INDO-AMERICAN GOLF LEAGUE - IAGL
SEASON VII: 2015-2016
LEAGUE RULES V.7.1
1. INTRODUCTION: The Indo-American Golf League, Inc., (“IAGL” or the “League”), is a private, members-only, individual stroke-play amateur golf league with two (2) flights. The IAGL will BEGIN PLAY on November 21, 2015 and will COMPLETE PLAY on October 15, 2016. The complete IAGL league rules (“League Rules”) for each segment are explained below.
1.1 The IAGL season will start on November 21, 2015 and will last for 12 months.
(i) During this 12 month period tournaments will be played once-per-month.
(ii) Tournaments are generally scheduled for the third Saturday of every month.
(iii) The season is comprised of twelve (12) tournaments:
(a)9 regular season tournaments
(b)2 major tournaments
(c)1 IAGL Championship Event
1.2 Players play for a monthly tournament prize purse and for points that go towards the final Championship Event.
(i) Regular season tournaments:
(a) Are worth 1x the points.
(b) Out of the 9 possible regular season tournaments, only a player’s 5 best finishes count towards the Championship Event.
(ii) Major tournaments:
(a)Are worth 2x the points.
(b)Out of the 2 possible Major tournaments, only a player’s top one Major finish counts towards the final Championship Event.
(iii) The Championship Event:
(a)Is worth 3x the points.
(b)Points accumulated in all eligible events, as per Rule 1.2, determine the final seasonal rankings and IAGL Champion.
1.3 The lowest “handicap-adjusted net score” will determine the winner each tournament.
(i) “Handicap-adjusted net score” = Gross score – Course handicap.
(ii) In the event of a tie, ranking will be determined by comparing the highest handicap hole down to the lowest handicap hole (score-card playoff).
1.4 For all tournaments players will be divided into 2 flights with 2 Champions – Flight A and Flight B.
(i) Players choose their Flight at the beginning of the season and cannot change until the following season.
(ii) Flight A
(a)Maximum course handicap is 18.
(b)There is no maximum score per hole.
(c)There are no gimmie putts.
(d)Players will tee off from the second from the back tees.
(iii) Flight B
(a)Maximum course handicap is 36
(b)Maximum score is a double par (e.g., +3 on a Par 3, +4 on a Par 4 and +5 on a Par 5)
(c)Gimmie putts are permitted (if given by opponent)
(d)Players will tee off from forward tees.
1.5 The annual membership fee is $200
1.6 There is an entry fee of $20 for each tournament.
(i) $15 will go towards the monthly payout pool.
(ii) $5 will go towards the IAGL League Championship Event Purse.
(iii) The top 3 players in each flight will receive cash prizes.
(iv) All players entering the tournament will receive points dependent on their finish relative to other players in their flight.
1.7 These League Rules are subject to change upon a majority vote of the Officers and Rules Committee members.
2. OFFICERS.
2.1 President: Saji Samuel
2.2 Vice-President: Jim Joseph
2.3 Vice-President: Neil Thomas
2.4 Officer: Eby Ouseph
2.5 Treasurer: Phani Bollavaram
3. RULES COMMITTEE:
3.1 The Rules Committee will be made up of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 League members selected by the Officers.
3.2 All disputes involving player scores, League Rules or USGA rules will be adjudicated by the Rules Committee.
3.3 PLAYERS CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE LEAGUE by the Rules Committee for unsportsmanlike behavior, including but not limited to: keeping inaccurate scores, cheating, not following League or USGA Rules, slow play, damaging course property, poor golf etiquette, etc…
3.4 Decisions made by the Rules Committee CANNOT BE APPEALED.
4. MEMBER REQUIREMENTS. This is an INVITATION-ONLY, PRIVATE amateur golf league.
4.1 All candidates for membership MUST BE INVITED AND SPONSORED BY A QUALIFIED CURRENT MEMBER. A “QUALIFIED CURRENT MEMBER” is defined as a member who paid dues both the previous season and the current season.
4.2 League members must be at least 21 years of age and must agree to abide by all League Rules.
4.3 The maximum league handicap index allowed is 36.
4.4 Members must commit to playing in a tournament 7 days in advance of a tournament or risk losing their spot.
4.5 Because the league may prepay for all players, players must cancel 48 hours in advance. Failure to do so will result in the player being required to pay for that tournament at the next event they play.
4.6 Candidates for membership must:
(i) Complete and sign the IAGL Application Form;
(ii) Sign IAGL Waiver & Indemnification Agreement; and
(iii) Submit $200 Annual League Dues
5. LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS. Points are awarded as follows:
|
|
Regular |
Major |
Championship |
|
1st place |
2100 |
4200 |
6300 |
|
2nd place |
1900 |
3800 |
5700 |
|
3rd place |
1800 |
3600 |
5400 |
|
4th place |
1700 |
3400 |
5100 |
|
5th place |
1600 |
3200 |
4800 |
|
6th place |
1500 |
3000 |
4500 |
|
7th place |
1400 |
2800 |
4200 |
|
8th place |
1300 |
2600 |
3900 |
|
9th place |
1200 |
2400 |
3600 |
|
10th place |
1100 |
2200 |
3300 |
|
11th place |
1000 |
2000 |
3000 |
|
12th place |
900 |
1800 |
2700 |
|
13th place |
800 |
1600 |
2400 |
|
14th place |
700 |
1400 |
2100 |
|
15th place |
600 |
1200 |
1800 |
|
16th place |
100 |
200 |
300 |
|
17th place |
100 |
200 |
300 |
|
18th place |
100 |
200 |
300 |
|
19th place |
100 |
200 |
300 |
|
20th place |
100 |
200 |
300 |
|
On so on… |
100 |
200 |
300 |
6. LEAGUE PLAY: “The Local Rules”
6.1 All players in the “Competitive Flight” will play from the BLUE TEES (or second from back), while all players in the “Recreational Flight” or those 60 and over shall play from the WHITE TEES (or one tee forward from Competitive flight tees). If the tees are not in the usual location, but in another location, they are to be played where they are.
6.2 All matches will be played under USGA RULES, which means the ball will be played down and as it lies at all times. You cannot touch the ball except as explained in Local Rule 6.3. USGA RULES will govern at all times except where a local or League rule takes precedence. If the course dictates “Cart Path Only” rules, then players can LIFT, CLEAN, AND PLACE the ball in your own fairway only.
6.3 IMPROVE LIE RULE: If your ball is in your own fairway and rests in a divot or in ground which may be considered under repair, even if it is not properly marked, or in an “unfair” lie in a bunker, you may take a drop, nearest point of relief, no closer to hole, without penalty, only after notifying and receiving permission from your opponent. A bunkered ball must be dropped in the bunker. If permission is not granted then the ball must be played as it lies. This is a judgment call by your opponent and cannot be appealed. USGA rules govern casual water and immovable obstructions.
6.4 You may Tap Down Bad SPIKE MARKS on the green.
6.5 NO Gimmie putts for the “Competitive Flight” whatsoever. All putts in the “Competitive Flight” must be putted out. NO EXCEPTIONS.
6.6 Gimmie putts are permitted in the “Recreational Flight” with permission from your opponent only for bogies or worst (i.e., no gimmie putts for par or better).
6.7 The designated DROP AREAS, if available, WILL be used. You can PLACE the ball within the Drop Circle.
6.8 “The 4 Options Rule”:
(i) Unplayable Lie / Wooded Areas / Any Hazard: ADD 1 STROKE and use one of the following 4 options…
Option 1: Drop and re-hit from the same place as your previous shot.
Option 2: Drop 2 club lengths from the ball or point of entry, no closer to the hole.
Option 3: Keep the point of entry between yourself and the Flag and drop on this line, no closer to the hole, back as far as you want.
Option 4: Keep yourself between the point of entry and Your Previous Shot and drop on this line, no closer to the hole, back as far as you want.
(ii) LOST BALL/OUT OF BOUNDS: If a player’s ball is lost or goes out of bounds (as defined by the course), the player must ADD 1 STROKE PLUS DISTANCE (must rehit from same place as previous shot). NOTE, if a player drops at the nearest point of entry for a lost or out of bounds ball (instead of rehitting), the player must ADD 2 STROKES INSTEAD OF 1 STROKE.
(iii) Point of Entry: The last point where the ball crossed playable golf course – before becoming unplayable, out of bounds, lost, or in a hazard or wooded area. If the shot never crosses playable golf course then take a 1 stroke penalty and re-hit from the same spot. If the player and the opponents disagree substantially where to spot the point of entry, it can be a compromised spot agreed to by both sides. Make a decision and GO!
(iv) Unplayable Lie: A player at any time can declare his ball unplayable and use any of the 4 options of Local Rule 6.8(i).
6.9 If there are any RULES DISPUTES during a match a provisional ball can be played and the Rules Committee will make a decision optionally under advisement from the course head professional. Committee decisions are final.
6.10 NO MULLIGANS or DO-OVERS.
6.11 Pursuant to USGA Decision 14-3/.05, the use of LASER RANGEFINDERS and HANDHELD GPS DEVICES conforming to USGA Rule 14-3 are permitted.
6.12 All players must be prepared to play READY GOLF, if necessary, to maintain the pace of play.
6.13 Monthly Tournament Purse for each Flight.
(i) 1st place: 50% of total purse
(ii) 2nd place: 30% of total purse
(iii) 3rd place: 20% of total purse
7. THE MATCH. Individuals with the lowest 18-hole handicap-adjusted Net score in each flight win.
8. IAGL HANDICAPS and ADJUSTED SCORE. The actual scores will be adjusted for handicap purposes as follows:
8.1 The Maximum IAGL Handicap for the League is 36.
8.2 IAGL Handicaps are calculated per USGA handicap system
8.3 Scores Used for Handicap Purposes: A player’s IAGL handicap will be based upon the number of IAGL tournaments completed by the player.
(i) Completed less than 3 Tournaments: A League member’s handicap will be the final League handicap from the previous year.
(a) For NEW LEAGUE MEMBERS to self-report a handicap for use during their first two tournaments, they must either (1) have an official USGA handicap, or (2) have their sponsor vouch for their handicap.
(b) NEW LEAGUE MEMBERS who self-report and are unable to submit previous signed scorecards will have their self-reported handicap adjusted as follows:
- 1-9 Handicap: 1 stroke adjustment
- 10-19 Handicap: 2 stroke adjustment
- 20-29 Handicap: 3 stroke adjustment
- 30-36 Handicap: 4 stroke adjustment
(ii) Completed 3 Tournaments: Use the average of the player’s lowest 1 of 3 gross scores to calculate handicap.
(iii) Completed 4 or more Tournaments: As appropriate, use the average of the player’s lowest 2 of 4 gross scores; lowest 2 of 5 gross scores; lowest 3 of 6 gross scores; lowest 3 of 7 gross scores; lowest 4 of 8 gross scores; lowest 4 of 9 gross scores; lowest 5 of 10 gross scores; and lowest 5 of 11 gross scores, and so on and so forth, using a maximum of a player’s last 20 scores.
8.4 Scorekeeping and Integrity. In order to maintain the integrity of the game, the following rules are implemented:
(i) Players will be randomly paired with cart partners.
(ii) One cart group will keep score of the other cart group.
(iii) SCOREKEEPERS AND PLAYERS must sign scorecards.
(iv) Both cart groups must turn in signed scorecards.
(v) As per USGA rules, players who sign inaccurate scorecards may be disqualified from that tournament. Repeat offenders will be tarred and feathered.
(vi) ALL PLAYERS MUST HAVE THEIR HOLE-BY-HOLE SCORE ENTERED INTO THE SMART-APP BEFORE THE END OF THEIR ROUND OR RISK DISQUALIFICATION.
8.5 Plus (+) handicaps are possible.
12. RAINOUTS / LIGHTNING.
12.1 If lightning is present, you are to immediately take the standard precautions prescribed by the course for this condition. Take cover if the course warning horn sounds during a round.
12.2 Rainouts will be determined by the club pro and/or the Rules Committee. You will be notified if the round is being postponed or cancelled.
12.3 In the event of a rainout, if players have finished a round, the Rules Committee will determine whether:
(i) the tournament is postponed,
(ii) the tournament is cancelled in its entirety, or
(iii) the tournament is cancelled just with regard to the players who have not completed their round.
13. DISPUTES / RULES COMMITTEE DECISIONS / LEAGUE CHANGES / CHARITIES.
13.1 The Rules Committee can make League and local rules pertaining to League play at anytime, including but not limited to, for matters which affect points, standings, rule interpretation, etc.
13.2 All League disputes, violations, and penalties, are subject to review by the Rules Committee.
13.3 The Rules Committee may consult any outside party, including but not limited to, the parties involved, any witnesses, and/or the head course golf professional.
13.4 Decisions made by the Rules Committee are final.
13.5 Major changes in League structure during the season require a vote of the League Officers.
13.6 Solicitation of funds or services from members for charitable and non-charitable events is strictly prohibited unless prior written permission is sought and received from the IAGL Administration.
13.7 Advertising of charitable golf events is limited to entities who have received or are currently applying for sec.501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service. Proof of such status will be required.