13.0 Prize Giving - Prize Givings will be held periodically and will be advertised in advance on the Notice Board.  It is the responsibility of prize winners to make sure that they:

• Are present to collect their prizes, or
• Arrange for a representative to collect the prize on their behalf.

Failure to follow these rules is considered a breach of etiquette and will result in Disqualification from the competition.  The next placed competitor(s) will be declared the winner and be eligible to receive the prize.

14.0 Match Play Competitions - Ventnor Golf Club holds four match play competitions throughout the season:

• The Town Cup -  Singles Match Play (max. handicap 18)
• The Par Plus - Singles match Play (for handicap 19-28)
• The George Stoten - Singles Match Play (scratch)
• Ron Thompson Rose Bowl (formerly the Frank McConnell) - Chosen Pairs four ball better ball match play.

In the Town Cup and Par Plus the higher handicapper receives the full difference between the two handicaps from the lower handicapped opponent.  In the Ron Thompson Rose Bowl handicaps are taken on a three quarter handicap basis, whereby three players take handicap strokes from the lowest handicap player in the group.

In the event of a tie after 18 holes all competitions will go to a sudden death play off where strokes are given and received on the same basis as the first 18 holes.  

The following rules apply to all competitions:

• Dates for completion of respective rounds must be strictly adhered to.
• Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
• Only illness will be considered as reasons for time extensions to be granted by the Match 7 Handicap Secretary.
• The first named player or players in the draw shall offer their opponents three dates to play their match, one of which shall be on a Saturday or Sunday. Hover, failure of the first named competitor(s) to offer dates will not be considered a valid reason for an extension of time.
• The choice of honour on the first tee shall be decided by lot.
• The Finals will be played on a date to be decided by the Committee and published in the Diary.  On this day the course will be closed to other play.  members are invited to follow the matches as spectators.  Time extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances by the Match & Handicap Secretary.
• Winners of matches will be responsible for writing their names in the next round on the draw sheet.
• All disputes should be made in writing to the Match & Handicap Sub Committee whose decision will be final.

15.0 Tied and Equal Sores in Stroke Play - In the event of equal scores in stroke play competitions the winning order will be decided by a card count back (i.e. better back nine, better back 6, etc etc.)

16.0  Club Championship - The Club Championship is a stroke play medal competition of 36 holes played over two days. (18 holes each day) for both scratch and handicap competitors.  Juniors are also invited to play for the title of Junior Club Champion, based on handicap play.

By entering the competition you will be automatically entered in both scratch and handicap competitions.  Players must play on both days.

In the unlikely event of a tie for first place the following procedures will be adopted:

1. Handicap - Tied scores in the handicap competition will be decided by a card count back.
    
2. Scratch - Tied scores in the scratch competition will result in a three hole play off, played on holes 1, 2 and 18.  If the score are still equal the competitors will play sudden death over the same three holes, until a winner is established.

17.0  Aggregate Competitions  Ventnor Golf Club holds four aggregate competitions throughout the year:

The Ken Tomes Summer Eclectic Trophy - this competition is a net eclectic of medal rounds played from the 1st May to 31st October each year.  A net eclectic is each players best net score on each of the 18 holes, over the period to give a "Fantasy Round" score probably in the 55 - 65 range.  No entry is necessary as all scores in competition medal rounds will automatically count, be they midweek or weekend competitions.

R.R.Sparkes Aggregate - this competition runs from 1st January - 31st December, each year. Each time you enter a board competition at the weekend you are automatically entered into the aggregate  competition.  The winner of each competition receives ten points down to one point in tenth place.  The points are added up at the end of each year and the player with the player with the most points is awarded the winning prize.  The winner of this competition is regarded as the most consistent player of the year.  Please note that only competitions that everyone is entitled to enter will count.  The Club Championship, Captain's and President's Days' are excluded.

R.Hose Mid-Week Aggregate - This competition is run exactly as per the Sparkes Aggregate but is for mid-week competitions only.

Peter Hurst Trophy - This competition is played over six events (weather permitting) on various Sundays through the season when an Alliance Meeting is taking place elsewhere on the Island.  Competitors are entitled to enter all six competitions with their best four scores to count.  Points will be awarded for each competition (i.e. 10 points for the winner down to 1 point for tenth place)  The competitor with the most points from their best four rounds will be the overall winner.

18.0 Preferred Lies - During the period 1st October to 31st March preferred lies (winter rules) will come into operation.  Preferred lies enables a player to mark there ball, when it comes to rest on a fairway, clean it and replace it within six inches no nearer the hole.

19.0 Ladies Competitions - The Ladies' Committee will be responsible for organising their own competitions.  ladies are advised to check the notice board for details.  To facilitate this, the first tee will be closed on Monday mornings (except Bank Holidays) from dawn to 9.30am.  Members must always give way to ladies on this day and should on no account pressure a Ladies' group in front of them.

Conclusion - These rules are reviewed and revised annually by the Match & Handicap Sub Committee as found necessary.

Ventnor Golf Club prides itself on being a small but friendly club.  These rules have been produced to help the golfer maximise there enjoyment of the game and promote fairness for all.

For members who are new to the game a list of Competition Types can be found on the next page.

Competition Rule Book Page 1