demonstrated, then no free relief is granted, and the player must treat their ball as unplayable. CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO EXPLANATORY VIDEO - https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/rules/animal-scrapings-relief-rules/
An Animal Hole is defined as any hole dug in the ground by an animal, except for holes dug by animals that are also defined as Loose Impediments. An Animal Hole also includes the loose material the animal dug out of the hole, a worn-down track, or trail, that leads into that hole, and any area on the ground that’s either pushed up, or altered, as a result of an animal that’s been digging a hole underground. Animal footprints that are not part of the track, or trail, leading into an Animal Hole do not qualify for this free relief – though prints on a green may be repaired.
For Animal related matters, the following are defined as Loose Impediments – and are therefore moveable and do not qualify for this free relief – worms, insects and other similar animals that can be moved easily, including their mounds or webs (such as worm casts and ant hills) as well as dead animals and animal waste.
The Free Drop should be taken as follows – using 2 tees to demarcate the drop area/relief point:– at the nearest point of relief (e.g. the nearest edge of material burrowed out – which may not necessarily provide sideways relief), place tee 1 and one club length no nearer the hole place tee 2 to create the relief point (i.e. between the two tees). The ball when dropped must remain within this relief point when it comes to rest.
PLAYING THE WRONG BALL
In Match-play, the player loses the hole. In Stroke-play, the player receives a 2-shot penalty and must correct the mistake by going back and playing his ball to finish the hole.
PLAYING A PROVISIONAL BALL IN SBGS GOLF
In SBGS Golf, from the beginning of the 2023/24 Season, when a player loses a ball, they may accept a penalty stroke and play with a substitute ball from the approximate position where the ball was lost - and must do so if the original is not found within 3 minutes. This would be the 3rd shot if the ball was lost from the original tee shot.
APPOINTMENT OF MONITORS
The Committee has agreed and has confirmed the appointment of a few voluntary Monitors to keep track of round times and help with any rule interpretations or queries that may arise in playing group during their round. Members are asked to support and assist them where required.
5. SBGS Scoring and Adjudication Rules
MARKING OF CARDS
Markers should put their own score in the left-hand column - Markers Score - and sign the card and print their name below their signature to enable the cross checking of submitted scorecards.
COUNTBACK
For tied Stableford point scores the following calculation will be used to determine the winner – unless specifically stated prior to a competition starting, all countbacks will be calculated based upon the scorecard regardless of which tee the competition started on (i.e. the back 9 or last 9 holes is always holes 10-18). Total points on last 9 holes, if still tied - then the last 6 and then the last 3 followed by a hole by hole countback from 18. Any tie at the end of this will move to the front nine using the same method as the back nine. This rule is to be used in all Stableford competitions – including the 2-Day Challenge.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
All Members’ best 6 qualifying stableford scores will be considered. In the event of a tie, the winner will be the player who scored the most points in the last of their 6 qualifying scores. Should there still be no clear winner, then the 2nd last score etc. will be considered until the winner is confirmed.
2-DAY CHALLENGE
Should there be a tie after the 2nd day, the winner will be the player who scored more points on the second day – using the COUNTBACK procedure outlined above.
The results of the 2-Day Challenge will be taken into account for handicap computations.
ANNUAL PAR 3s, 4s & 5s COMPETITION
Should there be a tie for any place, then only using data from the 6 qualifying rounds, the winner will be the player who scored more points on the last of their 6 qualifying rounds - Note this may not be necessarily from the same month as the other tied member/s. Should there still be no clear winner, then the 2nd last score etc. will be considered until the winner is confirmed.
2s COMPETITION
The 2´s Competition is open to all SBGS Members and Visitors on the payment of €3 before the competition. €1.50 of which will go to the 2´s Pot and €1.50 to the SBGS Charity Fund. Players who have a 2 on any hole are entitled to 1 share of the 2´s Pot for each hole that was recorded. A hole-in-one will be counted as two 2s and have 2 shares of the Pot. The Pot will then be divided by the total shares recorded that day and paid out accordingly. Should no 2´s (or less) be recorded during the competition, the Pot will be retained by the Treasurer and will revert to Society and, as agreed at the 2023.24 AGM, will NOT be rolled over to the next competition.
This Framework was discussed and originally adopted at the AGM on 07.09.23. It will be updated when required by the Secretary.
It was last updated on 24.09.24 to reflect changes and updates as minuted at the AGM on 19.09.24.
1. Management Committee
The 2024/25 Management Committee of the Sao Bras Golf Society as elected and verified at the AGM on 19.09.24 is: -
Chairperson - Ty Gardner
Captain - Jeff Sweet
Treasurer - Adrian Jones
Secretary – Robin Moore
Vice-Captain – To be confirmed by 31.12.24
2. Committee Responsibilities
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
This document was approved by the Committee on 31.10.23.
3. Constitution – with AGM Confirmations
Certain elements of the Constitution must be confirmed annually at the AGM. These confirmations are noted where appropriate.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS/COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The full Committee should consist of 4 elected officers – being Chairperson, Captain, Treasurer and Secretary – plus a Vice Captain – giving a total of 5 Committee Members. A Committee consisting of only 4 Members will be deemed satisfactory if it can be shown that the responsibilities of the ‘missing’ officer are being covered. Each office/officer will be voted on at the AGM each year. The Captain shall nominate a Vice-captain who will be verified at the annual AGM. Each office will be up for re-election every year.
AGM
The Society will hold an AGM each year to conduct business as set out in the Governance Framework and to address matters raised by Members and placed on the Agenda in advance. The Committee will give reasonable notice of not less than 3 weeks of the date, time, and venue of the AGM. All Members present at the AGM will have 1 vote on any matter voted upon, and - other than where indicated otherwise in the Governance Framework - decisions will be made by simple majority. Where an item is not listed on the Agenda the Chairperson in consultation with the Committee and in his sole discretion will decide whether to allow the discussion on that specific item to proceed or not.
SOCIETY SEASON
The SBGS season runs from the 1 October until the 30 September the following year. Membership applies to the same time frames - after which members must re-apply for the following period.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
The membership fees for the following year will be voted on each year at the AGM.
The Membership Fee for the 2024/25 season is €70. This is non-refundable. New members may apply for membership at any time of the year but there will be no apportionment for part-year membership. Membership fees shall in some form (other than a minimal float amount) all be returned to Members by way of competition prizes, subsidised events etc. The Committee shall decide on the best way to implement this.
‘NOT FOR PROFIT’ ORGANISATION
The Society is run as a ‘not for profit organisation'. Any excess funds accumulated are donated to charities selected by the Committee. Details of all donations made during the current year are detailed on the website and in the Treasurer’s Annual Report as presented at the AGM.
HOME COURSE
Our home course for the following season will be recommended by the Committee each year – considering those factors that it believes at the time to be relevant - and approved at the AGM. For the 2024/25 season, it was confirmed again at AGM as being Quinta da Ria.
WEBSITE
The Society has is own website which is overseen by the Secretary. It holds details about events, results, membership, handicaps, and governance matters and can be found at:
www.saobrasgolf.com
EVENTS DIARY
The Events Diary on the website contains up-to-date details on all planned events for the year – both golf and other/social.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE EVENTS DIARY TAB.
PLANNED GOLF EVENTS AND PRIZES
Events will be organised throughout the season at which both Members and Visitors will be eligible to play. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Competition prizes will only be available to current full Members.
Where possible, dates will be set for the following Golf days:
Monthly Stableford - normally on the 1st Friday of each month. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Nearest the Pin in 1/2/3, Longest Drive.
Past Captains/Jeff Sweet Day in May, Captains Day in June, Vice Captains Day in July and the Christmas Challenge in December. Dependant on format for each, prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd or the Winning team, Nearest the Pin in 1/2/3, Longest Drive.
3-Club and a Putter in August. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
2-Day Challenge in September. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Nearest the Pin in 1/2/3, Longest Drive on both Day 1 and Day 2.
ANNUAL AWARDS
Shields and/or prizes will be awarded at the Annual Awards Dinner – which will take place the weekend after the 2-Day Challenge - to current full members in good standing for the following:
Player of the Year – Winner plus 2nd and 3rd place.
Captains Day and Vice Captains Day - Winning Teams.
3-Club and a Putter Challenge - Winner plus runner-up.
Matchplay Knockout Competition – Winner plus runner-up.
2-Day Challenge – Winner plus 2nd and 3rd place.
Annual Par 3s, 4s and 5s Challenge – Winners of each Category.
Most Improved Player of the Year – Winner plus 2nd and 3rd.
Holes in One - Members making them during the Year.
At the 2023.24 AGM, Members voted do do away with Wooden Shield Returnable Trophies and use non-Returnable Glass Shields in future.
ANNUAL MATCHPLAY COMPETITION
The Committee organises the Competition - which is only open to Members - each year. The latest rules can be found on the ANNUAL MATCHPLAY tab.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE ANNUAL MATCHPLAY TAB.
MEMBER HANDICAPS
The Society runs its own handicap system which is managed by the Secretary. The overall framework is detailed on the website. It is reviewed by the Committee at the beginning of each season, and significant changes must be approved at an AGM.The latest rules can be found on the HANDICAPS AND MEMBERS TAB.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE HANDICAPS AND MEMBERS TAB.
GREEN AND BUGGY FEES
We are unable to guarantee a year-round fee at Quinta da Ria, but we fully expect it to remain between 40-55 €’s. Buggy fees are around €41 and €48 per buggy for Members and Visitors respectively.
For any games organised elsewhere – i.e., not at Quinta da Ria, the Secretary will advise on the green fees before bookings are finalised.
The Secretary will organise buggies for those that request them for any event. Every effort will be made to ensure that the sharing of buggies is maximised. Charges received from the Club will be passed on at cost. When there are an odd number of buggy users at a particular event, a Committee Member may decide and authorise that the Society absorbs the additional cost.
VISITORS WELCOME AT SOCIETY EVENTS
Visitors are welcome into our Society golf events. However, they will not be eligible to win any Society prizes. If more than one guest at an event, a small prize may be provided. Guests will pay €10 to the Society each time they pay. Subject to having paid the agreed standard fee, Visitors will be eligible to participate in the 2s competition. Visitors and Partners are encouraged to attend social events. This will be highlighted by the Committee for all appropriate events. Members are reminded that they should take responsibility for ensuring that their Visitors’ handicaps are correct/reasonable and that their behaviour is always appropriate.
ACCEPTABLE AND APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
All Members are expected to act in an acceptable and appropriate manner when attending Society events – both on and off the golf course or at other venues. Any member who takes any actions, that in any way, detrimentally affects the well-being or reputation of the Society and its Members, in any shape or form, may be expelled from the Society at the discretion of the Committee.
COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION
While Members should primarily accept responsibility for their own discipline, the Committee is empowered to take disciplinary action – including expulsion from the Society - against any Member that and/or transgresses the Constitution or Rules of the Society or brings it into disrepute in any way. Expulsion requires a majority vote of Committee and the Committee’s decision on disciplinary matters is final. Wherever possible, the Committee shall ensure that records are kept of any disciplinary actions and sanctions. No expelled member shall be entitled to any refund of their membership fee.
RULES OF GOLF
The Society follows the R&A Standard Rules of Golf, unless otherwise notified. Certain Society-specific adaptions have been made to keep games flowing and reduce round times. To make it easier for Members, these rules and adaptations are set below in ‘SBGS Playing Rules’ – and form part of the Society’s Constitution and Governance Framework.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE R&A WEBSITE.
HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP (HLTM)
HLTM’s are recommended by the Committee and voted on at the AGM from time to time. HLTM’s have been awarded to Archie Macnish, Mel Sadd, Dave King, Leslie Macnish, Jeff Sweet and Ron Martin.
RAISING MATTERS OF CONCERN
Member are encouraged to raise their concerns – either informally or formally. Any Member who has a matter of concern should in the first instance contact the Secretary who will ensure it is recorded and investigated. Should the matter not be resolved within 4 weeks to the satisfaction of the Member it will then be raised to full Committee level whereupon the Chairperson will endeavour to resolve the issue at a Committee Meeting. Finally following these steps, any Member will have the right to ask that the matter be raised at the AGM should a satisfactory resolution not have already been found.
4. SBGS Playing Rules
These rules are designed to align with R&A Golf Rules as closely as possible – and are generally more generous - while at the same time speed up play.
Members and Monitors should remember that this information as well as the R&A RULES available on line on their phones if they have a query while playing.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE R&A WEBSITE.
Note - There is also now a useful R&A App that can be downloaded from the Apple and Android App Stores.
READY, STEADY GOLF
To speed up play, Members must play ready, steady, golf. This means that regardless of whose “honour” it is, if a player can take his next shot without interfering with other players he may do so. This applies on the tees, fairways, and greens. Please use common sense wherever possible to speed up play.
TOO MANY SHOTS
Any player that has already played too many shots on any hole and cannot score a Stableford Point should pick up their Ball immediately.
“GIMMEE” PUTTS
No “Give Me” putts should be offered, requested, or accepted in SBGS Competitions – other than in Matchplay. A score of “DNF” should be recorded for that hole, and the incident and transgressor should be reported to a member of the Committee immediately on completion of the round.
SEARCHING FOR A LOST BALL
The time to search for balls has been reduced to 3 minutes.
UNPLAYABLE BALL/LIE
A player can deem that their ball is unplayable anywhere on the course except in a Penalty Area - See Internal Penalty Areas below. It is up to the player to decide. For a 1-shot penalty they can either play the ball again from where they originally hit it or take up to a 2-club length lateral distance relief or go backwards on-line of sight relief. If the ball is in a Penalty Area, they must observe the rules for that Penalty Area.
OUT OF BOUNDS
A player hitting a ball out of bounds will play the next shot as close as reasonably possible to the point at which the original ball crossed the line of the out of bounds. One penalty shot should be added to their score. Where there is any doubt as to where that point is, fellow players should be consulted.
LOST BALL – IN BOUNDS
Drop a replacement ball as close as possible to the area in which it was lost - preferably confirming this with fellow players. One penalty shot should be added to the player’s score.
INTERNAL PENALTY AREAS
These are marked by RED or YELLOW stakes – players are entitled to play their ball in the Penalty Area without penalty if they wish. However, if the ball is deemed unplayable or lost in the Penalty Area then a replacement ball should be dropped as follows: For a YELLOW staked Penalty Area, there are two options, 1. Return and play the replacement ball from where the original ball was struck and take a 1-shot penalty. 2. From the point where the original ball entered the Penalty Area, take a line as far back as the player chooses from the entry point in line with the flag and play the replacement ball adding a 1-shot penalty. For a RED staked Penalty Area, both options as for a YELLOW staked penalty area are valid, but an additional option to take LATERAL RELIEF is also available. LATERAL RELIEF allows a player to drop a replacement ball into a relief area for a 1-shot penalty - as near as possible to where the original last crossed the edge of the RED Penalty Area. The line of entry or exit should preferably be confirmed with fellow players.
DROPPING BALLS
Balls should be dropped from knee height.
GROUNDING CLUBS IN HAZARDS
Clubs can now be grounded in hazards. In bunkers it is okay to touch the sand at address but not improve the player’s lie.
BALL COMING TO REST AGAINST A RAKE
Where a ball comes to rest against a rake, the ball may be replaced in its original position without penalty. The position of the ball should be marked before lifting the rake. Players are asked to please leave rakes inside bunkers at all times.
STRIKING ANOTHER BALL ON THE FAIRWAY
Should one player’s ball (A) strike another ball (B) anywhere, fairway or green, replace the ball (B) to its original position and play ball (A) from where it has come to rest.
BALL MOVED BY NATURAL FORCES
A ball at rest which is moved by natural forces must be replaced if it moves to another area of the course or comes to rest out of bounds after being dropped, placed, or replaced.
PUTTING WITH THE PIN IN THE HOLE
A ball can be putted with the pin still in the hole – this allows a putt to be made without having the hole tended. There is no longer penalty for hitting the pin when it is in the hole.
BACK-ON-THE-LINE RELIEF PROCEDURE
The back-on-the-line relief procedure, often used for penalty area and unplayable ball relief, has been simplified so that the player now drops their ball on the line, and the ball must come to rest within one club-length of where it is dropped.
UNPLAYABLE SAND BUNKER
A player can deem a Sand Bunker unplayable and for a 2-shot penalty (add 2 shots to their score) remove the ball on a line from the flag and then play it from outside the bunker, or for a 1 shot penalty take lateral relief or on line keeping the ball in the bunker ( i.e. the ball remains in the bunker) - Rules about being allowed a ‘no penalty relief’ from CASUAL WATER IN A SAND BUNKER remains the same - see below.
CASUAL WATER IN A SAND BUNKER
When there is Casual Water in a bunker, a player is entitled to relief without penalty in the bunker at the nearest point of best or maximum relief - no nearer the hole. The ball must be dropped and come to rest within 1 club length of such point. When a bunker is flooded and has no available place to drop the ball, a back on-line free drop option is available keeping the original ball position in line with the flag (usually means having to play over the bunker). Alternatively, the player may for a 2-shot penalty following the Unplayable Sand Bunker rule above.
DOUBLE HITS
There is no penalty for a double hit of a ball – this usually happens on a player’s follow through.
AIR SHOTS
If a player makes an air shot – they swing at the ball and miss it completely, they should add one stroke to their score for every air shot.
BALL PLUGGED/EMBEDDED IN THE FAIRWAY
Within the rules of golf a plugged lie is known as an embedded ball. Unless you are in a bunker or penalty area, you do now get relief without penalty. Under the pre-2019 rules, this was only the case if you were on the fairway or other closely mown areas. That has now been extended to include the general area – this means all areas of the course except the tee of the hole you are playing, bunkers, penalty areas and the putting green, although, of course, you may always lift and mark your ball if plugged on the putting green, and then repair the pitch mark.
BALL LOST IN AN ANIMAL MADE BURROW/DIGGING
A player is entitled to Free Relief from interference by Animal Holes in certain circumstances.There is an Over-riding Proviso that the player must first be able to show that if there was not an Animal Hole, but their ball was in the same place, they could take their stance and play a reasonable stroke. If this cannot be demonstrated, then no free relief is granted, and the player must treat their ball as unplayable. CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO EXPLANATORY VIDEO - https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/rules/animal-scrapings-relief-rules/
An Animal Hole is defined as any hole dug in the ground by an animal, except for holes dug by animals that are also defined as Loose Impediments. An Animal Hole also includes the loose material the animal dug out of the hole, a worn-down track, or trail, that leads into that hole, and any area on the ground that’s either pushed up, or altered, as a result of an animal that’s been digging a hole underground. Animal footprints that are not part of the track, or trail, leading into an Animal Hole do not qualify for this free relief – though prints on a green may be repaired.
For Animal related matters, the following are defined as Loose Impediments – and are therefore moveable and do not qualify for this free relief – worms, insects and other similar animals that can be moved easily, including their mounds or webs (such as worm casts and ant hills) as well as dead animals and animal waste.
The Free Drop should be taken as follows – using 2 tees to demarcate the drop area/relief point:– at the nearest point of relief (e.g. the nearest edge of material burrowed out – which may not necessarily provide sideways relief), place tee 1 and one club length no nearer the hole place tee 2 to create the relief point (i.e. between the two tees). The ball when dropped must remain within this relief point when it comes to rest.
PLAYING THE WRONG BALL
In Match-play, the player loses the hole. In Stroke-play, the player receives a 2-shot penalty and must correct the mistake by going back and playing his ball to finish the hole.
PLAYING A PROVISIONAL BALL IN SBGS GOLF
In SBGS Golf, from the beginning of the 2023/24 Season, when a player loses a ball, they may accept a penalty stroke and play with a substitute ball from the approximate position where the ball was lost - and must do so if the original is not found within 3 minutes. This would be the 3rd shot if the ball was lost from the original tee shot.
APPOINTMENT OF MONITORS
The Committee has agreed and has confirmed the appointment of a few voluntary Monitors to keep track of round times and help with any rule interpretations or queries that may arise in playing group during their round. Members are asked to support and assist them where required.
5. SBGS Scoring and Adjudication Rules
MARKING OF CARDS
Markers should put their own score in the left-hand column - Markers Score - and sign the card and print their name below their signature to enable the cross checking of submitted scorecards.
COUNTBACK
For tied Stableford point scores the following calculation will be used to determine the winner – unless specifically stated prior to a competition starting, all countbacks will be calculated based upon the scorecard regardless of which tee the competition started on (i.e. the back 9 or last 9 holes is always holes 10-18). Total points on last 9 holes, if still tied - then the last 6 and then the last 3 followed by a hole by hole countback from 18. Any tie at the end of this will move to the front nine using the same method as the back nine. This rule is to be used in all Stableford competitions – including the 2-Day Challenge.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
All Members’ best 6 qualifying stableford scores will be considered. In the event of a tie, the winner will be the player who scored the most points in the last of their 6 qualifying scores. Should there still be no clear winner, then the 2nd last score etc. will be considered until the winner is confirmed.
2-DAY CHALLENGE
Should there be a tie after the 2nd day, the winner will be the player who scored more points on the second day – using the COUNTBACK procedure outlined above.
The results of the 2-Day Challenge will be taken into account for handicap computations.
ANNUAL PAR 3s, 4s & 5s COMPETITION
Should there be a tie for any place, then only using data from the 6 qualifying rounds, the winner will be the player who scored more points on the last of their 6 qualifying rounds - Note this may not be necessarily from the same month as the other tied member/s. Should there still be no clear winner, then the 2nd last score etc. will be considered until the winner is confirmed.
2s COMPETITION
The 2´s Competition is open to all SBGS Members and Visitors on the payment of €3 before the competition. €1.50 of which will go to the 2´s Pot and €1.50 to the SBGS Charity Fund. Players who have a 2 on any hole are entitled to 1 share of the 2´s Pot for each hole that was recorded. A hole-in-one will be counted as two 2s and have 2 shares of the Pot. The Pot will then be divided by the total shares recorded that day and paid out accordingly. Should no 2´s (or less) be recorded during the competition, the Pot will be retained by the Treasurer and will revert to Society and, as agreed at the 2023.24 AGM, will NOT be rolled over to the next competition.