The society plays its matches to the R and A rules of golf and any local rules relevant to the course and conditions. However, the committee have made some society rule changes to help speed up the rounds and assist with course issues that will help the less experienced higher handicapper.
Please be aware that some courses (especially in the winter) may not allow buggies/trolleys. Contact the golf club directly to check local conditions. Host golf club rules including: etiquette, dress code and course rules must be adhered to. All members and guest should ensure they are covered by the appropriate insurance. St Stephen’s Golf Society is NOT insured for members golf injuries, equipment or 3rd party losses.
The season starts in January and ends in November
Core competitions…
- Most points
Highest total points for the year from 11 events. Winner receives the Highest Score Shield - Best Average
Highest total average points for the year based on your best 6 or 7 matches (skippers call). Winner receives the Best Average Shield - KO Cup
Winner receives the Knock Out Cup.
Match day awards
The following awards will be presented on the day apart from Decembers event…
- Overall winner: Voucher (value TBA – treasurer)
- Second: 2 pockets of balls
- Third: 1 pocket of balls
- Last: Wooden Spoon
- Nearest the pin 1: pocket of balls
- Nearest the pin 2: pocket of balls
- Nearest the pin approach shot: pocket of balls
- Longest drive: pocket of balls
- 2s club: @ £1.00pp/event
- Sweepstake: @ £1.00pp/event
Rule changes (society events only, local rules take priority)
Handicaps (from Jan 2024): Your handicap will be defined by your EGHC (England Golf Handicaps) World Index from the beginning of the season, or 1st event for new members, or by the skipper for non-EGHC users. Thereafter the only time this will change is:
- if you win – minus 2 strokes
- if you score 29 points or less – plus 1 stroke
Handicaps (from Jan 2025): Your handicap will be defined by your EGHC (England Golf Handicaps) World Index at every society day. Non-EG HC members will be advised on the day of their society adjusted HC (ie: match Non-EG HC members to a similar HC EGHC member and adjust according to the course slope rating)
- win and low score points adjustments TBA (2025 skipper)
Preferred lie (fairway only) relief from divots: 6″ from the ball position, no closer to the green, do not clean the ball – no penalty
Gimmes: no gimmes
Out of bounds and lost ball: relief 2 club length in from the edge of the fairway adjacent to ball entry point – 2 shot penalty (see diag below and video)
Disputes/questions/suggestions: please refer any disputes, questions or suggestions to the secretary so the issue can be discussed by the committee. See contact page
AGM: all members will be given the opportunity to discuss the society and how it is managed at the AGM, usually held October/November. Notification of the date/time/venue will be announced via the members WhatsApp group. see member page