Golf HandbookGolf Handbook

20152015--2016 Season2016 Season

Golf Shop Staff

Main 480-585-0540

Fax 480-502-6031

Tim Rafferty, PGA

Head Golf Professional

480-473-5083

Mike Bertholf, PGA

Golf Professional

Kaley McCormick

Merchandise Manager

480-585-0540 Ext. 233

Brittnee Bachstein

Shop Assistant

Karinn Dickinson

Shop Assistant

2

2015-2016

Golf Committee

Craig Degnaro – Chairman cd egnaro @g mai l .co m

Jeanne Palmer – Vice Chairman j pal mer @pal mer ad v.co m

Chris Deckas ccd1 9 @yaho o .co m

Karlene Kieffer ksw mck@ ho tmai l .co m

Art Peters arth urpete rs@m ac. co m

Carolyn Peters cbpeter s@co x.net

Stan Greanias sgre a ni as@ ao l .co m

Tom Pomatto tpo matt o @ad vant us.co m

Hal Purkey hal purkey@ gm ai l .co m

Phyllis Rosenstock phyl l i sj ack@ho tmai l .co m

Tim Rafferty - Head PGA Golf Professional traffer ty@ tro o ncc.co m

As our new golf season rapidly approaches, we are pleased to present the

2015-2016 Golf Handbook. Included is important information regarding a

number of policies and golfing events.

3

Dear Golf Member,

Thank you for taking the time to read this important handbook regarding the

golf program here at Troon Country Club. You may also visit our web site at

www.trooncc.com for any additional information.

Pay special attention to the bullet points below as they present information

and outline changes to existing policy.

Closed one Monday a month for Maintenance starting in January and

ending in April. See page 22 for details.

New Club Championships formats. See pages 26 & 27 for details.

To ensure a premiere golfing experience for you and your guest,

please encourage your guests to drop off their golf clubs at the Valet

Serv ic es’ Bag Drop . This ensures guests are properly announced and

greeted upon arrival.

ForeTees requires members to add their guest names onto the tee sheet

so that bag tags can be made for members’ guests for the following

day, also for the guests to have a locker ready for them when they

arrive to play. Please check the spelling of your guest’s name so that

we can produce their tag accurately.

Remember, it is the Member’s responsibility to inform

guests on dress and cell phone policy.

The Golf Committee’s responsibility is to ensure that the golfing experience at

Troon is the best for each and every member. Our goal is to make golf at Troon

FUN and to increase participation. We welcome your input and look forward to

talking with you about our goals and objectives as the new season approaches.

Please feel free to e-mail the Golf Committee with any suggestions or com-

ments.

Let’s make the 2015-2016 Season our most enjoyable.

Sincerely,

The Golf Committee

4

Table of Contents

Page

1. Golf Course Access 6

Weekly Routine 6

How to Reserve a Tee-Time 7

ForeTees: Troon’s Tee-Time & Event Registration System 7

Tee-Time Draw System 7

Pre-books 9

Open Play 9

The Saturday Men’s Game 10

Thursday - Ladies Day at Troon 10

Monday Tee-Times 11

Guest Policy 12

2. General Golf Information 13

Golf Shop Hours of Operation 13

Golf Shop Merchandise Policies 13

Additional Golf Shop Services 14

Summer Reciprocity Program 14

Royal Troon Reciprocity 15

Golf Instruction Program 15

3. Golf Course Policies 17

Pace of Play Policy 17

Rules of Ready Golf 18

On-Course Marshalling Procedures 19

Warning Letter 19

Medical Flags and Regulations 20

Dress Code 20

Cell Phone Policy 20

Hole-In-One Club 20

5

4. Golf Calendar Overview

Page

21

Rules of Play / Local Rules 21

2015-2016 Troon Golf Calendar 22

White Tee / Green Tee Tournament Policy 25

Troon Country Club Local Rules 24

Competing From Different Tees 25

Troon’s Event Descriptions 25

Troon’s Premier Event Descriptions 28

Team Play & Interclub Events 29

The Demo Day Sales 30

5. USGA Handicapping

30

Equitable Stroke Control 30

Tournament Score Posting Policy 31

Events to be Posted as Tournament Scores 31

Handicap Committee 32

A Message from the Golf Committee 33

6. Lightning Procedures 35

7. Tee It Forward 36

6

The Weekly Routine

Section 1

Golf Course Access

This section explains our regular weekly schedule, including when you have

access to the course, how to join a game and how to book a tee time. Troon

Country Club is open seven days a week, with the exception of one Monday a

month, from January through April. Troon is closed on Mondays starting in

May running through December. A standard week at Troon will include regu-

larly scheduled starting times, a Thursday Ladies’ Day Shotgun, a Saturday

Men’s Game, an open block of tee times called “Open Play” three days per

week and from January through April, Monday tee times geared towards both

Members’ and their Guests’ enjoyment. In addition to the many casual rounds

of golf enjoyed at Troon, the club offers a comprehensive tournament schedule

for men and women who desire friendly competition. The tournament sched-

ule will be fully detailed in Section 4. Here’s a quick look at a normal week:

Monday January - April Tee times 8:30 am -1:00 pm

May - December - golf course closed

Golf course will be closed one Monday a month

Tuesday Regular tee times 8:00 am - 12:00 pm & after 1:00 pm

Open Play 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Wednesday Regular tee times 8:00 am - 12:00 pm & after 1:00 pm

Open Play 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Thursday October - December, March & April Ladies Day - 18 Hole Shotgun 8:30 am,

9 Hole Shotgun 8:30 am

Regular Play - 1:00 pm Shotgun

January & February Ladies Day – 18 Hole & 9 Hole 1:00 pm Shotgun

Regular Play – 8:30 am Shotgun

Friday Regular tee times 8:00 am – 12:00 pm & after 1:00 pm

Open Play 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Saturday Saturday Men’s Game – morning start times

Regular tee times – afternoon start times

Sunday Regular tee times all day

More detailed information follows.

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How to reserve a tee-time The tee-sheet at Troon is prepared seven days in advance of the date of play.

Members who know in advance when they want to play have two options to

reserve a tee time; (1) requesting a tee time by utilizing our on-line tee time

booking service, or (2) by using a “Pre-Book.” Both methods are explained be-

low. Members looking for tee times within the week are encouraged to check

the interactive on-line tee sheet or contact the Golf Shop for available tee-times.

These times are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Troon’s Tee-Time & Event Registration System Troon currently uses ForeTees as our on-line tee-time management system. The

program is very user friendly and can be accessed 24 hours a day from the club

website (http://www.trooncc.com). For direct login from your mobile device

please see the Golf Shop for details. If it is your first time using the system, we

encourage you to stop by the Golf Shop for a one on one tutorial from one of

our professional staff. With ForeTees, you will be able to:

Make a lottery request or tee time instantly with the click of a button

View the tee sheet online at your convenience and make tee times 24 hours

a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in the world where you have Internet

access

View event itineraries and formats

See who is playing so you can better manage your golf experience

Receive email notification of your tee time and of any subsequent changes

Register for golf events online

View all your lottery requests and tee times

You can still call the golf shop and make a tee time or walk in and make a tee

time.

Tee-Time Draw System Most Tee-Times at Troon are booked seven days in advance by using a lottery

system that is designed to give every member equal access to his/her desired

start time during the busy golf season. “The Draw” is conducted randomly by

computer daily at 4:30 p.m. To obtain a tee-time, members need to submit a tee

-time request on-line seven days prior to the desired date of play.

8

Members have two methods of submitting a tee-time request: 1. A member may access the Troon Web site at www.trooncc.com,

and complete an online lottery request using the ForeTees system.

The golf staff will be happy to assist new members to the lottery

system.

2. A member may call the Golf Shop and have a member of the pro-

fessional staff submit an on-line lottery request for you.

Tee-time requests should be submitted to the golf shop:

1. Before 4:30 p.m.

2. Exactly seven days in advance of the desired date of play.

3. Indicating the desired time of play, the earliest time acceptable

and the latest time acceptable, the member requesting the time,

other players in the group, and any additional notes (Names of

guest for bag tags and lockers).

How the draw is conducted: The draw for tee-times is conducted in the golf shop beginning at 4:30 pm eve-

ryday. Each tee-time request will be given the closest time possible to their

desired time using a random draw method. All requests will be assigned a tee-

time unless no time is available between the earliest and latest times acceptable.

It is the member’s responsibility to verify his/her tee-time.

The following are important rules regarding the Tee Time Draw System:

1. The golf professionals will attempt to match up singles, twosomes,

and threesomes to form foursomes, unless they are told otherwise.

2. A waitlist will be started for groups in which no tee-times are available

within their range of acceptable times.

3. If a player or group must cancel, as a courtesy to fellow Members,

please notify the Golf Shop as soon as possible so we may attempt to

fill the openings.

4. The professional staff cannot accept tee-time requests more than seven

days in advance.

5. Tee-times which are not utilized during the on-line lottery system will

be booked on a first come-first served basis.

Wait List This optional feature allows members to be placed on a wait list when the

desired tee times are busy. The golf shop staff then has the ability to place

members currently on the wait list onto the tee sheet if or when tee times

become available.

9

Pre-books Each golf membership at Troon is allowed to book three tee-times per season

up to 30 days in advance of the date of play. These special times, called Pre-

books, when utilized, take priority over the tee-time requests submitted into the

tee-time draw system. Pre-books are used when family members or guests will

be in town and specific tee-times are needed due to travel plans. Pre-books are

to be made with the golf professional staff and are subject to approval by the

Head Golf Professional. All guest policies must be followed when utilizing a

pre-book.

Open Play The above tee-time draw system works great if you already have an arranged

game. However, we also have a vehicle for you to play golf if for some reason

you don’t have a tee-time or are looking for a game. On Tuesday, Wednesday

and Friday we have a walk up game you can join called “Open Play.” Open

play is a vehicle that allows members who do not have a

tee-time the chance to join other members . Open play is set up so all members

can join a group of players of similar ability. The golf staff will create pairings

for groups who play the blue tees, the combo/silver/white tees, couples and

ladies playing the red or green tees.

Members wishing to walk up and join a game during open play need only to

arrive at the club or call the golf shop prior to the first open play tee-time for

that day, inform the golf shop of their intent to play, and specify which tees.

The exact schedule and order of play varies slightly through the week and is

outlined below. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday the first open play tee-time

will be 12:00 p.m.

Open Play is available to all members; it is limited to the first 36 players to sign

up. October through April.

Tuesday Open Play Tee-times

Silver/White 12:00 p.m.12:15 p.m.

Blue/Combo 12:22 p.m.-12:37 p.m.

Red/Couples 12:45 p.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday Open Play Tee-Times Friday Open Play Tee-Times

Red/Couples 12:00 p.m.-12:15 p.m. Blue/Combo 12:00 p.m.-12:15 p.m.

Blue/Combo 12:22 p.m.-12:37 p.m. Silver/White 12:22 p.m.-12:37p.m.

Silver/White 12:45 p.m.- 1:00 p.m Red/Couples 12:45 p.m.- 1:00 p.m.

.

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The Saturday Men’s Game Every Saturday morning, year round, is Men’s Day at Troon. The golf shop

runs four games in which you can participate, a game played from the blue

tees, a game from the blue/silver tees, a game from the silver tees and a game

from the white tees. You can sign up throughout the week on ForeTees. On

Friday at 6:00 p.m. the Golf Shop will create the pairings and tee times for the

following morning. All games cost $20 cash. Tee-times can be viewed on-line

after 7:00 p.m. on Friday.

The First Tee-time is 8:30 a.m. The First Tee-time is 9:00 a.m. During October, November, During December, January

March and April and February

Thursday - Ladies’ Day at Troon Every Thursday, beginning with the Ladies Season Opener in October and last-

ing thru the Ladies Season Closer at the end of April, is Ladies Day at Troon.

The women golfers of Troon are a lively and an active group of ladies who have

implemented fun programs for women golfers of all abilities, from timid begin-

ners to low handicap experienced players. The normal Thursday Ladies Day is

set up to include beginners and novice players in a 9-hole group as well as the

more devoted ladies who play 18 holes. Each week there will be an on-line sign

up through the Events section of ForeTees starting the Thursday prior to the

date of play. The golf shop will create the pairings and conduct the competition

with an overall goal of having an enjoyable experience. Start times for each

group will be according to the following schedule:

Important Notes regarding open play! 1. The golf professional staff reserves the right to cancel open play

due to holidays, tournament days, or other club functions or

events. The membership will be notified in advance in such cases.

2. There are no guests or family guests allowed during open play.

“Members Only”.

Spe ci a l Note :

*There will be no Open Play the Friday after Thanksgiving.

*See ForeTees lottery system for additional open play changes.

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Thursday Ladies’ Days

October - December, March & April January & February 18- hole Group - 8:30 am Shotgun

18-hole Group - 1:00 pm Shotgun 9-hole Group—1:00pm Shotgun 9-hole

Group - 1:00 pm Shotgun

Thursday Open Play Shotgun Every Thursday from October – April there will be an open play shotgun avail-

able to everyone including guests. The times of the shotgun will vary

depending on the time of year. The shotgun times are as followed:

October – December, March & April January & February 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start

Monday Tee-times Beginning the first Monday in January and through the last Monday in April,

Troon Country Club will be closed one Monday per month for golf course

maintenance.

Monday tee-times begin at 8:30 am and end 1:00 pm. The golf course will be

closed all Mondays from May through December.

Dates Monday’s are Closed are as followed:

Monday, January 4, 2016

Monday, February 8, 2016

Monday, March 7, 2016

Monday, April 4, 2016

Mondays at Troon are a great opportunity to share the Troon experience with

Guests and Members alike.

Monday Hours of Operation

(First Monday in January until Last Monday in April)

Golf Shop 7:00 a.m.— 5:00 p.m.

Valet Service 8:00 a.m.— Close

Driving Range 8:00 a.m.— 5:30 p.m.

Quail’s Nest 11:00 a.m.— Close

Lunch 11:00 a.m.— Close

Fitness 6:00 a.m.— 4:00 p.m.

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Guest Play Policies Due to the tremendous weather differences between our “In Season” winter

months and our “Off Season” summer months the guest policy at Troon varies

from winter to summer.

Troon Country Club recognizes two types of guests, Family Guests and Guests.

Family Guests are defined as: Parents, Children, Grandchildren,

Brothers, Sisters and their respective spouses and children.

Guests are defined as: all other people not fitting into the Family Guest

category.

“In Season” refers to the winter months at Troon, beginning after we re-open

from overseeding on October 20, 2015 and lasting until May 1st, 2016. The

same non-family guest is not permitted more than six (6) times per golf In Sea-

son.

In Season Rates:

Monday-Sunday

18 hole Guest fee 165.00

9 hole Guest fee $85.00

18 hole Family Guest fee $90.00

9 hole Family Guest fee $45.00

Junior Guest fee (under 16) $30

In Season Policy:

Both guests and family guests must be accompanied by a member.

Unaccompanied guests of any kind are prohibited.

Guests are restricted to after 10:00 a.m. on Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun. There

are no time restrictions for guests on Mondays & Thursdays.

Guests are restricted to after 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday from

January through April.

Family guests are permitted to play at any time. Excluding Men’s Games

and Open Play

Each member may bring up to 3 guests any day.

“Off Season” at Troon refers to the hot summer months. The off season be-

gins May 1st and will last until the club closes to overseed in mid

September. All guest fees during the off season include a cart. The same non-

family guest is not permitted more than six (6) times per golf Off Season.

13

Off Season Rates:

18 hole Guest fee $65

9 hole Guest fee $35

18 hole Family Guest fee $30

9 hole Family Guest fee $30

Off Season Policy: Both guests and family guests must be accompanied by a member.

Unaccompanied guests of any kind are prohibited.

Guests are welcome to play at any time.

Section 2

General Golf Information

Golf Shop Hours of Operation The Troon Country Club Golf Shop is open Tuesday thru Sunday, year round,

according to the following schedule:

Da te s: Golf Shop 1st Tee-Time: Driving Ra nge

Oct. - Feb. 7:00 am – 5:30 pm 8:00 am 7:30 am – Close

Mar. & Apr. 7:00 am – 6:00 pm 7:30 am 7:00 am – Close

May 6:00 am – 5:00 pm 7:00 am 6:30 am – Close

June - Sept. 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m.

The golf shop will be open on Mondays from January to April, and during

overseeding according to the following schedule:

Monday (Jan. – April)

8:00 am – 5:00 pm 8:30 am

Tee-Times

8:00 am- 5:30 pm

Overseeding (Late Sept. - Mid

7:00 am – 3:00 pm

Oct.)

Golf Course

Closed

Driving Range

Closed

Golf Shop Merchandise Policies

Return Policy

Merchandise may only be returned or exchanged in its original, unworn

condition.

Any item returned within 30 days of purchase will be fully credited to the

member’s account.

Any item returned between 31 and 90 days will be credited to the

member credit book.

No returns on merchandise after 90 days.

14

Special Order Policy Members returning Special Orders will be charged a 15% restocking fee in

addition to the price of shipping.

Special Order merchandise must be returned in its original, unworn

condition.

Additional Golf Shop Services The Golf Shop at Troon Country Club is a world class facility offering many

services designed to provide you the best Country Club experience possible.

Aside from the tremendous variety of current styles from leading hard-goods

manufacturers like Titleist, Taylor Made, Callaway; and Soft-goods industry

leaders like Foot-Joy, Polo, Jamie Sadock, and Bobby Jones apparel; the Golf

Professional staff will stop at nothing to make every detail perfect. The follow-

ing is a list of services that we offer:

Professional next day golf club re-gripping

RH/LH/Ladies/Junior Club Rental Sets

Golf club packing/shipping service (available via Ship Sticks)

Complimentary gift wrapping service

Golf Professionals are certified in the USGA handicap system to

provide any assistance needed.

Personalized club head covers available.

Golf club identification/shaft labels are produced on site.

Buy used clubs.

*Summer Reciprocity Program Each year near the middle of May, Troon Country Club enters into a reciprocal

golf program with other local country clubs. This program allows each clubs’

golfing members access to other courses. The program typically includes Troon

Country Club, Firerock Country Club, Pinnacle Peak Country Club, The Boul-

ders Golf Club, Desert Highlands Golf Club, and DC Ranch. Reciprocity is

available only to Golfing members. A detailed list of all clubs participating will

be published in May.

This program typically starts in mid-May and lasts until each golf course closes

to overseed in mid-September. Tee-times are usually restricted until after 10:00

a.m., and are made at the discretion of the host Head Golf Professional. Tee-

times can be made no more than three days in advance, and must be made by

the golf professional. Members are not to call other clubs and book tee-times!

The cost of most to play each course is $30 per member and $70 per guest. All

billing will be done by member number and will show up on your statement

here at Troon.

15

There is a possibility that other clubs may be added to the list of summer recip-

rocal courses. Rates and rules for tee-time booking may fluctuate with these

clubs, but it is always an adventure to try out new and different tracks.

*Details are subject to change.

Please see Golf Shop for additional information.

Royal Troon Reciprocity As Members of Troon you have the opportunity to play a round of golf at Royal

Troon in Scotland. As a sister club, this reciprocity is accomplished by contact-

ing our Communications Administrator who will set up the tee time with Royal

Troon. Both the Championship and Portland Course are available for play.

Royal Troon has hosted numerous Open Championships, including the 1973

tournament won by Tom Weiskopf. The Portland Club located across the street

from Royal Troon is also available for men and woman. This is also an out-

standing golf course. Members of Royal Troon will gladly accompany our

Troon membership if the timing of your visit coincides with their availability.

It is a wonderful opportunity to play the original Postage Stamp hole that our

13th hole was designed after and experience classic links style golf.

More information can be found online at www.royaltroon.com. Please remem-

ber that you will be in a foreign country and must abide by their rules and poli-

cies.

Golf Instruction Program The golf professional staff offers individual, group and on-course instruction to

all members and their guests. Most lessons are either 30 minutes or 1 hour in

duration, and all lessons are by appointment only. Please contact the Golf shop

for scheduling.

Golf Lessons: (Per 1/2 hour) Head PGA Golf Professional $60.00

PGA Golf Professional $50.00

Teaching Professional $60.00

16

Private Instruction The bulk of our program will cater to private instruction. Each lesson is de-

signed to assist TCC Members with their specific goals in all areas of the game.

Our knowledge of the technical golf swing, the student’s physical strengths/

limitations and their golf objectives blends perfectly to give each student a pro-

gressive learning environment. All private instruction also includes the use of

video V1 technology.

Clinics, Workshops and Free Golf “Round Tables” During Golf Chats, we present the curriculum for future clinics and workshops

pertaining to the topic of discussion. Members can then choose the programs

that best fit their golf objectives. In the clinics and workshops, students receive

individualized attention in a group setting. The following is a sample of

potential curriculum material:

Technical Skills: We discuss all the fundamentals such as alignment, pos-

ture, set-up, tempo, balance and tension management, etc. From there, stu-

dents learn to develop a golf swing that is repeatable, holds up under pres-

sure and does not cause injury to the body.

Short Game: We provide inspiration to improve the most important part

of the game. Individual clinics on putting, chipping, pitching, 100 yards

and in, bunkers, etc.

Mental Strategy: Students will discover the mind-set at which they play

their best golf. Tools such as effective practicing, pre-shot routine, target

awareness, course management, building confidence and much more will

be presented and practiced.

Golf Fitness: We share our vast knowledge of injury prevention, strength

and flexibility specific to golf, driving range stretches and adrenaline con-

trol.

Other Program Ideas: Couples Golf Instruction, Tournament Training,

Mini Golf Schools, Beginners/New Golfer’s Series, Juniors, Competitive

Players’ Essentials: Club Championship Preparation.

Golf Fitness Opportunities

Students are taken through a gentle, physical evaluation that determines their

strengths and weaknesses. Along with a swing analysis, this blue print is used

to create a workout and stretching program to fit the individual’s needs. The

evaluation can be shared with their TCC Personal Trainer (Patty and KJ). From

there, members can improve their fitness levels specific to their body’s mobility

and stability issues. We will monitor the physical improvements. Any neces-

sary swing changes that need to be made will be applied. Communication with

the fitness staff and the golf instructors provides the TCC members with an

incredibly dynamic golf package.

17

Section 3

Golf Course Policies

Pace of Play Policy As your Golf Committee, we must make sure that all Members and their guests

know what is expected of them when it comes to playing at an acceptable pace.

It is our determination that acceptable pace of play is no more than 4 hours and

10 minutes. Following good habits (see enclosed Rules of Ready Golf) as they

relate to the pace of play, should allow a foursome at Troon to achieve the 4

hour and 1 0 minute pace of play without difficulty. With this in mind, the Golf

Committee has approved the following Pace of Play Policy.

All Members are expected to play at a reasonable pace and maintain their

position on the course. Early groups that tee off before 9:00 a.m. and those

who do not have players in front of them, but do have players behind them, are

e x pe cte d to se t a pa ce of no more tha n 4 hours. Groups “setting the pace” will

be timed by the starter to determine if they are maintaining the proper pace of

play. Each subsequent group must stay in position with the immediate group

in front of them. Any group “out of position” will be asked to “pick up the

pace” and get back into position with the group ahead of them or be asked to

skip a hole to catch up.

During the months of November through May our golf course is extremely busy and

most tee-times are allocated. Twosomes or threesomes should not expect to play

through foursomes and should not exert pressure on the group ahead. Foursomes

shall have the right away. When possible please allow faster players to play

through.

The “time clock” for a group’s expected pace of play will start at the scheduled tee-

time. This means that the first ball of the group should be in the air at, or before, the

scheduled tee-time; this doe s not mea n that the group will leave for the first tee at

the scheduled tee-time. It i s t he r es pons i bi li t y of t he Me mbe rs t o ha ve a bal l i n

t he a i r by t he ir s c he dul e d t ee -t ime . Our Starter is assigned to help assist with the

promptness of every group. Please plan to show up to the golf course and have all

of your pre-round routines (warming up on the range, putting, getting bottles or

cups of water, wetting your towel) completed so that you and your group will be on

the first tee on-time.

The Golf Committee also realizes it has to live up to its responsibility in educating

our Members on how to play faster and informing everyone of our Pace of Play

Policy. Therefore, the Committee will be taking the following action:

Golf Committee Members meet with new Members of the Club and com-

municate to them the importance of play within our Pace of Play Policy.

The Head Golf Professional also covers this policy during New Member

Orientation.

18

The golf staff will communicate with the Members on a regular basis

ways in which to play without excessive delay. This will involve arti-

cles in the monthly Newsletter, information on the bulletin boards in

the locker rooms, sharing tips with Members during golf clinics, etc.

Furthermore, the golf staff will continue its program of aggressive but

professional marshalling.

Needless to say, we need everyone to cooperate in making our efforts success-

ful. Hopefully, with an aggressive, campaign to eliminate slow play, the expe-

rience at Troon will be a memorable one for everyone.

*Pace of Play applies to all events and tournaments*

The Rules of Ready Golf

Short Cuts

Mark your scores at the next tee.

When driving a cart, drop your partner at their ball, and then continue to

yours.

When playing with guests use Desert Rule.

The desert areas are played as lateral water hazards.

Take a one stroke penalty, and drop within two club lengths

from point of entry.

Use the Poolside Grille telephone on the 9th tee box to order food and

drink.

On the Tee

SHOW UP ON THE FIRST TEE BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED TIME

Shorter hitters should hit first.

Tee off as soon as the group ahead is clear.

Carry an extra ball in your pocket.

When in doubt, hit a provisional ball.

On the Fairway Prepare to play while others are hitting their shots.

You don’t need to be away to go first

Take appropriate clubs to your ball and HIT WITHOUT DELAY.

Have your group watch where each shot goes.

Limit search for lost balls to 3 minutes.

Continue order of play while searching for lost ball.

Pick up at your equitable stroke control limit

On the Green Place your clubs between green and next tee.

Study your putt while others are putting.

Continue putting until holed out.

Leave green immediately after holing out and proceed to next tee.

19

On-Course Marshalling Procedures If you can not see the group in front of you on the golf course then there is a

good possibility that your group is behind their expected pace of play.

The process outlined below illustrates how the on-course marshal will work

with groups who have fallen behind and are in danger of violating Troon’s

Pace of Play Policy.

When first observed “Out of Position” the group will be notified by the

golf professional or on course Ranger.

If Observed “Out of Position” a second time the group will be given the

option of closing the gap quickly or skipping a hole.

If observed “Out of Position” a third time the group will be required to

skip one or more holes until the group is back in position.

Any group requested to skip holes, will also receive, at a later date, written

confirmation noting their slow play.

Warning Letter An example of the written confirmation regarding slow groups who were asked

to skip a hole:

March 5, 2016

Dear Member,

Unfortunately you are receiving this letter due to a recent violation of club pol-

icy. It was brought to the attention of the golf committee that on February 28th

your foursome completed your round in 4 hours and 30 minutes causing

groups behind to experience a similar time. This is a violation of Troon Coun-

try Club’s pace of play policy which expects players to complete their rounds in

no more than

4 hours and 10 minutes.

Date: Thursday – February 28th, 2016

Time Out: 8:30 AM

Time In: 1:00 PM

In fairness to the rest of the membership this pace will not be accepted in the

future. Continued violation may result in restricted tee-times or, in extreme

situations, suspension of play for a period of time to be determined by the golf

committee. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Troon Country Club

Golf Committee

Golf Committee

20

Medical Flags and Regulations Medical flags are to be issued by the Head Golf Professional or one of the PGA

Golf Professionals . Flags will be issued only to those golfers having extremely

restrictive ability to walk the additional yards necessary to get from the cart

path to their ball. The Board has directed the issuance to be restricted to mem-

bers or guests who have been provided license plates designated as

“handicapped” and to those golfers recovering from injury or having medical

problems that limit ability to walk the required distance. Any additional re-

quest for special privilege should be directed to the Board of Directors for re-

view.

Please use common sense; if two members of your foursome require a flag,

have them ride together. If you are riding in a “medical flag” cart, grab your

clubs and walk to your ball on the “cart path only” holes.

Troon’s Dress Code Men -Must wear a collared shirt at all times and it must be tucked in. No cut-off

shorts, gym shorts or swimwear is permitted. Hats shall be worn with the bill

facing the front.

Women - No mini-skirts, mini-shorts, cut-off shorts, gym shorts, tank tops, halter

tops, exercise clothing or swimwear is permitted.

All players shall be neat, well-groomed and properly attired. Cargo shorts and

denim are expressly prohibited for all players, as are metal golf spikes and any

other non-conforming footwear as determined by the Golf Committee.

It is each member's responsibility to ensure their guests adhere to the dress code.

The Golf Professional staff will notify players who are in violation of the dress

code and help them comply.

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phone usage is prohibited in most areas of the Clubhouse and on

the golf course and practice facility. Usage is limited to locker rooms, park-

ing and phone booths only. Use of GPS app on phone is acceptable.

Exceptions will be allowed for Doctors who are dealing with medical issues and

those with an emergency situation.

The Hole-In-One Club All members, unless they notify the Club Controller otherwise, are automatical-

ly enrolled in the “Hole-In-One Club.” The current cost to each member per

hole in one is $3.00.

Round of golf needs to be a minimum of nine holes.

Shot must be witnessed by a minimum of one other person

Scorecard is to be signed and turned in to the Golf Shop

The Food & Beverage staff will be immediately notified by the Golf Shop

that a certified hole-in-one has been made by a member of the Hole-In-One Club.

21

Food and Beverage will keep an account of the drinks g iv en to members fro m

th e Hole-In-One Clu b list provided by the accounting department and

will offer one drink per member of our premium house well liquor,

house wines, beer or soft drinks for a period of time until all golfers

are off the course.

The Club Accountant will post a credit to your monthly statement equal to

the total dollars in the Hole-In-One Club and the credit will be used to

offset drinks. If there are overages in drinks, that amount will be

billed to the Member’s account.

Section 4

Troon Golf Calendar Overview

The Overriding Principle A primary responsibility of the Golf Committee is to develop a tournament

schedule that provides maximum opportunity for Member participation while

allowing for as much access to the golf course as possible for non-participants.

Guidelines used to develop the Golf Calendar

1. Schedule around the agronomy schedule (aerification, herbicide, etc.).

2. Schedule around major and minor holidays to provide optimal golf course

access.

3. Leave December ‘OPEN’ (no tournaments) to provide golf course access

during the holiday season.

4. Make every attempt to leave Sunday available for non-tournament play.

5. Schedule individual tournament days to allow for as much non-

tournament golf as possible, i.e. double shotguns or A.M. /P.M. tee times.

6. Do not schedule golf tournaments on back-to-back weekends.

7. Tournaments with the most “tradition” i.e. Member/Member, Forsyth,

Men’s and Women’s Invitationals are scheduled on a priority basis. Provide for

a proper rotation of events between men’s, women’s, and guest events.

The Rules of Play The Rules of the United States Golf Association shall govern all play except

where modified by Troon Country Club’s Local Rules.

22

Golf Event

Event Dates

Sept. Labor Day Event Sunday, September 6

Overseeding Monday, September 28

Oct. Golf Course Re-opens Tuesday, October 20

Ladies Season Opener Thursday, October 29

Men's Season Opener * Saturday, October 31

Nov. Demo Day Saturday, November 7

Forsyth Event Fri. & Sat. Nov. 13 & 14

Ladies Guest Day Thursday, November 19

Dec. Happy Holidays Jan. ** Course Closed ** January 4

Men's Guest Day Wednesday, January 13

Ladies Member-Member Wed. & Thur. Jan. 20 & 21

Men's Stoke Play Sat. & Sun. Jan. 23 & 24

Feb. Men's Member-Member * Fri. & Sat. Feb. 19 & 20

** Course Closed ** February 8

Ladies President's Cup Thur. Feb.18 & 25

Demo Day Saturday, February 27

Mar. Club Championship Finals Sunday March 6th

Ladies' Guest Day Thursday, March 3

** Course Closed ** March 7

Weiskopf/Morrish Cup Friday, March 11-12

John Kayler Event Monday, March 14

Ladies Invitational Tues. - Thurs. March 22-24

April ** Course Closed ** April 4

Quail Hunt * Thur. & Sat. April 14-16

Ladies' Season Closer Thursday, April 28

Men's Season Closer Saturday, April 30

May Men's Guest Day Wednesday, May 18

Couples' Guest Day Sunday, May 22

Memorial Day Event Sunday, May 29

* Denotes a Men's Event that has a Stag Night the evening prior to the first day of the event

23

Tee

Times

Shotgun

Start

Times Available for

Non Participants

Sign-Up

Dates for Events

x N/A August 2

Course Closed N/A

N/A N/A

x Shotgun in Afternoon September 24

x Shotgun in Afternoon September 26

x Tee-Times N/A

x Shotgun in Morning October 1

x Shotgun in Afternoon Invitations

x Shotgun in Morning December 15

x Shotgun in Morning January 1

Tee-Times December 15

x Shotgun in Afternoon January 1

x Shotgun in Morning January 22

x Tee-Times N/A

x Tee-Times Dec.1

x Shotgun in Morning February 1

Day 2 Day 1 Shotgun-Tee Times February 1

x Shotgun in Morning March 1

Course Closed Invitations

Course Closed Invitations

x Shotgun in Afternoon April 1

x Shotgun in Afternoon April 1

x Shotun in Morning April 15

x Shotgun in Morning May 1

x Shotgun in Morning May 1

** Reminder Golf Course will be closed one Monday a month for Maintenance January - May **

24

Troon Country Club’s Local Rules:

Embedded Ball “Through the Green, defined as any where on the course a ball which is embed-

ded in its own pitch-mark in the ground, other than sand or wash areas, may be

lifted without penalty, cleaned and dropped as near as possible to where it lay,

but not nearer the hole.”

Stones in Bunkers Stones in bunkers are considered movable obstructions. (Relief without penalty

is permitted under rule 24-1)

Railroad Ties & Steps in Bunkers Rail road ties and the steps in bunkers are considered immovable obstructions.

(Relief without penalty is permitted under rule 24-2).

Out of Bounds Out of bounds is determined by white stakes, masonry walls, perimeter fences,

and public roads.

Fixed Sprinkler Heads All fixed sprinkler heads are immovable obstructions and relief from interfer-

ence by them may be obtained under rule 24-2. In addition, if the ball lies off

the putting green but not in a hazard and an immovable obstruction on or with-

in two club lengths of the putting green and within two club lengths of the ball

intervenes on the line of play between the ball and the hole, the player may take

relief as follows:

The ball shall be lifted and dropped at the nearest point to where the ball lay

which (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids such interference and (c) is not in a

hazard or on the putting green. The ball may be cleaned when so lifted.

Ground Under Repair/ Drop area on Hole #4

The retention basin located to the left of the 4th fairway has been deemed to be

ground under repair. As an option other than playing the ball as it lies, free relief

will be granted and, if chosen, must be taken in the established drop area.

(EMD) Electronic Measuring Device (Including the Laser Link Yard-

age Finders) 1. EMDs have been approved for play in tournaments at Troon Country

Club.

2. EMDs have been approved for use during regular play for purposes of

posting scores for handicaps.

25

White Tee/Green Tee Tournament Policy Any player that has an established handicap from a lesser tee than the Silver

may play those tees in competition and is required to play that tee throughout

the entire golfing season.

USGA handicap allowances will be used for match play events when

competitors are playing from different tees.

Competing From Different Tees In an effort to level the playing field when competing from different tees we

refer to the USGA Handicap Manual (Section 9-3c). When players compete

from different tees there is an adjustment that has to be made to the competi-

tor’s handicaps. We use the different ratings to allow the players competing

from the higher rated tees to receive additional handicap strokes.

Example: Since the White tees have a lower rating than the Standard Men’s

Tournament Tees (Silver Tees), those competitors playing the Silver Tees will

receive two extra handicap strokes to adjust for the difference in course

rating.

70.4 – 68.8 = 1.6 (Rounded to 2)

Silver Tee Rating – White Tee Rating = Additional Strokes Given

See Decision 3-5/1, players competing from different tees, at www.usga.org.

Section 5

Troon Events Descriptions

Note: Pace of Play Policy is in Effect

This section of the golf packet is designed to inform our new members about

some traditions and history of the club. With such a large influx of new mem-

bers over the course of the last several years, continued success of Troon’s tour-

nament season can be bolstered by new member participation. The description

of events in the text below will roughly follow the chronological order of events

as they appear on the golf calendar.

Men’s Troon Cup This is a two-man team match play tournament that runs from January through

the end of the season in May. Teams are seeded into a tournament bracket and

players must complete their matches by specified dates. All matches are played

as one net better ball of the two partners. Endurance is key in this season long

match play tournament. Pick a partner and sign up in the Golf Shop before

December 31st.

26

Couple’s Troon Cup This is a two-person team match play tournament that runs from January

through the end of the season in May. Teams are seeded into a tournament

bracket and players must complete their matches by specified dates. All match-

es are played as one net better ball of the two partners.

Note: Troon Cup participants are responsible for setting up and completing all

matches on-time. Any matches not played by the cut off date will be decided

by a coin flip, unless one team has not made a reasonable effort to complete the

match on-time. December 31st sign-up.

Guest Day Events (Includes Men’s, Ladies, and Couples) All Guest Day Events consist of an 18-hole golf outing followed by a nice meal

allowing members to “show off” their club. Each golf season typically has two

guest days each for men, ladies and couples. The price of each individual event

varies, but it always reflects a significant discount over the regular guest fee,

especially considering all players receive a tee favor and have a chance to win

an on-course special contest. After each team posts a score, we acknowledge

the winners and present a prize table for the guest; but after such a great day

it’s just icing on the cake.

Ladies Season Opener This one day tournament traditionally has one of the largest turnouts of the

year. The format of play changes from year to year, however the emphasis

does not. A theme is usually chosen that encourages camaraderie as opposed

to competition. Players are often paired by handicap to make an ABCD team.

Champions are crowned and prizes awarded, but golf becomes secondary to

making new acquaintances and seeing familiar faces.

Men’s Season Opener The men’s opener is a one day event involving a Stag Reception on Friday night

and 18 holes of golf on Saturday morning. The festivities get underway Friday

night as ABCD pairings are announced. New team-mates become friends

quickly over refreshments and betting. The format for Saturday is a progres-

sive net best ball .

Couples Club Championship This is a two-person team match play tournament that runs from January

through the end of the season in May. Teams are seeded into a tournament

bracket and players must complete their matches by specified dates. All match-

es are played as one gross better ball of the two partners. The championship

match will be held March 6th with awards and BBQ following play.

27

The Member-Member (Men’s and Ladies’) The member-member is another traditional tournament. Each tournament is

played over two days, 36-holes and names the team with the lowest net score

the Member-Member Champions. The tendency for cooler weather this time of

year often makes the greens firm and fast. The ability to pick your partner com-

bined with flights determined by team handicap ensures that everyone enjoys

themselves. The men’s tournament gets started on Thursday evening again

with some action at the Pari-Mutuel table.

Ladies Presidents Cup This “Eclectic” event is one of the ladies favorites. Even though its 36-holes of

individual stroke play nobody has to worry about the occasional blow up hole.

The second round consists only of trying to improve each hole’s score from the

week before. The score that’s posted consists of the best score you make on

each hole after two rounds.

The Men’s Stroke Play This tournament has become a much anticipated event, with the winner earn-

ing an exemption into the Championship Flight of the Men's Club Champion-

ship. This tournament is a gross event which is played from the Blue tees, test-

ing the players abilities.

Men’s Club Championship & Men’s Senior Club Championship The Men’s Club Championship and the Men’s Senior Club Championship iden-

tify the best player via match play competition. Players vying for the title of

Club Champion will be seeded and compete in a season long Event. The de-

fending Men’s Club Champion will be the #1 seed, the champion of the 2016

Men’s Stroke will be the #2 seed and the remaining competitors will be seeded

based on their USGA handicap indexes. The championship match will be held

March 6th with awards and BBQ following play.

The Men’s Senior Club Championship is an event that runs all season long.

2015 Men’s Senior Club Champion will be the #1 seed and the remaining com-

petitors will be seeded based on their USGA handicap indexes. In order to be

eligible to play in the Men’s Senior Club Championship competitors must be

over 65 years old. The championship match will be held March 6th with awards

and BBQ following play.

Both the Men’s & Senior Club Championships will be played gross.

.

28

indexes. All competitors will play matches on Friday and Saturday. The win-

ners of the Saturday matches will return on Sunday for the final round of

matches. The Championship Flight will have one final round of matches Sun-

day afternoon to crown their winners due to the larger amount of competitors

in those flights. The championship flight is played at scratch, while all other

flights are at net. At the conclusion of play Sunday afternoon each participant

and spouse is invited to a barbeque to celebrate.

Ladies’ Club Championship The purpose of this tournament, like most club championships, is simple. Iden-

tify the best player. Troon Country Club does this in the most traditional way

possible – Match Play. Participants are seeded from low to high by current

USGA Handicap Index. Next they are put into brackets of eight (8), paired up

and sent to the golf course. The championship flight is played at scratch, while

all other flights are at net. (Depending on participation the championship flight

may be limited to 4 ladies’)

Troon’s Premier Event Descriptions:

Forsyth Couples Event This unique themed event is the most popular couples’ event on the schedule.

The event is named after Donald and Olive Forsyth, who are longtime members

of Royal Troon in Scotland. Mr. Forsyth was instrumental in forging the rela-

tionship now shared by the two clubs. Members pick their own teams consist-

ing of three couples; then try to outdo each other not only on the links, but with

decorations on their carts and with their costumes worn to the party on Satur-

day night. Winning this event gets your name into the trophy case!!

The Men’s and Ladies’ Invitational's The Member-Guests, the Men’s and the Ladies’ respectively, are the biggest and

most coveted events at the club. Each three day event is jam packed with so

much great food, good laughs and exciting golf that you may need a day or two

to recover. Every player is treated to 45 holes of championship golf before

flight winning teams advance to the elimination shoot-out. By the time the

champagne is popped on the ninth green, the eventual champions have sur-

vived five more holes of pressure-packed, alternate shot golf.

The John Kayler Memorial Tournament In loving memory of John Kayler, a former Troon employee, we come together

at the end of every season to celebrate the spirit and character that defined him

as an individual. The tournament also serves as an opportunity to raise money

for the Troon Country Club Scholarship Foundation which benefits staff mem-

bers at Troon who also share John’s passion for education in and out to the golf

profession. With over $100,000 raised in 2014 alone, 30 recipients

29

and a tax deductible status, this tournament has become a much anticipated

and well attended event. To learn more about the John Kayler Memorial Tour-

nament and the Troon Country Club Scholarship Foundation please contact the

Golf Shop.

Weiskopf/Morrish Cup The format will be 9 holes of Fourball Match Play, 9 holes of Foursomes Match

Play and 18 holes of Individual Match Play. The field will be limited to the first

60 Men that sign-up. The field will be divided equally amongst abilities and

Captains will make the pairings. The two Captains will be the 2015 Men’s

Stroke Play Champion and the 2016 Men’s Club Champion.

Men’s Desert Foothills Interclub Troon Country Club is one team in a tewele team league consisting of private,

high-end country clubs in the northeast valley that have come together to enjoy

friendly competition on the golf course and camaraderie and goodwill off.

Once a month each club sends 10 players (nine members and a golf profession-

al) to compete head to head against another club in a home and away series.

The league begins play each year in November and plays two matches per

month in a round robin series which lasts until March. Members who are inter-

ested should contact the golf shop for information regarding team membership.

Ladies’ Cactus & Mountain Leagues The Troon Ladies Golf Association sends lady team members to compete in two

separate leagues, Cactus League and Mountain League. The members of each

league compete in head to head, home and away round robin matches. The

Troon Ladies Golf Association actually conducts these events. If you need help

getting involved please contact the golf shop.

Ladies’ Desert Foothills Interclub and Summer Interclub The Troon Ladies Golf Association also competes against other clubs in our

area during the golf season as well as during the hot summer season. These

competitions are larger because all of the clubs will send players to compete on

a single day at the host club. If you need help getting involved please contact

the golf shop.

Ladies’ Nine Hole Interclub If you are interested in playing in interclub matches, but don’t feel that you are

ready for the 18 hole associations we also have a 9 hole interclub association.

The 9 hole interclub competes away and at home against other clubs in the area.

We may say that it is a competition, but the main interest in this league is to

play other courses in the area, to grow the camaraderie between 9 hole lady

golfers at Troon as well as the camaraderie between members of fellow clubs in

our area.

30

The Demo Day Sales These two Saturday sales are often the most anticipated days of the year. Once

in November and then again in February, Troon members are treated to cost +

20%. The golf staff turns the entire driving range into an outdoor market; host-

ing all of the leading golf equipment manufacturers from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Come over and test all of the newest technology from Titleist, Cobra, Cleve-

land, Taylor Made, Callaway, Mizuno, Ping and more. Footjoy shoes and out-

erwear, Sun Mountain golf bags, Evertan gloves, SandBagger shoes and sun-

glass makers Maui Jim and Kaenon will all be here. If you need new golf gear

this is a great time to buy.

Section 6

USGA Handicapping

Equitable Stroke Control “Equitable Stroke Control” (ESC) is the downward adjustment of individual hole

scores for handicap purposes in order to make handicaps more representative

of a player’s potential ability. ESC sets a maximum number strokes that a play-

er can post on any hole depending on the player’s Course Handicap. ESC is

used only when a player’s a ctual or most likely score exceeds the player’s maxi-

mum number based on the table below.

Course Handica p Ma x . on a ny Hole

9 or less Double Bogey

10 – 19 7

20 – 29 8

30 – 39 9

40+ 10

Please take a moment to read, then re-read the following

statement concerning Equitable Stroke Control. It is

extremely important in maintaining accurate player handi-

caps.

All scores for handicap purposes, including Tournament Scores, or “T”

scores, are subject to the application of Equitable Stroke Control. Thi s

ma nda to ry pro ce dure reduces high hole scores for handicap purposes

in order to make handicaps more representative of a player’s potential

ability. A handicap determined from scores in which Equitable Stroke

Control has not been applied may not be termed a USGA Handicap

Index.

31

Tournament Score Posting Policy The procedure for posting tournament scores will include opponents signing

each other’s cards to “attest” the score and turning the cards into the Golf Shop

staff and the Golf Staff will then enter the score into the handicap system before

the next handicap revision date. Section 5-2/e. Posting a Tournament Score. A

tournament score is a score made in a competition organized and conducted by

a committee in charge of the competition. The competition must identify a win-

ner(s) based on a stipulated round(s) and must be played under the principles

of the Rules of Golf.

When playing in match play competitions, such as, the Troon Cup and Couples

Cup, a player may choose to pick up. The following outlines the Tournament

Score Posting Policy as it applies to the USGA when he or she is considered out

of the hole. Th e score entered on th e card for th e p ick -up h ole is th e score th e p layer

would most likely ach ieve if th e hole was c omp leted.

Example 1: If a player has encountered substantial difficulty to the point that it

is obvious the maximum allowable score would be achieved, then the maxi-

mum hole score would be posted, i.e. a 7x for a 16 handicap player.

Example 2: If a player is on the green lying 3 and is 15 feet from the hole and

picks up because the hole has been decided, then the player’s most likely score

for the hole would be 5, which assumes 2 putts.

Also in match or stroke play, if at least 13 holes are played, the remaining un-

played holes, for handicap purposes, shall be recorded as par plus any handi-

cap strokes that the player is entitled to receive on the unplayed holes.

Events to b e poste d a s Tourna me nt Score s

Men’s Season Opener Ladies Presidents Cup

Men’s Member/Member Ladies Member/Member

Men’s Winter Stroke Play

Men’s Season Closer

Scores from play during the following events should be posted as “T” scores as

well:

Men’s Troon Cup Matches Couples Troon Cup Matches

Men’s Interclub Matches Ladies Cactus League Home Matches

Ladies Mountain League Home Matches

Note: During the year, the Golf Committee may identify additional Tourna-

ment Score Events. All tournament scores will be posted by the golf profession-

al staff.

32

Handicap Committee

The USGA requires each club to maintain a handicap committee. The role of the

Handicap Committee is: “To insure the integrity of the handicaps it issues, this

Committee shall make certain that the members comply with the USGA handi-

cap system”

The handicap committee at Troon Country Club is one of the essential duties of

the golf committee. The Handicap Committee is comprised of the Chairman of

the Golf Committee, a member of the Golf Committee appointed by the Chair-

man, and the Head PGA Golf Professional.

The Handicap Committee is responsible to the golf club and its members for all

aspects of the USGA handicap system. The Handicap Committee verifies that

only acceptable scores are reported for handicap purposes and that the record-

ed scores are available for peer review. The peer review process is made possi-

ble at Troon Country Club, by making the computer available to each Member.

While the posting allows everyone to see your current handicap, each person’s

last 20 scores, with the ten best used to calculate the handicap, are available by

locating that person’s name on the computer screen. Printed copy also available

in Men’s & Ladies’ Locker Rooms.

The integrity of the system depends upon the fair and accurate reporting of

scores. It is the responsibility of the membership to report to the Committee

that a Member has entered an inaccurate score, or has failed to post one or more

rounds. This process is the thrust of the peer review component of the handicap

system.

One of the major duties and responsibilities of the Handicap Committee is to

make certain that a player’s USGA handicap index reflects his/her ability. The

Handicap Committee meets before every major tournament to review the hand-

icaps of those people who will be playing in the tournament. The Committee

also meets as necessary throughout the year to address any issues which may

arise.

If the Committee is aware of circumstances that indicate that the handicap in-

dex of the player is not reflective of that player’s potential ability, then the

Committee is responsible for adjusting the handicap by providing the player

with a modified handicap, which will be used for tournament play.

33

A Message From the Golf Committee Do you often wonder why when you have one or two good rounds your handi-

cap seems to drop, but it takes a number of bad rounds before your handicap

seems to go up? This process is not another example of Murphy’s Law, but the

operation of the handicap system implemented by the USGA and followed at

our Club.

Your Handicap Index is a measurement of the player’s potential ability on a

course of standard difficulty. A course of standard difficulty is one that would

have a slope rating of 113. Your handicap is determined as a result of a mathe-

matical formula of (Handicap Index x Slope Rating of tees played and then divid-

ed by 113).

Adjusted gross score minus USGA course rating. Take the difference times

standard slope. Take the result divided by the USGA slope rating for the course

you are playing, and the answer is Handicap differential.

The handicap Index formula takes the ten best handicap differentials from the

last twenty rounds posted to calculate your handicap index.

The handicap index can then be multiplied by the USGA slope rating on the

course you are playing and the divided by 113 to determine your handicap on

that course. Our computer is programmed to do these calculations and deter-

mine your course handicap for play at Troon Country Club. When you play at

other courses, you will find that you are receiving fewer or more handicap

strokes than you do at Troon, based on whether the course is rated easier or

harder than ours.

Since your handicap is based on the ten best of your last twenty scores, an occa-

sional bad round will not have an effect, since it will not be computed in the

average, although, when you post an unusually good score, it will be used in

your computation for the next 19 rounds.

The actual handicap index formula is multiplied by .96 (96%) so the actual

handicap received is slightly different from the perfect equity used to calculate

the handicap index. The USGA refers to this as the “bonus for excellence”. It is

designed to give a slight advantage to the improving player. Your handicap is

only going down 96% of what it should be going down and it only goes up 96%

of what it should be going up. Consequently it is a reward or bonus for im-

provement.

The following list sets forth the major possibilities that would affect a person’s

handicap index and may require a modification:

34

1. Improving faster than the system can react

A player just taking up the game may improve too rapidly for the

handicap index to reflect his/her potential ability.

2. Numerous away scores change index

If a player’s handicap has increased because of an influx of posting of

numerous away or Internet scores the Handicap Committee may ad-

just the index downward.

3. Temporary Disability

The handicap index will not be adjusted because a player is temporari-

ly “off” his/her game and has discontinued play for a period of time.

However, an increased handicap may be given for a temporary disa-

bility by the handicap committee. For example, a player having had

recent surgery may be given a higher handicap while recovering.

4. Failure to Post

The handicap index shall be adjusted upward or downward if the

player does not turn in all acceptable scores or otherwise does not ob-

serve the spirit of the USGA handicap system. The committee shall

determine the amount of the adjustment. If a player fails to post a

score after completion of the round the Handicap Committee is

charged with posting the score and a penalty score. The penalty score

is equal to the lowest handicap differential in the scoring record.

5. Player Manipulation of Round

If it is determined that a player had manipulated his/her score to influ-

ence his/her handicap the committee shall adjust the handicap, or

withdraw the handicap index depending on the severity of the offense.

If the handicap index is withdrawn the player would be allowed to

compete only as a scratch golfer. Examples of the score manipulation

include:

a. Posting erroneous scores.

b. Stopping play, short of 13 holes to avoid posting scores.

c. Repeatedly, playing more than one ball to avoid posting a score.

d. Not adjusting the hole scores under the equitable stroke system.

e. Deliberately reporting more strokes than were actually scored.

f. Deliberately taking extra strokes to inflate score.

g. Posting a number of scores, particularly of shortened rounds

shortly before a tournament in an effort to eliminate better scores

from the calculation in anticipation of tournament play.

h. Exceptional Tournament Scores.

35

Tournament scores are monitored over a longer period of time. If a

player’s tournament scores are often lower than the handicap index,

then adjustment may be necessary.

The handicap committee has a responsibility to identify and notify

those players who violate any provisions of this policy that such are

unacceptable for handicap purposes. Repeated violations by a player

will require the handicap committee to consider withdrawal of the

player’s handicap index.

If it becomes necessary to modify or withdraw a player’s handicap in-

dex the handicap committee shall determine how long the handicap

index is to remain modified or withdrawn.

In summary the handicap system is in place to allow players of various

abilities to compete on an even playing field. If a handicap is inaccurate

or artificially generated then the competition is not fair and the spirit

upon which the game of golf is premised has been compromised. The

committee believes that the incidence of such behavior here is low, and

the goal is to make it nonexistent.

For further descriptions please visit www.usga.org.

Lightning Procedures:

AVOID

Solitary trees

Large open areas

Wet areas

All metal objects (golf clubs, and golf carts)

SEEK

Large permanent buildings (clubhouse, or comfort stations on #5

and #14)

Lowest elevation area

DISCONTINUING OF PLAY

The USGA emphasizes that players in a competition have the right to stop play

if they feel lightning threatens them, even though the committee may not have

authorizes it specifically by signal (rule 6-8 and 33-2d)

36

Tee It Forward:

The Golf Committee has embraced the PGA and USGA initiative of TEE IT

FORWARD. Its purpose is to help golfers have more fun on the course and en-

hance their overall experience by playing from a set of tees best suited to their

abilities, TEE IT FORWARD encourages all golfers to play the course at a length

that is aligned with their average driving distance. Golfers can speed up play

by utilizing tees that provide the greatest playability and enjoyment.

With many more golfers hitting approach shots with 6- and 7-irons instead of

hybrids and long irons, their chances for enjoyment increase. Also, playing

from forward tees should result in fewer overall shots, shorter distance traveled

on each hole, and potentially, fewer lost balls.

TEE IT FORWARD is not necessarily about creating a new set of tees -- many

facilities already have multiple tees in use every day. It is about changing the

mindset of golfers in a positive way -- encouraging people to consider setting

aside playing from 6,500-6,700 yards and moving up to a length of 6,000-6,200

yards or moving from 6,000-6,200 yards to 5,700-5,800 yards.

The 6,700-yard course that many amateur golfers play today is proportionally

equivalent to a PGA Tour player competing on a course measuring 8,100 yards

-- 700 yards or more longer than a typical PGA Tour layout.

Below is a recommendation of the tees at Troon Country club as it relates to a

man’s average driver distance.

Dri ver Di sta nce Tee Co lo r

275+ Black

250 Blue

225 Blue/Silver

200 Silver

175 White

150 or less Green

When you TEE IT FORWARD, you hit more lofted irons into greens,

putt for birdies and pars more often and play faster and score better!

25000 N. Windy Walk Drive

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

480-585-4310

trooncc.com