Please select a question above to display the answer.

Q: What is Windy City Golf League?

A: Windy City Golf League is Metro Chicago’s first flexible and affordable amateur league for golfers of all skill levels! WCGL gives you the ability to exercise your competitive spirit by playing Head-to-Head, and 2-Person Team-Scramble matches against players of similar ability.

Windy City Golf League offers men and women of all ages the opportunity to meet and compete against other golfers in their area. With flexible scheduling and the ability to choose which course to play, WCGL caters to your busy schedule while offering more variety and competition than any other league format.

Q: When is league play?

A: The 2011 schedule and registration deadlines are as follows:

2012 Spring Season:

• Registration: February 22 – May 27
• League play: April 16 – July 8
• Arghe Isle Cup Tournament: July 15

2012 Summer Season:

• Registration: February 22 – August 26
• League play: July 16 – October 7
• Arghe Isle Cup Tournament: October 14

Q: How many seasons are there per year?

A: There are two (2), 12-week seasons per year (Spring, Summer).

Q: What is the cost to join WCGL?

A: WCGL membership fee is $60 per season.

WCGL offers discounts to members who register for more than one league within the same season, and for those who prepay for more than one season at a time. Click here to view a breakdown of WCGL registration discounts.

As an added benefit, WCGL members receive discounts on greens fees at member courses, and also have the chance to win prizes. Click here to visit our Partners page for discounts at local courses and businesses.

Q: Who do I Play?

A:Members create their own schedules by contacting other members of their flight to set-up matches. A list of flight members can be found on your Player Page. You can play any other member of your flight, and can even play them multiple times throughout the season.

Q: How Many Matches do I Play?

A:Windy City Golf League offers 2 seasons each year – Spring and Summer. Each season is twelve (12) weeks long and allows members to play unlimited matches during that period. Create your own schedule and earn points based on how competitively you play. Check out where you stand on the leaderboard and play as many matches as you need to stay near the top! Members have the choice of playing a 9 or 18-hole match. This affords all WCGL members the flexibility needed to complete as many matches they can during the season.

Q: What league formats does WCGL offer?

A: Windy City Golf League offers two (2) league formats: Individual and Team Scramble

Individual Head-to-Head League

In the Head-to-Head league, you will play your matches against each of your opponents as regular stroke-play matches. You will abide by USGA rules and scores for each hole will be entered on the website after the match. Although matches are head-to-head, don’t feel as if you’re stuck playing in a twosome all season long. We encourage you to round out your foursomes with friends, family, or other league members. Just make sure to coordinate with your opponent who you’re bringing.

2-Person Team Scramble

In the Team Scramble league, you and your teammate will play matches against other 2-person teams. The matches will be played in a 2-person scramble format, but will still be played in stroke-play format, where team scores are entered for each hole on the WCGL website. You will be grouped with your opponents, based on your preferred playing time (weekdays, weeknights or weekends) and team-average skill level (handicap, adjusted scoring avg., etc.) For a complete list of rules, Click here.

The Individual and 2-Person Scramble Leagues run simultaneously. While you are certainly welcome to sign up for more than one league within the same season, keep in mind that that the number of leagues you join determines how many matches you will play in each 2-week period (i.e. signing up for the Individual League and one 2-Person Scramble League means you will play 2 matches in each 2-week match period. Join 2 teams and play in the Individual League, and you’ll be playing 3 matches each period.)

Q: What golf courses do I play?

A: WCGL allows you and your opponent to determine the time and location for each of your regular season matches at the golf course of your choice.

Q: How are points won?

A: During the season, you have the opportunity to earn points to qualify for the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament! All matches will be played in head-to-head, stroke play format, and points are earned based on how competitively you play. The breakdown for earning points is as follows:

(Insert New Points bracket)

Although the number of matches you can play is unlimited, we’re going to use the twelve (12) best 18-hole match results for our leaderboards. This is equal to the twenty-four (24) best 9-hole matches, or any combination of the two. This means that you can continue playing matches until your point total is maxed out at 6,000 regular-season points. This system encourages die-hard golfers to continue playing, while also ensuring a fair structure for those members who can’t play quite as often.

In order to encourage honesty and eliminate sandbagging, a player whose points total is substantially higher than those of other flight members during the regular season may be forced to play in a more competitive flight in the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament. When you register for next season, you will be flighted based on your previous season's performance.

Q: What is the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament and how do I qualify?

A: The Arghe Isle Cup Tournament is the WCGL’s one-day, postseason tournament. The Arghe Isle Cup Tournament is our version of the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs, and gives league members a chance to win points that are added to their regular season points total to determine overall flight champions! There are a lot of points up for grabs at the Arghe Isle Cup – The breakdown is as follows:

Arghe Isle Cup Finish	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Points Awarded	2000	1500	1125	875	700	600	500	450	400	375	350	325

In addition to the points awarded above, the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament will also include several "Challenge Holes," where players can win additional points that are added to their season totals. On these "Challenge Holes", a player can win points for making eagles, birdies and pars, or for winning a skin versus other members of the flight.

This new points system encourages more movement and volatility among flight standings, and requires players to be on top of their game from start to finish!

If you finish the season as the points leader of your bracket, you automatically qualify for the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament. You can also earn a wildcard spot in the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament by achieving a high player rating or a low adjusted scoring average relative to others within your flight. At the end of the day, there will be an overall winner from each flight that walks away with the Arghe Isle Cup!

Q: What can I win?

A: WCGL loves giving away prizes and awards! Past members and Arghe Isle Cup participants have walked away with prizes including bar, restaurant and golf course gift certificates, WCGL logo apparel, trophies and much more!

Q: How much does the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament cost?

A: The cost to play in the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament will be determined in advance. The entry fee will typically include your green fee, cart fee, range balls, lunch and awards ceremony, where various prizes will be given and overall flight winners will be awarded the Arghe Isle Cup! WCGL will strive to find a venue suitable for quality play at a reasonable cost.

Q: Where will the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament be played?

A: WCGL will schedule the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament at one of Metro Chicago's top public golf courses. Players will be notified prior to the end of each regular season as to the date, cost and location of the postseason tournament.

Q: What set of golf rules does WCGL follow?

A: All WCGL Head-to-Head League play will be governed by the USGA rules for stroke-play format. 2-Person Team-Scramble League rules can be found by Clicking Here.

You may find all updated USGA rules by visiting the USGA website, http://www.usga.org/playing/rules/rules.html . If you cannot find an applicable USGA rule, resolve all ruling discrepancies by consulting the club professional.

Q: Who is responsible for scheduling a tee time?

A: The home player/team is responsible for scheduling the agreed upon tee time at the agreed upon golf course.

Q: How is my overall adjusted scoring average calculated?

A: You can also earn a wildcard spot in the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament by achieving a low adjusted scoring average. The adjusted scoring average is a handicapping system developed by WCGL that relates your actual scores to the course rating and slope, thus leveling the playing field for you and other flight members. This ensures a fair comparison of other flight members who play different courses and who play from different tees. In order to encourage honesty and eliminate sandbagging, a player whose adjusted scoring average is substantially lower than those of other flight members during the regular season may be forced to play in a more competitive flight in the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament. When you register for next season, you will be flighted based on your previous season's performance.

Q: How is my rating calculated?

A: WCGL strives to provide a fair and competitive experience for all members. To ensure that members are in the proper flight, WCGL developed a player rating system. This system relates your points earned to your adjusted scoring average, compared to your competition. In order to encourage honesty and eliminate sandbagging, a player whose rating is substantially higher than those of other flight members during the regular season will be forced to play in a more competitive flight in the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament. When you register for next season, you will be flighted based on your previous season's rating.

Q: How are my scores entered after each match?

A: After each match, either player/team can enter the match scores in an electronic scorecard accessible from the Player Profile page. Click the “Create New Match” button to access the score entry page. Once there, select your opponent from the menu, the course played, which 9 or 9’s played, and the tees played from. Once scores have been submitted and verified by the other player or team, the WCGL website will update player and team statistics and leaderboards. Golf is a game of integrity and we do not anticipate any problems, but in the case of typos or errors, you can submit a protest if you believe your score has been reported incorrectly.

Q: What is the maximum score a player can take on a hole?

A: The maximum score a player or team can take on one hole is a quadruple bogey; 7 on par 3; 8 on par 4; 9 on par 5. To maintain pace of play, a player should pick up and move to the next hole if he or she has not holed out before reaching a quadruple bogey for that hole. The scoring entry system will not allow members to enter a score higher than the maximum on any single hole.

Q: How do I know who my opponent is at the golf course?

A: At the beginning of each season, you are given each of your opponents’ names, email addresses and phone numbers. Ensure you bring your opponent’s contact information to the golf course. When you arrive at the golf course, check in with the pro shop and ask if your opponent has arrived.

Q: What if my opponent and I can't agree on which course to play?

A:WCGL allows members to play their matches at any golf course they want. For each match, players are expected to agree upon which course to play, taking into account each opponent’s needs and limitations. If you cannot agree on a course, simply move on and find a different opponent within your flight.

Q: What if my opponent and I can't agree on the number of holes to play?

A: If there is a disagreement regarding the number of holes to play, players must play a 9-hole match. Since every member has the ability to play whomever they choose, match details such as this should be decided ahead of time so there are no negative surprises at the time of the match.

Q: What if my opponent and I can't agree on which tees to play?

A: If opponents cannot agree on which tees to play, a default decision should be made to play the shorter set of tees, thus taking into account the limitations of the other player/team.

Q: Can I walk or ride a cart during my match?

A: You can do either, regardless of what your opponent chooses.

Q: What if my opponent does not show?

A: The main action that can result in a player forfeiting a match is if one player does not show up for an agreed-upon match. In the event of a forfeit, the winning player will receive 400 points (equivalent to a 2-stroke 18-hole match victory) and the forfeiting player will receive 0 points. Neither player will receive a score towards their adjusted scoring averages.

Opponent “No-shows”: An opponent who does not appear for an agreed upon match, or who arrives at a scheduled match more than (30) minutes late without contacting his or her opponent is considered a "No-show." It is then the decision of the player who showed up whether or not the match will be rescheduled or forfeited. If neither opponent shows, both players have the option of rescheduling and completing the match. If the match is not rescheduled and completed, the player who wins by forfeit should email WCGL administration and notify us of the situation. We will then enter the appropriate match information and award the forfeit points to the winner.

If another situation arises that could result in a forfeit, please contact WCGL administration at admin@windycitygolfleague.com

Windy City Golf League encourages you to keep track of your email chain of communications, and make notes of any phone calls with opponents, as this is typically what WCGL will use to determine the winner by forfeit. WCGL will view each instance on a case-by-case basis, but will strictly enforce its forfeit policy in order to ensure a competitive and exciting league.

Q: What if I want to contest the scores submitted?

A: Scores are not official until both players confirm the scores entered for each match. If there is a disagreement on the score, or if you accidentally confirm an erroneous score, email the details to Windy City Golf League at scoring@windycitygolfleague.com. We will contact your opponent to verify the score in question and will resolve any issues and update the scoring entry.

Q: Which courses offer discounts to WCGL members?

A: WCGL is constantly pursuing new opportunities with local golf clubs.

Click here to see a list of WCGL's partner clubs and their corresponding discounts.

Q: Which retailers offer discounts to WCGL members?

A: WCGL is constantly pursuing new opportunities with local retailers.

Click here to see a list of WCGL's partners and their corresponding discounts.

Q: How do I verify that I'm a WCGL member to receive my discounts?

A:Some golf courses require the printed coupon from our website. In addition to mentioning a WCGL discount when booking a tee time, you may also be required to print the coupon & show it when checking in at the course.

Q: What happens if my match gets rained out?

A: Unless both players agree to reschedule and conclude a match: If you complete at least 9 holes, players must take their 9-hole score and enter scores as a 9-hole match. If fewer than 9 holes are completed, players can either reschedule or record an agreed upon 9-hole tie. If a tie is agreed upon, do not enter untrue scores for the unfinished holes. Email scoring@windycitygolfleague.com with the details surrounding the incomplete match and agreed upon tie.

Q: What happens if my opponent and I do not finish our match due to darkness or another factor?

A: Unless both players agree to reschedule and conclude a match: If you complete at least 9 holes, players must take their 9-hole score and enter scores as a 9-hole match. If fewer than 9 holes are completed, players can either reschedule or record an agreed upon 9-hole tie. If a tie is agreed upon, do not enter untrue scores for the unfinished holes. Email scoring@windycitygolfleague.com with the details surrounding the incomplete match and agreed upon tie.

If a tie is recorded due to a darkness-shortened match, neither player’s score will count towards their adjusted scoring averages.

Q: What happens to my member profile page if I sit out a season?

A: WCGL understands that life events happen. In the event that you need to sit out a season, your member profile page will still be active even if you are not playing the current season. Your scoring averages and statistics will be accessable from season to season regardless of whether you play each season. You can view your historical scores and statistics at any point in time.

Q: Who plays in Windy City Golf League?

A: WCGL offers different Divisions, based on the number of participants. Divisions can include any of the following - Men's, Women's, Senior Men’s, & Senior Women’s. With respect to the 2-person Team Scramble format, WCGL may also include a separate co-ed league. If there are not enough participants to determine separate divisions, members may be grouped together by skill level, regardless of age or gender.

Q: Is there going to be a kids division?

A: There is currently not a kids division, although WCGL is exploring that possibility for future seasons.

Q: How do I submit my digital picture for my Player Page?

A: From the "Update Information" section of your Player Page, select “Upload Photo.” Your Player Page allows you to view and edit your information such as contact email, playing preferences, etc.

Q: Can I join in mid season?

A: You may only register past the registration deadlines listed with the permission of WCGL administration.

Email admin@windycitygolfleague.com if you would like to join mid-season.

Q: What if I change my mind about becoming a member?

A: WCGL understands that life events happen and things change. In the event that you notify the league administration within the registration period, a full refund will be given (minus any applicable credit card processing or other fees). Once the registration period closes, however, any refund given will be reasonably determined on a case-by-case basis. Due to the complexity of flighting and bracketing players, WCGL expects members to honor their commitments to the league.

Q: What happens if I have a question that is not listed here?

A: Feel free to contact info@windycitygolfleague.com at any time with any questions, concerns, or comments.