Rules

The Squires’ Trophy Rules

1. General

a. The format for the event is individual Stableford.

b. Etiquette is an integral and inextricable part of the Squires’ Trophy and all players are expected to conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times. Squires should check the dress code applicable to each club via their websites directly.

c. Prior to the event, both teams are to assign Captains for the duration of the event.

2. Handicaps

a. WHO indices will be used for round 1 with handicaps staying as is unless the committee deem that adjustments are required.

b. The maximum playing handicap on any given day will be 20.

c. For those without WHO indices, handicaps for Day 1 will be calculated based on factors including (but not limited to) (i) The player's last previous index, (ii) That players previous Squires’ Trophy performance and (iii) current general play.

d. The Squires’ Handicap Committee, as appointed by the Squire, shall agree on starting handicaps.

e. Handicaps can only be modified after days 1 and 2.

f. Handicap certificates may be required at certain clubs - it is the responsibility of each player to obtain their own and have a hard copy ready for the starter.

g. In exceptional circumstances, a player’s handicap can be adjusted at the discretion of the handicap committee.

3. Scoring

a. Golfers are expected to return scorecards clearly showing gross scores per hole and handicap adjusted Stableford points accrued during the round. These scores will then be verified post round by the Squires’ committee for errors, and any discrepancies found will be queried and resolved with the golfer before the round is deemed as counting.

b. All holes to be completed – no ‘gimmies’ allowed under any circumstances. However, in the interests of keeping up with the pace of play, golfers should pick up if they are out of the points.

c. To maintain the pace of play in the eventuality that a ball becomes lost, the golfer can either:

(i) return to the spot where he struck the original ball at a cost of 1 penalty stroke per normal R&A rules, or

(ii) drop in the lost zone* and add 2 penalty strokes.

*The lost zone is loosely defined as being the rough area where the ball was last spotted, or heading towards. Golfers are expected to be honest in their assessment of the ‘lost zone’. If a ball cannot be found, the player is allowed to drop within the lost zone giving himself a reasonable ‘playable’ lie (but not nearer the hole) and take a 2-shot penalty; or alternatively he can return to the place where the original ball was struck and incur a 1-shot penalty.

d. Signing of scorecards is not mandatory.

e. In all other cases, R&A rules shall apply.

4. Groups

a. In an effort to create a fair mix of skill and humour in every group; players will be shuffled at the discretion of the captains for each day’s play, in either 4-ball or 3-ball groups.

b. On the final day, the order of play will be as per the Day 2 leaderboard, with the leaders teeing-off last.

5. Competitions

5.1. The Squires’ Trophy

a. The winner of the Squires’ Trophy will have the highest aggregate Stableford points accrued over all 3 rounds. In the event of a tie, the player with the best final round will be crowned champion. Countback (9-6-3-1) will determine the winner if the tied players' final rounds are the same.

5.2. The ‘Majors’

a. Majors will be contested with a minimum field size of 8, in line with the rebirth at ST13.

b. The winner of a major will have the day's highest Stableford score. In the event of a tie, Stableford points countback shall be applied (9-6-3-1) to determine the winner.

5.3. The Green Jacket

a. The person with the lowest Gross Strokeplay score on Day 1 is presented with the coveted Green Jacket, which he is entitled to wear (as current leader) until the Day 2 green jacket presentation.

b. On Day 2 the person with the lowest aggregate gross score for the first two days is entitled to wear (as current leader) until the Day 3 green jacket presentation.

c. The winner of the Green Jacket is the player with the lowest aggregate gross score over the 3 days play.

d. For the avoidance of doubt, the highest gross score per hole is equal to the lowest possible score which gives zero stableford points.

5.4. The Ryder

a. The Ryder is played between the Scottish and the Irish teams, who each make up approximately 50% of the field. Anyone not Irish or Scottish will become assigned to a team, and they are expected to become naturalised for the duration of the event.

b. The Ryder is an event based on the players stableford scores.

c. The format of The Ryder works for varying sizes of fields, with additional virtual men (known as weasels) added to teams who score the exact average of the team on that day, as required.

d. The format of The Ryder in 2022 will be singles Dunhill Cup style based on individual stableford scores.

e. On-course parings will be agreed by the respective captains prior to play.

f. The first team to reach over 50% of the available points shall be deemed the winner of The Ryder.

g. In the event of an overall tie, the previous year's winners will 'retain' The Ryder

6. Prizes

6.1. Major Prizes

a. The Squires’ Trophy - there will be a prize allocated to the winner of the Squires’ Trophy. The winner shall be presented with The Squires’ Trophy. There may be other prizes awarded to the top 3/4/5 as deemed by the committee.

b. There will be a 1st prize allocated to the winner on each day of the event - these are known as Squires' ‘Majors’. The winner of a major receives a major medal, which he is expected to wear with pride. There may be other prizes awarded to the top 2/3 as deemed by the committee.

c. The winner of The Squires’ Trophy shall return it (or have it returned) in good condition the following year, and is responsible for ensuring that the engraving is up to date prior to the start of the following year’s competition.

d. The Winning Captain of the Ryder will receive the Ryder Cup. He shall return it (or have it returned) in good condition the following year, and is responsible for ensuring that the engraving is up to date prior to the start of the following year’s competition.

6.2. Minor Prizes

a. There may be other minor competitions/challenges which will be advised by the Squire at the event.

6.3. Prize Fund

a. The prize fund and players individual contributions will be confirmed by the squire prior to the event, when final numbers are known.

7. Bad Light/Injury/Weather

a. In certain circumstance it may be required to stop play, either through weather conditions, injury or bad light. In such an event, the committee will meet up after the days play and agree on a fair course of action. Refer also to Section 8.

b. No such allowance shall be made for anyone leaving the course as a result of his own bad play. In all such cases, his remaining holes shall all be non-scoring. In the event that someone misses a tee time they shall score zero points for all holes missed.

8. Disputes

a. Any disputes in relation to ANY issues on the above, or arising during the event shall be judged by the Squire, and his decision shall be final.