A recent review by the Match Committee of score cards printed has revealed that a number of our members are regularly not returning their scores.  This is a  requirement from New Zealand Golf and of our Match Committee at Remuera Golf Club.  Please read the following carefully.

The only circumstances where it is NOT necessary to return a score card are as follows (from the NZ Golf Club Handbook):

  1. When fewer than 7 holes are played.
    (Note that you should return a 9-hole card even if 7 or 8 holes are played and an 18 hole card if 13 or more holes are played.  Holes not completed in each instance should be recorded as net pars).

  2. When playing in a Match Play event off-the-stick, e.g. Club Match Play.

  3. When made on a golf course where NZ Golf has declared a closed season due to unusual conditions.  (This is not likely at Remuera).

  4. When a majority of the holes are not played in accordance with the principles of the Rules of Golf, for example ‘Powerplay’ golf. (Again, not a condition of play at Remuera).

  5. When the length of the course is less than 2,742 metres for 18 holes, or less than 1,371 metres for 9 holes.  (Not true at Remuera).

  6. When, as a condition of the competition, the maximum number of clubs allowed is less than 14 or types of clubs are limited as, for example, in a competition that allows only iron clubs.

  7. When scores are made on a course with no NZ Golf Course Rating or Slope Number.

  8. When a player carries or uses non-conforming clubs or uses non-conforming balls or tees.

  9. When artificial devices (Rule 14-3) are used during the execution of a stroke.

 

What is the penalty for the non-return of score cards?

If a player fails to post an acceptable score as soon as practicable after the completion of the round, the Handicap Committee should post the score and/or penalty score equal to the lowest handicap differential in the player’s scoring record.

The Handicap Committee has the responsibility of making certain that a player’s NZ Golf Handicap Index reflects potential scoring ability.  Under these circumstances it will be necessary for the Handicap Committee to make adjustments to the player’s NZ Golf Handicap Index.  Before an adjustment becomes effective, the Committee must give the player an opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the proposed adjustment, either in writing or by appearing before the Committee.

The Handicap Committee is responsible for identifying and notifying a player who regularly violates these provisions.  If the player continues to violate these provisions they shall recommend to the NZ Golf Handicap Committee the withdrawal of the player’s Handicap Index.

Non-Printing of Score Cards

It is also unacceptable not to print a score card before playing.  Not printing a score card can result in the same penalties as not returning a score card. 

Remuera Golf Club is a busy and active club.  If members do not print a score card we do not have an accurate understanding of playing statistics.  It therefore makes it very difficult to make appropriate changes to such things as our tee booking system and membership categories for better availability on the course.

Why are these provisions necessary?

Golf is a sport where adherence to the Rules of Golf and golf etiquette is the responsibility of every player.  Our sport is proudly based on our members respecting these traditions.  There are numerous instances where players have called penalties on themselves that no one else has seen. 

While some may think they don’t need to follow these rules perhaps because they don’t compete in club events, these players may compete in events, corporate tournaments,  or the like, away from our club.  At Remuera we have encountered situations where a player in a corporate event has posted a score significantly better than their handicap.  This  might bring into question their honesty and whether they have manipulated their handicap before playing in the event.  It is our responsibility to ensure that such questions or concerns do not  arise in relation to our members.