SportiBuddies Golf League Official Rules

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• 24 teams of 6 players each
• Divided into 4 groups of 6 teams

Group Stage: July 28 – October 5

Each team competes in one group-stage match every 2 weeks. Each match consists of two 2v2 games—allowing 4 players per team to compete during the match window.

Top 2 teams per group advance to Knockout Rounds

Knockout Rounds:

• Quarterfinals: October 6 – 19 
• Semifinals: October 20 – October 26
• Final & Scramble Tournament: November 1 (Final Location To Be Determined)

• Format:
  Two-player best ball match play & Stroke Play.
• Handicaps:
  Players must provide official GHIN handicaps. Matches will use a 90% adjusted handicap.
• Handicap Verification:
  Players must verify their Handicap Index through GHIN or "The Grint" (WHS) as of April 1st, which will remain valid throughout the tournament. If a player is not registered with GHIN but has "The Grint" and their GHAP is displayed, the opposing player will use this index.
• Handicap Limits:
  • A player cannot give another player more than 12 strokes in match play.
  • In the foursome format, the maximum difference allowed is 18 strokes.
  • Each team captain is responsible for ensuring the handicap differential is fair for competition.
• Scoring:
  • Each hole is worth 1 point. The team with the lowest-best ball score wins the hole. 
• Tees:
  Players must play from the designated tees based on their handicap and age.

Playoff Format

• Qualification:
  The top 2 teams from each group advance.
• Seeding:
  Based on total points from the regular season.
• Format:
  Single-elimination knockout matches.
• Tiebreaker:
  If a playoff match is tied, a sudden-death putting playoff will be played.

• Win: 3 points
• Draw: 1 point for each team
• Loss: 0 points
• Lowest net score: 1 point
• Bonus Points: 
  • A team that wins by 3+ holes earns a bonus point.
  • If the team’s combined HCP has 5+ differences, higher HCP gets 1 point. 

• Teams can substitute players for each match.
• No player substitutions will be allowed once registration has been completed, unless a player becomes physically incapacitated or due to justified force majeure, in which case the previously registered player will be replaced for the entire tournament.
• If a team cannot field 2 players, they forfeit the match.
• If either team is not complete, they may play the following week. The team that was complete must provide at least two available days to play. If the other team still cannot play, the victory will be awarded to the team that was ready to play.

• USGA Rules Apply:
  Except for specific league modifications.
• Slow Play:
  Players must keep pace; repeat offenders may be penalized.
• Disputes:
  The League Commissioner will handle any disputes.
• Weather Policy:
  Matches canceled due to weather will be rescheduled.
• Sportsmanship:
  Players are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship at all times, respecting the course, fellow competitors, and officials.
• Alcohol Consumption:
  Moderate alcohol consumption is permitted; however, players who are visibly intoxicated or disruptive may be penalized or removed from the event.
• Language and Behavior:
  Profanity, aggressive behavior, or disrespectful conduct will not be tolerated. The League Commissioner reserves the right to disqualify a player or team for inappropriate behavior.

• Regular Season Champion
• Playoff Champion, 2nd & 3rd place.
• MVP (Most Wins Regular Season)
• Best Round (Lowest Net Score in Season)
• Best Ball tournament Champion, 2nd & 3rd place.

• Clubs:
  Players must use conforming golf clubs, as defined by the USGA.
• Golf Balls:
  Players must use USGA-approved golf balls.
• Attire:
  The league encourages players to wear golf-appropriate attire and to follow all course-specific dress code regulations.
• Club Usage:
  Each team may use one bag of clubs per round. Any player may use clubs from that bag, but the team must abide by USGA rules on club restrictions. Note: If you see a club please ask not to use if they use the club please report.

• Scheduling Match Days:
  Each captain will schedule their matches with the opposing team’s captain. Matches will be played within designated two-week match windows, during which team captains must coordinate a mutually agreed-upon date and course.
• Multiple games a week are available for make-up rounds in cases of weather delays.
• Rescheduling:
  If a team cannot make the scheduled match date, they must notify the opposing team and the League Commissioner at least 24 hours in advance. Reschedules must occur within the same week unless both teams agree to an extension.
• Match Start Times:
  All matches must start within 15 minutes of the scheduled tee time. Late arrivals will result in penalties or forfeiture of the match. Late arrival will lose the hole automatically. 

• Pending!

• For Regular Season Standings:
  If teams are tied in points at the end of the regular season, the following tiebreakers will be applied:
  1. Head-to-head results between the tied teams
  2. Total points scored in matches between the tied teams
  3. Total holes won in the regular season
  4. Coin flip (if no clear winner can be determined)

• For Playoff Seeding:
  If teams are tied for playoff spots or seeding, the same tiebreaker system will apply.
• For Match Ties in Playoffs:
  If a playoff match is tied and not resolved by sudden death, the match will be decided by the team that won the most individual holes. If still tied, a second sudden-death hole will be played. Putt off sudden-death.

• Team Captain:
  Each team must designate a captain responsible for submitting scores, confirming match details, and addressing league communication.
• Match Reports:
  The scorecards must be revised by each team at the end of the round. The captain of the winning team, or their designated person, must submit the results no later than 24 hours after their tee time.
  If this is not done, the team will lose 2 points.
• Course Etiquette:
  Teams are responsible for ensuring all players follow proper course etiquette, such as fixing divots, repairing ball marks, and raking bunkers.

• Disciplinary Action:
  The League Commissioner has the authority to impose penalties or suspend players/teams in cases of rule violations, misconduct, or noncompliance with league policies.
• Final Decisions:
  The Commissioner’s decisions are final regarding disputes, rules interpretations, and league management.

• Official League Website/Platform:
  All match schedules, standings, and league news will be posted on the official Dallas Golf League website or designated platform.
• Emails & Notifications:
  Teams must regularly check for updates. Important messages and reminders will be communicated via email, text, or app notifications.

• Course Choice:
  The captains of each team will choose the golf course for their match from the list of league-approved courses.
• Course Approval:
  All course selections must be made with the League Commissioner’s approval to ensure they meet league standards.
• Scheduling:
  Teams are responsible for booking tee times at the chosen course. Matches must be played at the scheduled times. If course availability causes issues, teams must notify the Commissioner and work to resolve it in a timely manner.

• Finalists will play championship and the rest of teams will participate in a scramble tournament on November 1.
• Final & Scramble rules will be shared separately.

• All players participate in the league at their own risk. SportiBuddies and its organizers are not responsible or liable for any injuries, accidents, or damages that may occur before, during, or after league play or events. By participating, players acknowledge and accept full responsibility for their own health and safety.

This document outlines the official rules and regulations of the SportiBuddies Golf League. By participating, all players agree to abide by these guidelines. For any clarifications, contact the League Commissioner.