1.1 League membership is open to anyone over 16 years of age.
1.2 Size of the league will be limited as necessary by current circumstances, as determined by
the Rules Committee from year to year.
1.3 In case the number of applicants exceeds the existing limits, preference for entry into
the league will be given by the following priorities. The term 'existing limits' can refer to those
placed on the league by the golf course, or as determined by the Rules Committee in order to make
the schedule work.
1.4 Match Scores
Match scores are used to determine league seniority (see Section 1.3),
and the minimum score requirements for individual awards (see Section 11.3).
Match scores are scores from regular season matches played at your home course. They DO NOT include
playoff scores, or scores when a league member subs. They DO include scores when a non-league
member subs. For league seniority, match scores are weighted by division and most recent scores.
Division seniority will be based on Divison 1 scores and "Other", that is, scores played in divisions other
the Division 1 will be combined.
2.1 Fees will be $10, which will go to the league prize fund. Any team failing to pay
their fees by the required dates will lose their seniority and may be dropped from the league.
2.2 Golfers will be responsible for paying their own greens fees. The league will NOT pay for playoff greens fees.
2.3 By paying your entry fee, you agree to all IGL rules and to abide by them.
3.1 Handicaps will be calculated based on the USGA Handicap System. The USGA's Equitable
Stroke Control (ESC, see 3.9) will be in effect, and administered by the IGL WEB PAGE. The chart below shows how
handicaps will be calculated:
2. League Fees
3. Handicap System
| Scores Available | Scores Used | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 75% |
| 2 | 1 | 80% |
| 3 | 1 | 85% |
| 4 | 1 | 90% |
| 5 or 6 | 1 | 96% |
| 7 or 8 | 2 | 96% |
| 9 or 10 | 3 | 96% |
| 11 or 12 | 4 | 96% |
| 13 or 14 | 5 | 96% |
| 15 or 16 | 6 | 96% |
| 17 | 7 | 96% |
| 18 | 8 | 96% |
| 19 | 9 | 96% |
| Last 20 | 10 | 96% |
The USGA's slope system will be used when calculating handicaps. To learn about the USGA Handicap System, see their web page. Course Rating and Slope is obtained from USGA's Course Rating Database.
3.2 Tournament handicaps will be maintained separately from league handicaps. Tournament handicaps will be based on 18-hole rounds, but otherwise be calculated the same as league handicaps, except that 3 scores will be required. Until 3 tournament scores are entered, new golfers will play in the Calloway flight. Scores will be used from all previous seasons. You cannot use your league handicap for tournaments, or vice-versa.
For tournaments on par 3 courses, 75% of the tournament handicap will be used.
Calloway golfers are permitted in afternoon scrambles. The handicap will be based on any prior scores PLUS the score from the morning round. Callaway golfers CANNOT play bestball.
3.3 Course ratings and slopes are available from the IGL WEB PAGE. When competition takes place on a course where the men's rating differs from the women's, handicaps will be adjusted by the difference as per USGA rules. Since this adjustment is based on the course played, it will be shown from the Match Input screen only. Handicaps for tournament play will be adjusted in the same manner.
3.4 Handicaps will be limited to 20.2 strokes per nine holes for women, and 18.2 strokes per nine holes for men.
3.5 Handicaps will be recomputed when the match results are input (see Section 5).
3.6 Handicap strokes will be taken on the holes as designated on the scorecard by the men's handicap.
3.7 Substitute rounds will not be used when calculating handicaps of league regulars.
3.8 For scrambles and smorgasbord tournaments where you pick your own team, the following formulas will be used:
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ONLY ONE SHOT PER PLAYER IN SCRAMBLES, regardless of the number of players on the team. If your group has less than 4 golfers, you will use a BLIND handicap of 40.4 for the missing golfers. But each golfer can only hit each shot once.
3.9 USGA ESC (Equitable Stroke Control)
ESC is an adjustment of individual hole scores (for handicap purposes) in order to make handicaps more representative of a player's potential ability. ESC is used when the actual score or the most likely score exceeds a player's maximum number. ESC sets a limit to the number of strokes a player can take on a hole depending on Course Handicap. Below is the maximum number a player can take:
| Course Hcp (9-hole) | Course Hcp (18-hole) | Maximum Score |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or less | 9 or less | Double Bogey |
| 5-9 | 10-19 | 7 |
| 10-14 | 20-29 | 8 |
| 15-19 | 30-39 | 9 |
| 20 and above | 40 and above | 10 |
4.1 League scoring will be on a handicap basis.
4.2 Points will be based on team net and individual match play.
4.3 Individual opponents shall be matched in the order of their handicaps. The players with the lower handicap on each team will play each other. Likewise with the higher handicap players. This applies to both regular and substitute players. If a player has no previous league handicap, the IGL WEB PAGE will calculate one and swap the players as necessary.
4.4 Players of each team will compete head to head for 18 total points, 2 points per hole with ties to split 1 point each. The combined teams will compete for a low net score worth 6 points, ties to split 3 points each (42 total points possible per match).
4.5 A golfer shall not play two or more matches simultaneously.
4.6 Team points will be accumulated throughout the season for determining the league or division champions.
5.1 After each match, the winning team is responsible for inputting the results into the database, and the other team is responsible for verifying those results. Scores must be input the next day whenever possible.
5.2 All matches must be played and input within 4 weeks of the schedule date by 12:00 noon. Failure to enter scores will result in forfeiture of all points for both teams for that match. Teams will be notified of missing scores weekly, and the match will automatically be forfeited after 4 weeks. All matches must be played and input within 1 week of the last schedule date of the season.
THESE DEADLINES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED, NO APPEALS!!!
5.3 Partial match play is NOT ALLOWED. All match participants must play at the same time. It is not legal for teams to play separately.
6.1 The following options, listed in order of preference, are available to teams with an absent member:
6.2 If for any reason a postponed match is not played within the 4-week time limit, the match will be forfeited and both teams will receive 12 points.
6.3 Incomplete scores (League play only)
If for any reason a player does not complete a hole, the hole is forfeited along with 2 team net points. If the hole was started but not completed (enter "X" when posting), ESC max score (see 3.9) is used. If the hole was not played at all (enter "W" when posting), blind net (Section 7) is used.
Incomplete scores WILL count towards handicap and individual awards if at least 7 holes are completed.
6.4 If both members of a team are absent and no substitutes are provided, that team will forfeit and receive 12 points. The other team must play against the forfeiting team's blind nets (see Section 7).
6.5 Tee times will be listed on the schedule and the weekly standings sheet. If a player is not on the tee at the scheduled time, the rest of the foursome should tee off anyway. The late player(s) should join them as soon as possible, and make up the missed holes after completion of the nine. If you miss your tee time, you move to the end of the tee time schedule.
6.6 SHOTGUN STARTS - the schedule will list starting hole instead of tee time. If a player is not at his hole at shotgun time, the rest of the foursome should tee off anyway. The late player(s) should join them as soon as possible, and make up the missed holes after completion of the nine.
7.1 If a player is missing and no sub is available, the missing player's average league net (for up to the last 20 scores) will be used as a blind net. If no league matches have been played, the men's course rating plus three strokes will be used instead. The blind net is rounded to the nearest whole number. For individual match points, the difference between the blind net and course par is added to the handicap of the player opposing the blind, who then plays against par. For team net, the actual blind net is used.
The IGL WEB PAGE will calculate blind nets and match results.
7.2 The team using a blind will receive six points for that individual match. They may receive points for team net. Their team net is the present player's net plus the blind net.
7.3 If each team is using a blind, the two players present will play each other regardless of their 'A' or 'B' standings.
7.4 If an A player is missing, the B's still play each other and the A player plays the blind. The B
player doesn't get promoted to A because his/her partner is missing. However, if a team
uses a sub and a blind, the sub will become the A player and the blind will be that of the B player.
7.5 BLIND is not allowed once a player starts a match.
If they don't complete the round, enter "W" (Withdrew) for all unplayed holes (see 6.3).
8.1 A league-wide rainout will occur ONLY when the course is officially closed.
The Rules Committee will decide whether to push back the schedule. If not, all matches must be input within the 4-week time limit.
8.2 If the course is open, each foursome must decide if they want to play.
In case of a dispute on whether or not to suspend a match because of weather, the Rules Committee will render an after-the-fact
decision, based on the action of the majority of the players playing at the time of the dispute. In the
case of lightning, anyone can choose to stop playing and head for cover.
8.3 If a match is not completed due to weather, all holes played count.
If at least five holes were completed, use the AutoFill button for the unplayed holes.
If less than five holes were completed, make up the remaining holes within the 4-week limit.
If you can't complete the match on the same nine you started on, input the match on the nine it was completed on,
and enter the original scores as they related to par (birdie, bogey, etc.) on the new nine.
The same players that started the match must complete it (no subs). Input any missing players' scores as 'W'.
8.4 In case of a rain delay, all tee times will be pushed back until such time that weather permits a restart.
9.1 If a team or individual withdraws from competition during the season, replacements may be
formed from available substitutes. If an individual replaces his partner in the final three weeks
of the season, the new partner must be approved by the Rules Committee.
9.2 A replacement team will receive credit for all points won by the withdrawing team.
9.3 The withdrawing team or individual will not receive a refund of any fees paid. The replacement
will receive credit for any unused fees.
9.4 If a replacement cannot be found, blind nets will be used for any remaining scheduled matches.
10.1 Divisions will be limited to 16 teams.
That limit will be extended to 18 with overflow teams until there are enough overflow teams (six) for a new division.
Until then, the overflow teams will be assigned to existing divisions, keeping the total teams per division as even
as possible.
The league schedule and prizes will be determined each year based on current participation.
10.2 If hazardous weather conditions, non-leaguers late teeing off, or any other obstruction
beyond the control of the players occurs and it prevents league play from starting off the first
tee at the regularly scheduled time, all tee times move back so that the order of scheduling is
not affected.
10.3 A foursome may start on a hole other than 1 or 10 in order to complete their round before
dark. However, the previous hole must be completely clear of ANY golfers before this is done.
11.1 At the end of the season, the league will distribute cash awards as league prizes.
Cash awards for these prizes will be proportional to the size of the division.
Winners will have one month after league prizes are announced to claim them. Unclaimed prizes will be forfeited and returned to the league treasury.
11.2 Team Awards
The league will award the following team prizes:
11.3 Individual Awards
To win these awards, league members must have played at least 75% of their scheduled
match scores. Only regular season
matches played within the golfer's division at their home course
will count toward any of these special awards -- substitute and playoff
matches will not qualify for special award statistics.
Individual award winners will receive 2 shares of the division prize fund.
The league will award the following individual prizes in each division:
11.5 Points Race
Each year, points will be awarded in each tournament to non-Calloway golfers
based on overall net finish. For example, if 50 people play in a tournament:
Prizes will awarded to the top six (6) point leaders at the end of each tournament season.
These prizes will be funded by the participants in each tournament and is included in the entry fee.
The prize payout will be by shares (6 shares for 1st place, 5 shares for 2nd, etc.).
12.1 The league members will elect four officers (President, Secretary, Tournament Director,
and Treasurer) at the beginning of the year.
12.2 The President will appoint members-at-large to serve on the Rules Committee.
12.3 The Rules Committee will consist of the four officers and the members-at-large.
12.4 If an officer is unable to serve his full term, the Rules Committee will appoint a new member.
13.1 They will establish and publish the season schedule prior to the beginning of league play.
13.2 They will hear and rule on all protests. To be considered, a protest must be submitted
via email to a member of the Rules Committee no later than 24 hours after the completion of
the match in which the protested event occurred.
13.3 They will advise and render interpretations of USGA golf rules, local club rules, or league rules.
13.4 They will enact rules changes prior to the start of league play.
13.5 They will conduct the election of officers for the following year.
13.6 They may serve in other capacities as requested by the President.
13.7 The Treasurer will be responsible for maintaining a checking account at a local (Madison) bank.
He will deposit all league fees at the beginning of each league season, and purchase and distribute all
league prizes at the end.
14.1 The Rules Committee has the responsibility and sole authority to enact any rules changes it deems necessary.
14.2 In January, the IGL Issues web page will list any issues brought up by the league membership,
in order to solicit and discuss rules changes.
14.3 Prior to the start of league play, the Rules Committee will finalize and publish the new rules.
15.1 All play will be governed by current United States Golf Association (USGA) rules and local
course rules unless otherwise stated in the league rules.
15.2
Unless specified by the course, the ball will be played down (no winter rules) in league play. Free drops from
unmarked ground under repair must be approved by the opponent.
Penalty for violation of this rule is two (2) strokes added to the
score for that hole.
15.3 If a ball is out-of-bounds, lost or deemed unplayable (including in a hazard), you can take a 1 stroke penalty and drop it anywhere along the line of flight,
no closer to the hole. This is an IGL option in addition to the options provided by the USGA.
If a ball is deemed unplayable in a bunker, it must be dropped inside the bunker.
15.4 A player shall not spend more than 5 minutes looking for a lost ball.
15.5 All drops must be approved by the playing partner or opponent.
15.6 INGR league play is governed by match play rules. As such, putts may be conceded by either
of your opponents (in fact it's recommended to speed up play).
Only your opponents can concede your putt. If you play two blinds, you must putt everything out.
Because we play a combination of a match play (your individual match) and stroke play (team low net),
we have to apply stroke penalties for any rules violations (as opposed to loss of hole). Apply the penalty
to the hole were the violation occurred. For example, if a player discovers he played a round with 15 clubs
in his bag (the limit is 14), the rules state: Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum
penalty per round: four strokes. The player would take a 2-stroke penalty on each of the first 2 holes.
15.7 INGR tournament play is governed by stroke play rules. Gimme's are not allowed in stroke
play. Everything must be putted out.
15.8 USGA-approved distance-measuring devices are allowed in league and tournament play.
Distance measuring devices with slope capability are permitted when the slope mode is disabled.
See USGA rule 14-3 for more information (2016 rule update).
The following is the league recommended tournament format. Any exceptions must be specified by the
Tournament Director.
16.1 Eligibility
Tournaments are open to anyone over 16 years of age. When space requirements limit the field size,
preference will be given in order of fee payment.
16.2 Tees
The league recommends choosing tee boxes for non-senior men closest to 6200 yards, 70 course rating, and 118 slope.
Seniors play from the senior tees and women play from the ladies tees.
16.3 Scorecards
Those of us that input tournament scores would appreciate it if everyone would follow some simple guidelines
to make our life easier.
16.4 Slow Play
Please help speed play by playing ?ready? golf when your group is behind. Only those groups who can keep pace
should be afforded the right to use tee/shot honors. Please limit the time looking for lost balls.
If your group falls behind the group in front of you, please let the group(s) behind you play through.
If you observe a group who is woefully behind and doesn't allow groups to play through, please inform
the tournament director of this. Tournament directors will keep up with the complaints and will start putting
habitually slow/inconsiderate groups last in future tournaments.
16.5 Scrambles Format
Each player will hit, and the best ball will be chosen. Each player will then place his ball within
one club length of the chosen ball (no closer to the hole), and hit. The 'one club length' does not
allow you to change the lie of the ball. That is, you can't move the ball from rough to fairway,
fringe to green, or out of a hazard. When putting, the ball must be placed within 6 inches of the
chosen ball (no closer to the hole). Repeat until the ball is holed. No gimme's.
ONLY ONE SHOT PER PLAYER IN SCRAMBLES, regardless of the number of players on the team.
If your group has less than 4 golfers, you will use a BLIND handicap of 40.4 for the missing golfers.
But each golfer can only hit each shot once.
16.6 Prizes
The Tournament Director plays for free (greens fees and tourney fees). He also gets whatever extra free golf he
can negotiate with the course. He pays his own bestball and scramble fees.
The prize fund will be divided as follows:
17.1 The division winners and wildcard teams will compete in a playoff to decide the League Champions
(see Team Awards).
17.2 The wildcard teams will be the 2nd place teams in each division, provided the division has at least
ten teams. If not, only the division winner will make the playoffs. Ties will be resolved by previous head-to-head play.
17.3 The playoff teams play 9 holes at Huntsville Country Club
on the Wednesday following Labor Day. The team shooting Low Team Net (no roundoff) are League Champions.
17.4 Substitutes must be approved by the Rules Committee. Blinds are not allowed, and each player must complete every playoff
hole before their team is eligible (no X's or Auto-Fill). Putts cannot be conceded in the playoff, everything must be putted out.
18.1 Slow play cannot be tolerated in an after-work league. Therefore, if a team is found to be consistently and excessively slow
and does not comply with the Tips for Ready Golf, they can receive a slow play penalty.
Any league member can file a slow play complaint via email to the IGL secretary. The secretary will conduct an anonymous poll of the division.
If a majority of the players in the division agree, the team in question will be penalized as follows:
18.2 If you re-schedule a match or know beforehand that your foursome will be late, please email the rest of the division
that your tee time is available. The first team to respond (please Reply All) gets it.
19.1 Men aged 62 and over can optionally play the
senior tees by emailing the league secretary. Once they've requested
senior status, they can not change back. Senior handicaps will be
calculated using the slope and course rating for the
senior tees. Seniors will be designated as such on the IGL web page.
19.2 Seniors are eligible for all league and tournament prizes.
19.3 Whenever senior tees are not available, seniors
will play from the ladies tees.
8. Rainouts
9. Withdrawals
10. Schedule of Play
11. Prizes
Double points will be awarded for 2-round tournaments (like the Year End).
Multi-person events (scrambles, smorgasbord) will divide the points by team size, so that
the total points awarded for a tournament is always based on the field size.
12. Rules Committee
13. Duties of the Rules Committee
14. Rules Changes
15. Rules of Play
16. Tournament Format
17. Playoffs
18. Slow Play
19. Senior tees
Appendix A. Local Rules
A.1 Huntsville Country Club
A.1.1 All boundary fences are treated as hazards. Drop 2 club lengths from the point of entry (or exit) with a 1 stroke penalty.
A.1.2 The boundary fences ARE NOT man-made obstructions, and you don't get free relief from them. You can play it as it lies, or drop 2 club lengths away
from it with a 1 stroke penalty. If your ball is on the cart path (or anything else that entitles you to relief), you can take a free drop no closer to the hole
(even if the fence obstructs your swing, like on #13).
A.1.3 On Hole #1, if the fence at the end of the driving range is in your line of sight to the hole, you can move your ball right (no closer to the hole)
to the nearest point of relief FROM THE FENCE, with no penalty. This rule does not entitle you to relief from trees. If a drop circle is available
and not closer to the hole than your original position, you can drop there.
A.1.4 On Hole #8, if the fence to the left of the green is in your line of sight to the hole, you can move your ball right (no closer to the hole)
to the nearest point of relief FROM THE FENCE, with no penalty. This rule does not entitle you to relief from trees. If a drop circle is available
and not closer to the hole than your original position, you can drop there.
A.1.5 Line of sight relief is allowed for all fans around the greens, with no penalty.