RULES OF PFIZER GOLF LEAGUE COMPETITION

RULES OF PFIZER/DOW GOLF LEAGUE COMPETITION

(Revised 04/21/2015)

Section I - Golf League Members

(a) Any Pfizer or Dow employee, former employee, retiree or temporary contract employee with an active badge (for the duration of the current season for which dues were paid) who fulfills the dues obligation of the Golf League is eligible for play.

(b) A member may join a team or remain unattached.

Section II - Teams

(a) A team shall consist of any group of members who agree to play together as a team.

(b) The team roster shall be submitted to the Golf League President, Treasurer, and Scorer at the start of the season.

(c) A member may join or leave a team at any time during the season. The name of a new player to a team must be submitted to the President, Treasurer, and Scorer at least a day before the new player can compete in a match and must have paid league dues - otherwise the match shall be forfeited.

Section III - League Competition

(a) An individual match will consist of a nine-hole contest with the scoring based on the contestants’ handicaps. Play for each evening will be on the nine, front or back, assigned by the course management. Play on the unassigned nine is permitted.

(b) A team match shall consist of four individual matches between players of opposing teams. The players shall be matched by handicap, the lowest against the lowest, second low against the second low, etc. See Sections V (d) and VII (c) for exception to this rule. If two players of a team have the same handicap, they may be played interchangeably. A player with no handicap shall be assigned a position in the line-up consistent with expected ability.

(c) Each individual contest shall be scored for both match and medal play. One point shall be awarded for a match victory and one point for a medal victory. One half-point shall be awarded for ties. See Section III (d) for exception to this rule.

(d) When both opponents in the match are playing for the first time (no handicap), two (2) points will be awarded for match play (holes) only. No points are awarded for medal play (stroke).

(e) All matches will use the handicap rating for the Black/Silver tees in determining the holes where strokes are awarded for scoring a match based on match play (i.e. “winner of a hole”).

(f) The team with the highest number of points shall be the winner of the team match. The points won by the team shall consist of the total of the points won by each player of that team plus one additional point for the team with the lowest total net score (one half point for ties). Thus, a team could win a maximum of nine points.

(g) The League will consist of one division, with 8 teams (subject to change based on league membership). Each team will play every other team at least twice.

(h) The season championship will be determined in a two round play-off of the first four place teams. In the first round of playoffs, the first and fourth place teams, and the second and third place teams will play. The winners of this round will play each other for the championship.

(i) The first playoff round will be nine-hole match. The Championship match of the semi-final winners will be an 18-hole match to be played no later than two weeks after the semi-final match.

(j) In case of ties for first, second, third and fourth place, the ties will be broken by comparing the head-to-head records of the teams involved. The team with the most combined points in their two matches will be declared as having the better records. If still a tie, the team with the lowest combined team net scores for the two matches will be declared to have the better record. If still tied, the team with the best record in its division will be judged the superior team. If still tied, a coin toss will be the determinant.

(k) Only players who have played three competitive rounds during the current season are eligible to compete in the playoffs.

(l) Handicaps will be updated using the playoff scores including those from the 18 hole final (as two 9 hole scores) and will be calculated in the usual manner. (Section IV)

(m) In case of a tie in the nine-hole semifinal or the 18-hole final, the tie will be broken by a sudden death playoff. Each of the two foursomes will replay the first hole(s) of that match.

(n) One point will be awarded to the winner of the four individual matches (low net score) and one point for team low net (five points total). If still tied, play will continue on the next hole(s).

Section IV - Handicaps

(a) We will use a modified USGA handicap system.

(b) The scores (except for the first round of a new player) will be adjusted according to the USGA’s Equitable Stroke Control:

Nine Hole Handicap	Max # of Strokes Per Hole
4 or less	6
5 through 9	7
10 through 14	8
15 through 19	9
20 through 24	10
25 or more	11*

Example: A player with a Nine Hole Handicap of 12 must adjust to a maximum number of 8 strokes that he/she can post for any hole, regardless of par.

(c) Jeffersonville average front/back nine course rating for 9 holes: Black Tees: Men/Women 34.7/37.9, Silver Tees: Men/Women 32.6/35.1

(d) Jeffersonville course slope: Black Tees: Men/Women 134/140, Silver Tees: Men/Women 125/127

(e) Slope for a course of average difficulty is 113

(f) Use the scores of the last eight rounds at Jeffersonville after Equitable Stroke adjustment.

(g) Below are examples of how to calculate handicaps for someone playing from the white tees. The method is the same if playing from the gold or red tees but using the appropriate course rating and slope in the calculations.

For player XXX the scores of the last 8 rounds from the white tees are 47, 52, 51, 51, 54, 51, 56, and 48.

Calculate a Handicap Differential for each score as follows:

(47 – 34.7) X 113 / 134 = 10.37*

(52 – 34.7) X 113 / 134 = 14.58

(51 – 34.7) X 113 / 134 = 13.74*

(54 – 34.7) X 113 / 134 = 16.27

(51 – 34.7) X 113 / 134 = 13.74

(56 – 34.7) X 113 / 134 = 17.96

(48 – 34.7) X 113 / 134 = 11.21*

Calculate the Handicap Index:

Average the four lowest Handicap Differentials, 10.37 + 11.21 + 13.74 + 13.74 = 49.06 / 4 = 12.26 then multiply by 0.96 = 11.77

Calculate the Course Handicap:

Handicap Index 11.77 X 134 / 113 = 13.9 = 14

(h) If less than eight rounds played the following will be used to calculate handicaps:

· For round 1:

Round 1 score – 35 = handicap (e.g. 50 – 35 = 15)

· For round 2:

1. Calculate round 1 handicap differential (50 – 34.7) X 113 / 134 = 12.9

2. Adjust handicap differential 12.9 X 0.80 = 10.32

3. Calculate handicap index 10.32 X 0.96 = 9.90

4. Calculate course handicap 9.90 X 134 / 113 = 12

· For round 3:

1. Use lowest handicap differential from round 1 or 2 (e.g. rd 2 score = 46, lower than 50 in rd 1)

2. Calculate handicap differential (46 – 34.7) X 113 / 134 = 9.52

3. Adjust handicap differential 9.52 X 0.95 = 9.04

4. Calculate handicap index 9.04 X 0.96 = 8.67

5. Calculate course handicap 8.67 X 134 / 113 = 10

6. If round 2 score 50 or greater proceed as above with 50 instead of 46, handicap would be 14

· For round 4:

Use lowest handicap differential of last three rounds and calculate handicap index and course handicap.

· For round 5-6:

Use average of the lowest two handicap differentials of the last four/five rounds and calculate handicap index and course handicap.

· For round 7-8:

Use average lowest three handicap differentials of last six/seven rounds and calculate handicap index and course handicap.

(i) All players, regardless of handicap, are required to pick-up their ball after double par, add one stroke and proceed to the next hole. The player picking up will lose the hole. The maximum to be recorded on a par three is 7, a par four is 9, and a par five is 11. If two opponents pickup for a double par plus one; the players will tie the hole.

(j) At the completion of each match the competitors will record their scores and the match points earned on the “match sheet” located in the club house. Each player will then adjust their own score using the Equitable Stroke Control method outlined above. The adjusted score will be recorded on the “match sheet”, and a scorecard submitted for each match. Failure to do so will result in forfeit.

(k) No player can give more than two strokes per hole and only one stroke on any par three.

(l) Handicaps and the rounds involved shall be carried over from season to season.

(m) A player who has not played during a season must acquire a new handicap at the start of the next season of play.

(n) Thirty (30) shall be the maximum handicap at any time.

(o) If a match is played and it is discovered that a listed handicap was in error, the correct handicap shall be used for the match.

(p) Handicaps shall be calculated only to the nearest whole number.

(q) Only competitive rounds and the first playoff round shall be used in handicap calculations.

(r) During the season, any player has the option to compete as a “Tee It Forward” golfer (Silver Tees). If the player has an established handicap, their handicap will be calculated using the past scores based on the rating and slope of the tee they played, plus any new scores played from the Silver tees using the Silver tee rating and slope. Once competing as a ‘Tee It Forward’ golfer, the player agrees to play out the season as a ‘Tee It Forward’ golfer.

(s) It is the Captains responsibility to rebalance the handicap of opponents when playing from tees with different USGA course rating (i.e., Jeffersonville’s Black and Silver Tees).

1. When a man playing from the Black Tee plays a man playing from the Silver Tee, add 2 strokes to the handicap of the player hitting from the Black Tee.

2. When a woman plays a man both from the Silver Tee, add 2 strokes to the woman’s handicap.

3. When a man playing from the Black Tee plays a woman playing from the Silver Tee, no adjustment is required.

If you have questions contact Kyle Matschke (kyle.matschke@pfizer.com, 610-283-8787) or John Speth (spethworld@comcast.net, 610-613-1021).

Here is the link to the USGA example: http://www.usga.org/playing/handicaps/understanding_handicap/section_3-5_brochure.pdf

Section V - Selection of Line-up

(a) The procedure for the selection of players for a match shall be decided by each team captain.

(b) The opposing team captains shall inform one another of their team line-up before leaving for the golf course.

(d) If both captains are willing, a match may be scheduled between opponents not in their proper position in the line-up as defined in Section III (b).

Section VI - Forfeit

(a) If a player fails to start or complete a match, his/her opponent shall win by a forfeit provided said opponent completes the round.

(b) All scheduled players must be prepared to play at their scheduled tee time.

This means paid greens fee and present at the tee. If a player is not prepared for play at the designated tee time, the scheduled foursome will tee off without the late player. The late player may attempt to complete their match by playing when a tee time slot becomes available. The match is to be completed in the presence of a league member unless other arrangements have been made (see below). Scorecards will be matched after the completed rounds. The late player will be assessed a one stroke penalty to their net score unless the late player has contacted the opponent and an accord was reached regarding the specifics of the match. If the late player is not able to play or finish their round, they forfeit the match provided their opponent completes the round in the presence of a league member. [Note VII (b)]

(d) The net score(s) for a forfeit match(es) shall be one stroke higher than the highest net on the opposing team.

(e) If it is known before the match starts that there will be a forfeit, the forfeit will be assigned to the position in the lineup to minimize the handicap differential between the remaining opponents.

(f) With forfeit matched against a forfeit, no net score and a zero match point will be assigned to each forfeit. The team low net point will be derived from the total low net of the competing players.

(g) Makeup matches are allowed only if both captains agree and if both teams are missing the same number of players. Matches must be completed in two weeks.

Section VII - Substitutes

(a) The captain may ask any member of another team (with the exception of the opposing team), or an “open” player to play as a substitute. It shall be considered unethical to use a substitute when a team member is available.

(b) A substitution may be made up to the time limit and the qualification of Section VI (b).

(c) A substitution made after the first foursome of a match has teed off, may result in the substitute not playing in his/her proper position in the line-up. This will not be considered a violation of Section III (b).

(d) No substitutions may be used during the playoffs.

Section VIII - Protests and Penalties

(a) The USGA Rules of Golf shall govern play with the exceptions noted in Section XII. Knowledge of these rules will reduce disputes and protests.

(b) Disputes not settled by reference to the USGA Rules shall be adjudicated by a committee appointed by the President consisting of three of the least involved captains. The involved parties should be present at the meeting.

(c) Any violation of the Rules of Golf League Competition not involving rules governing play shall be adjudicated by the President with appeal as in (b). Penalty shall be disqualification.

Section IX - Scorecards

The scorecards should clearly indicate who the opponents are and their corresponding handicaps. It is the responsibility of each player of a match to review the scorecard and verify the accuracy of the score, the match results and the entry into the scoring system. Any disputes after the fact must be raised to the appropriate team captains for resolution. Questions concerning a given player’s current handicap should be raised prior to teeing off.

Section X - Rain and Lightning

(a) The President may call off the evening’s play because of bad weather.

(b) Unless notified by the President of a cancellation, all players are expected to be at the course.

(c) If due to rain/lightening 9 holes are not completed, the outcome of the match will be determined based on the completion of 7 holes. If less than 7 holes are completed, the match must be replayed. This does not mean the same players must compete in the rematch. However, no player who had completed a round that evening (prior to the cancellation) will be permitted to play in the rematch.

(d) Any match completed during rain shall be official.

(e) Any decision to terminate play should be by mutual agreement of the matched opponents. If agreement is not mutual, the player continuing must complete the round and submit his/her score for the forfeit. In the case of lightning, play is arbitrarily suspended. (Note: Rain can wash out a forfeit round.)

Section XI - Tee-off Order

When a player and his/her opponent for the match are ready for tee-off, they will find, if possible, a second twosome ready to play and report in to the Starter. All four players must be on the tee before reporting in to the Starter.

Section XII - Local Rules

(a) “Winter rules” shall apply. A ball’s lie may be improved only by the use of the club head and only in your fairway. The fairway is defined as the closely mowed grass between tee and green.

(b) A ball in the rough may not be touched by hand or club head. Rough is defined as non-fairway. In the case of ground under repair or casual water, not otherwise marked by red or white stakes, the ball may be dropped in a nearby area no closer to the hole. Ground under repair may be interpreted as stony ground or ground damaged by natural or man made causes (i.e. tire tracks or fallen tree limbs). When in doubt, ask opponent.

(c) In the bunkers, if the balls comes to rest against or near a rock, stick, or other object that is not normally found in a bunker, that object (not the ball) may be removed. If the ball moves in the process, it is to be replaced as close to the original spot as possible.

(d) For a ball hit out of bounds, take one stroke penalty and (1) hit again from the same spot, tee or fairway, or (2) hit from a drop two club lengths from the point where the ball crossed the boundary line.

(e) On holes in which the fairway is bordered by woods and there are no “out of bounds” markers, if a player hits a ball into the woods he/she will be permitted one of two options: (1) take a one stroke penalty and hit again from the same spot, tee or fairway; (2) hit from a drop two club lengths from the point where the ball crossed the boundary line with a one stroke penalty. A provisional ball will not be permitted.

(f) A ball on the green may be exchanged for a “putting” ball.

(g) The operation of Rule 8-3 of the USGA Rules of Golf prohibiting practice on the competition course on the day of a match will be excluded.

(h) Based on the USGA, in a match-play competition, if one hole is par four for men and par five for women, the player who completes the hole in the fewer strokes wins the hole. Par is irrelevant.

(i) The maximum penalty for any violation will be one stroke.

(j) A player may search for a lost ball no longer than 2.5 minutes. After that time the ball is deemed lost and, upon agreement with the opponent, a ball shall be dropped in the approximate location where it was lost and take a one stroke penalty. If the player finds original ball, the original ball shall be picked up and play shall continue with the replacement ball.

(k) It is the responsibility of the player with the lowest handicap to maintain the pace of play of the group in which he/she is participating.

(l) If there is a major problem with the pace of play with a player, please contact the captain of the team to which that player belongs.

(m) Wave up on the par three holes numbers 8, 12, and 15.

(n) If due to darkness 9 holes are not completed, the outcome of the match will be determined based on the completion of 7 holes. If less than 7 holes are completed, the match must be replayed. This does not mean the same players must compete in the rematch. However, no player who had completed a round that evening (prior to the cancellation) will be permitted to play in the rematch

Section XIII - Season Awards

(a) Low Gross Score (no minimum number of matches)

(b) Low Net Score (5 match minimum)

(c) Seasons most improved golfer based on percent reduction in handicap at the end of the current season, compared to handicap at the end of the previous season. Only members who have played in five matches in the current season are eligible.

(d) Player with the highest winning average for the current season (5 match minimum).

(e) Iron Person Award - Player with the most competitive rounds during the season.

(f) Fifty dollars for a Hole-in-One (Competitive League matches only)

(g) Divisional Winners (2) – TBD if we will have this award

(h) League Runner-up

(i) Winning team members from the season’s competition shall be awarded trophies or monies equal to the value of trophies.