GCO Golf League

1.1 TEE BOXES. The teeing area for all league play shall be the tees closest to 6350 yards.

1.2 RED STAKES. USGA rules apply. It is summarized as follows: If you hit your ball past a red stake (and into the staked hazard), you may proceed under several options. 1. You may play your ball from beyond the red stakes without penalty; 2. You may take a drop, within 2-club lengths of the point where your ball last crossed the red stakes (or on the opposite side of the hazard), but no nearer the hole, with a one stroke penalty; 3. You may take a drop behind the hazard, keeping the point at which the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind the hazard the ball may be dropped, with a one stroke penalty; or 4. You may rehit with a one stroke penalty.

1.3 WHITE STAKES. USGA rules apply. It is summarized as follows: If you hit your ball past a white state (which is out of bounds) you must rehit with a one stroke penalty. you will be hitting three at that point. If your very next shot goes out of bounds, anywhere, you may proceed under §1.4, the Double White Stake Rule.

1.4 DOUBLE-WHITE STAKE RULE. If you hit out of bounds (past a white stake) you must rehit, with penalty, from the point, as close as possible to where you originally hit the ball. You must also count your first hit. If you hit the ball out of bound immediately again, you may proceed under one of the following three options: (i) drop the ball, in bounds, within 2 club lengths of the point where your ball last crossed the out of bounds perimeter -or- (ii) drop a ball anywhere on the line extending back from where you crossed the out of bounds perimeter toward the tee -or- (iii) you may rehit from the original spot with another one stroke penalty.

As an example, if your tee shot is out of bounds, you must re-hit from the tee. You will now be hitting 3. Now, if your next shot also goes out of bounds, you must proceed under one of the three options. Most times you will take your drop either within 2 club lengths, no closer to the hole, of where your third shot crossed the perimeter of the out of bounds if that gives you a clear next shot -or- anywhere on the line extending back from where you crossed the out of bounds to the tee when a mere two club lengths will still be obstructed by trees. (Like red stakes) You will be penalized another stroke and will now be hitting 5.

1.5 PROVISIONAL BALL. Whenever there is the slightest doubt that your ball may have come to rest near or past the white stakes (out of bounds) or you believe your ball may be lost outside of a hazard, you are to declare a provisional ball, and hit a second ball. There is no penalty if your first ball is still in bounds or not lost. You then pick up the provisional ball and play your original. If you determine later that your original ball has come to rest out of bounds, you take a penalty and play the provisional ball. If your tee shot was the ball that was out of bounds, your provisional ball will be lying three, provided your provisional is not also out of bounds, in which case, see the "DOUBLE-WHITE STAKE RULE". If original ball is lost, you take a penalty and play the provisional ball. If you have not played a provisional ball by mistake, you are to return to the spot of your last shot and play another under a one stroke penalty. If you fail to comply with this rule, you will be assessed another two-stoke penalty, on top of the penalty for the lost ball.

1.6 ROLL OVER RULE. You may roll your ball up to six (6) inches, but no closer to the hole, to avoid poor lies, abnormal conditions, or because you just want to. This can be done any place in the fairway, but never in the rough, a hazard, bunker or on the green (unless the USGA otherwise provides.) You may not improve your lie to avoid trees, branches, roots or avoid hitting over bunkers, water and so on. You may not improve your lie in the woods, or to improve your lie from rough to fairway. You may lift and clean your ball of mud anytime it is in the fairway or your green, but you may only clean a muddy ball from the rough if it embedded. You must not clean an embedded ball or muddy ball which lies in a hazard nor unplug an embedded ball in a hazard.

1.7 EMBEDDED BALL. You may lift, clean and replace an embedded ball anywhere EXCEPT in a hazard, including bunkers, or any non-closely mown area such as the woods. An embedded ball is a ball which lies, in whole or in part, within its own pitch or ball mark.

1.8 POWER LINES. If a ball strikes an elevated power line or cable, the stroke MUST be canceled and replayed, without penalty. If the ball is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted. This rule does not apply to the support structures of power lines or cables.

1.9 WEATHER RULES. Scattered showers and light rain do not cancel golf. Cool, cold or windy weather does not cancel golf. Golf is only canceled by reason of thunderstorms that are ongoing at tee off, snow accumulation, tornado, ongoing heavy rain at tee off which has little hope of letup and the golf course being closed. If the weather situation is particularly threatening, please check you emails before heading to the golf course. We try to send out a last minute cancel / no-cancel notice, if possible.

1.10 USGA AND LOCAL RULES: USGA Rules apply except where local course rules apply and the listed GCO league rules. In all instances where GCO, local and USGA rules contradict or contravene each other, the GCO rules shall control, followed by local rules then USGA.

2.1 SCORING FORMAT. Scoring shall be the combined point totals of the weekly league matches and the point totals for the Majors.

2.2 WEEKLY LEAGUE MATCH PLAY. Every one will play match play against every other member in a round robin, weather permitting, which is then repeated if necessary. Scores are handicapped using established handicaps. The "Callaway Handicapping System" will be used for the first two rounds played by those without established handicaps, after which, regular GCO handicaps (based on a 9-holes USGA "Second Best-Score System) will be used.

You receive one point for winning a hole, 1/2 point for a tie. You also receive 3 points if you have the net low score. In case of a net low tie, each player will receive 1 1/2 points. The maximum point total is 9+3=12. Players are to calculate their scores with their handicaps and submit a joint scorecard with names, scores, points and handicaps used, at the end of the round to the designated league coordinator. Usually it will be Roy.

An example of this format in play is as follows: Player A plays Player B. Player A has a 9 hole handicap of 9 and player B has a handicap of 0. Player A and B both par hole number 1. Player A is awarded one point because Player B has to give Player A 1 stroke for each hole ( the difference between their handicaps.) If the difference in handicaps between the players is something less or more than 9, then strokes are given to holes based on the holes difficulty. For instance, if Player A has a handicap of 11 and Player B has a handicap of 7, Player B gives 4 strokes to Player A by giving one stroke on the four hardest holes. (as designated by handicap of the hole (the #1 handicap hole is the most difficult hole.) Whoever has the lowest net score (total score after taking into account one's handicap) after 9 holes is the winner of the round and awarded an extra 3 points to his total score. Each player will be awarded 1.5 points in the case of a tie. It is possible to lose a majority of the hole match points while still winning the net low. The winner and loser will have both of their respective scores added to their running totals for the year. The league champion has the most points at the end of the season (once the worst score is dropped).

2.3 MAJORS. In addition to the weekly match play scoring format, the league will also have 4 "Majors" of varying formats which will be counted towards the point totals. Scores from the Majors will not be used in the league handicap computations. The following points will be awarded in each Major according the finishing position:

If more than one player tie for first place, then first place shall be awarded to the player with the best score on the hardest handicap hole. If still tied, then the second handicap hole and so forth will be examined until a winner is determined. If the course handicaps holes based on nine hole sides, the backside shall be used and the front side shall only be used if all the holes on the backside are tied. If more than one player tie for a certain finishing position other than first place, for instance, two players finish tied for second, then each play will be awarded the points awarded for second, in this example, if 3 player tie for 2d, all 3 shall be awarded 18 points.

All Majors will be fully handicapped regardless of format. If a player does not have an established GCO handicap for a Major, he must use a temporary handicap consisting of the GCO-Callaway System minus three strokes. In no event may the temporary handicap exceed two strokes per hole. The common formats for the Majors shall be stroke play and GCO modified stableford.

If weather in preventing the playing of a Major, all effort will be made to play to completion on the scheduled day. If the event cannot be completed in full on the scheduled day, it shall be cancelled and not be rescheduled.

2.4 LEAGUE CHAMPION. The GCO League champion (winner of the GCO Cup) shall be the individual that has the most points at the conclusion of the season following deduction for §2.5 Worst Score Drop Rule.

2.5 WORST SCORE DROP RULE. Your point total for the year will be modified at the end of the season by the dropping of your two worst scores. No-shows are calculated as zero points for the purposes of this rule. While players are encouraged to compete on a weekly basis, it is usually inevitable that some players must miss a week or two due to work obligations or vacation plans. You will now be able to drop that zero from your totals. For the purposes of this rule, a Major shall be considered the equivalent of two weekly matches, therefore, if you miss a Major, you exhaust your total number (2) of allotted worst score drops. If you only miss one weekly match, you drop that missed weekly match and also your next lowest weekly match score. If you miss more than your allotted two weeks of missed matches, all other no-shows will be tabulated as zero points. If you do not miss any weekly matches and do not miss any Majors, you must drop your two worst weekly match scores.

2.6 OPPONENT NO SHOW. If you opponent fails to show, you play against any other league member whose opponent has also failed to show. Only the winner of the match is awarded the 3 points for net low, or in the case of a tie, each shall be awarded 1.5 points. If there is no other league member to play against, you play against the course under §2.7. If there are three or more golfers whose opponents have failed to show, then those golfers shall select their opponents from the pool of other golfers who also do not have an opponent. The matches shall be selected by random utilizing the "tee toss" selection process. The "tee toss" process is where all the golfers without opponents stand in an informal circle and a tee is tossed to select which golfer plays against which golfer. The "tee toss" process shall not commence until the last schedule match for the day is on the tee or has tee off. This prevents premature "tee tossing" or cherry picking of opponents. If the "tee toss" process is commenced prematurely and additional golfers without a match arrive at the first tee, the "tee toss" shall be voided and the "tee toss" process shall be preformed again. If the "tee toss" process was performed within these rules and subsequently, additional golfers without matches arrived at the first tee, the "tee toss" matches shall stand except that any player "tee tossed" into playing the course shall either be paired with the late arriving golfer or a secondary "tee toss" shall be made with the late arriving golfers.

2.7 PLAYING THE COURSE. If there is no other league member to play against, you play against the course and are awarded 3 points for net low if you beat the course and are also awarded any additional points you may get against the course using your handicap. Playing against the course means your net-score in relation to par. If your net is par, you tie with the course. You need a net birdie to score a point against the course. You do not need to break par, after factoring in your handicap, to get the 3 points for net low. However, you must score at least a net +1 or lower to get the 3 points for net low. A net +2 will be equated as a tie with the course and you will be awarded 1.5 points. A net of +3 or higher will be considered a net low loss to the course.

2.8 FULL FOURSOMES. Only paired opponents in a full foursome may tee off. You may tee off as soon as you are ready and the course allows you to tee off. All others must wait for their opponents or go off at the end if your opponent does not show for his match. If you expect to be late or a no-show on a given day, a courtesy e-mail to your opponent is appropriate. This prevents guys from rushing down to the course only to wait 45 minutes for the guy who knew he was going to be late.

2.9 LATE SEASON LEAGUE LEADERS TEE-TIMES. In the last three weeks of league play, it is strongly encouraged that the league leaders in points be permitted to tee off as early as possible. The purpose for this rule is to minimize the effect of darkness due to late season tee times for those in a position to compete for the league title. Golfers out of the running for the championship late in the season, should, in good etiquette, permit those groups with players in position to compete for the league title to tee-off earlier.

2.10 SEASON LENGTH AND SCHEDULE. The length of the schedule, shall in most cases, be determine by the length of the season. Should a week be cancelled due to inclement weather, course closure or a declared holiday layoff, the schedule shall resume without skipping a scheduled opponent on the next playable Wednesday. The league schedule shall commence on the first Wednesday of April, weather permitting. If the league schedule is unable to be completed by the 2nd Wednesday of September, then the schedule shall be abbreviated and the last week of play shall be the 2nd Wednesday of September. The league "silly season" begins the third Wednesday of September and continues at each players discretion. "Silly season" results will not be used for handicapping purposes. The GCO "silly season" consists of various best ball, scramble and teams matches.

2.11 PLAYOFF. In the event that two golfers finish the season tied with the most points, a nine hole playoff will occur the following week based upon the regular season match play format. In the event that more than two golfers finish the season tied with the most points, a nine hole playoff will occur the following week, however, this three or more golfer format will be based on stroke play using handicaps. In other words, the lowest net-score will win. In either case, if the golfers are still tied after the playoff round, the winner shall be determined by the lowest score on the most difficult rated holes based on the score card's handicap. If still tied after the number one handicap hole, then to the second, and so on. If there is still a tie after considering the scores from all nine handicapped holes, a tie shall be declared and the prize split equally.

2.12 READY GOLF. Please play ready golf, that is, if you are ready to hit while your opponent is dinking around, go ahead. Ready golf also implies you should prepare yourself to hit as soon as possible, whether or not it is your turn. A good example of this is go to your ball with the correct club and figure out your shot while your opponent is preparing to hit and hitting. Don't wait for him to hit and then saunter over to your ball. This does not mean hit at the same time or be a distraction to your opponent or other golfers. Common Etiquette is still required. If a golfer feels that the order of play may effect the match, a golfer may, at his option, require his opponent to abide by the order of play.

3.1 GCO HANDICAPS. GCO Handicaps for this 9 hole league (non-Callaway) will be calculated based on a minimum of two adjusted gross scores from the home course, and then at weekly increments throughout the season. The GCO Handicap system maxes out at your most recent 20 scores or two most recent seasons, whichever is shorter. The Handicap is the average of your best Adjusted Gross Scores which comprise of 1/2 of all your total Adjusted Gross Scores for the given period. For example, if you have eight total scores, your best four will be averaged. Handicaps will be calculated weekly. Handicaps will be rounded down for any number less than .7 and rounded up from .7 and above. No handicaps can exceed 18 or two strokes per hole. Handicaps are not effected by the Worst Score Drop Rule.

3.2 EQUITABLE STROKE CONTROL. For the sole purposes of calculating and tracking handicaps, not for calculating match or net points, Adjusted Scores will be used. The concept is to make handicaps consistent and limit abuse of the handicapping process. The amount of equitable stroke control being applied to a score depends on your handicap for the given day. An Adjusted Score will be determined by applying the following stroke control which follows the USGA guidelines:

For instance, if a player with a 5 handicap has a final score of 48 and such score includes a 9 on a par 4, the 9 will be adjusted to a 7 and the Adjusted Gross Score will be two less, or 46. No Adjusted Score can exceed 20 over par and no handicap can exceed 18.

New members who have not registered at least 6 rounds will utilized the equitable stroke control table with the estimated handicap accepted by the league for said first six rounds. Following that, the normal playing handicap calculated by the GCO will be utilized in equitable stroke control.

3.3 CALLAWAY SYSTEM. The Callaway system is used to give new players a handicap which is then calculated at the end of a round based on a certain formula based on your score. At the end of each round for the first 2 weeks, you will calculate your handicap, with a league coordinator if necessary, and factor it into that days scoring. While the Callaway system is not perfect, neither is a regular handicap system, but I have found that it works pretty well. New players will have regular handicaps after playing two rounds and use that handicap until such time as handicaps are recalculated. Official USGA Handicaps will not be available because this is a 9-hole league. The GCO-Callaway System handicap will be calculated using the below GCO-Callaway Handicap Table from a players adjusted gross score. Worst hole means highest number of strokes regardless of par, however, no hole may be scored at more than twice its par for this purposes. If the final hole is used in the Callaway worst hole calculation, it will be limited to a double bogey for Callaway handicapping purposes. Half-stroke entitlements are rounded up

4.1 PRIZES. At the completion of league play, prizes are awarded based on the following formula: 1st place, i.e. most points, receives the GCO CUP trophy (value approximately $40 to $50) and 55% the pot, 2nd place receives 30% of the pot; 3rd place receives 15% (up from 10% in 2004). All amounts are calculated after the league expense such as the trophy, buck-a-bird and net-low-dough are subtracted from the pot. If there is more than one first place winner, then there shall be no second and third place prize and all first place winners shall equally divide the pot equally. If there is more than one second place winner, then there shall be no third place prize and all second place winners shall equally divide 45% of the pot. If there is more than one third place winner, then the third place prized shall be divided equally between the third place winners.

4.2 BUCK-A-BIRD. Every gross birdie scored will be worth one point, gross eagles will be three points and double eagles worth six. All players that post buck-a-bird points will receive a payout at the end of the season of one dollar for each point. The buck-a-birds will be tracked along with the point totals and all players are responsible for informing the Commissioner of the number of birdies scored each week by designating the birdies on the score card turned in for posting. If players fail to inform the league within seven days of the birdie or fail to take steps to correct a posting error on the part of the Commissioner or the league within twenty-one days, that buck-a-bird will be waived. Buck-A-Bird points are not awarded during a Major.

4.3 NET-LOW-DOUGH. To be eligible for net-low-dough, the golfer must have logged a minimum of six eligible matches prior to competing for the net-low. The golfer that posts the lowest net-score each week will earn one net low point, or the equivalent of three birdies. In the event two or more golfers tie for the net-low, each will earn one net-low point. All players that post low-dough points will receive a payout at the end of the season of three dollar for each net-low point. The low-dough will be tracked along with the point totals and all players are responsible for informing the Commissioner of their net-low number by designating both the gross and net scores on the card turned in for posting. If players fail to inform the league within seven days of the claimed net-low score, or fails to take steps to correct a posting error on the part of the Commissioner or the league, within twenty-one days, that net-low-dough will be waived. Net-Low-Dough points are not awarded during a Major.

4.4 LEAGUE DUES. To be eligible to compete in the league and to be eligible for the prizes of the league, your league dues must be paid in advance as determined by the Commissioner. If your league dues are not paid at the season opening, you will not be awarded points for any birdies or net-low until such time as you have paid your league dues. There will be no retroactive awarding of birdies or net-low points following payment of league dues. If you fail to pay your league dues as proscribed by the Commissioner, you are also subject to removal from the league.

4.5 MAJOR MONEY. First, Second and Third place at each Major will be awarded the following points respectively: 3, 2, 1. Each Major point is worth $5.00

5.1 RULE ARBITRATOR. In the event of a good faith ruling dispute, you may play out the hole and continue to conclusion upon agreement with your opponent. If the ruling is still in dispute by the time you reach the club house, and after consulting the rules, consult with a Commissioner who will settle the dispute and determine the scoring for that particular hole. An appeal of said ruling may be made to the Board of Commissioners and any such ruling from the Board of Commissioners shall be final.

5.2 PROCEDURE WHEN RULING UNKNOWN. In the event of a good faith ruling dispute, you may play out the hole and continue to conclusion upon agreement with your opponent. If there is a good faith dispute as to whether a golfer can or should play out a hole with a particular ball, a second ball may be played, without penalty, as an alternative, along with the first ball, and the score with each ball must be recorded. In either instance, following the match, upon consultation with the Commissioner or Vice Commissioner and the Rules of Golf, the correct score shall be determined for that hole. A party may appeal the ruling to a the Board of Commissioners and any such ruling from the Board shall be final.

5.3 FINAL SCORES. All scores become final on the week following the week in question at 10:30 p.m. unless a formal protest is filed with the Commissioner or Vice-Commissioner.

5.4 OBLIGATION TO REVIEW. All GCO members are required to review their own scores and points and the posting of those scores and points. It is the obligation of the individual member to insure that the league and Commissioner's office has recorded and calculated said scores and points correctly.

6.1 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. The league shall have an executive committee, called The Board of Commissioners, which shall consist of three positions, a Commissioner and two Vice Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners shall:

a. Hear all appeals;

b. Consider and create new rules;

c. Amend or abolish old rules;

d. Provide information and assistance to league members as required; and

e. Issues sanctions against league members when appropriate.

6.2 BOARD VOTING. The Board of Commissioners shall vote on all issue put to it, by a majority vote. The Commissioner shall have veto power over all votes.

6.3 VOIDS AND AMBIGUITIES. In rare instances where a situation or occurrence cannot be resolved by the rules and the Commissioner has determined there is a void or ambiguity in said rules, the Commissioner shall issue a ruling and resolve such void or ambiguity in the best interest of the league.

1	23 points	7	16 points	13	10 points	19	5 points
2	21 points	8	15 points	14	9 points	20	5 points
3	20 points	9	14 points	15	8 points	21	4 points
4	19 points	10	13 points	16	7 points	22	4 points
5	18 points	11	12 points	17	6 points	23	4 points
6	17 points	12	11 points	18	5 points	24+	4 points

9 Hole Handicap	Maximum Number on Any Hole
4 or less	Double Bogey
5 through 9	7
10 through 14	8
15 or more	9

PAR 36		ADJUSTED	GROSS	SCORES	HANDICAP	PAR 35		ADJUSTED	GROSS	SCORES
33	34	35	36	37	no handicap	32	33	34	35	36
38	39	40	-	-	½ of worst hole	37	38	39	-	-
41	42	43	44	45	worst hole	40	41	42	43	44
46	47	48	49	50	1½ worst hole	45	46	47	48	49
51	52	53	54	55	2 worst holes	50	51	52	53	54
56	57	58	59	60	2½ worst hole	55	56	57	58	59
61	62	63	64	65	3 worst holes	60	61	62	63	64
66	67	68	69	70	3½ worst holes	65	66	67	68	69
71	72	73	74	75	4 worst holes	70	71	72	73	74
76	77	78	79	80	4½ worst holes	75	76	77	78	79
81	82	83	84	85	5 worst holes	80	81	82	83	84
-2	-1	0	+1	+2	HDCP ADJUSTM	-2	-1	0	+1	+2