Rules
Windy City Golf League, like the game of golf itself, was founded on the principles of honesty, integrity and respect. WCGL will always strive to conduct matters in a proper and professional manner, and expects each of its members to do the same. Honesty is one of the most basic principles of golf and each member is expected to play matches honestly and treat his or her opponent with respect. In addition to obeying the basic rules of honesty, honor and respect, each WCGL member is also expected to abide by the following rules:
Your Commitment to Windy City Golf League
WCGL expects all league members to uphold their commitments to Windy City Golf League, and to their opponents. Completing registration signifies your commitment to complete all of your scheduled matches and to enter the match scores in a timely manner into the WCGL website. We treat our league play seriously and expect the same from our members.
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Registration
When registering for Windy City Golf League, members choose their username and password. Members can then access their individual Player Page, which serves as the hub of the WCGL experience. Members can upload their picture to customize their Player Page. The Player Page displays all of your league information including your picture, playing preferences, match schedule for the current season and your stats. Your Player Page also shows your current season match results and statistics. It will allow you to see historical results and break down how you fare on par 3’s, 4’s, and 5’s. You can track the number of birdies, pars, bogeys, etc. you make per round.
Windy City Golf League will group you into a flight, based on your scoring ability and skill level (handicap, or average score, course difficulty and desired level of competition are all considered). Once flighted, you will be bracketed with 6 other golfers based on Chicago metro region, and preferred playing time (weeknights, weekends, etc). Each player in your bracket represents a head-to-head match for you during the season. You will have two weeks to complete each match over the course of a 12-week season.
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Divisions
WCGL currently offers (2) Divisions- Men's, Women's. Depending on the number of entries in any one season, WCGL may also include a Senior Men's and/or Senior Women’s division.
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Flights
WCGL will flight all members within 1 week of each season's start date. Flights will be determined by playing preferences (time availability and region) and playing ability (handicap, adjusted scoring average, etc). In order to ensure a player’s honesty while entering his or her average score information during registration, WCGL members will be given a player rating during the season. The player rating relates your points earned to your adjusted scoring average, compared to your competition. When you register for next season, you will be flighted based on your previous season's rating. In order to eliminate sandbagging, a player whose rating is substantially higher than those of other flight members will be forced to play in a more competitive flight in the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament, and in his or her next registered season.
WCGL’s unique player rating formula ensures that all matches are competitive and that members are in the proper flight
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Brackets
Windy City Golf League strives to provide its members with the most convenient experience possible. WCGL will bracket all members within 1 week of each season's start date. Each player or team within the bracket represents one of 6 matches you will play during the regular season. The brackets will be determined by several criteria. Members will be placed into brackets based on information provided during registration, including his or her preferred region of metro Chicago to play golf, and preferred playing time (weekdays, weeknights, weekends etc). This helps ensure that all matches can be played close to home or work, and that members are more likely to agree on playing times. In the event of a large number of members in each flight, WCGL will use the preferred course chosen and to further determine a flight's brackets.
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Scheduling
Windy City Golf League offers 2 seasons each year – Spring and Summer. Each season is twelve (12) weeks long and consists of six (6) matches. Schedules will be located on each member’s Player Page, along with start and end dates for each scheduled match period.
Playing matches early
Members have two weeks in which to complete each of their six (6) scheduled matches. However, if members want to play their matches ahead of schedule and their opponents agree to it, they are welcome to do so. Members will be provided with their opponents’ email address(es), and are encouraged to exchange phone numbers upon contact. Contact should be made prior to the start of each two-week match period so that matches can be scheduled in advance.
If players cannot agree upon where to play the match, the designated home player/team assumes the responsibility of choosing the course, taking into account his or her opponent’s needs and limitations.
Members have the choice of playing a 9 or 18-hole match. If players cannot reach an agreement regarding the number of holes to play, they will play a 9-hole match. This affords all WCGL members the flexibility needed to complete all matches in the season. It is critical for all members to complete all matches to ensure a fair and accurate league.
The 9-hole option and the two-week scheduling period provide WCGL members the most scheduling flexibility of any other Chicago Golf Organization
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Course Selection
For each match, players are expected to agree upon which course to play. If players cannot agree upon where to play the match, the designated home player/team assumes the responsibility of choosing the course, taking into account his or her opponent’s needs and limitations.
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Tees Played
Players must play from the same tees during matches. Although the tees you play from may change from one match to the next, a player should always play from the same tees as his or her opponent during each match. Since WCGL members will be paired with opponents of similar ability, players should play from the tees that correspond to their level of ability. In the event that a match includes both men and women, the men should play from the appropriate tees for their ability level, and the women should do the same. Many courses display this information prominently throughout the facility. If you should have any questions regarding which tees are appropriate, seek the advice of the local golf professional, or clubhouse staff.
WCGL prides itself on being the most flexible amateur league in the Midwest, and players should be able to choose which tees to play from, as long as they agree on the issue. If opponents, cannot agree on which tees to play, then both players/teams will play from the shorter of the two tees discussed. When entering scores on the WCGL website, the home player must select the proper tees played. WCGL uses the USGA determined course rating to calculate an adjusted scoring average for each player during each season, creating a level playing field across all flights!
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Two-week match period
WCGL does not allow you to play your matches after the two-week time period, but you are allowed to play your matches earlier in the season. If you know you’ll be unavailable during a two-week match period, you can always schedule and play your match ahead of time. In the event that you do not play a match earlier in the season, and the two-week period expires, a forfeit will be determined and whichever player was available on more days during the two-week time period will be deemed the winner of the match. The winner of the match will receive 50 points and their opponent will receive 10 points. Neither opponent will receive a score towards their adjusted scoring averages. Upon receiving notification from the home player/team, WCGL administration will contact both parties to verify the details of the situation. WCGL 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. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will require verification from both opponents.
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Make-up week
For the first match of each season, we do allow a one-week extension to complete and enter scores for the match. Every other match must be completed by the end of the respective two-week period.
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Head-to-Head League Rules
All rules and penalties for the Head-to-Head League will be in accordance with the USGA rules of golf, with the following exception. If there is a question or discrepancy during a hole, the player in question should play two balls on that hole. Upon completion of the round, players should consult the club professional for a ruling. If the club professional cannot resolve a ruling issue, please contact
scoring@windycitygolfleague.com for a final and official ruling. The home player keeps the official score during the round on the course scorecard. WCGL advises each member to review each hole and sign the scorecard at the completion of a round to assure the utmost accuracy. Once a scorecard is reviewed and signed, the home player must enter the score online before the scoring entry deadline. The other player will then have an opportunity to review and agree to the score entered.
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2-Person Team Scramble League Rules
In the Team Scramble league, all matches will be played as a 2-person scramble, but will still be played in stroke-play format. Participants will play a 2 person scramble format. Each player will hit his or her tee ball to begin each hole. The team will choose the best shot and from that spot each player will hit his or her second shot. This format will continue until completion of the hole and a single score is recorded. Upon completion of the round, the 18-hole total will be the team’s overall score. After the match, team scores are entered for each hole on the WCGL website.
Improving your lie in a scramble:
Each participating team must mark the spot of each selected shot with either a golf tee or divot repair tool. At that time both members of the team may lift, clean and place their golf ball according to the stipulations listed below.
Fairway:
The ball may be placed one club length from the spot of the selected ball no nearer the hole. When placed, the ball must remain in the fairway.
Rough:
The ball may be placed one club length from the spot of the selected ball no nearer the hole. The placement of the ball may improve the team’s stance, swing and line of sight but must not be placed outside the one club length limit. When placed, the ball must remain in the same cut of rough that the selected ball came to rest in.
Hazard:
The ball may be placed one club length from the spot of the selected ball no nearer the hole. The placement of the ball may improve the team’s stance, swing and line of flight but must remain within the one club length limit and remain in the same hazard the selected ball came to rest in. In regards to sand traps, the trap may be raked before placement of the ball.
On the Green:
The selected ball may be placed one putter-head length from the spot of the selected ball no nearer the hole.
Additional Scramble rules are as follows:
- There are no rules governing how many drives of each player a team must select. It is expected that over the course of play, selection of each player’s drives will occur naturally.
- On the green, gimmees are allowed. However, if no member of the opposing team offers the putt as “good,” the putt must be made. In the event that a putt is picked up without being conceded by at least one member of the opposing team, USGA rules apply for a putt being “picked up.”
- If both golfers hit out of bounds, drop the ball at the point of exit. There will be a penalty of one stroke. In order to speed up play, do not play “stroke and distance” for an out of bounds penalty.
- If both golfers hit into a water hazard, drop the ball behind the water hazard. There will be a penalty of one stroke.
- If both players declare their ball lost, drop the ball nearest the point of the selected “lost” shot. There will be a penalty of one stroke. In order to speed up play, do not play a “stroke and distance” penalty for a lost ball.
- In the event that course management requires teams to skip a hole due to slow play, both teams will recieve a score of par for the skipped hole. When entering scores after the match, make sure par is entered for both teams
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Maximum Score
WCGL has adopted a quadruple bogey limit on all holes played, in order to maintain a convenient pace of play. Therefore, the maximum score you can have on a par 3 is 7; a par 4, an 8; & a par 5, a 9. 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.
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Reporting Scores
It is the home player’s/team’s responsibility to report the match scores on the WCGL website within two days of the end of each match period. To report match scores, go to your Player Page, click on the match you completed, and follow the links to enter scores into an electronic scorecard for the course and tees from which you played. Late scoring entries will not be accepted. If this is a problem, make sure to contact the away player/team and have them enter the scores. Once scores have been entered, the other player/team will have the ability to verify them before they are finalized and submitted. In the event of a scoring dispute, please contact the WCGL Scoring Support Center at
scoring@windycitygolfleague.com.
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Can't Contact Opponent
By registering for WCGL, you agree to make an effort to contact your opponents by email prior to each match's start date. Once you contact each other via email, it is suggested you also share phone numbers. Members must give their opponents (7) days past the start date of the match to respond before requesting a forfeit. If, after that time, you are still unable to reach your opponent, despite attempts to contact him or her more than once at each of his or her listed points of contact, your opponent will forfeit the match. You will receive 50 points and your opponent will receive 10 points, and neither of you will receive a score towards your adjusted scoring averages. Upon receiving notification from the home player, WCGL administration will contact both parties to verify the details of the situation. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will require verification from both opponents.
For more details,
See Forfeits
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Incomplete Matches
Incomplete Match Policy - If players 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 tie.
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Inclement Weather
If players 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 tie. WCGL reserves the right to extend due dates of any of the 6 matches during a season should weather unduly affect the entire league.
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Forfeits
Several actions can result in a player forfeiting a match. In the event of a forfeit, the winning player will receive 50 points and the forfeiting player will receive 10 points. Neither player will receive a score towards their adjusted scoring averages. There are a number of situations that can cause a forfeiture of a WCGL match, including:
Unable to contact opponent
Members must give their opponents (7) days past the start date of the match to respond before requesting a forfeit. If, after that time, you are still unable to reach your opponent, despite attempts to contact him or her more than once at each of his or her listed points of contact, your opponent will forfeit the match. See Can't Contact Opponent for more details.
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 within the two-week match period. If the match is not rescheduled and completed
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.
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Withdrawn Players
In the event that a player withdraws from Windy City Golf League during a season, the remainder of his or her matches will result in forfeits and all remaining players on their schedule will be awarded 50 points. No score will be submitted or applied toward adjusted scoring averages and statistics.
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Unsportsmanlike Conduct
WCGL will always strive to conduct matters in a proper and professional manner, and expects each of its members to do the same. Unsportsmanlike behavior can make players uncomfortable and feel unsafe. Examples of such conduct include verbal or physical abuse, cheating, etc. Penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct vary and can range from penalty strokes or a point deduction for a match, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the league. Please report all acts of poor sportsmanship to the league office so we can take the appropriate action. We are unable to do anything about unreported behavior.
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Arghe Isle Cup Tournament
A player must qualify for the tournament by winning their bracket, or by accumulating enough points on the flight leaderboard. Players can also earn wildcard spots in the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament by achieving a high player rating or a low adjusted scoring average relative to others within their flight. The Arghe Isle Cup Tournament will be held at a top semi-private or public golf course in the metro Chicago area. The fee for the Arghe Isle Cup Tournament will include greens fees, cart, range balls, lunch and an awards ceremony following the tournament. Each overall flight winner will be awarded the coveted Arghe Isle Cup.
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Course and Retailer Discounts
Windy City Golf League will continue to work to provide all members attractive discounts at local golf courses and retailers. To ensure discounts are given at participating courses and retailers, WCGL members may be required to present a printed coupon from the WCGL website at the time of paying for their purchases and greens fees. WCGL is not responsible for discounts not received if the printed coupon is not presented at the time of paying for the round.
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Canceling Membership and Refunds
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 to provide them their season match schedule, WCGL expects members to honor their commitments to the league. In the event that you need to cancel or withdraw your membership due to an injury, job transfer, etc, please contact the league administration office at
admin@windycitygolfleague.com. Any member who withdraws from league play without notifying the league administration could be subject to permanent removal or ban from WCGL.
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Thank you for your commitment to the Windy City Golf League! We hope you enjoy your experience and we welcome your feedback, advice, or comments. Feel free to email us at
info@windycitygolfleague.com and tell us what you think!