Clark Amateur Invitational Golf Tournament 2024

GENERAL TERMS OF COMPETITION

A. Rules of Play

The tournament is exclusively for amateur golfers and will strictly adhere to the R&A Rules of Golf and those established by the USGA. Local Rules of the host clubs and any additional rules approved by the Tournament Committee will also be followed.

B. Date

The tournament will take place on November 28 and 29, 2024.

C. Format

This is a 36-hole Stroke Play tournament featuring both Team and Individual Competitions with Gross and Net Scoring Systems. The tournament will be held over two consecutive days.

D. Team Composition and Individual Players

Each team shall consist of four (4) players, with three (3) scores counting toward the team score each day. Teams may be composed of men, women, seniors, or super-seniors, and a maximum of two (2) alternates are permitted.
The Individual Competition will be held among team members and solo players, with no gender or age-specific divisions. Thus, winners may be men, women, seniors, or super-senior players.

E. Tee Assignments

Blue Tees: Men born in 1965 or later (59 and younger)
Silver Tees: Senior players born from 1960 to 1964 (60 to 64)
White Tees: Senior players born from 1955 to 1959 (65 to 69)
Green Tees: Super Seniors born in 1954 or earlier (70 and older)
Red Tees: Ladies

F. Awards

Team Competition: (13 team trophies + 52 medals)
1. Gross Scores: Top 3 teams
2. Net Scores: Top 10 teams
Individual Competition: (13 individual trophies)
1. Gross Scores: Top 3 individuals
2. Net Scores: Top 10 individuals

Team Competition: (13 team trophies + 52 medals)

Overall Net Champion
Top 2 Team Award
Top 3 Team Award
Top 4 Team Award
Top 5 Team Award
Top 6 Team Award
Top 7 Team Award
Top 8 Team Award
Top 9 Team Award
Top 10 Team Award
Overall Team Low Gross Champion
Team Low Gross 1^st Runner Up
Team Low Gross 2^nd Runner Up

Individual Competition: (13 individual trophies)

Overall Net Champion
Top 2 Individual Award
Top 3 Individual Award
Top 4 Individual Award
Top 5 Individual Award
Top 6 Individual Award
Top 7 Individual Award
Top 8 Individual Award
Top 9 Individual Award
Top 10 Individual Award
Overall Low Gross Champion
Low Gross 1^st Runner Up
Low Gross 2^nd Runner Up

Individual Daily Winners

Celebrating Excellence Across Both Courses
1. Each day, the Champion and Runner-up titles will be awarded to the top-performing players on both courses.
2. KCC Course: The players with the two best net scores will be recognized as the Champion and Runner-up, showcasing exceptional performance on this challenging course.
3. Mimosa Course: Likewise, the two players with the lowest net scores will earn the Champion and Runner-up awards, highlighting their superior play.
This award system ensures that players participating for just one day are equally recognized for their remarkable achievements, promoting inclusivity and celebrating individual talent.

G. Entry Procedures

Priority will be given in the following order:

Invited teams from the Philippines
Invited teams from outside the Philippines
Sponsor teams
New international and local teams
Individual competitors (both local and foreign)

Eligible participants must confirm by submitting completed entry forms and fees no later than October 30, 2024. Waitlisted teams will be considered after this date. Each team must appoint a Team Captain to ensure all players are informed of the rules.

H. Handicapping System

The Peoria System will be used for handicapping. This one-day method introduces some variability while maintaining fairness. It involves:

How the Peoria Scoring System Works:

Selection of Mystery Holes:
1. Before the tournament, the organizers secretly select six holes on the course (a mix of par 3s, par 4s, and par 5s). These holes remain unknown to the players during their round to prevent strategic play.
Players Complete Their Round:
1. Players play their round as usual, recording their gross scores (actual number of strokes taken) for all 18 holes.
Reveal the Mystery Holes:
1. After the round, the organizers reveal which six holes were pre-selected as the “mystery holes.”
Calculate the Player’s Performance on the Mystery Holes:
1. Add the scores from the six mystery holes. Multiply this total by three to estimate the player’s overall performance for 18 holes.
Determine the Estimated Handicap:
1. Subtract the course par from the multiplied mystery hole total. Divide the result by two to calculate the player’s estimated handicap.
Calculate the Net Score:
1. Subtract the calculated handicap from the player’s gross score to get their net score.
Rank the Players:
1. Players are ranked based on their net scores, with the lowest net score winning the tournament.

Example

Player Gross Score: 90
Mystery Hole Scores: 4, 5, 4, 6, 5, 5 (total = 29)
Course Par: 72

Steps:

1. Multiply the mystery hole total by three: 29×3=87
2. Subtract course par: 87−72=15
3. Divide by two: 15÷2=7.5 (estimated handicap)
4. Calculate net score: 90−7.5=82.5

Why Use the Peoria System?

Fairness: Levels the playing field for participants of all skill levels, especially for those without handicaps.
Ease of Use: Simple to calculate and implement, requiring minimal preparation.
Surprise Factor: Keeps players focused on their overall game rather than trying to perform well on specific holes.

The Peoria System is ideal for one-day events where a quick and fair handicapping method is needed.

I. Scorecards / Markers

Marker Assignment: Each player will be a marker for another player in the flight.
Scoring: The marker must record and verify the gross score before starting the next hole.
Disqualification: The Tournament Committee may disqualify a marker found violating scoring rules.

J. Scoring System

Peoria Scoring applies to both individual and team scores.
Tiebreakers: In case of ties, the final round score of the 4th player, then the last 18-hole and 36-hole scores, will determine winners.

K. Pairings and Tee Times

Pairings will be posted online and updated regularly. Teams or players who fail to present the minimum required participants forfeit their standing in the tournament.

L. Late to Tee

Players must be present when the starter calls the first player to the tee. Any player late to the tee will be disqualified.

M. Pace of Play

Players are expected to maintain an appropriate pace. Slow play may incur penalties, including additional strokes or even disqualification.

N. Rules Decisions

All rule disputes must be referred to the Tournament Committee immediately. Their decisions will be final.

O. Miscellaneous

Mobile Phones: Phones must be set to silent and may not be used during play, with a penalty of two strokes per breach.
Caddies and Umbrella Boys/Girls: Only accredited personnel may serve as caddies or umbrella assistants.
Golf Equipment: All equipment must conform to the Rules of Golf, with disqualification as the penalty for non-conformance.

P. Disqualification / Suspension

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to disqualify or suspend any participant for unsportsmanlike conduct or violation of the tournament’s rules and regulations.

Q. Close of Competition

The tournament is considered officially closed once all awards are presented. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to adjust any rules as necessary to maintain the event’s integrity.

ADDITIONAL RULES

A. STOPPING AT THE CLUBHOUSE / TEE HOUSES

Players are prohibited from causing unnecessary delays in play by stopping at the clubhouse or tee houses for extended periods to sit down, order food, or have refreshments. Penalty for Breach: two-strokes penalty to the team’s score for the day per infraction.

B. CELLULAR PHONES

Cellular phones must be set to silent mode and should not be used during the play of a hole. Penalty for Breach: Two-stroke penalty per breach (maximum of four strokes per round).

C. CADDIES, UMBRELLA BOYS / GIRLS

Only caddies and umbrella boys/girls accredited by the host clubs may be employed.
Players are prohibited from caddying for other players. Penalty for Breach: Disqualification under Rule 13.1.

D. GOLF BALLS / GOLF CLUBS

Only golf balls and clubs that conform to the Rules of Golf are allowed during the tournament. Penalty for Breach: Disqualification of the player.

E. RULES ISSUES IN STROKE PLAY

A player uncertain about the proper procedure during a hole may play with two balls without penalty. The player should:

Declare which ball will count (if the Rules allow) before making a stroke by informing the marker or another player.
If no choice is made in time, the first ball played is treated as the default ball.
The player must report the facts to the Committee before returning the scorecard, even if the score for both balls is the same. Failure to report results in disqualification.

F. PREFERRED LIES

When the tournament is played under preferred lies, the following rule applies:

If any part of the player’s ball touches the general area cut to fairway height or less, free relief may be taken by placing the original or another ball within one scorecard length from the reference point (the ball’s original spot) and playing from that relief area, ensuring:
1. It is not nearer the hole than the reference point.
2. It remains in the general area.

G. ADVISORY ON THE RULES

Rule 10.3b: What a Caddie May Do

Always Allowed Actions:
1. Carry, transport, and handle the player’s clubs and equipment (including operating carts or trolleys).
2. Search for the player’s ball (Rule 7.1).
3. Offer advice and information before a stroke (Rules 10.2a, 10.2b).
4. Smooth bunkers and care for the course (Rules 8.2 Exception, 8.3 Exception, 12.2b(2) & (3)).
5. Remove sand/loose soil and repair putting green damage (Rule 13.1c).
6. Remove or attend the flagstick (Rule 13.2b).
7. Mark, lift, and replace the player’s ball on the green (Rules 14.1b Exception, 14.2b).
8. Clean the player’s ball (Rule 14.1c).
9. Remove loose impediments and movable obstructions (Rules 15.1, 15.2).
Allowed Only with Player Authorization:
1. Restore conditions that worsened after the ball came to rest (Rule 8.1d).
2. Lift the player’s ball outside the putting green under a Rule or when taking relief (Rule 14.1b).
Not Allowed Actions:
1. Stand on or near the line of play behind the ball during stance and stroke (Rule 10.2b(4)).
2. Replace a ball unless they moved or lifted it (Rule 14.2b).
3. Drop or place a ball in a relief area (Rule 14.3).
4. Decide on taking relief (the player must make the decision).

H. RULES DECISION

1. All rule queries must be directed solely to the Rules Committee.
2. Protests must be submitted in writing (signed by the Team Captain) no later than 6:00 PM on the day of the round in question.
3. The Committee’s decisions are final.

I. LOCAL RULES

Pace of Play Guidelines:
1. Players must maintain a proper pace. If a group falls behind, leaving an open hole ahead, a course marshal or official will issue a warning.
2. Failure to comply will result in the timing of all players.
3. The official timing of the group will determine when a player is ready to play. Exceeding 40 seconds from this point results in the following penalties:
  1. 1st Offense: Warning.
  2. 2nd Offense: One-stroke penalty to the team’s total score.
  3. 3rd Offense: Two-stroke penalty to the team’s total score.
  4. 4th Offense: Disqualification from the round. The player must cease play.
4. Timing continues until the group catches up. A player carries their bad time throughout the round.

J. DISQUALIFICATION / SUSPENSION

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to disqualify or suspend teams or individuals for the following reasons:

1. Disrespect to sponsors, officials, or staff.
2. Gross misconduct, serious rules violations, or breaches of etiquette.
3. Violation of host club/hotel rules.
4. Misrepresentation or playing under false identity.

K. CLOSE OF COMPETITION

The competition is considered officially closed after the awarding of prizes in each division.