HKGA

The Hong Kong Seniors Open Amateur Championship 2008 will be decided by stroke play over three rounds, which will be played in accordance with the Rules of Golf as approved by the Royal & Ancient Rules Limited and with the Local Rules approved by the Tournament Committee.

Competitors will play one round on 5 November 2008 and one on 6 November 2008. The 40 lowest scores over these 36 holes and any tying for the 40th place will qualify for the final 18 holes on 7 November 2008 plus where practical at least 5 players in each age category.

In the event of a tie for the Overall Championship a play-off hole by hole, will be conducted immediately to determine the winner. The play off holes will be decided by the Tournament Director.

All other ties will be decided by a count-back. The winner will be the player having the lowest gross score over the last 18 holes (then the last 9, last 6, last 3, and last hole; then follow by holes 1-9, 4-9, 7-9 and hole 9). If a tie still arises, the scores of the immediate previous round will be applied in the same way. If a winner is still not determined after the score of the first round is applied, the result will be decided by the toss of a coin.

Team Event
A Team Event will be held in conjunction with the first two (2) rounds of the Championship. National Golfing Bodies may enter, in writing, one (1) team of two (2) or three (3) nominated players who shall be citizens or residents of the Country they represent or other players may join together and form a team. The combined scores of the lowest two (2) team members in each of the first two (2) rounds shall be the team score.

The specimen conditions in the Rules of Golf (2008-2011) are in effect as regards Conforming Driver Heads (see pages 141 & 142), Conforming Golf Balls (see page 142) and Time of Starting (see page 143).

Any driver the player carries must have a clubhead, identified by model and loft, that is named on the current List of Conforming Driver Heads issued by the R&A.

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to inspect any driver at any time during the tournament.
Penalty for making a stroke with club in breach of condition: Disqualification

Players should report to the Starter at least 10 minutes before their allotted starting time. If a player arrives late at his starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after his starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is two strokes, to be added to the score on the first hole.

Penalty for lateness beyond five minutes: Disqualification.

During a stipulated round, the use of a mobile phone is regarded as a serious breach of etiquette for which the penalty may be disqualification.

During a stipulated round, the use of distance measuring device is not allowed.
Penalty for Breach of Condition: Disqualification

10.

A copy of the full Pace of Play conditions will be posted at the Tournament Office and will be available on request.

11.

The Tournament Committee may require a player to withdraw from the Championship if it is felt the player does not have a basic understanding of the Rules of Golf which includes etiquette, or the requisite golfing standard.

12.

Entrants must conform in all respects to the Rules of Amateur Status as approved by R&A Rules Limited and sign the declaration in the entry form to that effect.

13.

Entries will be accepted from male players whose handicap index does not exceed 12.3 under the USGA handicapping system as of the closing date and reach the age of 55 years or above on or before Wednesday 5th November 2008

14.

The starting field will be 81. In the event of entries exceeding this number, entries will be decided using handicap index. Lower handicaps taking precedence. Unsuccessful entrants will be given the opportunity to compete in the event of any withdrawals. Entry fees will be refunded to unsuccessful entrants who do not compete.

15.

The applicable full entry fee and an entry form must be received by the HKGA not later than Monday 6 October 2008.

16.

Entry will not be accepted unless the entry form is fully completed and signed by the entrant. Entry fees will not be refunded for withdrawals after Monday 6 October 2008

17.

All entries will be subject to the approval of the Tournament Committee which reserves the right to accept or refuse, or having accepted, subsequently reject any entry without giving reason for its decision.

18.

It is the responsibility of each player to be aware of and abide by, the Dress Code for the Host Club. A copy of this will be posted on the Information Board at the Tournament office. Both on and off the Course and in the Clubhouse, players should observe reasonable, inoffensive manner of dress. In general however, the following rules should be observed.

a) Denim wear including jeans, is not permitted
b) Swimwear and athletic attire including tracksuits, shorts, T-shirts and sports shoes are not allowed.
c) Footwear should be worn at all times, not changed in public areas and notice taken of Host Club rules regarding spike shoes.
d) Hats or caps should not be worn in the Clubhouse.

19.

The Tournament Committee shall be appointed by the Hong Kong Golf Association and shall consist of:

(a) Hong Kong Golf Association Chairman, Rules (or an authorized deputy)
(b) Hong Kong Golf Association Chairman, Tournaments (or an authorized deputy)
(c) The Tournament Director (or an authorized deputy)

For the purposes of Rule 33-7 a quorum shall consist of any two of the above persons. Decisions of the Tournament Committee shall be final and binding on all concerned.

20.

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to disqualify any competitor making a false statement on his entry form.

21.

Spectators are allowed on the course but must stay on the cart paths if asked by an official to do so.

22.

The courtesy of the Hong Kong Golf Club will be extended to all entrants on Tuesday 4th November apart from the Hong Kong Golf Club members who can play at other times. Players must book their starting times by telephoning or faxing the Hong Kong Golf Association at telephone: (852) 2504 8659 or fax: (852) 2845 1553 from 21st-27th October before 4:00 p.m. (Hong Kong time). Priority for the practice round on the 4th November will be given by overseas competitors.

23.

Accommodation

Arrangements for accommodation have been made with The Hong Kong Golf Club.
Please refer to the attached Room Accommodation Form which must be completed and returned to the Hong Kong Golf Association before 6th October.

24.

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

The Open Championship	:	Winner, 2nd and 3rd Place
Each Round	:	Best Gross
Team Event	:	Winners and Runners-up

Additional prizes for best gross scores in age groups 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and over 70 will be awarded. A competitor may only win one daily prize throughout the championship.

To be eligible for any prize, a competitor must complete the tournament, with a valid score for each round. Missing the cut does not disqualify a competitor from prizes won in earlier rounds.

Prize winners are expected to attend the Prize Presentation Ceremony to collect their prizes.

A player who withdraws from the Championship is not entitled to win any prizes.

25.

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to amend these Championship conditions.