GOLDEN BOYS’ COMPETITION PROCEDURES, SPECIAL COURSE RULES AND SOCIAL TRADITIONS

 General: The Golden Boys’ organization is for senior members of Pebble Creek Club, 55 years or older. They participate in competition every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with various formats as described below.  The Golden Boys also conduct annually a member guest tournament, a medal play championship and a match play championship. In addition the Golden Boys participate in approximately 17 interclub tournaments with seniors from other country clubs and golf clubs.  We also have an active annual social schedule which includes a picnic, Christmas party, and monthly dine a-rounds at various restaurants in the Greenville Area.

Communication: The Golden Boys maintains a dedicated bulletin board at the golf course to pass on important information such as handicaps and tournament announcements. We also maintain a website at: www.goldenboysgolf.com, which is updated regularly.  No personal or commercial solicitations are allowed on the bulletin board or web site except for recognition of donors to the Member Guest Tournament. 

Sign-Up: To play on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, Golden Boys use the signup sheet in the Golden Boys folder on the pro shop counter or call the pro shop by 4 p.m. on the day prior to play. The club needs an accurate number of Golden Boys’ golfers prior to our competition days so that adequate tee times can be reserved for our shotgun start.  The list is also used to make up teams for play. One can sign up in advance for any of the days the Golden Boys play. Check in at the pro shop and also with the Golden Boys’ Captains at least 30 minutes before the scheduled shotgun start (or call to say you're running late). If you decide not to play on a day for which you signed up, please notify the pro shop at least one hour before tee time. Players not on the sign up sheet and showing up after pairings have been made may be assigned as fillers for threesomes but otherwise, may not be able to compete on that day.  No groups of five will be allowed during Golden Boys’ competition.  

Monthly Captains: Each month four Golden Boys’ volunteer Captains are responsible for selecting the game to be played each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  These captains work with the pro shop staff and/or Publicity Chairman to set up pairings and scorecards for Wednesday games. Each group on Wednesday should have approximately the same aggregate handicap.  The captains also arrange Monday and Friday pairings using playing cards to establish playing groups. Each player draws a playing card to make up foursomes – aces play as a group, twos play together, etc. The Captains also collect $3 for prize money in advance from each competitor.  Those selected to act as a blind competitor for a threesome will pay an additional $3 to the Captain before the round begins.  As groups complete the competition round, the designated Captains will gather and check the completed scorecards, determine and announce the winners, and pay out the prize money. Payout formula based on number of competitors is located in the Captains’ notebook.  In addition, the Captains shall provide the competition results to the Publicity Committee Chairman for entry on the web site and the Greenville News sports section.  A copy of the list of Wednesday players is handed to the Golf Chairman or placed in the Captains’ notebook for him to retrieve. The Captains’ notebook with all Golden Boys rules and procedures is kept in the pro shop.

Shotgun Starts: The Monday – Wednesday - Friday games are shotgun starts at 9 AM during the warmer seasons (generally in line with daylight savings time) and 10  AM during the colder months (generally when eastern standard time is in effect).  The changeover between 9 and 10 AM varies and will be publicized in advance.

Tee Options:  All Golden Boys’ competition golf will normally be played from the white tees.  There is one exception for Monday, Wednesday and Friday competition only. Beginning with their first round each year and to enhance the enjoyment of their play, Golden Boys may choose to play from the Black Tees for regular (non-tournament) Monday, Wednesday, and Friday competition.  Group scorers must be careful to post scores appropriately in this case – black tees instead of white – in order to maintain the integrity of the handicap system.  When this initial decision is made to play from black rather than white tees on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, a Golden Boy must continue to play from those tees for the remainder of that year.  A new Golden Boy may try each tee, black and white, for five (5) rounds each before deciding which to use in his first year.  In subsequent years, a Golden Boy may choose to play from the other tees, for example white instead of black, but he must play from those tees for the remainder of that year.  All Golden Boys must play from the white tees for interclub tournaments, our championship & match play and our member-guest tournament.  If necessary, the Golf Chairman will review and adjust handicaps for white tee play prior to these events.

Additional Competition:  Entirely at the discretion of the Monthly Captain(s) in charge on each day, an additional monetary competition may be held in conjunction with regular Monday, Wednesday or Friday team or individual competition if the type of game allows.  The captain(s) may choose to have no additional competition or one additional from among a (1) gross birdie pool, a (2) net eagle pool or a (3) closest to the pin pool on a selected hole(s).  The price of entry for any of these will not exceed $2 per person.  If any type of scramble is played, the gross birdie and net eagle games cannot be played.  Specific rules for each of these are as follows:

Gross Birdie Pool:  The pool will be comprised of volunteer participants who pay $2 each at check in with the captain(s) prior to play for that day.  The money in the pool will be distributed among the participants who get an unmatched gross birdie or better on one or more holes.  The pool of money will be divided by the number of un-cancelled gross birdie or better holes, and that amount will be paid out to players for each hole with an unmatched gross birdie or better.  If all birdies or better are cancelled, the $2 entry fee will be returned to each person who entered.

Net Eagle Pool: The pool will be comprised of volunteer participants who pay $2 each at check in with the captain(s) prior to play for that day.  The money in the pool will be distributed among the participants who get an unmatched net eagle or better on one or more holes.  The pool of money will be divided by the number of un-cancelled net eagle or better holes, and that amount will be paid out to players for each hole with an unmatched net eagle or better.  If all net eagles or better are cancelled, the $2 entry fee will be returned to each person who entered.

 Closest to Pin Pool:  The pool will be comprised of volunteer participants who pay $1 or $2 each, at discretion of the captain(s), and at check in with him prior to play for that day.  (The captains may choose to designate more than one par-three hole and split the pool of money to more than one winner.)  The captain(s) will announce the par-three hole(s) to be used for the competition and will give the marker(s) to the first group(s) to play that hole(s).  He will also instruct the last group(s) that will play the hole(s) to pick up the marker(s).  Whoever has the shot closest to the pin will win the entire pool of money or proportion allocated to that hole.  If no one has a ball that stays on the green of a competition hole, all entry money apportioned to that hole will be returned.

 Gimmie Putts: Applicable only to regular Monday, Wednesday or Friday competition, putts within two feet may be picked up and counted as “made.”  There is a ruler attached to the right side of the Golden Boys bulletin board which should be used to mark putters for this measurement.  Putters should be hooked under the bottom of this end of the bulletin board and tape placed at the 23.5 inch mark on each putter.  During play, to determine if a ball can be picked up without putting, the putter will be hooked in the hole and the ball must be inside or touching the inside of the “gimmie” tape on the putter.  If not, putt it out!  

Incomplete Play:  On regular Monday, Wednesday, or Friday competition, when one or more players decides to quit because of weather or some other reason, the following procedures apply for distribution of prize money.  The basic rule is that at least 50 % of the groups must finish either the front nine or all 18 holes for there to be a payout.  If at least the front nine holes are played by half of the groups that started, and the majority of groups drop out before completing all 18 holes, the competition will be based on those nine holes only.  If there is an extra individual competition (gross birdie, net eagle or nearest the pin pool), the winners will be based on those nine holes only.   If the majority of players drop out before the front nine holes are completed by all, money will be returned to all players including extra individual competition pool money.  If the majority of groups finish but one or more individuals in those finishing groups drops out, a random selection of blind(s) will be chosen to make up the uncompleted holes for groups who lose player(s).  A person randomly selected as blind for this purpose will not be eligible to share in prize money if that group wins nor will the player who dropped out.  Example 1:  If 10 groups start and only 5 finish all 18, that 5 will comprise the pool of possible winners and distribution will be based on 10 teams rather than 5.  Players who dropped out will not be included in determining extra individual pool payout such as gross birdie, net eagle or nearest the pin competition.  Example 2:  If 10 groups start and only 4 teams finish the front nine, then all money will be returned. 

Wednesday Emphasis:  Wednesday is our primary competition day and cumulative annual golf attendance on Wednesday is used to give priority for interclub selection. The games to be played on Wednesday are selected in advance for the month by Golden Boys’ Captains.  A list of Wednesday games (and Monday/Friday games if desired)   will be posted on the Golden Boys’ Bulletin Board by the Captains prior the first day of the month for which they are responsible.  A copy will also be provided the Publicity Chairman for posting on the web.  

Priority for Interclub Selections To Home Events’ Participants:  When interclub selections are made, Golden Boys will be selected to play in the home events of the Mountain and Carolina interclubs and the home event with Cummings Cove. If a Golden Boy does not play in at least one of those home events in any given year, he will not be precluded from playing in any of the interclubs the following year but selection priority will go to those who did participate in the home events. For example, if everyone picks Hendersonville, Cliffs Valley and Greenville in a given year, a Golden Boy who participated in a home event the prior year may get two of them while a Golden Boy who did not play in a home event in the prior year may get none of them.  If one or more Golden Boys are not selected to play in a home event when the picks are made, each of those Golden Boys will be listed in that year as alternates when a list is posted for a home event. If there are one or more cancellations by  Golden Boys scheduled for a home event, the Golden Boys so  listed as alternates will be expected to play as needed and upon doing so, they  will no longer automatically be listed as an alternate in that year for any other home events. If not called upon to play as an alternate in that year, the Golden Boys not scheduled for a home event when the picks are made will be given the same preference as those Golden Boys who participated in home events when the picks are made for the following year. 

Requirement for participation in Golden Boys Championship and Match Play Tournaments:  Except for new members, Golden Boys must have participated in at least 10 regular Monday, Wednesday, or Friday rounds of golf in the current calendar year in order to participate in the Golden Boys’ Championship and/or Match Play Tournaments.

Wednesday games requirements & special option:  Each month for Wednesday competitions, Captains shall schedule at least one two-man game and at least two four-man games.  Individual games on Wednesday are optional and when not used, the fourth Wednesday will be a four-man game.  When a month has five Wednesdays, Captains may choose other game formats such as Captains Choice (Full Scramble), Texas Scramble, Red, White, & Blue Tees, 3 man teams, etc.  For scramble games, Captains should try to make the teams as evenly matched by handicap as possible, particularly as regards insuring that each team has one player who can drive the ball long.  Each team shall be required to use one or more drive(s) of each player in the team.

 APPROVED GAMES FOR WEDNESDAY PLAY  
INDIVIDUAL      

1. Par Quota
2. Net Score Stroke Play
3. Gross Score Stroke Play
4. Modified Net Stableford
2-MAN TEAMS
 1.  2 Man Par Quota
 2.  2 Man Net Score Stroke Play
 3.  2 Man Gross Score Stroke Play
 4.  2 Man Modified Net Stableford
 5.  2 Man Net Better Ball
 6.  2 Man net Better Ball – Birdies Never Die

4-MAN TEAMS
1.  4 Man Par Quota
2.  4 Man Net Score Stroke Play
3.  4 Man Gross Score Stroke Play
4.  4 Man Modified Net Stableford
5.  4 Man 2 Best Net Balls
6.  4 Man 2 Best Net Balls - Birdies Never Die
7.  Holes # 1- 6 –   (1, 2 or 3) Best Balls Net
     Holes # 7-12  -- (1. 2 or 3) Best Balls Net 
     Holes #13-18 – (1, 2 or 3) Best Balls Net
8.  Par 3 Holes --   (1, 2 or 3) Best Balls Net
     Par 4 Holes --   (1, 2 or 3) Best Balls Net
     Par 5 Holes --   (1, 2 or 3) Best Balls Net   

Monday and Friday play options:  Any game approved above for Wednesday play may be scheduled for Monday or Friday except Captain’s Choice (Full Scramble) or Texas Scramble.

Individual and two-man games shall be flighted by handicap.  Two-man teams shall be selected so that all teams in a flight have approximately the same combined handicap.  Two-man teams may be paired for play with twosomes from different flights.

Posting scores:  The scorer in each group shall insure that each team member’s score is posted in the club handicap computer.  He shall insure that the score for each hole conforms to the USGA approved maximum (Equity Stroke Control).  Here are the maximums by handicap for any hole including par 3s:  handicap 9 or less – double bogie maximum; handicap 10 - 19 – maximum of 7; handicap 20 – 29 – maximum of 8; handicap 30 – 39 – maximum of 9.  After posting scores the card is turned over to the Monthly Captain.

 ACE Club:  A Hole-in-one insurance fund is maintained by the Treasurer for payout of $120 to ACE Club members who make a hole-in-one during Golden Boys’ competition. This is intended to defray the bar bill as drinks are “on the ace-maker” after the round.  The annual cost of the ACE Club “insurance policy” varies from year to year, but must be paid before a hole-in-one is made for one to receive the $120 payout.

MON-WED-FRIDAY PLAYING RULES

 All play shall be in accordance with USGA rules with the following exceptions:

1. A ball at rest in the fairway of the hole being played may be moved 1 club length not nearer the hole.

2. Through the green, (the entire course except the tee and green of the hole being played and all hazards) a ball embedded in its’ own pitch mark may be lifted, cleaned and dropped within 1 club length, not nearer the hole, without penalty.

3. A ball striking a utility wire or pole on the course must be re-played without penalty.

4.  Bushes denoting yardage to the greens shall be treated as immovable obstructions. You may take swing and stance relief only, plus one club length not nearer the hole, (no penalty).

5.  All flowerbeds (including shrubs in beds) shall be treated as ground under repair. For all other mulched areas, play the ball as it lies. (The shrubbery above the cart path on hole number 15 Creekside is played as an lateral hazard).

6. When using a drop circle, the ball may be placed in the drop circle.

7. Through the green if your ball comes to rest on an embedded rock or exposed root, or your swing is affected by same, you may move your ball to the nearest point of relief not nearer the hole without penalty. Large rocks at the extreme edge of the fairways (1 foot or more above ground are not considered embedded).

8. Bare areas immediately adjacent to the sides of the golf cart path shall be considered a part of the cart path.

9. A ball coming to rest in a bunker, in deep "washed out” ruts, on bare ground, or in standing water, following a heavy storm, (ONLY until the ground crews are able to restore normal playing conditions), may be dropped without penalty, in the bunker as near as possible to the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole, at a point that affords maximum available relief from the condition.

10. A ball coming to rest near an “out-of-bounds marker” (I.E. a wall, street curbing or fence Etc.) must be played as it lies, or an unplayable drop may be taken (one stroke penalty).

11. To speed up play on Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s, a “Gimmie Putt” (inside 23 ½ inches) is allowed. Due to the variable lengths of shafts and the placement of grips on them, to be fair to all, a ruler has been placed on the end of the bulletin board and a roll of electrical tape inside. Please use them to mark all of your putters. For all Tournament play the Board has ruled that all balls that count for scores must be holed. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS – LINKSIDE

1.  A ball coming to rest in, or left of, the creek on the left side on number 1 fairway shall be deemed to be in the lateral hazard. This hazard has only one boundary. You may use the drop circle as an additional option to rule 26 (1 stroke penalty). Note: When the creek turns into the fairway, it is no longer left of the fairway.

2.   A ball coming to rest in the tunnel left of number 2 green and not beyond the out-of-bounds mark, shall be treated as ground under repair. Use the drop circle (no penalty). If beyond the out-of-bounds mark, use the drop circle and add 1 stroke penalty.

3. On hole number 6, the inside edge of the fence (Post to Post) along Stallings Road is the out-of-bounds marker.                                                                  

4. On hole number 10, the entire length of the hole on the right side is played as a lateral hazard. The boundary, if not otherwise clearly marked, is the right edge of the mown rough.  

5. If a ball comes to rest out-of-bounds beyond number 11 green, you may use the drop circle, and add 1 stroke penalty.

6. If a ball comes to rest in the creek or bamboo beyond number 12 green, in the pond beyond number 13 green, or in the pond on number 14, you may use the drop circles as an additional option to rule 26, (1 stroke penalty).

7. On hole number 16, the wooded areas on both sides of the entire fairway are played as lateral hazards. The boundaries if not otherwise clearly marked, are the outer edges of the mown rough. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS – CREEKSIDE

 1. On holes number 7 & 8, drop circles are located just short and to the left of each green, as an additional option to rule 26 (1 stroke penalty).

 2. On holes number 10 & 18, the street curbing on the right side of each hole is the out-of-bounds marker. Any ball coming to rest beyond the street curbing on the hole being played is out-of-bounds. The cable fences on these holes are immovable obstructions.

 3. On hole number 12, the entire length of the hole on the left side is played as a lateral hazard. The boundary, if not otherwise clearly marked, is the left edge of the mown rough.

 4. On hole number 13, the drainage ditch on the right side of the fairway is a lateral hazard. The boundary, if not otherwise clearly marked, is the right edge of the mown rough.

 5. On hole number 17, drop circles are located both left & right at the front of the green. You MUST use the one on the side you entered the hazard as an additional option to rule 26 (1 stroke penalty).