Lincster Membership Orientation

LINCOLN HILLS LINCSTERS

MEMBERSHIP ORIENTATION

STANDING RULES AND LOCAL PRACTICES

 

LINCSTER MEMBERSHP

LADY GOLFER WHO HAS A CURRENT HANDICAP: Membership is open to Lincoln Hills lady residents who have a current PWGA/NCGA 18-hole handicap with scores posted within the past two years; have an average gross score of 65 or under for 9 holes or a score of 130 or under for 18 holes; and have attended the required Orientation Meeting.

LADY GOLFER WHO DOES NOT HAVE A CURRENT HANDICAP: If a prospective member does not have a current PWGA/NCGA 18-hole handicap, she must turn in five 18-hole scores or ten 9-hole scores, attested by another player; must play with a Lincster up to three 9-hole games on Weekly Playday Tournaments; have an average gross score of 65 or under; and must attend the required Orientation Meeting. Upon completion of these requirements, her name will appear on the Lincsters’ Roster the following month; sweeps and awards will be in effect; and her check will be processed. If requirements are not met, she will not be able to join until her game improves.

LINCSTER GUESTS

A non-Lincster lady may play as a “Guest” two times a calendar year. She will not be eligible for Sweeps, Putt Pool or Awards, but she must pay current Sweeps/Green Fees.

 

WEEKLY / ANNUAL TOURNAMENTS

LINCSTER WEEKLY PLAYDAY TOURNAMENTS: Spring, Summer and Fall Lincster Weekly Playday Tournaments are a Wednesday morning shotgun format. Winter Lincster Weekly Playday Tournaments are an afternoon shotgun format. Start and end dates are determined by the Lincsters’ Board and the Pro Shop.

All strokes must be counted (including “whiffs”); mulligans are not allowed; and you must hole out (no gimmies) to be eligible for sweeps and awards. PWGA/NCGA Handicaps will be used exclusively for all Lincster events and awards. During Weekly Playday Tournaments, two scorecards must be attested (signed) by all golf partners before turning them in at the conclusion of play. Your signature indicates your acceptance of all scores for your partners. Scores should be posted on the same day that you have played; the Handicap Chairperson will monitor that you are posting and posting correctly.

 

LINCSTER ANNUAL TOURNAMENTS: may be postable or non-postable games

1. BRING A FRIEND – an invitation to invite a non-Lincster for golf and lunch
2. LINCSTERS/XVIII HOLERS BREAST CANCER TOURNAMENT – a tournament to help raise funds for cancer research, with clubs hosting alternately
3. CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP – awards will be given to one low-gross Lincster and four first-place low-net-flighted Lincsters after the two-day tournament. Lincsters must play 12 postable rounds a year (includes Weekly/Yearly Tournaments). For this event, the calendar year runs from 9/1 of the previous year to 7/31 of the current year. If a player belongs to the Lincsters and any 18-hole group, the member must fill out the “Declaration of Dual Membership” form. If the 18-hole club is her Primary Club, she cannot compete in the Lincsters’ Club Championship. The deadline to submit is Jan. 31 of the current year. If submitted after Jan. 31, her Primary Club will be the 18-hole club.
4. Additional Annual Tournaments may be added by the Captain(s) on a fifth Wednesday (i.e. Home and Home; G’Mother’s; Valentines; Red, White and Blue; Tin Cup and Halloween Tournaments).

 

PERSONAL CARTS

Lincster members may not use personal carts during Lincster tournaments. The Lincster organization is committed to promoting responsible stewardship of the golf course by reducing complications created by the unique travel issues at Lincoln Hills.

 

FLIGHTS

Members are flighted according to their handicaps (“A”, “B”, “C” and “D”). Each month, the Pairings Committee assigns: two In-Flight Pairings (all “A” Flighters play together, etc.); one Random Pairings (One each “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” Flighters are a foursome); and one FYOF (Form Your Own Foursome or Onesome, Twosome or Threesome).

 

ATTIRE / EQUIPMENT

Ladies can wear collarless shirts but no denim or tank tops; wear soft spikes only. Label each club and bag with your name, address and telephone number. Put an identification mark on your golf balls. You will be supplied with a nametag to be worn on your home course and away when you represent our club.

 

TO SIGN UP FOR PLAY

Sign up by Sunday noon prior to Wednesday Playday. Go to www.lincsters.com; under “Sign up Information”, click on “Weekly Sign Up” or “FYOF”. Select your name on the left side; check the month you are signing up for; and click “continue”; click on the dates you want to play: click “yes” if you are done: then, click on “Continue” and “Submit”. A message will appear saying “Thank you; you’re signed up.”

Note: Please do not sign up anyone for FYOF without confirming with them first. You may sign up as a Onesome, Twosome, Threesome or Foursome. Weekly pairings are posted on the Lincster website by end of day Monday.

 

TO CANCEL PLAY

Before noon on Sunday each week, please check the Lincster Website/Sign-up Information/Weekly Sign-up to check the status of your play dates. If you are signed up and can’t play, PLEASE CANCEL ASAP ON THE WEBSITE BEFORE TWO HOURS FROM SHOTGUN TIME. If less than two hours before shotgun time, PLEASE CALL YOUR GOLFCART PARTNER OR SOMEONE WHO IS PLAYING AND HAVE THEM REPORT TO KATE. DO NOT CALL THE PRO SHOP!!!!

 

PACE OF PLAY / READY GOLF

Playing at a better pace is not about hurrying up or rushing around the course. It is simply about being more efficient with your valuable time, as well as everyone else’s time.

1. To keep the play moving, a group may agree to play “out of order” or “ready golf”. If you are ready to play and others are not, hit up or putt out to save time, if it is safe.
2. Your foursome should not be more than one hole behind the group in front of you.
3. Normally, the driver drives, and the passenger keeps the scorecard.
4. Drive your cart to the nearest ball and have your club ready for your next shot.
5. If a player scores two 10’s in a round, on the third 10, she should pick up her ball and “X” that hole. The player becomes ineligible for Sweeps and Putt Pool; however, Birdies, Pars or Chip-ins will be counted toward Annual Awards. Player may record hole as “most likely score” and can post round.
6. Wait until the next hole to record scores.
7. Target of play for nine holes: 2 hours and 30 minutes (plus travel time)

     Par 3’s –10 minutes; Par 4’s ­– 15 minutes; Par 5’s – 20 minutes

1. If pace of play or consistently high scores become an issue, further options may be presented to that Lincster (i.e. lessons, Executive Option, probation, etc.)

 

RESTROOMS / YARDAGE MARKINGS

The restrooms in the field are generally unlocked. Restrooms are located on the Orchards’ #1, #6 and #13 holes. On the Hills, they are located on #6 and #12 holes. In the spirit of Pace of Play, if only two golfers have to stop, have the other twosome go on ahead and tee off. Yardage markings are imbedded in the field. Electronic devices are allowed for distance ONLY.

 

CHECK-IN

You may pay by cash, check or credit card at the counter in the Pro Shop. If paying by check, make check payable to “Lincoln Hills Golf Club” or “LHGC”; place in basket by Pro Shop computer. No further check-in at the Pro Shop is required if paying by check, but check in with the Lincster in charge.

 

SCORECARDS

Two scorecards will be placed in the cart for each foursome before play begins: one for Sweeps and the other for Awards. Be sure to record putts as indicated on the “PUTT POOL” row of the scorecard for only those who have entered the Putt Pool.

On the left section of the scorecard, indicate any Pars, Birdies or Chip-ins accomplished in your foursome. Make sure same information is transferred to the second scorecard. At the conclusion of play, make sure all four players agree hole-by-hole scores. Initial both cards where indicated. Once agreed, place both cards in the basket on the counter in the Pro Shop Bathroom (our Locker Room). If there are any disputes, DO NOT SIGN THE SCORECARD. Take the scorecard to the Scoring Committee to settle any disputes. If you attest to the score, and they are wrong, your whole group may be disqualified.

 

PUTTING CONTEST (PUTT POOL)

A putting contest is an optional weekly event. The fee is $1. You may sign up by initialing next to your name on the membership roster and placing your dollar in the designated bag located near the posting computer in the Pro Shop. Entering the Putt Pool must be declared before play begins.

 

FORMATS FOR TEEING OFF

All teams tee off at the same time (SHOTGUN). Foursomes are stationed on each of the holes being used. Longer holes accommodate more than one foursome. These teams are designated as “Team A” and “Team B” with “A” teeing off before “B”.

 

POSTING SCORES

You must post your own score. This can be accomplished in the Pro Shop or at home. If you post from home, you have two options: Go to Lincster website www.lincsters.com OR go to www.ghin.com. Your account will be audited by our Handicap Chairperson to make sure you are posting and posting correctly. GHIN Reports will be generated on the 1st and 15th of each month and sent to your email address. It is recommended that you print it out, as this is verification of your handicap.

 

SWEEPS

On Playdays, the Pairings/Sweeps Chairpersons keep track of Sweeps’ winners and reports this information to the Pro Shop. Winners will be posted weekly on the Lincster website. Sweep money can be used for Pro Shop merchandise and/or yearly LHGC membership fees.

 

PAYMENTS FOR EVENTS AND LINCSTER MEMBERSHIP DUES

Put your payment in an envelope; note the event name and your name on the envelope; and place in grey box located on the wall left of the Posting Computer in the Pro Shop.

 

 

FROST DELAYS / RAINOUTS

During the winter, we will occasionally have frost delays or rainouts and play may be cancelled. You may make your own tee time, if you choose to play.

YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL IF PLAY IS CANCELLED.

 

EXECUTIVE OPTION

If you are recovering from an illness, surgery or are physically challenged, you may take advantage of the Executive Option. You will play a shorter game by teeing off from the Family Tees (Tan). However, you are not eligible for Sweeps, Putt Pool or Awards with this option. Detailed information is available on “Appendix B” under the Standing Rules Document on the Lincster Website.

 

HOLE-IN-ONE INSURANCE

This insurance program is covered as part of your annual Lincster dues. If you get a hole in one on a Lincster Playday, it is customary to buy everyone a drink in the Sports Bar. The hole-in-one insurance will cover the cost, but coverage is limited to the number of  Lincsters present in the Sports Bar.

 

LOCAL PRACTICES

USGA RULES SHALL GOVERN PLAY EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCAL RULES

• Winter Rules will be announced, if in play; mark, lift and place within 6 inches
• GPS is allowed for distance only
• Turn cell phones off, silenced or on vibrate
• Play from RED tees
• 90-degree cart rule applies, unless stated otherwise
• Place rakes in the bunkers
• Staked trees, paved cart paths, ground under repair, sprinkler heads, French drains and bridges: relief must be taken and played as immovable obstructions. Mark your ball where it landed; take a clear stance; and drop one club length, no nearer the hole. NO PENALTY
• Native wetlands, lost ball (red or yellow stake), out of bounds (white stake), or ball is lost: take a stance from where the ball last went out of play, drop ball within two club lengths, no nearer the hole. All players in the foursome must agree as to where the ball went out of play. Do not climb over fences. ALL OF THESE SITUATIONS ARE A ONE-STROKE PENALTY

 

DROP ZONES

• Hole #3 Orchard: if tee shot goes in the native wetland area (inside fenced areas), tee up again OR use drop zone across the wetlands to the right of the bridge. 1 STROKE PENALTY (hitting 3)
• Hole #6 Orchard: if fairway shot goes in the native wetland area at the end of the fairway by the bridge, hit again within two club lengths from where the ball entered and no nearer the hole OR use drop zone after the bridge next to the left side of the cart path. 1 STROKE PENALTY

 

GENERAL MEETINGS

General Meetings are held four times a year. Check the Lincster Website for date, time and location. We encourage attendance, as they are very informative.

 

CLINICS / LESSONS

Our Golf Pros offer clinics and lessons on a regular basis. These can be very helpful for new golfers and when experiencing downturns in your game. Check the Lincster Website or the Pro Shop for details.

 

 

WEEKLY / MONTHLY AWARDS

Awards will be announced weekly on the Lincster website and at General Meetings, as appropriate. To be eligible for weekly awards, you must be a current member of Lincsters; have achieved the award during Lincster Playday; be accompanied and attested by a Lincster member in your foursome; and have turned in a second scorecard on the same day of the event.

Awards presented weekly include:

1. The first time to break 50 as a Lincster
2. First Eagle as a Lincster
3. First Birdie as a Lincster
4. First Chip-in as a Lincster
5. Putting Contest (Putt Pool) winnings and pins will be awarded the following Playday on Wednesday.
6. Closest to the Pin (CTTP) – Everyone who reaches the green with their tee shot on the CTTP hole, needs to measure their distance and record it on the CTTP placard. LHGC awards a free round of 9-holes to the weekly winner who is closest to the pin.
7. Golfer of the Month – awarded to the Lincster who has the highest net for three Playdays in one month in a designated flight. Members can only win once per year.

 

ANNUAL AWARDS

To be eligible for the end-of-the-year awards, you must meet all weekly eligibility requirements and play a minimum of 50 percent Playdays in the calendar year the award is presented.

1. MOST IMPROVED GOLFER – Lincster who reduces her handicap the most
2. HOLE IN ONE – sponsored by the Lincsters
3. CAPTAIN’S POINTS – play will occur on one designated day per month. Points will be awarded to the 10 lowest net scores in descending order: 10, 9, 8, etc. These points will be accumulated through the year, and the Lincster player with the most points wins this award.
4. MOST DEDICATED LINCSTER – awarded to the Lincster member who has posted the most scores at Lincoln Hills Golf Course on Lincster Playdays.
5. GOLDEN PUTTER – awarded to the Lincster who has won first place in the Putting Pool the most times throughout the year.
6. PARS/EAGLES/BIRDIES/CHIP-INS – awarded to the Lincsters who have scored the most of each on Playday. First, Second and Third places are awarded in each flight.

 

BIG / LITTLE SISTERS’ GUIDELINES

1. Once a prospective new Lincster member has submitted her application, a Big Sister will be identified, if requested.
2. The role of the Big Sister from this point forward will be to help the new Lincster member (Little Sister) to get comfortable with the Lincsters, review rules of golf and assist her to become an integral part of Lincster Playdays, meetings and annual tournaments.
3. The Big Sister will also provide assistance with posting golf scores.
4. The Big Sister will look for opportunities to provide encouragement with the game of golf and find times other than Lincster Playdays to play golf or socialize together.

 

GO AWAY LINCSTERS (GAL’S) AND MONDAY MAMA’S

If you would like to play more golf, watch for emails from GAL’S and Monday Mama’s or go to the Lincster website and click on “GAL’S and Mama’s” located at the top of the page for more information.

 

 

 

 

Revised 1/10/18