Senior Amateur Championship

48^th Senior Amateur Championship

Black Diamond Ranch

Quarry Course

www.blackdiamondranch.com

Lecanto, Florida

April 14 - 16, 2009

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION

Memorandum to Contestants

On behalf of the FSGA, congratulations on qualifying for the 48^th Senior Amateur Championship.  We hope that you enjoy your experience in competing at a State Championship and take many favorable memories from your time at the Black Diamond Ranch.

Please take time to carefully read this information.  There are several important pieces of information contained here, some of which require action by you, by a certain time (e.g. hotel reservations, pre-registration and practice rounds, etc.).  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the FSGA Championship Department at (813) 632-3742 or championships@fsga.org.     

Pre-Registration Deadline

BY 3:30 PM, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8^th, EACH SUCCESSFUL QUALIFIER MUST:

Remit to the FSGA office, $200 for advance payment of Championship Fees.  Championship fees include cart fees, tee gift and range balls for all competitive rounds. Players may send a check to the FSGA office or pay by credit card online through the “My FSGA Account” section of the FSGA website at www.fsga.org.  Payment must be received by 3:30 PM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8^TH, or you will be withdrawn from the Championship. Exempt players are automatically pre-registered with a complete entry

If we have received your payment for your championship fees by WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8^TH you have pre-registered for the Championship. 

Championship Format

54 holes of individual stroke play. Competition will consist of the Senior Division (age 55-64) and the Super Senior Division (ages 65 and over).  The field will be cut after the second round in both divisions. (Approximately one half of each division)   The lowest score for 54 holes will be the Champion in each division. There will be a hole by hole play-off immediately following play in event of a tie in each division. It is the player’s responsibility to be present for any playoff.

Groupings

Initial groupings will be for two-days; the field will be re-paired by score after the second round.  Round three tee times will start at 8:00 AM off of the first & tenth tees.

Practice Rounds

Practice rounds are available on Monday, April 13^th starting at 8:00 AM.   

All players must take a cart and the cost of the practice round, including range balls and cart, is $50 plus tax. Players are allowed one practice round.  Only exempt and qualifying participants may play practice rounds. 

Starting times for your practice round can be arranged by calling the club. The golf shop telephone number is (352) 746-3446.   

You may not make your practice round tee time before groupings are made. Groupings will be made on Thursday, March 26^th and faxed to the club that morning. 

Players will be allowed to practice after their practice rounds on Monday and after each competitive round.  The practice facilities will close at 6:30 PM each day.  Any players playing a practice round before Monday, April 13th, will be allowed to use the practice facility before that round only.

GPS and Range Finders Allowed

In this competition, a player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance ONLY. However, if, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient, wind-speed, temperature, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional functions are actually used.”

Food and Beverage

Beginning on Monday (practice round), April 13^th, Black Diamond Ranch will have a lunch buffet each day throughout the Championship available for all players and spectators.  

Dress Codes

Gentlemen are required to have shirts tucked in and hats worn properly while on the golf course.  The wearing of a mock turtle neck shirts designed for golf is permitted.

Remember that you are a guest of Black Diamond Ranch. Entries are subject to rejection or withdrawal at any time (including during the event). The reason for rejection may include improper attire and/or unbecoming conduct.

Pace of Play

In order to accommodate 156 players, it is essential that the game be played at a brisk pace. During the Championship rounds the pace of play will be monitored.  If and when it should become necessary to give each player in the group a penalty for slow play, we hope they will react with the understanding that we do it in the best interest of the Championship and the other players.  The pace of play for the Championship will be posted on the Notice to Players.

The FSGA pace of play policy utilizes a two checkpoint system.

• Players will not receive warnings.
• Each group is responsible for monitoring their own pace.
• To avoid penalty, groups must complete each checkpoint hole:

1. Under the allotted time, or
2. Within 15 minutes of the group ahead.
• Checkpoints will be on holes #9 and #18.
• All players in a group are subject to penalty.

Position with Group Ahead – To stay within 15 minutes of the group ahead, players should never have an open hole and they should be in the fairway on par 4’s and 5’s when the group ahead leaves the green.

As each group completes a checkpoint hole, a Checkpoint Official will advise the group of their status.

Accommodations

Arrangements have been made at the Plantation Golf Resort & Spa for $79 per night; Single/Double Occupancy, plus 9% tax. 

Reservations will be accepted on a call-in basis until March 13.  After this cut-off date, any uncommitted rooms from your group will be released and further reservation requests will be honored on a space and rate available basis. 

To make reservations please call (800) 632-6262 and ask for reservations.  Please identify yourself as an FSGA Championship participant or a rate code of FSGA2. 

Also, Black Diamond Ranch has homes for rent.

3 bedroom/ 2 bath - $230 a night plus tax, plus $100 cleaning fee

3 bedroom/ 3 bath - $275 a night plus tax, plus $110 cleaning fee

4 bedroom/ 4 bath - $350 a night plus tax, plus $120 cleaning fee

Please contact Marilyn at 352-746-4000 if you are interested in renting a home.

Registration

There will be a registration table set up in front of the men’s locker room at the Black Diamond Ranch to pick up your tee gift and player information the day before the Championship from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  This is NOT a mandatory registration.  Tee gifts and player information will be available for pick up before the competitive rounds for players not playing a practice round on Monday. If we have received your payment for your Championship fees by Wednesday, April 8^th you have pre-registered for the Championship.

Additional Services

A limited amount of bag storage and lockers will be available for competitors on a first come first serve basis. Black Diamond Ranch will not be responsible for any lost items.

Caddies/Spectators

Spectators are always welcome at FSGA Championships.  However, only players are allowed to ride in carts.  If a player employs a caddie, the caddie must walk and the player’s clubs must remain on the golf cart.

Carts

All players must ride during the Championship rounds.  

Driving Range

Range balls will be provided on the practice round and competition days.

Payment

Black Diamond Ranch accepts Cash, Visa/MasterCard & American Express as payment for all meals and other services.

Spike Policy

It is a condition of the Florida State Golf Association that shoes with traditionally designed spikes (regardless of composition, i.e. ceramic, plastic, etc.) or spikes, regardless of design, comprised either entirely or partially of metal (when such metal comes in contact with the surface of the putting green) are prohibited.  Penalty for breach of this condition: Disqualification.

Directions to Black Diamond Ranch, Lecanto, Florida

(352) 746-3446

Click here

Thank you and Good Luck!!

FSGA Championships Committee