Garden State Athletic Conference - Golf

Section I - Method of Regular Season Play
The season shall consist of 3 Tournaments plus the G.S.A.C. Tournament. All Tournaments will be medal play, using a team that shall consist of four (4) to six (6) players.

Section II - Rules
1. U.S.G.A. rules will be in effect at all times and necessary rulings will be made by the residing professional.
2. Rules for stroke play shall prevail for all members.

Section III - Regulations and Procedures
1. A team must have at least four (4) players, otherwise a forfeit is taken. Women may participate in team scoring. They will utilize women’s tees.
2. Dual match competition: Players will play in foursomes.
Coaches must play their better players for ability sequence (1 to 6); this should be understood as in coaches etiquette. In case one team has six (6) players and the other team has four (4), then the 1 and 2 players should be sent out in a foursome and the remaining players in threesomes.
3. No caddies. If allowed by course, spectators or motor carts will be allowed on the course during competition.
4. Statistical reports should be sent to the chairperson of the golf committee.
5. The following starting times are desired for tournaments: 11 am or 12 noon.
6. Postponement/Cancellation of matches:
  • A. Prior to starting:
    1) If course is closed; or
    2) by mutual consent of colleges involved.
  • B. After starting:
    1) if less than four players have completed nine holes the match should be rescheduled;
    2) if four or more players have completed at least nine holes, the lowest total of scores up to the hole completed by the number four players shall be the winning score.

7. Four part Conference Score Sheets will be utilized at all Tournaments.

Section IV - Scoring
1. Scoring will be based on the four (4) lowest individual stroke scores added together with the lowest team total
winning the match.
2. In case of a tie, the fifth (5th) lowest score is to be
counted.
3. If the fifth (5th) scores tie, then the sixth (6th) scores count.
4.
  • A. If all six total scores are tied, then the teams play off on a sudden death hole: the total of the four lowest scores count; then the fifth (5th); then the sixth (6th). Play continues on a hole-by-hole basis until the tie is broken.
  • B. If a playoff cannot occur because of darkness or inclement weather, then the cards will be matched with the four lowest total score cards being matched first on a hole-by-hole basis; then the fifth (5th); followed by the sixth (6th) if needed.

5. When one team has four (4) players, the fifth (5th) and sixth (6th) scores will not be counted when the four tie and the sudden death rule will follow. The team with more than four players is allowed to play all players with their four lowest scores being counted in the playoff.

Section V - Conference Championships and All-G.S.A.C. Individuals

1. G.S.A.C. Team championship shall be determined by the lowest team total of all G.S.A.C. Tournaments (3 Tournaments equal value - G.S.A.C. - double). In the event a team does not participate it will be given the highest point total, i.e. 8 teams, 8 pts...
2. The All-Conference Team will be determined by order of finish in the G.S.A.C. Tournament.
3. A rotating trophy shall be given to the low scoring team of four players.
a. The GSAC Golf Tournament will be an 18-hole medal play event.
b. Teams shall consist of a minimum of four players and a maximum of six. No more than six players may compete for a college.
c. The team score for the day shall consist of the total of the four lowest players on the team. The team with the lowest total will be declared the winner.
d. In the event of a team tie for the tournament, there will be a sudden death play-off. If teams are tied and a play-off is not possible, the fifth (5th) lowest score is to be counted. If the fifth (5th) scores tie, then the sixth (6th) scores count. In the event that the tie still cannot be broken, a match of cards (four low scores) starting with the number one handicap hole, number two handicap hole, etc. until the tie is broken.
e. If nine (9) holes are not completed by all participants, the round shall be canceled.
f. Players will be penalized for failure to observe the
rules of etiquette of golf.
g. Improper behavior by tournament participants, as determined by the N.J.C.A.A. Code of Conduct, will result in disqualification.
h. No players will be permitted back on the tournament course after completing the round except during playoffs. The penalty for breaking this rule is 2 strokes added to the score posted by that player. There is no penalty for congregating in the immediate vicinity of the 18th hole.
i. Individuals will be paired together on the basis of average, and paired between teams of equal average (i.e., the number of top three teams will be paired together and the number two players from those three teams will be paired together, etc.). Pairings will be made in threesomes for the tournament. NOTE: The Tournament Director will decide the tournament format and will assign official duties to each coach present.
j. All players in each group will keep the score of each member of the group. Scores are to be checked and recorded at the completion of each hole. At the completion of the round, players will compare scores on each card, hole by hole. The most legible card is to be signed by all players in the group and turned in to the official scorer. This card will be used in accordance with U.S.G.A. rules. U.S.G.A. policy will be followed in tabulating scores. NOTE: All infractions of the rules or etiquette must be reported at this time or earlier.
k. There will be no advice exchanged between competitors, or among teammates during their round. Coaches may give advice.
NOTE: Teams are required to wear an appropriate team uniform. Collared shirts required and no jeans are allowed.

Section VI - Coach of the Year
The Coach of the winning GSAC team will be named G.S.A.C. Coach of the Year. The Assistant Coaches of the winning team will be named GSAC Coaching Staff of the Year.

Date Approved:
Last Revision: 3/01/06