2026
Match day rules of the
Players should adhere to the basic principle rules of golf as stated by the R&A.
We as a Society Do Not allow any alternative types of play unless pre-stated by the organising committee before the commencement of any Society match.
All holes in play must be completed correctly and your golf ball must be holed out in order for a correct score to be recorded.
We do not allow a Gimme or Mulligan at any monthly match. (Gimme may be agreed for matchplay games only).
____________________________________
Playing disputes, If during the course of play an issue arises within a playing group, a challenge should be made immediately by any player from within that group to the player concerned and a solution agreed (if possible by correct rules being applied) within the playing party with minimal undue delay/disruption to play.
If any issue needs to be further addressed it should be brought to the attention of the committee at the end of days proceedings for a resolution to be found.
____________________________________________
It has been agreed by the members to allow for electronic measuring devices to be used during Society golf match days and any Society arranged game.
It has been agreed by committee to implement the
Extra Rule regarding golf ball lost or out of bounds
ie: add extra 2 stroke penalty instead of stroke & distance.
____________________________________
In the event of a Stableford points draw between players at the end of any match, we will count back holes.
First back 9, back 6, back 3, finally 18th hole, to determine the winning Stableford score.
CONGU is the system we will continue to use to determine a playing handicap ability.
WHS handicaps may be adjusted as agreed by the committee. (read Tri league rules)
Handicap maximum of 36 throughout the Society
Players with a recognised affiliated World Handicap System club handicap should inform the secretary before playing a Society match. This h/cap might then be adjusted and used for the forthcoming season accordingly.
All new players without h/cap will be assessed on the first 3 cards submitted to ascertain the correct playing level appropriate and issued a handicap using our
HandicapMaster CONGU software.
All players within the Society having previously been assessed will play with their given handicap at the start of the forthcoming season, each handicap will be reassessed after every Society match once your score card has been received and input into the computer.
Handicaps may be reviewed and adjusted at the end of each season before being re-issued for the new season.
_____________________________________
The winner of any Society match will receive a 1 stroke Permanent handicap cut.
Society temporary high score cuts may be applied for your next match only….....read between astrix below * *
A player scoring 38-39 points will receive a Temporary 1 stroke handicap reduction.
A player scoring 40 or higher points will receive a 2 stroke Temporary handicap reduction.
Any strokes lost for a high Stableford score will apply for 1 match only, (your next match played) before being regained.
** Unless a consecutive high score of 38+ occurs, then your Temporary penalty will be permanently deducted from your h/cap and a new h/cap issued **.
* * (You will be deemed capable of potentially playing at a lower h/cap regularly) * *
______________________________________
The Society Champion will be the player with the best individual Stableford points scored at the end of the season, using the best 7 scores from the 8 matches the Society play during our normal tour season. If a player attends all 8 games his lowest score will be discounted.
If you are only able to play 7 matches during the tour season all 7 scores will count at the end.
__________________________________________
The Championship & the Tri Leagues
are two separate competitions.
Each competition will be determined by individual Stableford points accrued during tour play.
Promotion or Relegation from either league will occur at the end of each season dependant on your own playing handicap ability category.
____________________________________
You must compete in a minimum of 5 competitive matches in a season to be eligible for any end of season trophy or award.
Our normal 2026 Season should consist of 8 Society match days, March to November inclusive.
Only original officially issued
match day score cards are to be returned to a committee member at the end of each tour match days play.
Please score your match cards correctly.
Both player and marker should record their score on the card. Any score cards which are not completed properly Could be Disqualified and your score may not be counted.
(It is your own responsibility to check scores before handing in your card.)
Note: All score cards are quickly checked on match day to arrive at a match winner, however all the cards are
re-checked thoroughly at a more convenient time. Unfortunately occasionally the point scores given on a match day may be incorrect and points will be adjusted accordingly up or down to correct errors.
Individual score cards are always available for players to view on request.
___________________________________
Only a recognized member of the golf society can win an Official Society match.
Guest golfers will be accepted on any Society day and will be accredited for any high score achieved.
Guest players will not be deemed as a recognized Society member until they have played in at least 3 previous Society matches in a season & issued a Society handicap,
(exceptions may be made by the committee regarding previously played matches).
_________________________________
Any concerns or questions regarding our Society should be raised to a member of the committee for discussion or investigation & resolution.
We are a Committee led and operated Society, as such the joint committee will have final say in all matters concerning the Dunton Orchard Golf Society and the organization of matches & interpretation of any rulings made.
Chairman/Treasurer > Mario Cruz.
General Secretary. > Lee Riches.
Assistant Secretary. > Dean Riches.
Match day committee.
Andy O’Donohoe.. Kevin Daw.
Tommy O'Toole.. Malcolm Tomlin.. Paul Vacciana.