Rolling Hills Golf Club Master Conditions of Play – 2026 Season

(Governing all RHGC competitions unless overridden by event‑specific Conditions of Play)

 

1. Authority & Rules of Play All RHGC competitions shall be governed by:

• The Rules of Golf as approved by the USGA and The R&A

• The World Handicap System (WHS)

• RHGC Local Rules

• These Master Conditions of Play

• The RHGC Code of Conduct

• Any event‑specific Conditions of Play issued by the Tournament Committee

Where a conflict exists, event‑specific Conditions of Play take precedence for that competition.

2. Eligibility

To compete in any RHGC competition, a player must:

• Be a member in good standing of Rolling Hills Golf Club

• Have paid all applicable annual dues

• Hold an active WHS Handicap Index

• Be 16 years of age or older, or younger with prior approval of the Tournament Committee

3. Player Code of Conduct

All players, guests, and visitors are bound by the RHGC Code of Conduct when participating in any RHGC competition or using the Course.

Players must uphold the Spirit of the Game by:

• Acting with integrity

• Showing consideration to others

• Maintaining a prompt pace of play

• Ensuring the safety of all persons

• Taking proper care of the course, including repairing ball marks, filling divots, and raking bunkers

Players must:

• Carry sand at all times

• Keep mobile devices on silent or vibrate

• Use headphones for audio

• Use driving‑range balls only on the driving range

• Comply with RHGC dress standards

Corporate compliance requirements include:

• Showing Saudi Aramco ID when requested

• Complying with instructions from RSD/GSD staff

• Not removing company equipment

• Understanding that verbal or physical abuse is referred to Industrial Security

• Accepting liability for intentional damage to the course or equipment

Serious misconduct under Rule 1.2a may result in immediate disqualification. Examples include:

• Deliberate damage to the course

• Endangering others

• Throwing objects toward people

• Handicap manipulation

• Repeated offensive language

• Deliberate breaches of the Rules to gain advantage

Appendix I of the RHGC Code of Conduct provides full guidance.

Any marshal, caddy, guest, member, or Board member may report a breach to: rhgcdisciplinarycommittee@gmail.com

All incidents are recorded in the RHGC tracking system.

4. Registration, Withdrawals & No‑Shows Players must register for competitions through the designated system (ForeTees, Golf Genius, or as directed).

Withdrawals must be made:

• At least 12 hours before the tee time for morning competitions

• At least 6 hours before the tee time for afternoon competitions

Withdrawals must be submitted through the designated system or by notifying the Tournament Committee.

A No‑Show occurs when a player:

• Fails to appear for their assigned tee time

• Withdraws after the withdrawal deadline

• Leaves the course without notifying the Committee

No‑Shows are a serious breach of etiquette and will be referred to the RHGC Disciplinary Committee. Penalties may include:

• Written warning

• ForeTees restrictions

• Loss of practice privileges

• Suspension from competitions

• Suspension from the Course

5. Check‑In & Starting Times

• Players must report to the starter no later than 15 minutes before their scheduled tee time.

• Failure to appear, late arrival, or failure to start at the assigned time will be handled in accordance with Rule 5.3a and Committee discretion.

6. Pairings & Group Composition

• Pairings and tee times will be generated by the Tournament Committee or designated system.

• Groups will normally consist of three or four players.

• Each player must have their own set of clubs.

7. Scoring & Score Certification

• Digital scoring via the designated system (e.g., Golf Genius) may be required.

• Each player is responsible for ensuring that scores are accurate, reviewed, and certified before leaving the course.

• Failure to properly certify scores may result in disqualification.

8. Handicap Administration

8.1 Competition Handicap Index RHGC competitions will use a Competition Handicap Index calculated using the World Handicap System (WHS) formula, applied to scores submitted in verified competition rounds only.

The Competition Handicap Index:

• Uses the same calculation methodology as WHS

• Is based solely on scores submitted in RHGC‑verified competition rounds

• Is reviewed and confirmed jointly by the Tournament Director and Handicap Director

• Applies only to RHGC competitions and does not affect a player’s official GHIN/WHS Handicap Index

The Tournament Committee may review and adjust a player’s Competition Handicap Index where necessary to ensure fair play.

8.2 Handicap Allowance Unless otherwise stated in event‑specific Conditions of Play, all RHGC stroke‑play competitions will use a full (100%) handicap allowance.

8.3 Playing Handicap The Playing Handicap represents the actual number of strokes the player receives for the round.

8.4 Handicap Review The Tournament Committee may review and adjust a player’s Playing Handicap for the competition only where there is evidence that the Handicap Index does not reflect demonstrated ability. Any adjustment applies only to that competition and does not affect the player’s official WHS Handicap Index.

9. Local Rules All competitions will be played under the RHGC Local Rules as published and posted by the Club.

10. Rules Questions & Committee Decisions

• When in doubt, players may play a second ball under Rule 20.1c(3).

• Issues must be referred to the Tournament Rules Sub‑Committee before score certification.

• Decisions of the Tournament Committee are final and binding.

11. Tournament Committee Authority The Tournament Committee may impose the following event‑specific penalties:

• Two‑stroke penalty (stroke play)

• Loss of hole (match play)

• Disqualification from the event

All incidents must be forwarded to the RHGC Disciplinary Committee for possible additional sanctions.

12. Disciplinary Committee Authority The RHGC Disciplinary Committee may impose club‑wide sanctions, including:

• Counselling

• Written warnings

• ForeTees restrictions

• Loss of practice privileges

• Suspension from competitions

• Suspension from the Course

• Disqualification from volunteering

There is no right of appeal.

13. Corporate Oversight

• RSD may suspend privileges for up to three months.

• Industrial Security handles abuse cases.

• CCSD may rule on exceptional circumstances.

14. Amendments These Master Conditions of Play may be amended by the Tournament Committee. Any amendments will be communicated in advance.

Approved by Rolling Hills Golf Club Tournament Committee – 2026