Tournament Policies

AMATEURS: All amateur prizes will be given in the form of a merchandise gift certificate to be redeemed in the host club’s pro shop. Amateurs will play from the Amateur tee markers.

BLACK BOX: How a scorecard is treated after it has been returned to the Committee is covered under Rule 6-6, but the problem is that the precise moment when it is considered returned is not rigidly defined. The interpretation is left up to the Committee. A submitted, properly signed and attested card may be given back to the player for the purpose of making alterations unless and until it has been officially accepted. This liberal interpretation can cause — and has caused — confusion.

The purpose of the “Black Box” used on the NEW ENGLAND GOLF TOUR is to eliminate all doubt as to when the card becomes official. If the card has not been deposited in the Black Box, any changes or additions may be made on it. However, once the card has been deposited, it is deemed to be official and this privilege is forfeited. Although it is strongly recommended that the player himself, after checking the accuracy of the card, make the deposit, there is no penalty if he fails to do so, but the deposit will be considered to have been made with his knowledge and consent unless the Committee is satisfied that this was not the case and the reason was beyond the control of the player.

The Black Box is NOT a trap. It is used NOT to intimidate the player, but, rather, to protect him.

CODE OF CONDUCT: Any conduct which the Committee deems to be disrespectful to the New England Golf Tour, its sponsors, the club or its personnel, members, spectators, or The Game of Golf, shall constitute grounds for loss of playing privileges and entry money.

Specifically, the following actions will not be tolerated: Excessive drinking at tournament sites, improper golf attire, deliberately throwing or breaking equipment.

Any personal complaints or criticisms regarding the host club’s facilities, its staff, or other contestants shall be made to the Tournament Director, (in writing), with all particulars of the complaint detailed.

DECISION OF TIES: In the event of a tie for 1st place Professional only, it shall be decided by a stroke play, “sudden-death” playoff. All other ties shall share equally in the appropriate purse money, except that the greater of any odd results which may occur through division shall be determined by matching cards, starting with the #1 handicap hole, and continuing sequentially.

DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES: Unless otherwise noted on the Local Rules Addendum, a player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only.

DRESS CODE AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE: All contestants in any New England Golf Tour event, must be neat in appearance with respect to clothing and personal grooming. The Committee in charge shall decide whether this requirement has been met, and has the authority to withdraw the entry of a competitor who does not comply. The wearing of shorts is prohibited for Professionals, unless the Committee deems it to be excessively hot, and therefore may waive the policy.

GAMBLING: Non-golfing games, (cards, dice, billiards, etc.), played for money is prohibited on club property. Violation of this policy may result in tour suspension.

HOST PRO ENTRY FEE: Host club head professionals at New England Golf Tour events may be entitled to an exemption into the event at a discounted entry fee.

MEDIA COVERAGE: Complete results of all New England Golf Tour events are sent as soon as possible after the conclusion of the event. We invite the players to provide us with any contact information of their local papers to add to our media list.

PAYMENT OF PURSE: Until the field sizes increase to the point where the Committee deems it impracticable to do so, winners will be given their checks as soon as possible after the final scores have become official.

PRACTICE BEFORE ROUNDS: We try our best to avoid them, but sometimes we have to schedule one of our events at a course where the practice facilities are limited. In such cases the players are restricted to practicing in the designated areas only, unless permission is given in advance by either the host Pro-Shop or the Tournament Director to do so elsewhere.

REGISTRATION: Each player is required to check in at the Registration Table at least 30 minutes prior to their assigned starting time.

SHORTENED EVENTS: The Committee will determine the method of handling shortened events, and it will be done so with the best interests of the club and the players in mind.

Every effort will be made to complete the entire 18 hole round, but the following policy will be in effect if this is not possible or practicable.

In the event that all players are able to complete 9 holes, but unable to complete 18 holes, the event will become a 9 hole tournament, with one-half of the original purse being paid and one-half of the entry fees, less any NEGT costs involved with the event, returned.

STARTING TIMES AND GROUPINGS: The Committee is responsible for establishing starting times and groupings. As field sizes increase, normal procedure will be an “out-of-the-hat” draw. Special requests are considered. The Committee reserves the right to modify these procedures if is sees fit, for any reason, to do so.

THE “ONE-BALL RULE”: This Local Rule will be in effect at all New England Golf Tour events FOR PROFESSIONALS ONLY. It is the player’s responsibility to become familiar with this Rule because it will be strictly enforced. We hope that the players will avoid any unnecessary problems from occurring by ensuring that they carry an adequate supply of golf balls which will conform to it. Note: This Local Rule is not one of the Tournament Director’s favorite, nor one he considers proper. The purpose of its adoption is to prepare the players as they advance to bigger tours-to get them used to it.

WITHDRAWALS: Withdrawals are accepted for any reason without penalty if the Tour Office is notified at least 24 hours before the event. Late withdrawals are subject to a $25 administrative fee. No shows forfeit their entry fee.