1. Pre‑Competition Course Assessment
Before the competition begins, the Golf Centre is responsible for determining whether the course is playable.
- If the course is declared unplayable: the competition is cancelled.
- If the course is declared playable: the competition proceeds as scheduled.
2. Suspension of Play During the Round
2.1 Authority to Suspend Play
A suspension of play may only be declared by:
- Members of M&H
- Members of Council
- The Golf Centre
Players may not suspend play themselves, except in the lightning exception below.
2.2 When Suspension is Required
A suspension must be declared when:
- Greens become flooded
- Conditions become dangerous
- The course becomes temporarily unplayable
2.3 Player Actions During Suspension
When a suspension is signalled:
- Players may complete the hole they are playing, unless an immediate stop is ordered.
- Players are not required to complete the hole.
- Players may return to the clubhouse for shelter.
2.4 Lightning Exception (Rule 5.7a)
A player may stop play if they believe there is danger from lightning. They must report this immediately to a member of M&H.
3. Resumption of Play
3.1 Authority to Resume
Play will only resume when the Committee (M&H, Council, or the Golf Centre) declares the course playable.
Players must not return to the course until the Committee authorises resumption.
3.2 Player Obligations
When play resumes:
- All players must return to the course promptly.
- Play must restart from the exact point where it was suspended.
- Failure to resume results in an incomplete competition round, not disqualification.
4. Cancellation After Suspension
If the Golf Centre subsequently closes the course, or conditions do not improve, the competition will be cancelled.
4.1 Handicapping (WHS)
If the competition is cancelled after play has begun:
- The competition is abandoned for results purposes.
- All returned scores are submitted to WHS.
- Only downward adjustments to Handicap Index can occur.
- WHS does not apply upward movement from incomplete rounds or abandoned competitions.
4.2 Players Who Do Not Resume
If a player chooses not to resume after a suspension:
- Their competition round is incomplete.
- WHS still applies if they have completed 10 or more holes:
- <10 holes: no acceptable score
- 10–17 holes: round completed using net par +1
- 18 holes: normal Score Differential
5. Saturday Competitions
If a Saturday competition (exceptions below) is cancelled:
- It will be converted into a sweep.
- The prize fund is calculated based on the time of cancellation and the number of groups that should have completed their round by that time.
- The scheduled competition will be re‑arranged.
6. Sunday and Midweek Sweeps
If a sweep is cancelled:
- Any player who did not have the opportunity to complete their round is entitled to a refund or free entry into their next competition (if their entry fee has already been dropped).
7. Captain’s Day and President’s Day
These competitions are not converted to sweeps if cancelled.
- All players will receive free entry into the rescheduled competition.
- This ensures all members have a fair opportunity to compete for the main prizes.
8. Members Day
If cancelled:
- The competition will be converted to a sweep.
- Additional Members Day prizes will not be awarded on the cancelled day.
- These prizes will be played for on the rescheduled date.
9. Club Championship (36 Holes)
- If all players do not complete Round 1 due to cancellation, the Championship is fully rescheduled.
- If all players do not complete Round 2, Round 1 scores will stand, and Round 2 will be rescheduled.
10. Two’s Competition
The 2s competition is included within the main entry fee.
- The 2s competition follows the same cancellation rules as the main event for that day.
- The 2s prize fund is calculated based on the time of cancellation and the number of groups that should have completed their round.
- Players who recorded a 2 before suspension or cancellation remain eligible for 2s payouts, as their entry fee has not been refunded.
- Players refunded or carried over to another day may record a 2 on the day they subsequently play.
11. Midweek Competitions (Alternate‑Day Format)
Midweek competitions are played as alternate‑day events over three consecutive days. Each day functions as an individual competition round for administrative purposes, but all valid scores across the three days contribute to the overall competition result.
11.1 Adverse Weather Procedures for Each Day
The adverse‑weather procedures in Sections 1–10 apply independently to each day:
- The Golf Centre determines pre‑round playability.
- M&H, Council, or the Golf Centre may suspend or resume play.
- A day’s play may be cancelled if the course becomes unplayable.
- WHS rules apply to all acceptable scores returned on that day.
The overall Midweek competition continues across the remaining days.
11.2 Cancellation of a Day’s Play
If one day of the Midweek competition is cancelled:
- The competition continues on the remaining scheduled days.
- Players who were unable to complete their round on the cancelled day are entitled to:
- Refund of their entry fee, or
- Free entry on another day of the same Midweek competition.
11.3 Returning a Score on Another Day
Players refunded or carried over due to cancellation:
- May return a score on any of the remaining days of the Midweek competition.
- Their score will be included in the overall competition results.
11.4 Handicapping (WHS) for Midweek Competitions
WHS rules apply per day, not across the three‑day event:
- If a day is cancelled after play has begun, it is abandoned for results but qualifying for handicapping.
- All acceptable scores (10+ holes) are submitted to WHS.
- Only downward adjustments can occur.
- Players who did not complete 10 holes return no score for WHS.
11.5 Two’s Competition for Midweek Events
The 2s competition follows the same rules as the main event:
- The 2s pot is calculated based on the time of cancellation for that day.
- Players who recorded a 2 before suspension or cancellation remain eligible for payouts.
- Players refunded or carried over may record a 2 on the day they subsequently play.