THE BUNKER BOYS @ The Sports Lounge

Bunker Boys Golf Society Charter Guidelines.

Purpose

The Bunker Boys Golf Society (BB) exists to provide members and visiting guests opportunities to play competitive golf, in a friendly, respectful and enjoyable environment in accordance with the Rules of Golf as established by the R&A and USGA; except as modified
by Local Rules adopted by Pattaya Sports Club Golf (PSC) and the BB (Ref: BB Local Rules).

The BB are affiliated members of PSC, whom maintain an approved umbrella handicap system for the BB and other local golf societies.

Venue

The BB are based and play from the The Sports Lounge, located on Soi Buakhao (adjacent to Soi 21 and opposite Tree Town) every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. (The location is easily recognised by the Sports Lounge and BB Signage).

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Transport and Driving

Usually sufficient member players, have vehicles and are willing to transport other players to and from the golf venues. Passengers are expected to donate a fee of 300 THB to the Driver for this service. Note: for courses beyond Chonburi the fee increases to 350 THB due to the
increased motorway toll fees. This fee should be given immediately prior to commencing the journey. In the event there is insufficient transport a minibus will be hired.

Members and Guest, drivers that provide transportation services to other players are expected to drive safely at all times in accordance with the relevant Thai Highway Code standards.

Any complaints regarding a driver conduct and safety on the road should initially be addressed directly with the driver concerned. If a satisfactory respectful response is not received, the issue may be addressed to the BB Committee whom may address the issue as a Code of Conduct violation.

Club Storage Locker and Club Rentals

The BB maintains a limited number of lockers at the Sports Lounge which are available to store golf clubs. Most are leased out annually on a first come first serve basis, with a few available for short term hire. The limit is one locker per person.

There are also a limited number sets of clubs (in variable condition) available for hire for a nominal fee of 100 THB/day also on a first come, first serve basis.

The Lockers are for the storage of Golf and associated equipment. Strictly no food or dirty clothes.

The Golf Society or The Sports Bar will not accept responsibility for items that may go missing or become damaged.

ITEMS LEFT IN LOCKERS AND LOCKER ROOM ARE TOTALLY AT THE OWNERS RISK THIS IS RECOGNISED WHEN JOINING THE GOLF SOCIETY AND ACCEPTING LEASE OF A LOCKER.

 

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Membership

Golf is organised by a committee consisting of Niall Glover – Captain, Bil Richadson – Vice Captain, Tony Robbins – Treasurer, Mike Brett – Community Media Reports, Robbie Watts -Australian Representative and TBD GB&I Representative.

The BB is open to all, and actively encourages new participants (although players are expected to be able to play to a maximum 30 handicap). There are no membership fees for joining the BB. However, the club is associated with the Pattaya Sports Club (PSC) and all players are encouraged, expected to be members of PSC to avail use of the handicapping system and discounts available at various Golf Courses and Pattaya retail locations negotiated by PSC.

Occasionally a golf course may request to see the PSC membership card to qualify for the discounted green fee price, if the player is not a PSC member, he will be required to pay the standard green fee. New players and short-term visitors are allowed a maximum of 3 initial rounds but are expected to join the PSC as soon as possible within that time.

All players Members and Guests no exceptions, are expected to pay a playing fee to the BB of 220 THB, (Ref: Competition & Fees).

Handicaps

The club uses the PSC umbrella World Handicap System for Member handicaps which follows the USGA handicapping system and updates issued according to the WHS (World Handicapping System).

The BB submits all Member score cards to the PSC after each game.

The BB use the Index issued by PSC as the playing handicap for the day. Players are expected to know their handicap Index. The maximum handicap for a BB competition is 30. When playing a course with indexed holes 1 to 9 (courses with more than two nines) instead of holes indexed 1 to 18; players with odd number handicaps receive the extra stroke on the back nine played.

All players are expected to have a PSC handicap. For new players and short-term guests/visitors a certified home handicap will be accepted until they have a PSC handicap.

If a player’s PSC handicap exceeds their home handicap by more than 2 shots the player must play off their home handicap plus 2 until sufficient scores have been submitted for their handicap to be normalised.

Where a regular BB member returns from time away, they may continue with their previous PSC handicap, provided the period away does not exceed 6 months and their game has not significantly improved in their absence. Evidence of home handicap and/or previous 20 scores is required to enter in the PSC handicap system, for time away durations greater than six months.

If a visiting guest player plays off a home handicap and wins, their handicap will be cut by 50% of the points scored above 37 for the duration of his stay or until they have an official PSC handicap (i.e 15 handicap player scoring 40 points has his handicap cut 2 shots to 13.).
Where a player has more than one local handicap, they must play off the lowest one.

However, if a player has a higher handicap with PSC, they may play off the PSC handicap provided they can demonstrate to the committee’s satisfaction that they have submitted cards for all games played to PSC.
In the spirit of the game it is expected that Honesty and Integrity will prevail at all times.

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Conduct of Members & Guests:
Members and Guests are expected to be behave respectfully towards each other at all times, golf course personnel and in particular course caddy’s, so as to not in any way jeopardise the sustainability of the BB reputation within the local golf community and Thailand in general.

Members and Guests whom are observed or reported as lacking respect, may at the Committee’s discretion be given a verbal or written warning requesting correction of behaviour. Persistent behavioural abuse may lead to the Committee formally requesting that a Member or Guest no longer play with the BB.

The BB book courses and number of tee times based on the time of year (i.e. High Season December – March and Low Season April – November) with a maximum of 32 players (8 groups of 4) in High Season. If additional players above 32 desire to play, it will be dependant upon availability of transport, and each course’s ability to allocate additional tee times and caddy’s.

Members and guests interested in playing with the BB should preferably out of curtesy advise intent to play the day before, via BB Line group, text, phone and or verbally (Ref: BB Website and or notice board inside the Sports Lounge for BB contact details). Albeit the BB does not like to deny members and guests the opportunity to play, simply turning up on the day is not a guarantee of playing.

All intending to play should sign in not later than 09:15 am on the morning of play; with players departing for course of the day at 09:30 am, normally for an 11:00 am tee off for the first group. Exceptions to the previously noted times will be advised with publication of the monthly Golf Schedules sent members via email, or posted on the Websites etc. and notice boards at the Sports Lounge.

Breakfast, tea and coffee are available for early morning arrivals.

Rules of Golf (PSC Local Rules)

All Bunker Boys Competitions strictly follow the Rules of Golf as published and updated by the R&A and USGA. These rules recently had a number of changes which made several previous Local Rules redundant. In addition to any Local Rules issued by the Golf Course, and PSC, the Bunker Boys adopt the following Local Rules.

  1. Relief may only be taken from Ants and other stinging insects if they constitute a dangerous situation. Agreement must be obtained from a marker. Relief cannot improve the lie, line of sight or avoid other obstacles.
  2. Drop zones will not be used except for: The 1st hole on the Mountain Course at Laem Chabang, hole A8 at Pattana, hole 9 at Parichat and the 14th hole at Pleasant Valley. In each case the Ladies Tee maybe used.
  3. Relief must be taken from staked trees and young trees (not bushes) less than 2 metres in height and from regularly maintained, cultivated flower beds.
  4. In the interests of saving time a provisional ball may be played at any time (unless using an option under point 10 below). If the original ball is found the player must continue with the original ball.
  5. Where Penalty Areas (water hazards) are not clearly marked, they should be treated as having red stakes, allowing lateral relief. The break of a slope or edge of mown area should be taken as the margin.
  6. Washed out areas, areas of excessive water damage and obviously abnormal ground conditions may be treated as Ground Under Repair subject to agreement of the marker. Under Rule 16.1c free relief may be taken from Human damage (footprints
    etc.) in Bunkers. A ball can be dropped at the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole in the Bunker (This does not apply to lines left by mechanical rakes or damage caused by the player themselves).
  7. Rule 6-8, A player may discontinue play and take shelter during heavy rainstorms as well as danger from lightning.
  8. Edging grooves around greens maybe treated as GUR.
  9. It is the players responsibility to ensure that Bunkers are properly repaired after playing from them.
  10. The USPGA suggested Local Rule for stroke and distance relief for Balls Lost or Out of Bounds can be used. Where a ball is lost or out of bounds instead of playing a provisional ball, a ball from the tee; a ball may be dropped behind a line equidistant to the hole, from the position where the ball is lost or goes out of bounds and a point two club lengths onto the nearest part of the fairway incurring a 2 stroke penalty (stroke and distance).

If you are planning to visit Thailand to play golf, then Pattaya is the place to stay. There are 25 top class courses within one hours drive and a superb selection of quality hotels to suit your budget. Golf in Pattaya is easy to arrange, whether you are a single golfer, a four ball or a tour group.

For the single golfer and small groups, you can sign up with one of our many Golf Societies; run and organised by Expats from all parts of the world. Most of them have lived in the area for many years, know the best choice of courses and get the best possible rates available all year round, through being Pattaya Sports Club members.

Where decisions with respect to the Rules of Golf are required, these will be decided by the Rules Committee currently Tony Robbins, Bil Richardson, Mike Brett.

Competition

The club usually plays the Stableford format, however at least one medal round should be played each month. Competition will usually be played from the tees closest to 6,500 yards.

On a hole where a player believes the carry off the tee is too great, they can move to the red tee with a one stroke penalty.

Score cards must be returned latest by 18.15 pm and presentations are at 18:30 pm. It is expected that all players will return to The Sports Lounge for the 18:30 pm presentation. Players must be present to collect prizes unless a valid reason has been given to the organiser prior to the competition. Where a golfer is not present the winnings will go to the BB Delinquent Fund which will be used to provide a free drink to playing members when sufficient funds have accumulated. (Consideration will be given for special circumstances ie a prior commitment announced before play, accidents, breakdowns and emergencies). Once the presentation is complete it is final and there is no redress should an error be found to have occurred.

Daily Competition & Fees

The daily competition fees are: 220 thb per person and contribute to the total prize pool available (i.e. 220 thb x No of players per event = available prize pool).

The total competition fee of 220 thb, is split as follows: BB Administration 20 thb, Nearest the Pin prize pool 50 thb, and the overall Competition prize pool 150 thb.

All players are expected to pay the fee and play in the competition although players without a recognised handicap will only play in the nearest pin competition.

Tied Scores

In the event a competition is tied it will be decided by Count back. Last 9 holes played, last 6, last 3, last hole, if still equal go back hole by hole from 18th.

Hole in One

Any player scoring a hole in one receives a ‘hole in one’ trophy; the BB will contribute 3,000 thb, to buy a drink for all members playing that day. Any residual funds will given to the player whom scored a hole in one.

Golfer of Month (GoM)

For each competition scores go towards the Golfer of the Month Trophy. All rounds are entered with the best 6 to counting. In event of a tie the next best (7th) score is counted. Should there still be a tie, the player with the most wins in the month will be declared the GoM.

At end of each month the winner receives a trophy and the BB will provide a free round of drinks to all players present.

Adverse weather conditions

From time to time adverse weather conditions affect the golf courses and may result in “Winter Rules” being applied. The usual guide is when Golf Carts are not allowed on the Fairway due to adverse conditions Winter Rules may apply. Winter Rules are lift, clean and replace within 6inches, on closely mown areas only.

In the event that play cannot be completed because of bad weather the following will apply.

If 50% or more of the field complete the round the competition will stand. If less than 50% complete the round the competition will be cancelled and entry fees less the admin fee will be refunded.

Prize Pool

A minimum of 8 players is required for a scheduled competition; albeit occasionally in low season (April – November) there may be less players. Generally, he prize pool is shared as

follows:

For less than 8 players pay 1st and 2nd places ( 60% and 40% rounded off)

8 to 14 players pay 1st, 2nd and 3rd (50% 30% 20% rounded off)

15 to 19 players pay 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th (40% 30% 20% 10% rounded off)

20 to 24 players pay 1st 2nd 3rd 4th and 5th (35% 25% 20% 15% 5% rounded off)

25 players and up, pay 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th and 6th (29% 24% 19% 14% 9% and 5% rounded
off)

Nearest to the Pin

The available prize pool is rounded to nearest 20 thb with a minimum of 100 thb and a maximum of 200 thb paid. Where there are more than 24 players the maximum payout will increase to 300 thb.

If there is no near pin on a hole, the prize for that hole goes into the BB Delinquent Fund, which is used to buy members a drink when there is a sufficient amount in the Delinquent Fund to do so.

Alternative Unscheduled events

Occasionally, BB players may desire to play at an alternative location(s) to that published as the BB monthly schedule. For such occasions and for these events to be considered a sanctioned event, qualifying for GoM points, the following conditions must be satisfied:
        1) – The BB Committee shall be advised and approve the same as a sanctioned event.
        2) – All BB members shall be given the opportunity to participate in the same and/or facilitate a change to BB scheduled events to the same location.
        3) – There shall be a minimum of eight BB players participating.

BUNKER BOYS GOLF SOCIETY LOCAL RULES

Competitions strictly follow the Rules of Golf. In addition the Bunker Boys adopt the following Local Rules.

  1. From time to time adverse weather conditions and/or course over watering affect golf courses and may result in “Winter Rules” being applied. BB rules for such conditions are lift, clean and place within 6 inches, on closely mown areas only, and apply only to the hole in play. Balls on adjacent fairways are considered ‘in the rough’. The Golf Captain will decide on the 1st tee if Winter Rules will apply, inform players and/or write on the Start Sheet.
  2. Relief may only be taken from Ants and other stinging insects if they constitute a dangerous situation. Agreement must be obtained from a marker. Relief taken cannot improve the lie, line of sight or avoid other obstacles.
  3. If a player is playing off a non-PSC handicap and scores more than 36 points his handicap will be reduced by the number of points above 36 which he has scored, prior to the next game. (i.e. if he is playing off 20 handicap and scores 39 points, his handicap will be 17 for the next game).
  4. The BB use the Handicap Index issued by the PSC as the playing handicap for the day, on all courses and do not adjust handicap for individual course and slope ratings. Players are expected to know their handicap Index. The handicaps are adjusted on a daily basis. The maximum handicap for a BB competition is 30.
  5. Relief must be taken from staked trees and young trees (not bushes) less than 2 metres in height and from regularly maintained, cultivated flower beds.
  6. In the interests of saving time a provisional ball may be played at any time. If the original ball is found the player must continue with the original ball.
  7. Where Penalty Areas (water hazards) are not clearly marked, they should be treated as having red stakes allowing lateral relief. The break of slope or edge of mown area should be taken as the margin.
  8. Washed out areas, areas of excessive water damage and obviously abnormal ground conditions may be treated as Ground Under Repair subject to agreement of the marker. Under Rule 16.1c Free relief may be taken from Human damage (footprints, etc.) in Bunkers. A ball should be dropped at the nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole in the Bunker.
  9. Rule 6-8, A player may discontinue play and take shelter during heavy rainstorms as well as danger from lightning.
  10. Edging grooves around greens maybe treated as GUR.
  11. It is the players responsibility to ensure that Bunkers are properly repaired after playing from them.
  12. Where a ball is lost or out of bounds, instead of playing a provisional ball from the tee, a ball may be dropped behind a line equidistant to the hole from the position where the ball is lost or goes out of bounds 2 club lengths onto the nearest part of the fairway, with a 2 shot penalty (stroke & distance).

Where decisions with respect to the Rules of Golf are required, these will be decided by the Rules Committee currently Tony Robbins, Bil Richardson, Mike Brett.

Information

People seeking additional information should check the website www.bunkerboysgolfpattaya.com or call either of the following: