Wilson Smith Golf League of the Delaware Valley Rules 

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Eligibility:

 

1. Players must have a minimum of 90 days continuous recovery as of April 1 of that playing season to be eligible to play.

   1. If a player relapses during the season, the player can continue to participate in the WSGL of DV if they have a desire to be clean/sober and can play matches.  A second relapse will eliminate the player who can return after one year of continuous recovery is achieved.

   2. If it is determined that the player is not actively in recovery, they will be replaced for the remainder of the season by the next player on the waitlist. The affected teammate will be able to select a new partner in the following season.

   3. The player removed from the league can come back to the league once they have 1-year continuous recovery.  They will return to the waiting list.

2. Players must declare a home course that they have access to for their matches.  

3. All players must have an active and accurate handicap in the Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN).

4. Yearly league fee must be received by December 1st of the year prior to the season being played. If a player’s fee is not received by the deadline, then they forfeit their spot for the year and a player will be taken from the waitlist.

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Format of Competition:

 

1. Better-Ball of Partners.

2. Match Play.

3. 100% Course Handicap. We suggest you use the functionality built into the USGA GHIN app to calculate current course handicap at the time of your match. If you have any questions, please ask the local PGA pro to assist.

4. You will play off the lowest handicap in the group and determine where strokes will fall from there.

5. Players can choose to play from a tee box that matches their skill level and conditions of play. Please make sure you adjust course handicap according to the tee box being played.

 

Handicaps:

 

1. All players are required to maintain an active and accurate handicap index. The committee asks that everyone review the rules for handicaps at www.usga.org. There have been several changes in recent years that everyone should be familiar with, including the requirement that all scores (league and non-league) are submitted on the day the round was played.

2. The league does have a Handicap Chair. If it is discovered that any player is not maintaining an accurate handicap index, the Handicap Chair may act against that player and their partner. This action could result in a forced handicap reduction, forfeiture of matches and possible league suspension or expulsion.

 

Scoring:

 

1. Nassau Format. 1 point for front nine; 1 point for back nine; 1 point for overall (18 holes).

2. Bonus Points. There is an additional quarter point (1/4) awarded for each margin point of victory on the total score. For example, if Team A beats Team B on the overall 2-up, they earn half (1/2) point extra.

3. Mercy Rule. The maximum amount of points a team can score in a match is 4. 

4. Winning team is responsible for submitting scores via the league website with notes going to Garth Reid and your Flight Captain.

5. If the match ends in a draw, then the visiting team is responsible for reporting the match.

6. Please submit scores immediately following your match so that the standings can be updated in a timely manner.

7. The team with the most points at the end of the season wins their division and qualifies for the playoffs.

   1. If there is a tie for points, then the team with the better win-loss-tie record will win. If there is still no winner, then head-to-head record determines winner.

8. The results will be posted to the league website: www.wsgolfdelval.com.

 

Scheduling of Matches:

 

1. It is the visiting team’s responsibility to contact the home team to schedule matches. In 2022 the home team is highlighted in purple on the schedule. Visiting team is highlighted in yellow. This will reverse in 2023 so that teams that are home in 2022 and visiting in 2023.

2. The visiting team determines the course to be played from one of the home team’s listed courses.

   1. Home team should make every effort to host the match at the preferred course.

   2. If one of the home team’s courses is not available on an agreeable date, then another course can be chosen if all agree, or the date of the match is changed to accommodate the match site request.

3. Each player is responsible for their own greens, cart and/or caddy fees.

4. All matches must be completed by Labor Day. 

   1. Failure to play your match by Labor Day will result in a forfeit for both teams. Zero points will be given to both teams for any matches not completed before Labor Day. In addition, any team that does not complete their matches by Labor Day will not be invited back next year and their spot in the league will be forfeit.

   2. Teams may request permission to play past Labor Day if they can show extenuating circumstances exist. All requests should be submitted in writing to the Competition Chairman, for review by the Competition Chairman and the Board.

   3. Any conflicts will be reviewed by the Competition Chairman and the Board who will make all decisions.

 

Disputes:

 

1. Rules of Play:

   1. All matches are played under the latest revision of the USGA Rules. If there is a dispute during a match, please contact the local PGA Professional at the course to determine a ruling.

2. Issues within the WSL of DV:

   1. Each division has a Flight Captain. They are highlighted in yellow on the schedule. Please contact them with any league issues.

 

Season Schedule:

 

1. Opening Dinner on May 11, 2023

2. Regular season Opens April 1st and closes Labor Day. All four (4) matches must be completed by Labor Day.

3. Championships and End of Season Tournament is October 3rd and 4th at Saucon Valley CC.