Conditions of Play
Entries are subject to rejection at any time (including during the event) by the FSGA. The reason for rejection may include false statement of handicap index, improper attire and/or unbecoming conduct. Any person whose entry is accepted shall be subject to the Rules and Conditions of Competitions set forth by the FSGA. In all FSGA championships, an official event may be constituted by reverting to the results of an earlier round. Eighteen holes may constitute an official event.
USGA Rules Apply
Play is governed by the current United States Golf Association "Rules of Golf" and by the Florida State Golf Association Local Rules and Conditions of Competition. The competition is deemed to have closed when the winner has been announced.
General Eligibility
In order to participate in an FSGA tournament, you must be a male amateur golfer and a member of the FSGA.
Exceptions
- Membership is not required for the Amateur, Florida Open, Florida Senior Open, Interclub Matches or any Junior Championships.
- Professionals are allowed to play in the Florida Open, Florida Senior Open, and Parent-Child Championship.
- Either gender may participate in the Amateur or Florida Open Championships.
Residency
Florida Resident - For purposes of competing in FSGA competitions that require a player to be a resident of the State of Florida, the following definition applies: (see specific tournament pages for eligibility and residency requirements)
- a person who maintains their permanent legal place of abode, where physical presence and possessions are maintained. Generally, to be consider a resident for purpose of FSGA eligibility, a player or their parents/guardians must meet a minimum of (5) five of the items below. Evidence of residency includes but is not limited to the following:
- Florida Drivers License
- Florida License tag on vehicle
- Voter Registration in Florida
- Ownership or leasing of Florida residence
- Florida Homestead Exemption declared on residence
- Place of Employment in Florida
- Proof of payment of utilities at property for which residency is being claimed
- The address listed on federal income tax return filed by player
- a student who physically attends a high school or college in Florida at any time during the four months prior to the last day of the Championship; or
- a student who graduated from a Florida high school and who attends an out-of-state college, but remains a legal dependent of a parent or guardian who meets the Florida residency requirement; or
- military personnel based in Florida on active duty, their spouse, and dependent children as of the date of close of entries
Pace of Play
The Florida State Golf Association Championship Pace of Play Policy is in effect. The policy utilizes two checkpoints. Click here to view the Championship Pace of Play Policy.
Distance Measuring Devices
A player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distances 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.
Golf Balls, Driver Heads
Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect.
Loss of Exemptions
If a player turns professional, he loses any exemption(s) he previously earned as an amateur player with the FSGA.
Entry Priority
Unless otherwise specified, entries will be accepted based upon the order of receipt. Entries received after the competitive field is full or after the close of entries, will be placed on an alternates list. Alternates will be contacted in the order of receipt of entry, if and when, a spot becomes available.
In the event an FSGA Championship (non-qualifying required) receives a number of entries that exceeds maximum capacity, the Tournament Committee reserves the right to hold open one spot for the defending Champion provided the defending Champion submits a complete entry on time. Should the defending Champion not submit a complete timely valid entry, the spot will be filled by an alternate.
Events Requiring Qualifying (Amateur, Open, Amateur Match Play, Mid-Amateur, Four-Ball, Senior, & Boys Junior) - Players may submit one entry per Championship and choose the site at which they will attempt to qualify. However, if any site requires adjustment (including, but not limited to, the receipt of more entries that can be accommodated), players will be transferred to another sit based on their preference listed on the entry application and date of receipt of entry application (i.e. later applicants will be subject to transfer).
Transferring Qualifying Sites
In the event of extenuating circumstances, the Championship Committee may allow a player who has submitted a complete entry to transfer his entry to a different qualifying site, provided:
- No transfer from a qualifying site will be allowed after 12:00 PM on the day before the qualifying event
- The entrant must notify the FSGA Office by email at championships@fsga.org or by telephone at (813) 632-3742
- The transferred entrant will be placed on an alternates list for the new site
The original date of transfer of entry will serve as the date of withdrawal for refund purposes.
- An alternate will be ranked by his time and date of receipt of entry
- An alternate may change his qualifying site at any time up until qualifying is completed for that event
Entry Procedures
Entries will be received by the Florida State Golf Association prior to 11:30 p.m. on the deadline date indicated. Telephone and fax entries will not be accepted.
Late Entries and Fees
After the entry deadline, entries will be placed on an alternates list in order to fill spots should they become available. Any late entrant that gains acceptance into the field will be subject to a $10 late entry fee.
The Late Entry Policy does not apply to Exempt entries or Championship Pre-Registration fees.
Tournament Information
Information concerning practice rounds, course assignment, pairings, starting times, etc. will be emailed prior to the event. Information will be posted at the FSGA website, www.fsga.org. If you have not received your information within five days of the event, it is YOUR responsibility to contact the FSGA Tournament Office. Do not call more than five days prior to the event.
Scoreboard Designations - Withdrawals, No Shows, No Cards and Disqualification
- WD - A player who withdraws before or between rounds prior to his tee time by notifying the Club, the FSGA or a representative of the FSGA, will be listed as a withdrawal (WD) on the scoreboard, website and in press releases.
- NS - A player who fails to appear for his/her starting time without prior notification to the Club, the FSGA or a representative of the FSGA, will be listed as a No Show (NS)
- NC - A player who begins his round and does not return a completed score card for any reason including injury, will be listed as a No Card (NC). Players who do not finish their round due to weather delays (leaving during the suspension) are also listed as NC's.
- DQ - A player whose breach of a Rule of Golf results in disqualification or who is at the course and is late to the tee by more than 5 minutes, will be listed as Disqualified (DQ)
Withdrawals
Players who have applied to participate in a FSGA event and wish to withdraw for any reason MUST withdraw through the FSGA website or notify the FSGA Office by email at championships@fsga.org or by telephone at (813) 632-3742 prior to the event. Players who fail to follow this procedure will be listed as a NO SHOW.
No Shows
A player who does not show up and does not notify the FSGA may, at the election of the Tournament Committee, have their entry rejected for any FSGA event for up to one calendar year.
Refund Policy
- Prior to Entries Closing - Refund Available - Entry fee paid, less $20 per entry administration fee
- After Closing Date and More than Two Days Before Event - 50% of entry fee will be refunded
- Within Two Days of Start Date - No requests will be honored within two days of the scheduled start date of the qualifying date (Championships requiring qualifying) or the Championship (non-qualifying events).
- Refunds of Exempt or Championship Fees Prior to the Pre-registration Deadline - honored (less $20 per entry administrative fee). No requests will be honored after the pre-registration deadline.
Boy's Junior Qualifying - No requests for refunds for Boys' Junior qualifying fees will be honored.
- Method of Refund - All refunds will be applied to the credit card account used for the initial entry fee purchase. If the initial credit card is no longer active (lost or stolen, etc), please contact the FSGA directly by telephone.
Caddies
Caddies are allowed in all FSGA Championships. However, a player must not use a parent, step-parent or guardian as a caddie.
Exception:
Junior Championships and Qualifying for Junior Championships: Use of a caddie is prohibited.
Carts, Cart Fees and Spectators
The cost of cart fees for Championships and qualifying is included in the entry, exempt or qualifying fee. Competitors who qualify for the Amateur, Open, Amateur Match Play, Senior, Four-Ball, Senior Open, Boys Junior, and Mid-Amateur are also required to pre-register and pay a championship fee, which includes all cart/course and range fees for the competitive rounds of the Championship. Only participants may ride in carts. Caddies may not ride in a cart regardless of the availability of seating. There will be a maximum of two carts per group and a maximum of two people in a cart at one time. Each player’s golf bag must be on the cart and players should ride.
Exceptions:
Junior Championships: All players must walk and carry their own clubs. Pull carts are permitted if course policy allows. Use of a caddie is prohibited. Based upon availability, spectators may be authorized to rent carts, but must follow the published policy (available on site).
Push/Pull Cart Policy
The FSGA encourages the use of push/pull carts whenever walking is required or is an option. However, to prevent injury during the use of shuttles to transport players between holes, players must follow the published policy (Click here).
Spectator Cart Policy
Based upon availability, spectators may be authorized to rent carts, but must follow the published policy (Click here).
Spikeless 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.
Attire
Proper attire for competitors and caddies is required at all times at the golf facility. Failure to comply may result in withdrawal of entry. The dress code prohibits tank tops, T-shirts, denim shorts, jeans, and short shorts. Shorts must be no higher than approximately five inches above the knee (as a measuring rule, shorts must come below the finger tips when arms are held to the side). All hats must be worn properly. Collared shirts or shirts specifically designed for golf must be worn and tucked in at all times. This code supplements any course or club guidelines, which shall take precedence.
Publicity and Promotion; Broadcasting
By participating in FSGA Events you grant the FSGA and those acting with the FSGA, permission, authority and the permanent rights to use your name or likeness for publicity and promotional purposes. Participants understand that all Media, including film, photographic prints, audio or digital files are the exclusive property of the FSGA. Participants in FSGA events waive their rights to inspect or approve all media produced by the FSGA and those acting on the FSGA's behalf. Participants waive their permanent rights to compensation for use of their name and likeness by the FSGA.
Spectator Attire
Proper attire for spectators is requested at all times at the golf facility.
Flighting
If a flighted round is not completed by the entire flight, the flighting will be ignored for the purposes of prize distribution.
Official Time
The official time will be maintained at the starting tee(s) only.
Return Checks
All checks returned due to insufficient funds will carry a $30.00 service charge.
