Gentleman,
The 2016 BMGA season is upon us. If any WNL member (besides Steve’s team) has not yet received their schedule from their team captain, please let me know.
As we prepare to begin the the 2016 season, I want to call ALL member’s attention to three very significant rule changes for 2016:
1) Elimination of the 4 point “stroke” play element of the WNL matches. Matches will now be worth of total of 9 hole points, and a 1 potential bonus point. The 9 hole points are awarded identically to prior years, where 1 point is awarded on each hole based on match play (.5 to each player for a draw. The 1 bonus point will be awarded to any player that scores MORE than 4.5 points in his match. i.e. no bonus points are awarded in matches with a 4.5 to 4.5 draw on the 9 hole points.
The SOLE motivation for this rule change was in improve pace of play. Generous concessions are encouraged when the outcome of a hole is no longer in question, and strongly encouraged when a group is behind the group ahead of them.
Many questions have been asked about the impact of this change in regard to posting of scores. In alignment with USGA Handicap Rules, all players:
– MUST post their scores, regardless the format of competition (USGA handicap rule 5.c)
– When posting a score for a hole where a shot(s) was conceded, the player must post the most likely score he would have made were it not for the concession. (USGA handicap rule 4.1 and decision 4.1.1). It is incumbent on the player who’s shot(s) was conceded to make a judgement as to his most likely score.
2) More stringent penalties for late players. If a player is late for his tee time (late is defined in the league guide as not in position before a single member in the group behind has teed off), his team scores 0 points for his match. Further, in no circumstances is a player entitled to rejoin his group if a replacement player has been assigned by the starter, AND a player in the following group has teed off. See the League Guide for further clarification.
3) Elimination of the local rules allowing for drops on the opposite side of the Water Hazards on holes 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 15 and 16. Balls hit into Water Hazards on these holes should be played under the Rules of Golf.
Additionally, the playoffs are being expanded to 6 teams in 2016. More details on that in the league guide as well.
That’s all for now gents, I look forward to seeing you on the course this Wednesday.
Brad Kadue
BMGA President 2016
