U.S. Open Championship

US Open Sectional Qualifying

Black Diamond Ranch – Quarry Course, Lecanto, Florida

Monday June 4, 2012

GROOVE CONDITION

In Sectional Qualifying and in the Championship proper, the player’s clubs must conform to the groove specifications in the Rules of Golf that are effective from January 1, 2010. Note: Ping EYE2 clubs manufactured prior to March 31, 1990, may NOT be used during the Sectional Qualifying or the Championship proper. The condition of competition is available for review on the entry application.

The USGA and the R&A have created a reference resource called the Informational Club Database to assist golfers in determining whether their irons, hybrids and fairway woods comply with the New Groove Rules. For information about and to access the database, please use the following link:
http://www.usga.org/InfoClubsDB/intro.html

The USGA strongly suggests that all players verify the conformance of their clubs well in advance of their scheduled qualifying competition. It is the player’s responsibility, not the USGA’s responsibility to ensure that his clubs conform. Waiting until the day of the competition is the fault of the player. The Committee is under no obligation to test the club. The competitor may play. However, if it is later determined that the club is non-conforming, including after the competition has closed, the player will be disqualified.

PACE OF PLAY

The FSGA uses a checkpoint pace of play system at all competitions that it conducts in the state of Florida. There are NO WARNINGS to the players and players are not timed. Each group must complete each nine within the stated time or within 15 minutes of the group ahead or each player in the group will be subject to a one stroke penalty (additional two strokes for a second breach). This pace of play policy places the full responsibility for pace of play on the players.
Read the entire Check Point Pace of Play Policy

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

Players will not receive warnings.
Players are not timed
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 at each course will be on holes #9 and #18.
All players in a group in breach 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.

PRACTICE ROUNDS

Practice rounds are available one week prior to the qualifier; tee times are available on a space available basis. Call (352) 746-3446 to arrange your practice round. All competitors are allowed one practice round at no charge.

Additional practice rounds are $65 plus tax, at the competitor’s expense on a space available basis. All competitors playing a practice round must reserve a tee time. Those practicing on Sunday, June 5th should anticipate significant maintenance activity on the course.

During the practice round only, players may use a cart free of charge. Practice round privileges are not extended to alternates.

QUALIFYING SPOTS

The number of qualifying spots has not yet been allocated by the USGA.

PRACTICE RANGE

On Sunday, June 3rd, the practice range will close at 6:30 PM. On Monday, June 4th, the range will open at 6:00 AM.

CADDIES

Players must make arrangements for their own caddies. Caddies are expected to be neat in appearance and wear proper golf attire. No jeans, t-shirts or collarless shirts are allowed.

METHOD OF PAYMENT

Black Diamond Ranch will accept cash and major credit cards for method of payment. Food and beverage service will be available on practice days and the day of qualifying. No personal coolers are allowed on the golf course.

TRANSPORTATION

All players and caddies MUST WALK during the qualifying round.

CELL PHONES

Black Diamond Ranch prohibits the use of cell phones in the clubhouse.

PULL CARTS

Black Diamond Ranch allows the use of pull carts on the golf course.

LOCKER ROOMS

Players will have access to the locker room before, between and after qualifying rounds. Players MUST use locker rooms to change shoes. Using the parking lots to change shoes or clothes is prohibited.

SPECTATOR CARTS

USGA policy prohibits the use of spectator carts. There are no exceptions to this policy. Spectators are welcome to watch the golf and walk the grounds free of charge.

FOOTWEAR

Black Diamond Ranch prohibits the use of traditional metal spikes. Penalty for breach of this condition: Disqualification.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Remember that you are a guest at Black Diamond Ranch and gentlemanly behavior and proper dress is expected at all times. The wearing of short pants is permissible in Sectional Qualifying but will not be permitted at the Championship proper at The Olympic Club. Black Diamond Ranch does permit the wearing of mock turtle neck shirts. All shirts must be tucked in at all times. No Denim is allowed on property.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements have been made at the Plantation Inn & Spa. Standard hotel rooms with one king or two double; rates are $89 per night, plus 9% tax. To make reservations, please call (800) 632-6262. Please identify yourself as part of the Florida State Golf Association – US Open Sectional Competitor. You must call no later than May 21, 2012 to be guaranteed the discounted rate

Directions to Black Diamond Ranch
3125 West Black Diamond Circle
Lecanto, Florida 34461
(352) 746-3446

Tampa International Airport to Black Diamond

Exit Airport and follow signs to Veterans Expressway North. This is also 589 North Toll Road. It turns into the Suncoast Parkway and follow to the end at Highway 98. Turn right on to Highway 98. Go approximately 3.5 miles to a flashing caution light and turn left onto County Road 491. Follow this road for approximately 22 miles into Lecanto. Cross over County Road 486 ( aka: Norvell Bryant Highway) and proceed approximately 1.5 miles and the Black Diamond Ranch entrance will be on your left. The drive time is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.

Click here to view a map

Orlando International Airport to Black Diamond

Exit airport and follow signs to Toll Road #528, proceed West on #528 to the Florida Turnpike where you will head North towards Ocala. You will remain on the Turnpike for approximately 56 miles where it will merge into Interstate 75. Head North on I 75 and exit onto State Road 44 West (exit #329). Stay on State Road 44 West through Inverness. Take Lecanto Highway (also known as SR #491) North (right turn), cross the intersection of County Road 486 for approximately one mile The entrance to Black Diamond will be on your left.