Frequently Asked Questions
The Tournament Referee has compiled a list of his responses to 'frequently asked questions'. It is recommended that you take a copy of the Tournament Rules and these 'Frequently Asked Questions' to each of your round matches, in case of any queries while on the course.
1. ELIGIBILITY
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: No, there is no age limit.
Q: Are 5-day members eligible to play?
A: Yes. However bear in mind that many matches, particularly in the early rounds are played at weekends which may be a problem if you are drawn at home and select 5-day members.
Q: Is there a fee to enter the competition?
A. There is no entry fee for the Tournament, but courtesy of the course must be extended to visiting competitors when the match is played.
2. QUALIFYING ROUNDS
Q: We usually hold a qualifying competition, however this year we haven’t been able to. What do we do?
A: Where it has not been possible to arrange a qualifying competition, a Club may nominate a pair to represent it in the tournament.
Q: We have had to re-schedule our qualifying competition and this now means we will not have a winning pair in time for the entry deadline. What should we do?
A: Register your entry on time and we will send the initial draw to the Club. It will then be up to the Secretary to pass on the first round details to the qualifiers as soon as the competition has been played. If it is not possible to play a qualifying event within two weeks of the entry deadline the Club should nominate a pair to represent it in the tournament.
3. ELIMINATING ROUNDS
Q. Is the format for the eliminating rounds the same as the foursomes matchplay we play at our clubs?
A. Yes exactly the same. It comprises a match over 18 holes with the playing pair taking alternating shots against the other players. If the match is tied after 18 holes play continues until a hole is won on a "sudden death" basis.
Q: We play three eighths of the difference in competing pairs’ handicaps in our club matches, why is this tournament half of the difference?
A: CONGU recommends that half of the difference should be used in foursomes match play.
Q: Can we elect to play all of our matches away?
A. No. It is a condition of entry that clubs must be able to host matches if drawn at home.
Q: During the early months of the year we always have winter conditions in place. Is this acceptable?
A: It depends on the conditions. Our rules state that if winter rules are in force they should still allow for the fair and proper playing of the match. You MUST notify the visiting captain of any winter rules when arranging your match and unless he or she agrees to play the match under those rules (or the away course has similar conditions in force) then the away team can claim home advantage if any of the following apply:
a) Carrying a piece of Astroturf mat around and playing from it.
b) * Generally dropping off the fairway in the semi rough or rough.
c) * Generally teeing the ball up on the fairway
d) Winter tees and greens are acceptable (maximum 6) as long as they do not manifestly alter the length of the course. In the case of winter greens these must be cut to an appropriate height and the holes MUST be regulation size.
*The odd fairway is acceptable if it is for course maintenance purposes.
Q: One of our winning pair has a 4-week holiday planned that effectively rules them out for the entire period allotted to play one of the rounds. Can anything be done about this?
A: Not really. As no extensions to the playing times for rounds can be considered it would be best for the Club to put forward a replacement at the start of the competition. No player substitutions are permitted after the first round match has been played.
Q. One of our players has sustained an injury mid-tournament and is unable to play a match. What can we do?
A. No player substitutions are permitted. If a player is unable to play due to injury or illness their club will have to withdraw from the tournament.
Q: We have contacted our opponents and they can only play at weekends, whereas we play all of our golf during the week. What happens in such circumstances?
A: In the early rounds, when it is not possible to play evening golf, the vast majority of matches take place at weekends and therefore it is essential that at least one weekend date is offered.
Q: In trying to arrange our match I have given numerous dates but our opponents can only play on the last weekend. What will happen if the weather prevents us playing on that date?
A: Whilst it is both desirable and advisable to give as many dates as possible, the objective is to find a date that is suitable for both clubs. If a match is not played on or before the last weekend the Tournament Director will decide, on the basis of availability which team will go through to the next round. No match extensions will be allowed.
Q: Must matches be played off Medal Tees?
A: Whenever possible matches should be played off Medal Tees.