Nine at Five Golf Club

Member’s Manual

Updated: March 18, 2023

1.0.

Membership

New members will be invited to join after being recommended by an existing member, or a representative of the Hyatt Hills Golf Complex.

2.0.

Committees

2.1.

Competition Committee

The Competition Committee will decide the format for league competition and implement any rule changes.  A quorum of active members is required to hold an official committee meeting.  All active players are committee members.  A quorum is reached when fifty (50) percent of the active members are together at any given time.

2.2.

Rules Committee

The Rules Committee will decide the rules for league competition.  A quorum of active members is required to hold an official committee meeting.  All active players are committee members.  A quorum is reached when fifty (50) percent of the active members are together at any given time. A simple majority vote is necessary to pass any changes onto the Competition Committee for implementation.

3.0.

Club Season

League competition shall start on the second Wednesday in April as long as there are no weather issues and will end twenty four (24) weeks later towards the end of September.  If necessary, the season opener will be delayed and we will still get in the twenty four (24) weeks by extending the end of the season accordingly. Similarly, if the 4^th of July holiday occurs midweek, we may throw in a “bye week”, extending the season to get in the full 24 weeks.  The club shall meet 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the league season for practice rounds, weather permitting.

The Competition Committee Chairperson shall reschedule midseason dates as necessary. Rainouts, or any other make up dates, must be rescheduled and completed during the same week.  The "league week" is defined as Monday thru Friday. In order for any league round to be official; at least two (2) members must play together.

4.0.

League Play

4.1.

Overall League Championship

Each week is an individual nine (9) hole stroke play tournament with full league handicaps allowed.  The individual who has the highest net score shall receive one (1) point; the player with the next highest net score shall receive two (2) points, and so on. Any member who does not play in a given week will be considered as having the highest net score for that week.  The member who has the lowest net score will be awarded a point total equal to the number of players that week.  Each week the points accumulate and the results of the member’s fifteen (15) highest valued finishes comprise their final score.

4.2.

Official League Season

The number of rounds required for an official season is fifteen (15) as decided by the Competition Committee.

4.3.

League Phase Play

Concurrently, there will be three (3) "mini seasons" called Phases, which will each be eight (8) weeks long.  

Each Phase shall start all members off with no points, and only points that are earned during that eight (8) week Phase will count towards winning those individual events.  Points are awarded in the same fashion as indicated above in section 4.1.  Each week the points accumulate and the results of the five (5) highest valued finishes during that eight (8) week Phase will comprise the member's Phase score.  

There are three (3) Phases that will be played during the League's twenty-four (24) week Season.

5.0.

League Handicap System

5.1.

Handicap Index Formula

Determine the handicap differential by applying the same formula used by the U.S.G.A., including Course Rating and Slope, for the layout played using the adjusted score posted by the members, see Rule 5.3.

5.2.

Fewer Than 20 Scores Available

A league handicap will be assigned to the new member by the Competition Committee Chairperson until there are five (5) scores posted. When five (5) or more scores have been posted refer to the following table to determine the number of differentials that are used in the handicap formula.

Differentials Available	Differentials To Be Used
5 or 6	Lowest 1
7 or 8	Lowest 2
9 or 10	Lowest 3
11 or 12	Lowest 4
13 or 14	Lowest 5
15 or 16	Lowest 6
17	Lowest 7
18	Lowest 8
19	Lowest 9

5.3.

Equitable Stroke Control

A score for any hole will be reduced to a specified number of strokes for handicap purposes only, as follows:

Nine Hole League Handicap	Limitation on Hole Score
	Par 3	Par 4	Par 5
4 and Under	5	6	7
5  through  9	6	7	7
10  through  14	6	8	8
15  through 19	6	8	9
20  and Over	6	8	10

5.4.

Maximum 9 Hole Handicap Index

We have adopted the U.S.G.A. rule which limits the nine (9) hole handicap index to 18.2 for men and 20.2 for women.

6.0.

Match Play

6.1.

Individual Match Play Format

The Match Play Competition begins no later than the first week in May and shall follow a “World Cup” format, with the schedule published prior to the first match.  Members may settle their scheduled matches prior to the official starting date, but only if agreed to by both competitors.   

All matches, except the final playoff round, are played at full handicap for nine (9) holes allowing strokes as they fall on the card. The early portion of the competition will be a played in a round robin dvidied into 4 “pods”. The top two finishers in each pod will advance into the quarterfinals, which will then be played as single elimination matches. During the round robin phase of the competition, all matches are 9 holes only. Halved matches are permitted. The number of holes won during the entire 9 hole match are to be recorded, even if the match outcome has been determined, as the number of holes won during the entire round robin phase is used as a tiebreaker in the standings. Once into the single elimination matches of the quarterfinals and beyond, in the event of a tie, the players will continue on to play additional holes allowing strokes as they fall on the card.  

The members do not have to play at any particular course in order to complete their match as long as both members are in agreement.  

Members may also mutually agree to have their match decided by other means.

6.2.

Match Play Concession.

Any member that misses two (2) scheduled matches, after the first Monday in May, will have been deemed to concede that match. Members will not be assessed a miss when we do not have a Wednesday session, whether due to weather conditions, or the course is closed for an outing.

6.3.

Individual Match Play Seedings

We have a drawing each year to determine the seeding for the current year’s Match play schedule. The four semifinalists from the previous year’s competition will be assigned to separate pods with the remainder of the field to be determined by the random draw.

7.0.

Membership Dues

There is a fixed annual membership fee that has been set at $225.00 for the season for Full Members, and $25.00 for Associate Members.  All dues are allocated to the Bonus Pool, see Rule 8.0.

7.1.

Annual Dues Payment Plan

The Treasurer  (R.J. Peason) will accept any payment plan, but all dues must be paid in full by May 1st.

8.0.

Bonus Pool

All membership fees are distributed based on the following percentages of the Full Member's annual dues:

Net Skins Game	9.375 %
League Champion	6.250 %
League Runner Up	4.688 %
League 3rd Place	3.125 %
Low Net Game - Layout # 1	0.781 %
Low Net Game - Layout # 2	0.781 %
Low Net Average	1.563 %
Low Gross Game - Layout # 1	0.781 %
Low Gross Game - Layout # 2	0.781 %
Low Gross Average	1.563 %
Individual Match Play
Champion	6.250 %
Runner Up	3.125 %
3rd Place	1.563 %
Phase I & Phase II & Phase III
Champion	3.125 %
Runner Up	1.563 %
3rd Place	0.781 %
Putting Leaders
On All Holes	1.563 %
On Greens Hit in Regulation	1.563 %
Statistical Leaders
Fairways	1.563 %
Greens in Regulation	1.563 %
Year End Outing (each member)	$25.00
Carryover & Awards Banquet	$ Balance $

8.1.

Skins Game

During the course of the entire season, each week will have a NET "Skins Game" where any member who wins a hole outright in a match of cards against all players, after allowing strokes based on eighty percent (80%) of each member's "Official League Handicap", wins "Skins Points".  There are no carryovers, one tie, all tie.  

"Skin Points" are weighted with a value equal to the number of players that week.  If ten (10) members are playing, a skin is worth 10 "Skin Points", and so on.  At the end of the season, the amount ascribed to the Skins Game in the Bonus Pool, see Rule 8.0., will be divided by the total "Skins Points" won during the year, and proportionately distributed among members who have accumulated any "Skins Points".

8.2.

League Play

These awards are based on the member's final positions as of the end of the season based on their accumulated point totals.  While unlikely, it is possible to reach one of these positions without competing in the minimum fifteen (15) rounds that comprise an official season.

8.3.

Match Play

These awards are based on the outcome of the Match Play playoff rounds.

8.4.

Low Net Game

Low individual game score with full handicap allowance applied and compared to PAR of the individual course played.

8.5.

Low Net Average

Season average score adjusted to reflect the member's full handicap, a minimum of fifteen (15) rounds are required.

8.6.

Low Gross Game

Low individual game score compared to PAR of the individual course played.

8.7.

Low Gross Average

Season average gross score, a minimum of fifteen (15) rounds is required.

8.8.

Phases I, II, & III

The positions that are attained during those individual eight (8) week events.

8.9.

Putting Leaders

Season putting averages for all holes, and separately for Greens that are reached in regulation.  A minimum of fifteen (15) rounds is required.

8.10.

Statistical Leaders

Season averages for all fairways hit, and for Greens that are reached in regulation.  A minimum of fifteen (15) rounds is required.

8.11.

Carryover Fund

An amount to be determined each year shall be held aside to fund any shortages in subsequent seasons, or to cover any unforeseen expenses of the Club.

8.12.

Year End Outing & Awards Banquet

The balance left in the treasury, after funding the Bonus Pool, and the Carryover Fund, as outlined above, shall be used to subsidize a golf outing to be held at the end of the year, or otherwise established by the Competition Committee.  If a member does not attend the outing that subsidy is retained by the Club and will carried over to the next year’s funds..

9.0.

Local Rules & Interpretations

"Local Rules" as stated on the scorecard for the layout in play will be accepted as the only exceptions to the United States Golf Association Rules, unless otherwise amended by additional "Local Rules" adopted here by the Club.

When a ruling is in question or there is disagreement among playing partners as to a particular ruling, it is to be brought up immediately after the round to member(s) of the competition committee so that a definitive ruling and appropriate score can be recorded. In addition, if a situation arises where one or more playing partners believes a deliberate violation of USGA or Local Rule has taken place, this also needs to be brought to the attention of the Competition Committee ASAP for review. If it is determined that such a rules violation has occurred, as per USGA rules the player will be penalized via a disqualification (DQ) for that round. The decision of the Competition Committee will be final.

9.1.

Taking a Drop

When it is necessary for you to touch your ball, we do not ascribe to a knee height drop. As this adds another area of review and will further slow play, it is acceptable to lift, clean, and place whenever this situation arises.

9.2.

Bunkers

It is acceptable to lift, clean, smooth and place in the hazard, with no penalty, no nearer the hole, ONLY if you find your ball in an unnatural condition (footprint, divot, etc.).   You are required to alert your fellow competitors prior to touching your ball.  Please remember to leave the bunker in better condition than you found it. We also have the USGA rule available for those not confident about playing from awkward lies in a bunker other than the footprint issue or if it has lodged inside an animal burrow. You may take a drop within the bunker, no closer to the hole, and add a one (1) stroke penalty. You may also take a drop OUTSIDE said bunker, but in this case you are to add a two (2) stroke penalty. There is no free relief allowed for a “fried egg” lie.

9.3.

Winter Rules

Due to the conditions of some parts of this course, it is acceptable to improve your lie in your fairway, or on the green, by moving your ball to the nearest point of relief, no nearer to the hole.

When your ball is not in your fairway you may only improve your lie if you cannot play your ball to the green (i.e. punch or chip out of the woods). This is allowed only when tree roots, or rocks interfere with the intended path of the club and cause a safety concern for the player, the individual player determines what is safe, or not. In such cases, the ball is to be moved a few INCHES away from the root or rock interference. There is no assurance that this relief will avoid an otherwise unplayable lie or provide line of sight or swing relief and you may still need to take further relief involving a penalty stroke. Having a tree trunk in your way does not qualify as a condition for relief under this provision.

Whether in your fairway, or not, a player is always allowed to lift, clean, and place, an embedded ball.

9.4.

Lost Ball

Unless you have a reasonable belief that your ball is lost in a hazard, you should always hit a Provisional Ball when it is apparent that you may have difficulty locating your original ball.  The Provisional Ball taken after an errant tee shot is lying three (3), as the penalty is stroke and distance.  Lost balls occur on shots after the tee shot, again, play a Provisional Ball under the penalty of stroke and distance.

When a ball is not "where it should be" (based on a consensus of the members of your group): on a ball that landed IN your fairway; a ball SAW landing IN an adjoining fairway; or probably landing in conditions that would indicate a "plugged" ball; when seen entering a location with a PILE of leaves; there is no penalty, take a drop as close as possible to the point that the ball "disappeared" (taking appropriate relief, if necessary).  The ball was most likely picked up by an inconsiderate slob in a group obviously not affiliated with us. Taking or requesting such relief must be requested and agreed to by your playing partner(s).

If a Provisional Ball is not played, and you cannot locate your original ball, that does not satisfy the above exception or one of the lateral hazard conditions mentioned below, you must take a drop at the point the ball entered the tree line, then you are to add a two (2) stroke penalty for a lost ball.

9.5.

Hyatt Hills Golf Course – 4th, 5th, 8th and 9th Holes

The trees alongside both sides of the 4^th and 5^th holes and the left side of the 8^th hole are to be considered as lateral hazards, for the sake of moving play along. Hitting into any of these areas suggests that you play a provisional ball under the stroke and distance penalty. If you find your original ball, the provisional is automatically out of play. If you hit into the woods in these areas, have not hit a provisional and cannot find the original ball, estimate where the ball went into the trees, take a two club-length drop and a one stroke penalty for a lost ball [in what is deemed to be a lateral hazard]. If this was from a tee shot, your next stroke following the drop will be stroke #3.tse

Playing from the Blue Tees on #8 is tough enough, but on this hole the challenge is multiplied by the trouble located everywhere.

The water along the right side is a LATERAL WATER HAZARD.  You have five (5) options available:

1. You may play the shot as it lies; or 

2. You may re-tee the ball, take a one stroke penalty and hit your third shot; or

3. You must identify the point at which the ball entered the hazard, then walk back keeping that point AND the hole in a straight line, placing the ball on that line, taking a one stroke penalty.  This will place you somewhere between the 8th tee and the 7th green, not a great option; or

4. You must identify the point at which your ball last crossed the margin of the hazard, and you may place your ball outside of the hazard within two club lengths of that point, take your one stroke penalty and hit three; or the final option, which is also impractical is that

5. You may cross over the pond and play your ball from the point equidistant from the hole as the point determined in option # 4, take your one stroke medicine, and play your shot from the 7th teeing ground.

Option # 4 is the one that grants the most equitable relief so you should be aware of it.

Everyone in a foursome should be alert and watch the ball on all tees, but it is even more important when facing this situation that we are helping each other.  Remember, it is not where the ball splashes, but where it crosses the edge of the pond that you are trying to determine.  Before you leave the tee, work with your playing partners and develop a consensus in deeming the point that the ball entered the hazard.  Pick the closest light post or the red stake while you are still on the tee and stick with the choice.  No one knows exactly where THE point is, be reasonable and there will not be any room for complaints.

The fences along the left sides of #4, #8 and #9 define OUT OF BOUNDS.  The golf course side fence is not out of bounds.  If you put your ball into or over the trees and toward the fence, unless you see the ball on the golf course side, you must hit a provisional (under the penalty of stroke and distance).  If you find your ball in bounds, the provisional is immediately out of play and you must play the original ball as it lies.  A ball stuck in the fence or lying under it is out of bounds. In any of these locations, if you or your playing partners clearly saw that the ball went over the fence, it is considered to be out of bounds, not subject to our lateral hazard rule. If you did not play a provisional ball, drop a ball here (where it went out of bounds) and take a two (2) shot penalty.

If the fence is in the way of your intended swing, or stance, you are entitled to free relief under this Local Rule, as under the USGA, the fences that mark the boundaries of the course are not subject to the obstruction rule, while the net, support wires, and poles are obstructions.  Establish where you can play your shot without interference from the fence, no nearer to the hole, and place your ball within one (1) club length of that spot.  You are not entitled to line of sight relief, only from stance or swing.

The opportunity for trouble does not only exist on the tee shot.   Where the ball entered the tree line is the point for the drop, not where you think it finished.

9.6

9.7.

Hyatt Hills planters

There are planters in a few locations on the course, notably between the 3^rd/4^th holes and on the left side of the 6^th hole between the trap and the bathroom facility. Both of these planters and any similar planters are considered “ground under repair” and you are entitled to a free drop, no closer to the hole.

Immovable Obstructions

a. Interference

Interference by an immovable obstruction occurs when a ball lies in or on the obstruction, or when the obstruction interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing. All fences, staked trees, flower beds, cart paths, and any man-made objects on this course are to be considered immovable obstructions. If the player’s ball lies on the putting green, interference also occurs if an immovable obstruction on the putting green intervenes on his line of putt. Otherwise, intervention on the line of play is not, of itself, interference under this Rule.

b. Relief

Except when the ball is in a penalty area or a lateral water hazard, a player may take relief from interference by an immovable obstruction as follows:

(i) Through the Green: If the ball lies through the green, the player must lift the ball and place it without penalty within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest point of relief. The nearest point of complete relief must not be in a hazard or on a putting green.

(ii) In a Bunker: If the ball is in a bunker, the player must lift the ball and place it either:  

(a) Without penalty, in accordance with Clause (i) above, except that the nearest point of relief must be in the bunker and the ball must be placed in the bunker; or

(b) Under penalty of one stroke, outside the bunker keeping the point where the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is placed, with no limit to how far behind the bunker the ball may be placed.

(iii) On the Putting Green: If the ball lies on the putting green, the player must lift the ball and place it without penalty at the nearest point of relief that is not in a hazard. The nearest point of relief may be off the putting green.

(iv) On the Teeing Ground: If the ball lies on the teeing ground, the player must lift the ball and place it without penalty in accordance with Clause (i) above.

The ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Rule.

Exception: A player may not take relief under this Rule if (a) it is clearly unreasonable for him to make a stroke because of interference by anything other than an immovable obstruction or (b) interference by an immovable obstruction would occur only through use of an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing or direction of play.

Note: If a ball is in a penalty area (including a lateral water hazard), the player may not take relief from interference by an immovable obstruction. The player must play the ball as it lies or proceed under the various penalty area rules.

9.8.

Tall Grass (fescue)

The tall grass that is found between almost all of the holes on the course is to be considered a hazard. If a ball lands in one of these areas, it is the member’s option to play the ball as it lies, or to drop outside of the hazard where it entered and take a one (1) stroke penalty. A ball lost in these areas is to be considered lost in a lateral hazard and play accordingly with only a one (1) stroke penalty and not stroke and distance.

10.0.

Ready Golf

10.1.

Teeing Ground

The order of play has not been altered, but if for any reason the player who has the honor is unable to take his place, the honor is lost, and the next player ready to play must tee off.  This also applies when a player must wait for the group in front to reach safety, when that group is clearly out of range of any of the other players on the tee.

10.2.

Through the Green

The ball furthest from the hole shall be played first whenever possible. When in doubt, the first player ready to hit shall play first.  If a player is faced with a "lay up" or a "punch out" and is not a threat to the safety of the group in front, that competitor must play his ball as soon as practical, regardless of who is away.

Common sense and personal safety concerns apply in all cases.

10.3.

Putting Green

The player who is away plays first.  That individual must hole out unless he would be standing in the line of play of any other fellow competitor. Under those circumstances, the player must immediately mark his ball and wait until he is away before finishing the hole.

Conceding a putt is acceptable as long as ALL competitors in the group agree. Traditionally, we have allowed a putt to be “good” if it is “within the leather”, to mean that the put is shorter than the distance between the head of the putter and the closest end of the grip of a normal length putter. If a match is in progress, it is only the match opponent who can grant that the "putt is good".  

It is also good form to concede a fourth putt.  No matter how far from the hole the 4th putt is ALWAYS good!  Kick it away before the any further damage is done to the course, your fellow competitors, or the poor bastard holding the thing he formerly called a putter, which has now become a potentially dangerous weapon.