NATIONAL TEAM MATCH PLAY GOLF LEAGUE

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. League Structure
3. Team Composition
4. Match Format
5. Scoring System
6. Player Eligibility
7. Competition Schedule
8. Course Preparation
9. Match Procedures
10. Rules of Play
11. Disputes and Decisions
12. Code of Conduct
13. Prizes and Awards
14. Rule Amendments
15. Appendices

1. Introduction

The National Team Match Play Golf League (NTMGL) is established to promote competitive golf at the national level through a team-based match play format. This rulebook governs all aspects of the competition and is binding for all participating teams.

1.1 Purpose

The league aims to:

• Foster a competitive team environment in golf
• Promote sportsmanship and camaraderie among players
• Provide a platform for showcasing strategic match play golf
• Develop players through high-level competition

1.2 Governance

The NTMGL is governed by:

• The League Committee consisting of League Commissioner
• The Rules Committee comprised of the League Commissioner and two appointed team managers

2. League Structure

2.1 Leagues

The NTMGL is divided into local leagues

As new locations are developed, a new league will form

2.2 Divisions

The NTMGL is divided into age level divisions:

Examples:

• Ages 18+
• Ages 35+
• Ages 50+
• Ages 65+
• Co-Ed

2.3 Team Allocation

Each team will be allowed to join only one division that fits the make up of their team.

2.4 League Commissioner

The League Commissioner shall oversee all league operations, including:

• Schedule creation and management
• Rules interpretation and enforcement
• Dispute resolution
• Record keeping and standings
• Organization of league meetings

2.5 Competition Phases

• Regular Season: Each team plays home and away matches against all other teams in their division
• Divisional Playoffs: Top eight teams from each division advance to playoffs
• National Playoffs: Each year a National Playoff tournament will be held for anyteam or player that would like to compete against other teams from across the country.

3. Team Composition

3.1 Squad Size

Each team must register a squad of 4-12 players before the start of the season.

3.2 Team Manager

Every team must designate a manager who will:

• Submit team lineups before matches
• Act as the team representative in communications with officials
• Ensure team members comply with all league rules
• Participate in manager's meetings as scheduled
• Teams may appoint a non-playing manager responsible for administrative duties and strategic decisions.

3.3 Team Changes

Squad changes are permitted only:

• During the designated mid-season transfer window
• In case of documented player injury (medical substitution)
• With prior approval from the League Committee

4. Match Format

4.1 Singles Match Play

All matches in the NTMGL are contested as singles match play in accordance with the Rules of Golf.

4.2 Match Configuration

For regular season matches:

• Each team fields 4 players
• All matches are played over 9 or 18 holes
• The home team submits their lineup first, followed by the visiting team

4.3 Match Pairings

Players are matched in descending order based on team lineup submission, with each team's #1 player facing the opponent's #1 player, and so on.

4.4 Playoff Format

For playoff matches:

• Teams field 4 players
• All matches are played over 18 holes
• In case of a tie after 18 holes, playoff matches continue hole-by-hole until a winner is determined

5. Scoring System

5.1 Match Points

Each hole in the match is worth 1 point for the winning player. Halved and lost holes are worth 0 points.

5.2 Team Match Results

Team results are determined by the aggregate points from all individual matches.

• Team win: 2 league points
• Team tie: 1 league point for each team
• Team loss: 0 league points

5.3 League Standings

Teams are ranked in division standings according to:

1. Accumulated wins and losses
2. Head-to-head results between tied teams
3. Total individual match points won

5.4 Unfinished Matches

If a match cannot be completed due to weather or other circumstances:

• If (6 or more holes on 9 hole rounds, 9 or more holes on 18 hole rounds) have been completed, the match result stands based on the score at suspension
• If fewer than 6 or 9 holes have been completed, the match must be rescheduled and replayed in full

6. Player Eligibility

6.1 Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for NTMGL competition, players must:

• Be amateur golfers or professionals
• Have an official handicap index. However, if a player does not have a handicap index then they play with a 0 index.
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Reside within 100 miles of their team's home course, with exceptions granted by the League Committee

6.2 Handicaps

All matches are played with handicap strokes. For More Information

6.3 Minimum Participation

To qualify for playoffs, a player must have competed in at least 4 regular-season matches.

7. Competition Schedule

7.1 Season Timeline

7.2 Match Scheduling

Regular season matches are scheduled for:

• Saturdays and/or Sundays
• Start times after 2:00 PM
• Match schedules published prior to the start of the season.

7.3 Postponements

Matches may be postponed only due to:

• Unplayable course conditions
• Severe weather warnings
• National emergency
• With mutual agreement of both team managers and approval from the League Commissioner

8. Course Preparation

8.1 Host Course Requirements

All host courses must:

• Meet minimum length requirements (6,500 yards for men, 5,800 yards for women)
• Have a course rating of at least 72.0
• Provide practice areas including driving range and putting green
• Make the course available for a practice round within 7 days prior to the match

8.2 Course Setup

Course setup for matches shall follow these guidelines:

• Men's tees: 6,500-7,000 yards
• Women's tees: 5,800-6,200 yards
• Pin positions: varied and fair (no extreme positions)
• Rough height: 3-4 inches
• Green speed: 10-12 on the Stimpmeter

8.3 Final Course Inspection

A course inspection may be conducted by a league official 24-48 hours before each match.

9. Match Procedures

9.1 Pre-Match Requirements

• Team lineups must be submitted to the website the day before the scheduled first tee time
• Players must be present at least 30 minutes before their scheduled tee time

9.2 Starting Order

Matches tee off in ascending order, with the #1 position players teeing off first, followed by #2, #3, etc.

9.3 Pace of Play

The following pace of play guidelines apply:

• Maximum time allowed for 18 holes: 4 hours and 30 minutes, for 9 holes: 2 hours and 15 minutes
• First warning issued if a group falls more than 14 minutes behind the preceding group
• Second warning results in penalty of loss of hole
• Continued slow play may result in match penalties

9.4 Score Reporting

During play:

• A written scorecard mst be kept for scoring back-up
• Player will score their round and their opponents round per hole on the website or mobile app (currently in development)

After completion of matches:

• Players must verify and sign scorecard
• Player must click the "Complete Match" button on their scoring app.
• The system will compare all scores for each hole and if they match the score is posted.
• If there is a mismatch in players scores the players must recitfy the descrepancy before the round can be completed.
• Results must be submitted to each team manager immediately
• Team managers must verify and sign the official match report

10. Rules of Play

10.1 Governing Rules

All matches shall be played in accordance with:

• The current Rules of Golf as approved by the R&A and USGA
• Local Rules approved by the NTMGL Rules Committee
• This NTMGL Rulebook

10.2 Concessions

In match play:

• Players may concede their opponent's next stroke, a hole, or the match (any remaining hole points will be awarded to the winning player's team)
• Concessions may not be declined or withdrawn
• A concession is only valid when clearly communicated

10.3 Disputes During Play

If a dispute arises during a match:

• Players should try to resolve it among themselves
• If resolution is not possible, players may request a ruling from a referee or NTMGL official
• If a referee or NTMGL official is not immediately available, players must note the dispute and continue play, playing a second ball if necessary

10.4 Equipment

All equipment used must conform to the Rules of Golf. Additionally:

• Distance-measuring devices are permitted (without slope function)
• Players may carry a maximum of 14 clubs
• Ball changes are permitted only between holes

11. Disputes and Decisions

11.1 Rules Committee

The Rules Committee has final authority on all rules questions and disputes.

11.2 Protests

Formal protests must be:

• Submitted in writing by the team manager
• Filed within 24 hours of the conclusion of the match
• Accompanied by supporting evidence
• Reviewed by the Rules Committee within 72 hours

11.3 Sanctions

The Rules Committee may impose the following sanctions:

• Warning
• Loss of hole
• Loss of match
• Disqualification from competition
• Team point deductions

12. Code of Conduct

12.1 Expected Behavior

All participants must:

• Display sportsmanship and respect at all times
• Adhere to golf etiquette
• Comply with dress codes at host facilities
• Respect course staff and officials

12.2 Prohibited Conduct

The following actions are prohibited:

• Club throwing or damage to the course
• Abusive language or behavior
• Excesive use of alcohol during competition
• Failure to comply with league rules
• Deliberate breach of the Rules of Golf

12.3 Dress Code

Players must adhere to the following dress requirements:

• Collared shirts with Team name or logo
• No denim or athletic shorts
• Proper golf shoes (soft spikes only)
• Team uniforms during the National Playoffs

13. Prizes and Awards

13.1 Team Awards

• National Champion: Trophy and prize money
• Division Champions: Trophy

13.2 Individual Awards

• Player of the Year: Most individual match points earned
• Most Valuable Player: Selected by managers' vote

14. Rule Amendments

14.1 Amendment Process

Rule changes may be proposed by:

• The League Committee
• Team managers (with support from at least 5 other managers)
• The Rules Committee

14.2 Voting

Amendments require:

• Two-thirds majority vote of the Rules Committee
• Implementation only between seasons, except for emergency situations

14.3 Emergency Rules

The League Committee may implement emergency rules with immediate effect if circumstances require. Such rules must be ratified at the next scheduled meeting.

15. Appendices

15.1 Tie-Breaking Procedures

In playoff matches, if teams are tied after all individual matches:

• The captains shall each select one player for a sudden-death playoff
• The playoff begins on a hole designated by the Host Course Officials
• If still tied after one hole, play continues until a winner is determined

15.2 Weather Protocols

In case of inclement weather:

• The Host Course Officials has authority to suspend or cancel play
• One prolonged horn blast: Discontinue play immediately
• Three consecutive horn blasts: Discontinue play
• Two short horn blasts: Resume play

15.3 Contact Information

For questions or clarifications about these rules, please contact the League Office at:
Email: info@ntmgl.com
Phone: (###) ###-####