Fair Play & Handicap Policy
1. Purpose and Principles
This Fair Play & Handicap Policy (“Policy”) establishes the standards, rules, and enforcement mechanisms governing handicap use and fair competition for the Club Championship 2026 (the “Tournament”). The Tournament is committed to:
- Ensuring maximum inclusivity and equitable competition across all skill levels
- Protecting the integrity of the game of golf
- Applying handicap rules consistently and transparently
- Deterring manipulation or abuse of handicap systems
- Enforcing rules fairly, proportionately, and without bias
This Policy applies to all participants, including amateur and professional players where applicable.
2. Governing Rules and Authorities
The Tournament recognizes and adopts the following as governing authorities:
- The Rules of Golf as approved by The R&A and the USGA
- The World Handicap System (WHS), including all current interpretations
- Any additional Tournament Conditions of Competition
In the event of conflict, Tournament-specific rules and this Policy shall prevail.
3. Scope of Application
This Policy applies to:
- All players entered into the Tournament
- All qualifying, regional, and final rounds
- Team and mixed-format competitions where handicaps are used
This Policy covers handicap eligibility, calculation, verification, monitoring, adjustment, and enforcement.
4. Handicap Eligibility Requirements
4.1 Acceptable Handicap Index
Players must hold a valid Handicap Index issued by a recognized golf association operating under the World Handicap System.
Acceptable Handicap Indexes must:
- Be active and current at the time of the first competitive fixture.
- Reflect recent playing history
- Be verifiable through an official handicap database
4.2 Maximum Handicap Limits
The Tournament imposes a maximum Handicap Index limit of 28 for all players of all genders.
4.3 Responsibility of the Player
Players are solely responsible for:
- Maintaining an accurate Handicap Index
- Posting all acceptable scores in accordance with WHS rules
- Ensuring their Handicap Index reflects their demonstrated playing ability
5. Handicap Verification Process
5.1 Pre-Tournament Verification
Prior to competition, the Tournament Committee may:
- Verify Handicap Indexes through national or regional handicap databases
- Review scoring records for consistency and completeness
- Request additional documentation from players or handicap authorities
5.2 Ongoing Monitoring
Handicap Indexes may be monitored throughout the Tournament, including:
- Round-by-round review of scores
- Comparison of net and gross performance trends
- Identification of anomalous scoring patterns
5.3 On-Site Adjustments
The Tournament Committee reserves the right to adjust a player’s Playing Handicap for competition purposes if evidence indicates the Handicap Index does not reflect current playing ability.
6. Handicap Manipulation and Unacceptable Conduct
6.1 Definition of Handicap Manipulation
Handicap manipulation includes, but is not limited to:
- Deliberately failing to post acceptable scores
- Posting incorrect or incomplete scores
- Inflating scores to increase Handicap Index
- Playing from incorrect tees for handicap purposes
- Collusion or coordination with others to affect handicap outcomes
6.2 Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with WHS rules or Tournament requirements may be treated as a breach of this Policy, whether intentional or negligent.
7. Investigation and Enforcement
7.1 Authority of the Committee
The Tournament Committee has full authority to:
- Investigate suspected breaches of this Policy
- Request score histories, attestation records, and supporting information
- Consult with national or regional handicap authorities
7.2 Standard of Review
Decisions will be based on a balance of probabilities, considering:
- Statistical evidence
- Playing history
- Observed performance
- Player explanations and documentation
7.3 Player Cooperation
Players are expected to cooperate fully with any investigation. Failure to do so may result in sanctions.
8. Sanctions and Penalties
Depending on the severity and intent of the breach, sanctions may include:
- Adjustment of Playing Handicap
- Score correction or disqualification from a round
- Disqualification from the Tournament
- Forfeiture of prizes or awards
- Suspension or ban from future Tournament events
- Notification to the player’s home golf association
Sanctions may be applied retroactively where appropriate.
9. Appeals Process
9.1 Right to Appeal
Players may appeal a decision under this Policy by submitting a written appeal within 48 hours.
9.2 Appeal Review
Appeals will be reviewed by an internal CGC panel or senior committee not involved in the original decision.
9.3 Finality of Decision
All appeal decisions are final and binding.
10. Confidentiality and Data Protection
All handicap data, investigations, and decisions will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws and Tournament privacy policies.
Information will be disclosed only to parties with a legitimate need to know.
11. Education and Communication
The Tournament will:
- Provide players with clear information on handicap requirements
- Publish this Policy in advance of competition
- Offer guidance on WHS compliance and fair play expectations
Ignorance of the Policy will not be accepted as a defense.
12. Policy Review and Amendments
This Policy may be amended at any time by the Tournament Organizing Committee. Updated versions will be published and communicated to participants.
13. Acknowledgment
By entering the Tournament, all players acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to comply with this Fair Play & Handicap Policy.
