How It Works

The Canongate Golf League offers Canongate members the opportunity to play in two competitive and convenient match play formats. You can play as an Individual, as a Team or both!

How it Works:

Individual: The Canongate Golf League is a new concept in competitive golf available only to Canongate Golf Club members. It is designed for men and women members of all ages and ability. Registration will end (3) days prior to the season’s start date. Each season’s membership fee is $25 for early bird registration and $35 for regular registration.

Team: As an alternative or an addition to the individual format, you may sign up with a friend, acquaintance or partner and compete against other two man teams in a handicapped or non-handicapped best ball format. Registration will end (3) days prior to the season’s start date. Each season’s membership fee is $50 for early bird registration and $70 for regular registration.

To register for the Canongate Golf League, go to the registration tab and fill out the necessary information requested. To be eligible for a season you must pay your registration fee at a Canongate Golf course or on the Canongate Golf League website. If you pay your registration fee at a golf course you will see available credits when you are filling out the registration information. If you do not have any available credits the registration fee will be automatically charged to your Canongate membership. It is important to complete the registration information accurately and honestly as this information will be portrayed on your player profile page and will determine your flight and bracket.

Once registered, The Canongate Golf League will flight you according to your USGA handicap and bracket you based on your geographical location/preferred course. You must have a USGA handicap and a valid GHIN number to join any of the handicapped divisions. If you do not have a valid USGA handicap you can compete in any of the non-handicapped divisions by submitting an average score. The goal of the Canongate Golf League is to ensure fair and convenient competition for players of any ability anywhere within the Canongate Golf League. Once you enter your GHIN number into the registration section your current GHIN handicap will appear just as it currently appears in the GHIN computers.

Prior to the beginning of the first match all player profile pages will be updated with the current season’s schedule. From the player profile page, Canongate Golf League members will be able to view match schedules and opponent contact information.

Once you receive your schedule you will have 21 weeks to complete 7 seven regular season matches (1 match per 3 weeks) at the time and Canongate Golf Course of your choice. All Individual matches will be match play, all Team matches will be best ball and handicaps will be used in the handicapped division to determine net scores. Unlike regular match play where a match may end with three holes remaining, the Canongate Golf League requires you to complete the remainder of the round in order to post a Gross Score. You will have the option of playing a 9 or 18 hole round on any Canongate golf course that you or your opponent(s) choose. For every match there will be a designated home player or team, who is required to keep score and post the holes won, lost and tied as well as a gross score for both players on the Canongate Golf League website.

As matches are played and scores are posted your bracket standings will automatically update on the matches tab as well as the flight standings on the leader board tab.

The goal of each match is to accumulate as many points as possible to qualify for the End of Season Tournament where the league champions for each flight will be crowned. The league member with the most points in each bracket will automatically qualify for the End of Season Tournament. If you do not finish at the top of your bracket, you will still have an opportunity to compete in the End of Season Tournament if you earn a high points per hole average relative to other competitors in your flight. The purpose of the points per hole average is to give players who narrowly miss winning their bracket an opportunity to play in the End of Season Tournament.

The tables below illustrate how points will be awarded:

Points Per Hole
Win1.0
Tie0.5
Loss0.0
Points for 9 Hole MatchPoints for 18 Hole Match
Win2.04.0
Tie1.02.0
Loss0.01.0

To ensure all matches are fair and equal for all players, handicaps will be used for each match in all handicapped divisions. Prior to beginning your match, look up each player’s handicap index in the GHIN system at your Canongate Golf Course of choice. Once each index is obtained, view the course chart located in the pro shop and calculate each players course handicap based on the tees that the match will be played from. Using indexes to determine course handicaps will equalize a match between players who usually play from different tees. Please consult the local course pro if you have questions regarding the determination of each player’s course handicap. Subtract the lower handicap from the higher handicap to find how many shots the disadvantaged player receives during the match. All shots must be distributed based on the toughest handicap holes. When posting a score to the Canongate Golf League website the number of holes won, tied and lost as well as the gross score for each player must be entered. Points will be determined by the number of holes won, tied and lost. Each player’s gross score will then be posted to GHIN as a tournament score. If you have any questions regarding scoring the Canongate Golf League Customer Service can answer any of your questions or concerns at anytime. Just e-mail info@canongategolfleague.com or call 770-274-0737.

Click for information on match play from different tees

Frequently Asked Questions:

All answers to frequently asked questions apply to both individual and team formats unless otherwise stated.

Q: When are the league dates?

A: 2011 Season

Q: How do I complete registration?

A: The CGL membership fee is $35 per season for the individual format and $70 per season for the team format. Early bird registration is $25 per season for individuals and $50 per season for teams.

Q: Can I use pro-shop credit to pay for my registration fee?

A: Pro-shop credit will not be allowed for payment into the golf league as it was designed for the purchase of merchandise only. A participant must use their membership account to pay for the Canongate Golf League.

Q: Are the dates, cost and rules the same for the Houston and Denver league as the Atlanta league?

A: CGL members in Houston and Denver will be competing against other members in Houston and Denver. All other league details and information are the same.

Q: How do I make payment for the CGL?

A: You may elect to pay in the golf shop or go online to the CGL website and pay via your membership account. In either case, the online player profile component must also be completed for your registration to be complete.

Q: How many total matches are there?

A: The league will consist of 7 different matches, one against each other individual or team in your bracket.

Q: How is my flight and bracket determined?

A: The CGL will flight all players based on their USGA handicaps, average score and geographic location or proximity to members with similar handicaps or average scores. Each match will be played against players of similar ability. Team play will be played against teams with similar combined handicaps or average scores. The CGL will bracket players and teams based on their handicaps, average scores and geographic location.

Q: What is the format?

A: The format for all CGL regular season matches is match play. CGL team matches are best ball match play. Strokes for disadvantaged players will be distributed based on USGA handicaps. Matches in the non-handicapped divisions will play just like matches in the Scratch division where handicaps are not taken into account. Unlike regular match play where a match may end with 3 holes left to play, the CGL requires you to complete the remainder of the round. Players will be awarded points for each hole they play, in addition to points for winning the match.

Q: How are points distributed?

A: Points are distributed for each hole that a player wins or ties in addition to points for winning the match. See chart below
Points Per Hole
Win1.0
Tie0.5
Loss0.0
Points for 9 Hole MatchPoints for 18 Hole Match
Win2.04.0
Tie1.02.0
Loss0.01.0

 

Q: What if I want to pick up on a hole?

A: The Canongate Golf League will abide by the USGA rules for adjusting hole scores for equitable stroke control. Equitable stroke control is an adjustment of individual hole scores (for handicap purposes) in order to make handicaps more representative of a player’s potential ability. Equitable stroke control is applied after the round and is only used when the actual score or the most likely score exceeds a player’s maximum number. Equitable stroke control sets a limit to the number of strokes a player can take on a hole depending on their course handicap.
Course Handicap:Maximum Number:
9 or LessDouble Bogey
10-197
20-298
30-399
40 and Above10

If you are competing in the non-handicap divisions and you pick up on a hole your score for that hole will be 9.

Q: How is my points/hole average calculated?

A: Points per hole are calculated by dividing the total number of points earned by the total number of holes played.

Q: Is there a certain place where each match is held or does the course change with every match?

A: Flexibility is one of the major highlights of the league! Participants will have the option to choose the course that best fits their needs within the 3 week time frame the match needs to be completed.

Q: How long do I or We have to complete our match?

A: Each match must be completed within a 3 week time frame at the course of their choice. Additional time may be allotted due to weather or other obstacles.

Q: What happens if one of the matches cannot be completed in the allotted time?

A: If a match cannot be completed during the 3 week time frame participants can email The Canongate Golf League Customer Service and ask for an extension. The Customer Service email is: info@canongategolfleague.com

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

A: If opponents cannot agree on a course to play, the decision goes to the home course player or team.

Q: Who is responsible for scheduling a tee time?

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

Q: Who is responsible for keeping score?

A: The home player or team is responsible for keeping both players or both team’s scores and entering the final agreed upon scores online at the CGL website.

Q: How will I verify my opponent's handicap?

A: Before each match both CGL members will look up their current handicap at the GHIN computer in the clubhouse with their opponent present.

Q: How do we determine who gets strokes under the handicap format?

A: Prior to beginning your match, look up each player's handicap index in the GHIN system at your Canongate Golf Course of choice. Once each index is obtained, view the course chart located in the pro shop and calculate each player's course handicap based on the tees that the match will be played. Using indexes to determine course handicaps will equalize a match between players who usually play from different tees. Please consult the local course pro if you have questions regarding the determination of each player's course handicap.

Q: What if we want to complete our match from different tees?

A: Please see explanation above.

Q: On which holes will I receive strokes if I am the disadvantaged player?

A: You will receive strokes on the toughest handicap holes.

Q: How many strokes will be awarded for a 9 hole match based on handicaps?

A: After calculating how many strokes the disadvantaged player should receive, divide by 2 for a 9 hole match.

Q: Where do scores have to be turned in after completing the match?

A: The home player or team will be responsible for entering the holes won, tied and lost as well as all players Gross scores into the Canongate Golf League website.

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

A: Depending on course rules, you may walk or ride during any match.

Q: What set of golf rules does CGL abide by?

A: All CGL play will be governed by the USGA rules. 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 local head pro.

Q: If I have a complaint, whom do I contact?

A: Contact info@canongategolfleague.com with questions or complaints.

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

A: If there is a disagreement on the amount of holes to play, players must play a 9 hole match.

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

A: If you would like to protest a submitted score, email the Canongate Golf League at info@canongategolfleague.com. We will contact your opponent to verify the score protested and will resolve any issues and update the scoring entry.

Q: What if I can't contact my opponent?

A: You will be given your opponents email and phone contact information. If you attempt to contact your opponent more than once on each of their listed points of contact and your three week time period elapses, you may default your opponent and you will receive 10 points and your opponent will receive 0 points. If you do not complete your match or enter a forfeit online both players will receive 0 points. Neither opponent will receive points towards their points/hole average.

Q: If my partner cannot play a match against another team, can I find a substitute to play for him or her?

A: No, substitutes are not allowed during team play. Both members must play each match.

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

A: When you arrive at the golf course, check in with the pro shop and ask if your opponent has arrived. Ensure you bring your opponent's contact information to the golf course should you need to contact him or her.

Q: What if my opponent no shows?

A: If your opponent does not show, choose forfeit from the scoring entry menu. You will receive 10 points for the match and your opponent will receive 0 points. Neither opponent will receive points towards their points/hole average.

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

A: If you have completed more than 9 holes but less than 18 holes, players must take their 9 hole score and enter scores as a 9 hole match. If less than 9 holes are completed, players must reschedule their match.

Q: What happens if I am out of town for several weeks in a row but want to get all of my matches in for the season?

A: You can schedule your matches at any point in time prior to the due date. If you know you will not be available for a match, you can attempt to schedule the match before the match start date.

Q: Will standings be posted on the web?

A: Standings will continuously be updated on the website.

Q: How do I gain entry into the End of Season Tournament?

A: If you finish at the top of your bracket by accumulating the most points, you will qualify for the End of Season tournament. You can also qualify for the End of Season tournament through quality play resulting in a high points/hole average.

Q: What are the prizes for the individual and team winners?

Q: Can I join in mid season?

A: You may not register past the registration deadlines listed.

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

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

Registration:

To register for the 2011 Canongate Golf League please click on the registration tab along the top of the website. If you are registering as an individual once you have entered all of the information requested you will be flighted based on your handicap or average score and bracketed based on your geographic location/preferred course. If you are registering as a team once you have entered all of the information requested including your partners e-mail and e-mail will automatically be sent to your partner. Your team will not be formed until your partner has registered on the website at which point your team will be flighted based on handicap or average score and bracketed based on geographic location/preferred course.

2011 Season Registration Dates:

Scheduling Your Match:

Each Canongate Golf League season is 21 weeks long with three weeks allotted to complete each match. Each member’s schedule will be located under the My Matches tab once they are logged into the Canongate Golf League website. Members have three weeks in which to complete each of their seven matches. However, if members want to play their matches ahead of schedule and their opponents agree to it, they are welcome to do so. To maintain privacy, only the member and his or her opponents will be able to view contact information. Members will be provided with their opponents e-mail and primary phone number at a minimum and possibly a secondary phone number. An effort must be made by both members to contact each other seven days prior to the start date of each match. This way all matches can be scheduled in advance without worrying about tee time availability and an agreeable time for both members to play.

To ensure tee time availability, members must schedule all matches at least five days in advance of their match at the agreed upon golf course. If there is a dispute about where to play the match, the designated home course player has the final say. The Canongate Golf League asks its members to be flexible with course scheduling and mindful of their opponent’s needs and limitations.

Members have the choice of playing a 9 or 18 hole match. If there is a dispute about the number of holes to play, players must play 9 holes. This is to ensure that all Canongate Golf League members are given the flexibility of time needed to complete all matches. It is critical for all members to complete all matches to ensure a fair and accurate league. It is unfair to all members if matches are not completed.

Make-Up Week:

Members are allowed a one week extension to complete each match. Because of the unpredictability of weather and unforeseen circumstances, members are given a one week grace period to complete each match. However, this week is not designed for a player who has not made an effort to contact or get back to their opponent to play a match. All scores must be submitted by the end of the make-up week or else both players will be defaulted. If a default occurs, then neither player or team receives any points and their points per hole average will be unaffected.

Handicap Rules and Posting Scores:

To ensure all matches are fair and equal for all players, course handicaps are used for each match in all handicap divisions. Prior to beginning your match, look up each player’s handicap index in the GHIN system at your Canongate Golf Course of choice. Once each index is obtained, view the course chart located in the pro shop and calculate each players course handicap based on the tees that the match will be played from. Using indexes to determine course handicaps will equalize a match between players who usually play from different tees. Please consult the local course pro if you have questions regarding the determination of each player’s course handicap. The player with the lowest USGA handicap will be used as the benchmark. From here subtract the lowest handicap from the other three member’s handicap to determine how many shots will be awarded to the disadvantaged players. All shots must be distributed based on the toughest handicap holes.

To ensure fairness the Canongate Golf League has integrated its website with GHIN score posting so that all gross scores entered on the website will be posted to GHIN as a tournament score. In the event that a player does not complete a hole or picks up on a hole the Canongate Golf League will abide by the USGA rules for adjusting hole scores for equitable stroke control. Equitable stroke control is an adjustment of individual hole scores (for handicap purposes) in order to make handicaps more representative of a player’s potential ability. Equitable stroke control is applied after the round and is only used when the actual score or the most likely score exceeds a player’s maximum number. Equitable stroke control sets a limit to the number of strokes a player can take on a hole depending on their course handicap.

Course Handicap:Maximum Number:
9 or LessDouble Bogey
10-197
20-298
30-399
40 and Above10

If you are competing in the non-handicap divisions and you pick up on a hole your score for that hole will be a 9.

Canongate Golf League members should agree upon scores at the completion of a match. Once both players or teams have agreed the home player or team is responsible for posting the scores to the Canongate Golf League website. Remember that the Gross scores entered for each player will automatically be posted to the appropriate GHIN account as a tournament score.

The USGA updates handicap indexes every two weeks in Georgia and Colorado and monthly in Texas.

It is the home player or team’s responsibility to report scores online within the published time period. Late scoring entries will not be accepted. Both players will receive 0 points if match results are not reported by the deadline date. If this is a problem, make sure to contact the away player and have them enter the scores. It is imperative that all matches are scores are entered by their deadline date to ensure the league is operating at maximum efficiency for all the members. Flight and bracket standings will not be nearly as exciting and entertaining if matches and scores are reported late. Thus, the Canongate Golf League does not allow late scoring entries unless cleared by the league office first.

Flights:

The Canongate Golf League will flight all members based on his or her official USGA handicap or average score. Team flights will be based on the team’s cumulative handicap or average score.

Brackets:

All brackets will consist of 8 members. All members within each bracket will play each other once during the regular season. The brackets will be organized by a few factors. A member’s residential address will be the number one factor that drives which bracket he or she is placed in. This is to ensure that all matches can be played close to home and cuts back on commute time to and from the course. When many members in one flight live near each other, the Canongate Golf League will use the preferred course chosen to further determine a flights bracket.

Withdrawn Players:

If for some reason a player has withdrawn from the Canongate Golf League during the season, then the remainder of their matches will result in forfeits and all remaining players on their schedule will be rewarded 10 points. No score will be submitted, leaving their overall points per hole average unaffected.

Season Dates:

2011 Season

Scoring and Scoring Entry:

All Canongate Golf League matches are match play. All rules and penalties will be in accordance with the USGA rules of golf. If there is a question or discrepancy, the Canongate Golf League asks its members to play two balls (Rule 3-3) and ask the course pro for a ruling at the completion of the round. The home player is responsible for keeping score during the round on the course scorecard. The Canongate Golf League advises each member to review each hole and sign the scorecard at the completion of a round to ensure the utmost accuracy. Once a scorecard us reviewed and signed, the home player must enter the score online before the scoring entry deadline. The Canongate Golf League allows players to pick up during holes that they are conceding to ensure a reasonable pace of play. If a hole is conceded the mark the scorecard with an “X” for the player who concedes the hole. The Canongate Golf League will abide by the USGA rules for adjusting hole scores for equitable stroke control. Equitable stroke control is an adjustment of individual hole scores (for handicap purposes) in order to make handicaps more representative of a player’s potential ability. Equitable stroke control is applied after the round and is only used when the actual score or the most likely score exceeds a player’s maximum number. Equitable stroke control sets a limit to the number of strokes a player can take on a hole depending on their course handicap.

Course Handicap:Maximum Number:
9 or LessDouble Bogey
10-197
20-298
30-399
40 and Above10

If you are competing in the non-handicap divisions and you pick up on a hole your score for that hole will be a 9.

Incomplete Matches:

The Canongate Golf League with its 3 weeks allotment per match, make-up week and 9 hole option strives to provide every opportunity possible to ensure on-time completion of its members matches. On-time completion and on-time scoring entry of matches is critical to providing an enjoyable experience for all Canongate Golf League members. With that said, the Canongate Golf League understands that there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that are out of its members control. Please be mindful of the Canongate Golf League policy regarding incomplete matches due to extenuating circumstances such as bad weather.

Incomplete Match Policy- If players have completed more than 9 holes, but less than 18, players must take their 9 hole result and enter scores as a 9 hole match. If less than 9 holes are completed, players must reschedule their match or finish at a later time.

Forfeits:

There are a number of situations that can cause a forfeiture of a Canongate Golf League match. If a member is unable to contact an opponent after repeated attempts and after seven days past the start date have elapsed without response, he or she may forfeit an opponent.

Opponent Doesn't Show:

If an opponent arrives at a scheduled match more than 30 minutes later without contacting his or her opponent, see forfeits for more details.

If the “no show” calls and wishes to make up the match, then it is up to the member who has shown ups discretion. The match can be rescheduled and played if the player chooses not to forfeit their opponent.

Inclement Weather:

Please review the Incomplete Match Policy for rules regarding inclement weather. The Canongate Golf League reserves the right to extend due dates of any of the seven matches during a season should weather greatly affect the entire league.

Unsportmanlike Conduct:

Golf is a gentleman’s/gentlewoman’s game and we expect all of our members to act accordingly. Please report all acts of such bad behavior i.e. verbal or physical abuse, cheating, etc…to the league office so we can take the appropriate action. If such things go unreported, we are unable to do anything.

End of Season Tournament:

The member that finishes at the top of their bracket by accumulating the most points will qualify for the End of Season Tournament. If there is a tie for first place within a bracket, the points per hole average will be the deciding factor. Members can also qualify for the End of Season Tournament through quality play resulting in a high points per hole average. During the season, the Canongate Golf League will announce the number of points per hole qualifiers for each flight.

The End of Season Tournament will be held at a Canongate Golf Course which will be determined during the season. The Tournament is a one day stroke play event that is held on a weekend after the season’s completion. Prizes for the top three finishers in each flight will be awarded. New for the 2011 season, End of Season Tournament participants will not not be charged the $29 tournament fee. All participants will pay their home club green fee and cart fee the day of the tournament.

Disputes and Protests:

In the event of a dispute or protest, please contact the Canongate Golf League Customer Service Center by sending an e-mail to info@canongategolfleague.com. Describe your situation in full and we will reply back to you with a suggested solution.

Specific Rules for Team Format:

All team format matches are net best ball between two teams consisting of two players each. All four players must play the match. No substitutions are allowed and a match cannot be played between one player of one team versus both players of the other team. All scores should be entered as holes won, tied and lost. Should you change partners from season to season, you will receive a new team Player Profile Page for each combination of partners.

Course Selection:

All matches must be played on Canongate golf courses. Both players should be able to come to a mutually agreed upon Canongate golf course to play. However, if this is not possible, then the designated home course player has the final say. The Canongate Golf League asks its members to be flexible with course scheduling and mindful of their opponent’s needs and limitations.

Commitment to Canongate Golf League:

All players are expected to uphold their commitment to the Canongate Golf League and the other players in their bracket by completing all of their scheduled matches and entering their completed scores in a timely manner into the Canongate Golf League website. We treat our league play seriously and expect the same from our members.

Unforeseen things happen such as injuries and job transfers happen and the Canongate Golf League understands such circumstances, and will deal with them accordingly. Thank you for your commitment to the Canongate Golf League! We hope you enjoy your experience! Feel free to provide feedback, advice, or comments to us by sending an e-mail to info@canongategolfleague.com.