GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR COMPETITIONS
(To be read by all competitors prior to submission of the Entry Form)
1. WCGU competitions are open only to “Qualifying Members” being male members of Clubs affiliated to the Union, who are of Amateur Status and in possession of a current “active” CONGU Handicap.
2. In addition, Championship Events (ie County Amateur, Foursomes, Seniors, Colts, Boys and Junior Championships) are restricted to those who,
a. were born in Wiltshire, or
b. have not competed in a Championship of another County or represented another County in matches in the same calendar year as the date of the competition.
3. The WCGU Competitions Committee reserves the right to refuse entry and is not obliged to state the reason.
4. Competitions shall be played in accordance with: the Rules of Golf as approved by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and such Local Rules as are approved by the WCGU.
5. Competitors must play with a golf ball and equipment included in the current R & A Lists. The penalty for infringement is disqualification.
6. Any competitor who, without the agreement of the competition committee, arrives at the start point, ready to play, within 5 minutes after his start time will be penalised two strokes in Stroke Play or loss of the first hole in Match Play. A competitor arriving at the start point after the 5 minute limit will be disqualified.
7. Any competitor who, for whatever reason, fails to appear on the tee at the appointed starting time or having started a round abandons play and leaves the course before all the players in his group have completed that round, must within 7 days by post or email furnish to the County Secretary an explanation in writing to the satisfaction of the County Executive Committee. If the competitor does not do so, the competitor will be debarred from entering or playing in any County event for such period as the Executive Committee shall decide.
8. Distance Measuring Devices Rules of Golf (14-3): For each and every Competition run by or for The Wiltshire Golf Union and for each days play a player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. 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 function is actually used.
9. Competitors, apart from those having submitting certified medical evidence under the Disablement Discrimination Act 1995 & 2005 with their Entry Form, will not be permitted to ride on motorised buggy carts. The penalty for infringement is disqualification.
10. A competitor shall not knowingly make use of any drug to enhance his performance. Attention is drawn to the list of proscribed drugs issued by the UK Sports Council or SPORT ENGLAND. Any competitor infringing this condition or, if asked to do so, refusing to take a test, may be disqualified.
11. Unless stated otherwise in the WCGU General Regulations or Conditions of Competition, the EGU General Conditions relating to all Championships and Tournaments shall apply where appropriate.
12. For each competition a committee will be set who may use discretion in the application of these regulations and who will settle all disputes that may arise. The decisions of the Competition Committee shall be final.
13. If it becomes impossible to complete a competition in accordance with the conditions thereof because of adverse weather or other extreme circumstances, the County Competition Committee shall be empowered to vary such conditions to the extent they consider necessary to achieve a fair and equitable result.
14. Notification: A copy of the Draw will be posted to the website at www.wcgu.org.uk and also sent via e-mail to each Club Secretary. The County Competition Committee reserves the right to fix and/or alter starting times.
15. For County Championship events host Clubs may grant a practice round at a reduced fee which will be no more than the applicable County Card Rate. Competitors wishing to have a practice round before any event must make arrangements in advance with the relevant host Club.
16. Unless the provision of a meal forms part of the applicable Entry Fee, competitors requiring food are advised to make their own arrangements for snacks or meals with the host club on arrival.
17. Unless otherwise provided in the conditions of a particular competition, ties in stroke-play shall be decided by countback over the last 18, 9, 6, 3 or 1 holes in that order. Ties in Championships shall be decided by a play-off over a short course.
18. When play is suspended for lightning, players shall discontinue play immediately, mark the position of their ball, and shall not resume until the Competition Committee has ordered a resumption of play. A suspension of play will be signalled by a prolonged blast on the klaxon. Players will be notified to resume play by two blasts on the klaxon.
19. If prize winners do not attend presentations without excusing themselves with the Competition Committee they shall forfeit their prize which will go to junior funds.
20. There are age limits for certain competitions, namely:
a. Boys and Juniors - must be under 18 years at 00.00 hours on 1st January
b. Junior Championship(s) - Age Group prizes will relate to age “on day of competition”
c. Colts - must be under 21 years at 00.00 hours on 1st January
d. Seniors - must have attained 55 years on the day prior to the competition
21. All entries must be made on the WCGU entry form and must be received by the Secretary, together with the entry fee, on or before the closing date for entries. Payment of the appropriate entry fee(s) MUST accompany the Entry Form and cannot be refunded after the closing date for entries. Cheques should be made payable to: Wiltshire County Golf Union.
Late entries will only be accepted at the discretion of the Competitions Committee
