1. We are an International, friendly Golf Society made up of many nationalities. However, our default language is English in all written communications.
2. Information about the Society can be found on the Society Notice Board next to the Bonalba Club Shop or through our dedicated website athttp://costa-blanca-golf.blogspot.com.es, which also includes a link to "Master Scoreboard".
3. Annual fees are due from each member on the 1st February every year. It is the member’s responsibility to ensure Subscriptions are paid promptly, and within one month of the AGM, excepting where the member has made alternative arrangements (preferably by email) with the Treasurer.
4. Providing there is sufficient availability guests with a current golf handicap are always welcome, the present entry fee for a guest is set at €5 and where guests are introduced by members then the member will be expected to play with their guest. Guest format is generally Stableford. However, on occasions, this may change at the discretion of the Captain.
5. Entries to the Wednesday competitions are booked via Master Scoreboard and are closed on the previous Monday. Any entries after this date are subject to places being available on a first come first served basis. Reservations for guest players need to be made separately from the Master Scoreboard by their sponsors.
6. A calendar of weekly competitions is placed on the Society notice board and website by the Captain. Whilst most of our matches are played at the Bonalba Club, as a Society we play several matches at other venues. It is expected that all members make every effort to support these games in the same way as they would for matches played at Bonalba.
7. During the course of each year several special events are arranged. These take a great deal of effort by their organisers and are arranged for the benefit of you the members. Members are therefore expected to participate in these events, the most important of which is the Captains Day Competition, and thereafter the Dinner dance and presentation.
Other important dates are President’s Day, Presentation Day, the AGM, with all these and other dates being published well in advance in order that you the members can make your arrangements.
8. It is understood that the Rules of Golf as defined by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews will form the parameters under which the games are played. Member should make themselves fully aware of all local rules applicable to the golf courses we play in each weekly competition.
The Captain’s ruling on the day may not always be agreed with, but he is the Captain and his decision must stand. Should any member wish to discuss a dispute then this must be done privately, with the Captain, and without animosity. Alternatively, they should request a meeting with the Committee, via the President, the Captain, or the Secretary.
In any event, the Captain’s decision on the day (other than in exceptional circumstances) must stand and members must adhere by his decision.
9. Member’s handicaps are based on the EGA Handicap System managed by the Society and are updated after each qualifying competition. The current exact handicaps are listed in Master Scoreboard. Players will be given a scorecard showing their start time and playing handicap, it is every individual player’s responsibility to ensure their handicap is correct.
It is the player’s responsibility to ensure his or her score card is completed correctly and legibly and signed by both the player and marker before handing over promptly to the handicap secretary or designated member.
10. The winners of each competition will be announced at the prize presentation. In the event of ties we use the EGA handicap rules which calculate the winners based on the back 9, back 6 and if necessary the back 3 holes.
As a courtesy to your Captain and other members please make every effort to stay for this presentation. If for any reason you are unable to attend you must inform the Captain in advance.
At present prizes are awarded to the first 5 players in Stableford and Stroke Play competitions, however this may be reduced should the number of players in the competition be less than 27.
11. The Captain or his elected Deputy will publish the start list and tee times for each competition on the Society website as early as possible prior to the Wednesday competition.
In the event you are unable to participate it is important that you inform the Captain immediately.
12. As a Golf Society we cannot and will not tolerate members who are not prepared to play with certain members. It is the Captain’s responsibility to arrange the order of play and members must accept and respect his arrangements.
The only exception to this is the Monthly Medal played on the 1st Wednesday of each month which will be played in handicap order.
13. Whilst we have vacancies for new members they must show a degree of skill and be able to show they would be an asset to the Society. They will be allocated an exact EGA handicap based on a copy of a valid handicap certificate and/or 3 cards played.
14. The maximum playing handicap for the Society is 36.
15. Normally all competitions will be played off the yellow tees for men and red tees for ladies. Male members reaching the grand age of 75 have the option to play off the red tees at Bonalba on application to the Captain and/or Handicap Secretary. Their playing handicap will then be adjusted to the current course and slope rating as applied by the Spanish Golf Federation. To avoid confusion, once sanctioned it will be assumed that they will play all competitions from the red tees until advised otherwise.
16. We are guests on whichever golf course we play and we should ensure correct etiquette is maintained including:-
- Being correctly attired and available on the Tee five minutes prior to our tee time,
- Ensuring we keep up with the group in front and do not fall behind - more than a hole is too slow.
- Allow faster groups to pass through, providing you are not being held up yourselves,
- Replace Divots and rake bunkers.
Your Captain, President and Committee are all willing volunteers therefore respect their decisions which are taken for the benefit of all our members and treat them kindly!
If you totally disagree with what they are doing and think you could do it better, feel free to express your opinion at the AGM.
