66th Singapore Open Amateur Championship Singapore Island Country Club, 22 – 26 July 2013
CONDITIONS OF COMPETITION
The following conditions, together with any additions or amendments as published by
the Organising Committee at the host club, will apply under Rule 33-1 to this
Championship.
1. GENERAL
a. The 66
h Singapore Open Amateur Championship will be played at the
Singapore Island Country Club, Island Course from 22 – 26 Jul 2013 in
accordance with the Rules of Golf as approved by R&A Rules Limited and
with the Local Rules approved by the Organising Committee.
2. ELIGIBILITY
a. Entries are open to male amateur golfers with a USGA Handicap Index of
6.0 or lower, as at 01 June 2013.
b. All entries will be subject to the approval of the Organising Committee
(OC) which reserves the right to accept or refuse, or having accepted,
subsequently reject any entry without giving reason for its decision.
c. Entrants must conform in all respects to the Rules of Amateur Status as
approved by R&A Rules Limited.
3. TOURNAMENT FORMAT OF PLAY
a. The Championship will be decided by stroke play over four rounds of 18
holes. A cut will be made after 36 holes for the top 64 players (including
tie/ties for the 64th placing) who shall qualify for the third and fourth
rounds.
b. The Champion shall be the player with the lowest gross aggregate score
over the four rounds.
c. An International Team Event will be held in conjunction with the
Championship. It shall be played over the first three rounds of the
Championship. Each team will be represented by two players who shall be
citizens or permanent residents of the country they represent. Team
members who do not make the cut will be allowed to play in the 3rd round
solely for the International Team Event.
d. The Winning Team shall be the team with the lowest combined gross
scores of the team members for the three rounds.
e. In the event of insufficient entries, the Team Event may be cancelled.
4. SIZE OF FIELD
a. The field will be limited to a maximum of 120 participants. Entries will be
accepted from 120 applicants with the lowest Handicap Index.
b. The OC also reserves the right to refuse any entry without assigning any
reason for such refusal. The decisions of the OC as to the acceptance or
refusal of any entry shall be final.
5. ENTRY
a. The entry fee is S$215.00 (inclusive of 7% GST) and must be submitted at
the time of entry. Cheques must be made payable to “Singapore Golf
Association”. Participants who are members of SGA Ordinary Members
may have their entry fee debited through their Home Club. There will be
no refund of entry fee after the closing date.
b. Entries must be on the official entry form duly endorsed by the Captain,
General Manager or Golf Manager of the players’ home club. If a player
has his Handicap Index maintained at more than one Club, he shall play
off the lower/lowest Handicap Index.
c. Entries must be submitted to the Singapore Golf Association, No.249
Sembawang Road Singapore 758352. Proof of posting is not proof of
receipt.
d. The OC reserves the right to limit, accept or reject entries.
6. CLOSING DATE
a. The closing date is 01 July 2013. Late entries may be accepted at the
sole discretion of the OC.
7. DRAW
a. The draw for the first and second rounds will be made by the OC prior to
start of the Championship.
b. The draw for the third and fourth rounds will be based on the cumulative
gross scores of the preceding rounds.
8. TIME OF STARTING
a. Players shall start at the time and in the order indicated in the draw. No
substitution of players and changes of starting times shall be permitted
after the draw has been made.
b. The OC reserves the right to fix and/or alter the starting times.
9. SUBMISSION OF SCORECARD
a. Players should check their cards in the returning area (scoring table) and
ensure that they are correct and signed. Any doubtful points should be
settled with the OC before returning the scorecard.
b. A player is deemed to have returned his scorecard and no further
amendments may be made once he has left the returning area (scoring
table) or the demarcated area where they exist.
10. DECISION OF TIES
a. Individual Event - In the event of a tie or ties for the first place,
the Champion shall be decided by a hole by hole play-off to take place as
soon as practicable. The purpose of the play-off is to decide the
Champion only. In the event inclement weather or other reasons make
the play-off impractical, the Organising Committee’s decision to determine
the Champion is final.
b. All other ties will be decided on the lowest score for the last 18 holes (or
the last 9 or 6 or 3 or 1 hole). If a tie still arises, the scores for the 3
rd
round and, if necessary, the 2nd and 1st round will be treated in the same
way until a decision is reached.
c. International Team Event - In the event of a tie or ties for the first
and any place, the tie will be decided on the lowest combined team scores
of the last round. If a tie still arises, the combined team scores of the 2nd
round and, if necessary, the 1st round will be used until a decision is
reached. The Organising Committee’s decision to determine the Winning
Team is final.
11. SUSPENSION OF PLAY FOR DANGEROUS SITUATION (NOTE TO RULE 6-
8b)
a. The specimen Condition in the Rules of Golf is in effect – see pages 140 –
141.
b. All practice areas that are in open areas shall be closed during suspension
for a dangerous situation until the OC has declared them open.
c. A suspension of play for a dangerous situation and the resumption of play
shall be signaled using the host club’s warning system.
12. INCLEMENT WEATHER
a. In the event that the first round of the Championship cannot be completed,
it shall be continued the next day prior to the commencement of the
second round.
b. In the event that the second round of the Championship cannot be
completed, it shall be continued the next day prior to the commencement
of the third round.
c. In the event that the third round of the Championship cannot be
completed, it shall be continued the next day prior to the commencement
of the fourth round.
d. In the event that the third and/or fourth round of the Championship cannot
be completed, the rounds shall be abandoned. The result of the Championship will then be based on the completed rounds.
13. CADDIES
a. The use of caddies in this Championship is prohibited.
14. BUGGIES
a. Players shall use buggies throughout the Championship. Buggies must
not be driven up on to the putting green. Serious breach of this etiquette,
the misuse of buggies or repeated failure to heed instruction on the
restriction of the movement of buggies, may result in a disqualification.
b. Buggy fee is S$23.54 (inclusive of 7% GST) per round and players are
responsible for any damage to their buggies.
c. Buggy fee of S$47.08 for the first two rounds are to be paid together with
the entry fee upon submission of entry form. Players making the cut to the
3
rd and 4th rounds are to make payment in cash prior to each day’s tee-off.
d. Players who are members of SGA Ordinary Members may have their
buggy fees debited through their Home Club.
15. PACE OF PLAY
a. Rule 6-7 (Undue Delay; Slow Play) will be strictly enforced using the
‘Group Pace of Play’ system. See separate memorandum to players for
the Pace of Play guidelines.
16. DISPUTES OR DOUBT AS TO PROCEDURE
a. If there is a doubt as to the correct procedures, players are to refer to the
Tournament Rules Official. If a Tournament Rules Official is not
immediately available, a player (having notified his marker) may elect to
play two balls in accordance with Rule 3-3 and obtain a ruling at the
conclusion of the round, prior to signing and the return of the score card.
b. No spectators (including parents or accompanying officials) are to enter
into any discussion on a matter under dispute.
17. TOURNAMENT RULES OFFICIALS/REFEREE
a. The Tournament Rules Officials/Referee’s decision on all matters
pertaining to the Rules of Golf is final.
18. INSURANCE
a. All players are required to have appropriate golfing insurance. Proof of
insurance coverage must be submitted together with the entry form.
19.DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICE
a. Players must not use any distance measuring device in any form during
the stipulated round. Use of any such Distance Measuring Device will be
a breach of Rule 14-3. Penalty for breach is Disqualification.
20. LIST OF CONFORMING GOLF BALLS
a. The specimen Condition in the Rules of Golf is in effect – see page 138.
21.LIST OF CONFORMING DRIVER HEAD
a. The specimen Condition in the Rules of Golf is in effect – see pages 137 –
138.
22. PRIZES
a. The following prizes will be awarded:
i. The Champion;
ii. The 1st Runner-Up;
iii. The 2nd Runner-Up;
iv. The Daily Best Gross;
v. The International Team Event – Top three teams.
Note 1: The Champion and the Runner-Up are not eligible for the Best Gross
prize in the final round.
The Champion will receive an invitation to participate in the
Singapore Open 2013
23. PRACTICE
a. The course is available to players for practice on 22 Jul 2013 (morning
only). Please call the SGA Office at Tel: 6755 5976 from 18 to 19 July
2013, to book practice round. Buggy fee for practice round is S$23.54
(inclusive of 7% GST).
b. No multiple ball play shall be allowed during the practice round.
c. Players are not allowed to practise on the course after their round on any
day of the Championship.
d. The driving range will be opened at 6.30am during the Championship.
Range balls are chargeable at S$2.00 per basket of 50 balls. Cash term
only.
24. PRIZE PRESENTATION LUNCHEON
a. All players are invited to a Prize Presentation Luncheon on 26 Jul 2013 at
Singapore Island Country Club.
25. DRESS CODE
a. Players must be properly attired on the golf course. Blue jeans, designer
jeans, round neck T-shirts and tank tops are prohibited. Golf shirts must
be worn and shorts must be no shorter than mid-thigh (no jean shorts).
b. This dress code will be used in conjunction with any additional dress code
restrictions of the host club. A player violating this dress code will not be
permitted to start the tournament. A violation of this dress code by a
player during the stipulated round must be rectified without undue delay or
the player will not be allowed to continue play.
c. Soft spikes shoes are compulsory.
26. CONDUCT OF PLAYERS
a. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner,
demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of
how competitive they may be.
b. Any action contrary to the spirit of the game such as abusive language,
throwing of clubs, or other disruptive behaviour, will not be tolerated and
may result in a player not being able to continue in this competition.
c. The use of mobile phones (except in an emergency) and smoking are not
allowed on the course.
27. SPECTATORS/ACCOMPANYING OFFICIALS/PARENTS
a. Spectators/accompanying officials/parents, if allowed on the course by the
host club, must remain on the cart paths at all times. They must stay off
the greens and out of the bunkers at all times. They are prohibited from
using golf buggies.
b. They should maintain a reasonable distance from the players to avoid the
appearance that they are imparting advice or assisting the player in any
way. They may approach a player for a moment to exchange clothing,
food, or beverages, but should not have prolonged contact.
c. Those found violating these policies may be asked to leave the course.
28. OFFICIAL HOTEL
a. Official accommodation has been arranged at Hotel Royal, 36 Newton
Road, Singapore 307964, Tel: (65) 6426 0168; Fax: (65) 6253 8668;
Email: royal@hotelroyal.com.sg.
b. Daily room rate is S$160.00 nett, inclusive of buffet breakfast for
single/twin occupancy. Additional bed will cost S$50.00 nett.
29. FOREIGN PARTICIPANTS
a. Visitors to Singapore must hold valid travel documents with a minimum
validity of 6 months. Please visit the website: http://app.ica.gov.sg to
check on visa requirement.
30. AMENDMENTS TO CONDITIONS
a. The OC reserves the right to amend these Championship conditions.
MEMORANDUM ON PACE OF PLAY
Notice to Players
Group Pace of Play Policy
1. The maximum time allowed for the round will be decided by the Tournament
Committee. The hole by hole allotted time is provided on the Official Notice
Board in the Notice to Competitors.
2. The Singapore Golf Association’s Pace of Play policy leaves the responsibility for
maintaining the pace of play where it belongs, with the player. The first group in
the field should play efficient golf. The following groups should keep up with the
group in front of them.
3. There will be time-keepers present on the 4th, 9th, 13th and 18th holes with whom
players can check on their pace.
4. The first group in the field must complete play at the 9th hole and 18th hole no
later than the time established by the Tournament Committee. Subsequent
groups are held to the same standard. If they are unable to meet the prescribed
standard due to slow play ahead of them they will be considered to have met the
standard if they complete play at a 9th hole and 18th hole within 14 minutes of the
group ahead of them. A group is considered to have completed the play of a
hole when all players in the group have holed out and the flagstick is replaced in
the hole.
5. Subsequent groups, other than the lead group, which are OUT OF POSITION
(behind the allotted time AND more than 14 minutes behind the preceding group)
after finishing the 9th or 18th hole will be liable to Pace of Play penalty for every
player in the group.
6. Pace of play penalty will be added to the score on the 9
th or 18th hole. The
tournament officials or Rules officials will notify players officially on this. No
advice will be issued to players with this Pace of Play policy at the intermediate
checkpoints but officials will endeavor to do so at check points on the 4th and 13th
hole advising that the group may be liable to slow play penalty at the 9th or 18th
hole.
OUT OF POSITION
7. First Group Only: If the lead group is behind its expected time after completing
the intermediate check point, the group may be advised that they are liable to a
penalty if they fail to complete the first nine holes in their expected time.
8. If they pass the second intermediate check point, behind their expected time, the
group may be advised that they are liable to penalty if they do not complete the
round within their expected time. If they have had a penalty on the first nine
holes and again fail to complete the round of eighteen holes within their expected time, two strokes penalty will be added to their score on the finishing hole. A
group may appeal in the scoring area before submitting their scorecards.
9. Subsequent Groups: If any subsequent group completes the intermediate
checkpoint behind its expected time AND more than 14 minutes behind the
preceding group, the group may be advised they are liable to a penalty if they fail
to complete the first nine behind their expected time AND are more than 14
minutes behind the group in front of them.
10.If they pass the second intermediate check point behind their expected time AND
are more than 14 minutes behind the group in front, they may be advised that
they are liable to slow play penalty if they do not complete the round within their
expected time AND are more than 14 minutes behind the group in front.
11.If they have had a penalty on the first nine holes and again fail to complete the
round of eighteen holes within their expected time AND are more than 14
minutes behind the group in front when they complete the round, two strokes
penalty will be added to their score on the finishing hole. A group may appeal in
the scoring area before submitting their scorecards.
12. Note: Players will be advised that they are behind on their pace of play and may
be liable to penalties should they fail to meet the expected time when they
complete the nine holes or complete the round. Penalties on the 9th or 18th hole
may be assessed even if no advice have been given to the group at the
intermediate checkpoints. A group that receives a penalty on the first nine holes
is not absolved from penalty if the group completes the second nine holes in
position and on time.
13. In the notice to players, the allotted time on a hole by hole basis will be provided
on the Official Notice Board. These times are adjusted based on the difficulty of
the course and the ability of the field. They include time to search for lost balls
and deal with other common occurrences encountered during play. A normal
speed of play should result in completing play before the time indicated. If a
group falls behind, they are expected to play efficient golf and make up the lost
time. This might mean playing ready golf or continuous putting, which are both
allowed in stroke play.
14. It is the PLAYERS’ RESPONSIBILITY to know their group’s position relative to
the published Pace of Play and to ensure they play within the published limits.
Failure to play within the Pace of Play guidelines will result in a Pace of Play
penalty unless players appeal and the Committee upholds their appeal.
15.A player concerned about a slow player(s) in his group should first speak with the
player(s) and encourage them to play more efficiently. Then, the concerned
player may, before or after penalties are assessed, ask to have the group
monitored. The individual player does not have to be identified; the request just
needs to be made. At some point during the stipulated round, the group will be 10 | P A G E
monitored. If a player is identified as holding up the pace of the group, penalties
may be applied to that player and rescinded from the others.
16. Appeal Process
a. Pace of Play penalties may be appealed to the Committee and must be
made before scorecards are signed and returned. In order for an appeal
to be considered, there must have been an action by the Committee, a
circumstance beyond the player’s control, or some similar occurrence that
contributed to the delay, such as an action by an individual member of the
group.
b. If a group receives a penalty for exceeding the pace of play for each nine,
both penalties may be appealed, however, each appeal must be made
and handled separately. Each appeal may result in a one step reduction
of a penalty (i.e., three strokes to one stroke then one stroke to no penalty,
but not three strokes to no penalty).
17.Penalties for Breach of Pace of Play Policy
a. 1
st Breach of the Pace of Play Policy - One Stroke Penalty;
b. 2
nd Breach of the Pace of Play Policy - Two Strokes Penalty.
c. The maximum penalty per round of 18 holes is 3 Strokes.