Local Rules Rules, Format, Etiquette & Course Care

The whole point of The Slammer Tour is to create a fun and competitive golf environment where players of every skill level get to compete for bones, prizes and personal pride. But, it's also about helping each other learn about the rules, etiquette and culture of golf so that everyone, especially the golf courses and your opponents, are always treated with the utmost respect. All Golf Canada (RCGA) Rules apply to the Tour, with the exception of the local rules listed here:

A - Etiquette & Course Care Updated June 18, 2011

1. Golf Course & Clubhouse Respect

We're all in it to have a great time and we want courses to want us. When we treat the courses and staff with respect, they respond by treating us as valued customers... and that's a win-win for everyone. The Tour has a zero tolerance for the use of swearing and rough language in the clubhouse whether or not other customers and staff are present.

Behavior on the golf course also represents the tour. The Tour has a zero tolerance for shouting, club throwing, and disruption of other players.

One warning will be given, then a period of suspension for any breach of Course and Clubhouse Respect rules.

Always respect the course's local rules with respect to powercarts and practice facilities. Remember: each time you play in an event, you represent The Slammer Tour and Executive Golf so we'll say "thanks in advance" for helping out.

2. Divots & Ball Marks

We all appreciate a beautiful course so please make sure to always replace your divots, repair damaged tee boxes with seed and sand, if available, and fix your ball marks (and any others that you find). Try to leave the course in even better shape than you found it... even if it's not already in great shape.

3. Be Safe

No one wants to take a ball in the back of the head or meet their maker at the bottom of a ravine, so please be mindful of others' positions when hitting... especially from peculiar lies. If you have a blind shot, be absolutely sure all is clear before you hit. Safety first!

4. Gamesmanship & Whining

Gamesmanship is not good sportsmanship and there's a fine line between teasing and intentionally doing something to negatively impact your opponent. Just use your judgment and treat others as you would like to be treated. Whining should not be tolerated by anyone, so if you hear a legitimate whine, get two others to second your opinion and the culprit will be asked to toss a toonie to the kids.

5. Complaints

When we visit a golf course, we are guests and represent The Slammer Tour and Executive Golf. It is critical that we maintain a positive and respectful relationship with every course. If you have any issues during Tour events, please direct your complaints to info@slammertour.com. We will address the matter and get back to you within 48 hours.

B - Tour Format Updated April 2, 2013

1. Match-Play

All Slammer Tour events are match-play format. In match-play, you win, tie or lose each hole until you run out of holes and a winner is declared... unless of course it ends up in a tie. Unlike stroke-play where scoring is based on the total number of shots for the entire round, The Slammer Tour plays on a hole-by-hole basis. If you par the first hole, for example, and your opponent bogeys it, you're "one up". Beat them again on hole #2 and you're "two up". If, for example, you are "three up" but there are only two holes left to play, you win the match!

2. Challenges

The Tour is structured as a ladder; similar to a tennis ladder. You challenge someone who is ranked above you. If you beat them, you get their ranking and they get moved down a notch. The online challenge system opens five days in advance of an event at 9pm (occasionally exceptions are made). Up to three challenges may be declared for an event but only the top available challenge will be used to make the groups. The other two challenges are alternates, in case the challenger does not get their first choice.

About the lottery

Slammers who register online within five minutes of the registration opening will be entered into a lottery to determine the following:

1. Who gets in if there are more registrants than spots available (and)
2. Challenge priority

Challenge priority for those who register after the lottery is determined by the registration time stamp.

Once registered for an event, you can change your challenges up to 10pm the night before the event.

Official challenges must be announced on the first tee and you cannot decline a challenge from someone ranked lower than you. The lowest ranked Slammer in the group may opt out of a challenge with the top ranked Slammer in the group. Any Slammer may also opt out of challenging a Slammer three classes higher, i.e., a D-class player does not have to challenge an A-class player. In the event there are two unranked Slammers in a group, there will be matches all around. Each match has five bones riding on it.

November Run for #1

For the final two events of the outdoor season, the top-four ranked players in each division get priority to play for their #1 divisional ranking. As such, groups will be set up according to individual rankings. For example: the top-four ranked ladies will all play in one group and the top-four Bs will play together in another group.

The top-ranked Slammer in attendance for each division will start the event as #1, except at the second last event if the current divisional #1 is only scheduled to play the last event, in which case he/she would be #2
Any player ranked top-four in the overall rankings can choose to compete for a divisional title or top-rank overall
Groupings for those ranked #5 and above will be made as usual prior to the event
Online groupings will be modified as needed and closed two days prior to each final event
Reminder that all divisional #1s can pre-register up to two weeks in advance of these events
After the final official event, all divisional #1s will be crowned (or after the last event played in case the final event(s) are cancelled)
Slammers must have played 10 or more events in the season for the honour to compete for #1 (this 10 event clause applies to all Slammie awards)

Doggies are awarded to the Slammer who sticks the ball closest to the pin out of the entire event's field of players. You must be on the green (collar/fringe does not count) and make par or better. Doggies are marked with a personalized golf ball on a tee. You should keep a couple of doggie balls (maybe 4?) in your bag; white and pre-marked with your name so that others will know who is in the running. A five-bone doggie entry is mandatory on the Tour, and payable before you tee off, so look for the DoggieMaster when you arrive at the course.

All players in a group are eligible for the doggie if their ball is closer than the current doggie ball. If the closest player doesn’t make par or better, the doggie goes to the next closest who makes par of better, so remember to mark your location.

Be sure when you're putting for the dog to mark the position from where you're putting.  Otherwise you'll be unable to claim the dog.

Note: If your ball is within two feet, you must still putt out — and if you miss the putt, you must count it as a stroke.

4. Skins

Skins are an optional side-competition at every Tour event whereby you can win a "skin" if you alone get the lowest score on a hole out of the entire field of players. Every event has a designated SkinMaster whose duty is to collect score cards at the end of the round, and to tabulate and present the results. If you want in on the skins game, you must give your name and entry to the DoggieMaster. Skins are played at every event, but only eligible for statistics when there are seven or more Slammers at the event.

5. Group Summary Sheets & Scorecards

The top-ranked Slammer at the end of play in each foursome is responsible for filling out the group summary sheet, and handing in an official scorecard. All players in a group must sign off on both the official scorecard and the group summary sheet. If a player cannot attend the post-round presentations, at a minimum they must sign the official scorecard.

C - Pace-of-Play Rules Updated May 26, 2013

1. Overview

Pace-of-play is critically important for the Tour and we have to look at ourselves, first, to find ways to ensure we play as efficiently as possible. The best tip of all is to be ready when it's your turn to go. Think ahead and plan your shot while others are making theirs, or while you're walking to your ball. We play "ready-golf" on the Tour when a group is out of position so lead by example. After your round, ask your fellow Slammers if they've noticed anything that you can do, personally, to improve your own pace-of-play and be open to others' observations. If you see a pattern in responses, then perhaps there is something you can work on. Remember, it's not about rushing: it's about efficiency and protection of the Tour's reputation.

2. 30 Second Rule

All shots must be executed within 30 seconds of the previous player's shot. This goes for drives, reloads, fairway shots, approaches, sand shots, chips and putts. Thirty seconds may not sound like much but if you test it out in the field, you'll see that it is in fact plenty of time. The key is to do as much planning before your 30 seconds kicks in... and get your glove on while you're walking or waiting for another player to hit. If a player is over 30 seconds, mention it to him/her in a polite, constructive or even "fun" way. If the problem persists, however, send us an email and we will address the issue with the individual.

3. Group Captain

Each group will be assigned a pace-of-play captain by the OC before the 1^st tee-off. The OC will consider the history of the players and designate one person in each group to be the captain. The captain is responsible for their group to adhere to the rules and guidelines of this pace-of-play section.

4. Half-Hole Behind (out of position)

Because efficiency in pace-of-play is so critical to The Tour, a group is officially out of position when they are more than a half-hole behind the group in front, regardless of how many people are in the group ahead or for any other circumstance. When a group is out of position, the Group Captain must take responsibility and ensure his group gets back into position as quickly as possible.

5. First Group Out

The first group out must remain within half of a hole of the public group ahead or at a 2hr 10 minute nine-hole pace. If after the turn, it has been more than 2hr 10minutes, this group is out of position and must adhere to the rules of being out of position.

6. Three-Minute Search

A maximum of three minutes is permitted to look for your ball in the woods, hazard, rough or anywhere - and you are only entitled to three 3-minute searches per round. All searches after you've spent your three-minutes are limited to a maximum of one-minute each.

7. Slammie Max

In effect with the first event of the 2012 outdoor season. The maximum number of strokes per hole is EIGHT and all eights are equal. If an individual is out of the hole with all other opponents, he or she must continue play or take an eight on the hole. Players MUST NOT take one extra stroke than the worst score in the group. 

Effective June 1, 2013. The maximum number of strokes per hole is EIGHT and all eights are equal. If an individual is out of the hole with all other opponents, he or she must continue play or take an eight on the hole. Players MUST NOT take one extra stroke than the worst score in the group. If there is an infraction where the result would be loss of a hole in match play (for example, playing the wrong ball) the player must take a nine. If an individual takes their seventh shot and doesn't hole out, he/she should pick up their ball and they must take an eight (normally not finishing the hole in match-play is loss of hole, but in this case it's just the Slammie max 8).

8. Two-Foot Gimmes

All Slammers must have a two-foot marker on their putter (either tape around the shaft or a mark on the grip) for measuring.

Opponents must concede putts within two-feet of the hole except if the putt is to win or extend a match, to win a doggie, or for a birdie/eagle. All opponents still in the match must agree it is within two feet. The distance is measured from the edge of the hole to the front of the ball. A player cannot give him or herself a putt; it must be agreed to by all opponents unless it is obvious (one foot or less).

Players are encouraged to putt out if their ball is within five-feet of the hole, to help with pace-of-play, unless they have to stand on someone’s line.

9. Lost Ball or Out-of-Bounds (OB)

As of 2013, there are no longer any stroke-and-distance penalties on the Slammer Tour. If at any time, you think that your ball is lost or out-of-bounds, play it as a lateral hazard situation by dropping the ball no more than two club lengths from the point of entry — and no closer to the hole. You may not play a ball that is out-of-bounds; it must be dropped. A player may opt to hit three off the tee but after hitting, that is the ball in play. Please see the decisions page for relevant decisions.

10. Ball Unplayable

If your ball is unplayable then you have three relief options:

1) Take a one-stroke penalty and drop behind the point where your unplayable ball came to rest, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot where the ball is dropped, to a maximum of 50 yards back from where the ball originally lay; or

2) Take a one-stroke penalty and drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, and no nearer to the hole; or

3) Take a two-stroke penalty and drop the ball at the point of entry into the trouble area, no nearer the hole. Opponents must agree with the location of the drop. Please see the decisions page for relevant decisions.

Note: The option of going back to re-hit is not available under Slammer Tour pace-of-play rules

11. Ball Deemed to be in a Hazard

If a player hits a shot and believes it may have entered into a hazard, a “hazard provisional” may be played from the appropriate location for the circumstances. If the player’s original ball is then found outside of the hazard, the original ball must be played.

If a player is virtually certain his/her ball is in said hazard, the player may:

• continue play with the “hazard provisional” ball, or
• play the ball out of the hazard (if this is attempted yet remains in the hazard and unplayable, the hazard provisional can be used with the additional strokes added)

12. Play While Others are Searching

One player must be hitting while others are searching for a lost ball. When searching for a ball, please be as quiet as possible so the person hitting will not be disrupted.

13. Chipping and Putting Order

The Group Captain should announce the hitting-order when close to the green, if it's not obvious.

14. Honours

The Slammer with honours is first up on the next tee and is NOT permitted to mark the score until he/she has hit. Anyone can tee off first as long as the Slammer with honours agrees. If the Slammer with honours is slow getting to the tee, ready-golf kicks in. 

D - Special Course Rules Updated January 3, 2013

1. Château Cartier

Hole #5 is played as a par 4 for all Slammers, and yellow stakes are to be considered red.

2. Edelweiss

All water is to be considered red staked.

3. Falcon Ridge

Holes #10, 11 & 12 are all played as lateral hazards on both sides of the fairway, except for beyond the green (laterally at the start of the green).

4. Marshes

Lift clean and place within 12 inches in bunkers at The Marshes.

5. Prescott

Prescott #12. Whites are to be played from the second furthest back tee block and reds are to be played from the shortest tee block.

6. Stake to Stake vs. Cutline

If there are no lines drawn, it is stake to stake.

E - Other Rules Updated May 26, 2013

1. Tee Blocks

• Males with a 9.9 or less handicap factor or a scoring median of 84 or less must play the blue tees, or equivalent. All other males play the white tees or equivalent.
• Females with a 9.9 or less handicap factor or a scoring median of 84 or less must play one tee box back from the red tees, or equivalent. All other females play the red tees, or equivalent. Female Super Seniors are exempt from playing one tee box back from the reds, or equivalent.
• Mini Juniors (15 years and under) and male Super Seniors play one tee block up from the whites, or equivalent at all times — except for those with a 9.9 or less handicap factor or a scoring median of 84 or less, in which case they play the whites, or equivalent.
• Blue, white, Super Senior and red tee equivalents will be communicated by the Onsite Coordinator at tee time.

2. Rule Priority

Golf Canada rules of match-play golf apply, except for local course rules and the Slammer rules as outlined on this, The Slammer Tour Local Rules Card. Slammer rules take precedence, followed by local course rules and then Golf Canada rules.

3. Making Rulings on the Course (playing two balls)

No one has the authority to "make a ruling" on the course and it is up to the individual player to determine how he or she will proceed if an issue comes up. You may ask for opinions on what the proper course of action might be but it is ultimately up to you to make a decision. You may NOT play two balls. If an opponent disagrees with your course of action, said opponent must tell you, respectfully, that he/she is filing a claim. This announcement must be made before teeing off on the next hole (or in the case of the 18^th hole, before leaving the green). Once the round is complete, the claim must be emailed to rulings@slammertour.com with a description of the situation and the players involved. The Slammer Tour Rules Committee will follow up and make a ruling, and the decision will be posted on the Decisions Page. Claims must be emailed within 24 hours of event completion or they will not be considered for the outcome of the match. Non-claim rulings are still encouraged to be emailed in for review and for the benefit of all Tour members.

If a player’s score on an individual hole is in question, the player must sign off on the scorecard with an asterisk on the hole in question, and a note must be mentioned on the group summary form. All players are still required to sign the group summary form as it stands with the player’s decision.

Note: Skins, doggies, matches, rankings, and star selection may change on the event website after a decision has been made.

4. Official Skins

There must be at least seven Slammers entered into the skins game at an event for skins to count in the stats. Skins will still be played but will not count towards the season long stats if there are less than seven entered into the skins game.

5. The Leaf Rule

The Leaf Rule automatically goes into effect October 1 every year, unless otherwise stated by the OC.

If your ball is lost in an area that is normally maintained and you would have normally found it, 99% of the time, and your three opponents agree with you, then you may drop a ball closest to the point where you think it was - without penalty. If you feel the leaf rule applies but one or more of your opponents do not, then play it and score it as you choose. Your opponents can file a claim if they disagree.

• Definition: Normally Maintained. Any area where the grass is regularly cut. This can be in the trees, like at The Meadows, for example.

6. Stones in Bunkers

You may remove stones without penalty.

7. Preferred Lies

You may roll your ball up to 12 inches no closer to the hole with the head of the club, but only on your own fairway. You may not pick the ball up with your hands or kick it with your feet; you must use a club to do so. You may not clean your ball until you are on the green and the ball is properly marked, or for some other valid reason, unless of course the event has been designated as a "lift, clean and place" event. If an event has been deemed "lift, clean and place", this only applies to your own fairway and in the bunkers under Special Course Rules.

8. Balls on the Collar/Fringe

Preferred lies are NOT permitted on the collar of the green, the area between the green and rough, except when lift, clean, and place rules are in effect. When a fairway merges into the collar/fringe, an estimate on the thickness of the collar/fringe is to be used based on the thickness around the rest of the green.

9. Spike Marks

You MAY tap down or fix spike marks or any other marks on the green. (Please fix a few ball marks while you're at it!)

10. Range Finders & GPS Devices

Yes, they are permitted on The Slammer Tour.

11. Non-Conforming Clubs

It is preferred that such clubs are NOT used; however, there will not be any "policing" on this issue. It's just an issue of good sportsmanship.

12. Cancellations

The penalty for bailing within 48 hours of an event is 50% of the event fee, applied to your account and billed the next Monday. No shows are subject to a 100% penalty.

• If the event is cancelled or deemed to be an "extreme weather event", penalties do not apply.
• Naturally, there are exceptions for emergencies which are at the discretion of the Slammer Tour Committee.
• If you bail within 24 hours of the event, you may deemed as 'withdrawn' and therefore lose the matches you were scheduled to play, again at the discretion of the Slammer Tour Committee.
• If you are a 'no-show', you will be marked as 'disqualified' and will lose your rank to your opponents as well as the matches you were to play, again at the discretion of the Slammer Tour Committee.
• If you start your round but do not finish, you will be marked as 'disqualified' and lose your rank to your opponents as well as the matches you were to play, again at the discretion of the Slammer Tour Committee.

13. Top Ten Non-Activity

Players in the top ten in each division who do not play within two weeks to the day, with a one-day grace period, (as of April 15) will lose three spots in the rankings. For example, if you make it into the top ten on a Saturday, you must play on the Saturday or Sunday two weeks after. If you make it into the top ten on a Tuesday, you must play on the Tuesday or Wednesday two weeks after. If an event that you're registered for is cancelled and you don't get your event in then you still lose the three spots. In November, the time frame changes to one week instead of two weeks. If the number one ranked Slammer in each division does not attend the final event of the season, he/she will lose three spots in the ranking.

14. Junior Clause

Juniors play for stats, not bones - unless authorized by their guardians (applies to Slammers 18 years of age and under).

15. Temporary Greens

If your ball is within a flagstick length of the hole, it is an automatic gimme, even if it is for birdie.

16. Changing Groups

Groups cannot be changed at the course unless the Onsite Coordinator deems it is necessary.

17. Embedded Ball

Please let us know if you think we've missed anything important.