Welcome! Here is some basic information about how the league operates.

LEAGUE SCHEDULE AND TEE TIMES
A schedule is published on the 9 hole league main page. All your opponents and tee times are prearranged.

IF YOU CAN’T PLAY YOUR SCHEDULED MATCH
If you are unable to play your match, it is your responsibility to arrange for a substitute to play on your behalf. If you do not arrange for a sub, your opponent is forced to play against par, and you do not earn any points that week for yourself or your team. Please make an effort to locate a sub whenever you cannot play. Any member of the Men’s Club is eligible to sub for you; a list of members who have indicated an interest in subbing is provided and posted on the 9 hole league main page. If you are unable to arrange a sub, let the pro shop know in advance; sometimes they are able to arrange a last-minute arrival to play for you.

HANDICAPS
All league play is based on adjusted “net” scores based your USGA handicap. Please use the GHIN app handicap calculator to determine your 9 hole handicap for the side you’re playing.

As a Men’s Club member you are part of the official USGA handicap system. You will earn a handicap once you have posted at least five 18 hole or ten 9 hole scores. You can print your latest handicap card from the computer in the pro shop or on-line at home. The “home” or “C. H.” number on the card is your course handicap for Green Haven, and that’s the number we use as your handicap for league and Men’s Club play. Note we do not normally use the “index”. You can receive twice-a-month email updates by signing up at ghin.com.

As a new member, you will be assigned a temporary handicap to use until you have entered enough scores for your official handicap to be computed. This handicap may only be used for 9 hole league play, and is not valid for other Men’s Club events.

GHIN NUMBER
You are also assigned a “GHIN” number by the USGA. You’ll need to know this identification number to post scores on the ghin.com website or at other courses, or to sign up for automatic handicap update emails.

LEAGUE FORMAT AND POINT SYSTEM
Matches are scored using an individual match play format with a total of 22 points available for the 9 hole round:

 a) Each hole has a total of 2 points available. You win two points if you win the hole outright by having the lower net score for the hole. You and your opponent each win one point if your net scores tie on the hole.

b) The lower total net score for the entire 9 holes wins an additional 4 points, or 2 points each if you tie.

c) If your opponent or their sub does not show, you will play against par. You will receive the 4 bonus points. Hole by hole scoring - you receive 0 points if your net score for the hole is bogey or higher; you receive 1 point if your net score for the hole is equal to par; you receive 2 points if your net score for the hole is birdie or better.

d) The points you earn accumulate throughout the season. They count toward your own personal standings

RULES OF GOLF
All Men’s Club events are played based on the official USGA rules of golf. If you are unsure of how the rules apply to an on-course situation, consult with other members of your group. If necessary you can get a final ruling from the pro shop after the round.

GIVING PUTTS
Since our league uses a match play format, you are technically allowed to “give” putts to your opponent if you choose. However, “putting everything out” is preferred  for league play and is strongly encouraged. Also, if your opponent has entered that day’s “shop game” he needs to putt everything out anyway to keep things fair since prize money is on the line in the shop game.

SCOREKEEPING ON COURSE
Normally, one member of your foursome will volunteer to keep a scorecard for the foursome. Be sure your first and last name, handicap and date are clearly written on the scorecard.

ENTER MATCH RESULTS
After your round, enter the match results (points) in the binder located near or in pro shop. You are responsible to see that your match results are recorded, even if someone else in your group keeps score during the round.

TURN IN YOUR SCORECARD
After your round, turn in your scorecard to the pro shop. Enter your scores into GHIN app.

SHOP GAME
Normally there is an optional shop game you can sign up for. The pro shop staff runs the event, and the format varies week to week. Typically there is a small entry fee with prizes are awarded in the form of shop credit. It’s a way to add some fun to your round, but doesn’t affect league results.

PLAY FAST
Keep up with the group ahead of you. Play ready golf. Plan your shot while approaching your ball. Always be ready to hit. Line up your putt while waiting for your turn. Putt out instead of marking your ball. Wait until you are at the next tee to record your scores. Let’s keep it moving!

HAVE FUN!
Don’t worry if you don’t understand all the ins and outs of league play right away. Just get out and enjoy your round. All the veterans will be happy to answer questions and help you enjoy the league as much as possible.