Four-Ball Championship

60^th Four-Ball Championship

                    The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club

Bradenton, Florida

July 11 & 12, 2009

Memorandum to Contestants

On behalf of the FSGA, congratulations on qualifying for the 60^th Four-Ball Championship.  We hope that you enjoy your experience in competing at a State Championship and take many favorable memories from your time at The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club.

Please take time to carefully read through this packet of 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, 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.

Registration Deadline

By 3:30 PM, Monday, July 6^th, each team must:

All qualifying teams must remit to the FSGA office, $220 per team for advance payment of Championship fees.  Championship fees include tee gift, cart fees 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 at www.fsga.org.  Payment must be received by 3:30 PM Monday, July 6^th, or your team will be withdrawn from the Championship. Exempt teams are automatically pre-registered with a complete entry. Exempt players will only be charged the $320 Championship fee.

Failure to meet this deadline will result in withdrawal of your team.  The place will then be offered to an alternate team.  We stress that all exempt and qualifying teams must meet the deadline of 3:30 PM, Monday, July 6^th.  There will be no registration the day before the Championship.  If we have received your payment for your Championship fees by Monday, July 6^th your team has registered for the Championship. 

Championship Format

36 holes of four-ball stroke play. Range balls will be provided before and after each competitive round.  Range balls will also be available after your practice round on Friday.

Tee times & Groupings

Tee times and pairings groups will be arranged and posted on the FSGA website at www.fsga.org  on or before July 3^rd. All competitors with a valid email address on file with the FSGA will have a link to the pairings emailed to them. Text messages will also be sent to those that have elected this service.

Practice Rounds & Practice Facilities

Practice rounds are available one week prior to the Championship on a space available basis.  Practice rounds are restricted to 12:00 PM on the weekend prior to the Championship.  Only exempt and qualifying participants may play practice rounds.

All players are allowed one practice round for $40 plus tax. Additional practice rounds will be at the club’s discretion. The cost of your practice round includes range balls and cart. Starting times for your practice round can be arranged by calling the club. 

You may not make your practice tee time before groupings are made. Groupings will be made on Thursday, July 2^nd and faxed to the club that morning.  The golf shop telephone number is (941) 309-2000.

Players will be allowed to practice after their practice round on Friday and after the first competitive round. 

GPS and Range Finders

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.”

Dress Codes

Gentlemen are required to wear collared shirts, and they are to be tucked in. Hats to be worn properly while on the golf course.  The wearing of a mock turtle neck shirts designed for golf is permitted.

Remember that you are guests of The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club. Entries are subject to rejection or withdrawal at any time (including during the event). The reason for withdrawal may include improper attire and/or unbecoming conduct.

Pace of Play

In order to accommodate 104 players, it is essential that the game be played at a brisk pace which may be defined as 4:30 in groups of four 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. Within 15 minutes of the group ahead, or
2. Under the allotted time.
• 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 signal a color-coded card indicating the group’s status.

Caddies/Spectators

Spectators are always welcome at FSGA Championships.  However, only players are allowed to ride in carts.  If a team 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. 

Registration

There will a registration table set up in front of the Pro Shop on Saturday morning.  Tee gifts and additional information will be available for pick up before the competitive rounds for players. If we have received your payment for your Championship fees by Monday, July 6^th you have pre-registered for the Championship.

Charges

The Ritz-Carlton MGC accepts cash, Visa/MasterCard and American Express for payment.

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.

Thank you and Good Luck!!

FSGA Championships Committee

Directions to The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club

(941) 309-2000

15150 70^th Terrace East

Bradenton, FL 34202

From I-75 take exit 217 (SR 70) toward Arcadia. Head East on SR 70 for 4.2 mi.

Turn right at Lorraine Rd. for 1.2 mi. Turn left on 70^th Terrace East and continue to club entrance.