IGT Challenge Pro Tour Policies & Procedures

FORMAT / CUT POLICY

All IGT Challenge Pro Tour events are gross events. (No handicaps)

All IGT Professional Tour events in the regular season will be 36, 54 and 72-hole tournaments contested over one course with a maximum field size of 168 players. For each 36 hole event there will be no cut and 54 and 72-hole events, the field will be cut to the number of players (and ties) to 66% percent of the field to a maximum of 60 players and ties who will proceed to the next round.

ELIGIBILITY

Professionals and amateurs with a handicap of 4 or less may play on a space available basis. IGT Tour members will be allowed to sign up at any point on a first come, first served basis until 48 hours prior to start of tournament. After this point, all non-members will be granted entry on a space available basis, in the order in which their entry was received. The maximum field size for a 36, 54 & 72-hole event is 168 players in Summer and 144 in Winter.

TOUR MEMBERSHIP 2012

This fee is non-refundable after January 1, 2012.

Click here for Membership info

Click here for membership benefits

TOURNAMENT ENTRY FEE

Regular Season Events 2012

Tournament Entry	Member
36 Holes	R 800
54 Holes	R 1 200
72 holes	R 1 300

PURSES

Click here for 2012 Payout Table

Click here for OoM Table

SUNSHINE TOUR QUALIFYING SCHOOL

Tournament Format:

IGT will host six 72-hole tournaments in October and November in Gauteng.  Each event will feature an aggregate “Points Race” for all 6 events that will award the Top finishers FREE paid entry to 2012 Sunshine Tour Q-School.

Top Finishers:

Players will receive IGT Race to Q-School (RTQS) points for their finish in each event. The points will be for the top 60 players and tied. (Click here for RTQS points table)

IGT will award one fully paid entry for Sunshine Q-School for every 60 players entered per event. If the average fields for the nine events is 120 players IGT will pay the top 9 players on the RTQS points table their full entry to the Sunshine Q-School.

ENTRY DEADLINE

The payment deadline for all events is 48 hours prior to the event. All contestants who have not paid their entry fee in full by the  deadline must bring proof of payment to the event or pay cash at event. Members and Non-Members may enter any event as far in advance as they wish. The Non-Member waiting list will be built according to when payment is received. Non-Members will be entered into events after the deadline has passed in the order their payment was received. Any non-member who does not gain entry into an event will be given a full refund or at his or her request will be placed on the non-member list for the next event. Any player who qualifies for a Sunshine Tour event before the first day of play will be refunded his or her entry fee if the events coincide. Please note: Once a player hits an official shot in an event, there are no refunds, regardless of any circumstances. Players can check the field list online to make sure that they are entered into an event.

It is solely the responsibility of the player to know whether or not he is in the tournament field, and there will be no exceptions to this policy.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Tournament Entry: All players must pay using a credit card or debit card on the official IGT Challenge Pro Tour website. Players can also make use of EFT or direct deposit into our bank account. Players must request our bank details to use this option. Players can also pay cash at the tournament and must note so when booking for an event.

Players Winnings: IGT Challenge Pro Tour offer direct deposit payment to all players of the tour. This means players will have their earnings directly deposited into their bank accounts. All direct deposit payments will be made within 48 hours of the tournament's final round. Players sign up for this service by printing out the direct deposit form off of the website or fill in the direct deposit form at an event at the IGT registration table and faxing it to the IGT Challenge Pro Tour office.

Amateur Winnings: All amateur winners will receive an IGT Challenge Pro Tour electronic MasterCard voucher. The maximum winnings for a amateur is R4500.

AMATEUR SCORES

Please note SAGA Handicap constitution point 8.1 Scores

Scores should be returned at any SAGA Handicap Terminal every time a player completes an 18 or 9 hole Stroke Play round, no matter where it is played, provided such round may be verified by a playing competitor. Where it is not possible to enter a score at an SAGA Handicapping Terminal, alternative means are permissible, which include:

a. Having the score entered by the player’s home club

b. Entering the score on the www.handicaps.co.za website.

c. Entering the score through a cellular phone application (when available)

Should a player fail to return a score on the handicap system he shall have a penalty score applied in accordance with point 8.6. Should a player persist in this practice, disciplinary measures as described in this Handicapping Manual should be applied.

Players may also be suspended from the IGT Challenge Pro Tour if it is brought under our attention that an amateur golfer do not enter his/her scores.

NO SHOW/WITHDRAWL

No-shows will not be tolerated. Any player who no-shows for an event will forfeit their entry fee.

PAIRINGS

Pairings will be completed and SMS out to the players no later than the Sunday before the tournament. It is the player’s responsibility to have a Cell Phone Number on file with the tour office.

Pairings will be done on a random basis. No request to play with a friend will be allowed. Players can request tee times close to each other if they drive together.

Pairings for the 3^rd and 4^th round will be seeded.

Pairings will be posted on the IGT Challenge Pro Tour website at www.igtprotour.co.za and at the host facility pro shop.

PRACTICE ROUNDS

Practice rounds for all events must be paid for by the player. Any exception to these policies will be posted three weeks in advance on the tournament information page.

Practice Round Guidelines and Policies:

ONE BALL CONDITION

The one ball rule is not in effect in all tournament rounds on the IGT Challenge Pro Tour.

The one ball rule means that the player has to play with the same mark, compression and cover during the whole round, not during the whole tournament.

GROOVE POLICY

It has been decided that the new rules regarding club face grooves that is used on the PGA Tour will NOT be implemented on the IGT Challenge Pro Tour tournaments in 2012.

It is our goal to have regulations similar to the PGA Tour but at this point it is just not possible for tournaments at our level to implement this rule due to practical circumstances such as supply and testing.

Players who occasionally play on PGA Tour events should be aware that the sole responsibility to have equipment according to the rules lies with the players. Be careful with what clubs you use and be absolute certain that they will pass a testing which is made on a regular basis on the PGA Tour.

PACE OF PLAY

Rule 6-7 states, in part: "The player shall play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines which may be laid down by the Committee." The following pace of play guidelines and slow play penalties and fines, except during match play competitions, has been adopted.

1. Definition of "Out of Position"

The first group to start will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, the group exceeds the time allotted per hole, as detailed on the applicable course's Local Rules Addendum. The second and third groups, and additional groups as determined by the Rules Committee when play is in pairs, to start will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they (a) exceed the allotted time to play or (b) reach any place where there is an open par-3 and the group in front has left the next teeing ground or (c) reach any place where there is an open par-4 hole or (d) when the preceding group is on the putting green of a par-5 hole when the group in question is on the teeing ground. Any subsequent group will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they reach any place where there is an open par-3 or par-4 hole, or the preceding group is on the putting green of a par-5 hole when the group in question is on the teeing ground.

2. Monitoring Groups

It is the responsibility of each player to be aware of his groups' position on the golf course. Any group that is over "time-par" or out of position will be advised of the situation and the group may immediately be put back "on-the-clock". A group will be subject to being timed until back in position with the group ahead or back on TIME PAR.

3. Timing

The timing of a player's stroke will begin when it is his turn to play and he can play without interference or distraction. Any time spent determining yardages will count as time taken for the next stroke. On the putting green, timing will begin after a player has been allowed a reasonable amount of time to mark, lift, clean and replace his ball, repair his ball mark and other ball marks on his line of putt and remove loose impediments on the line of his putt. A player will have 40 seconds to play a stroke when being timed. NOTE: An extra 20 seconds will be allowed for: A. The first player to play a stroke on a par-3 hole. B. The first player to play a second stroke on a par-4 or par-5 hole (when attempting to reach the putting green). C. The first player to play a third stroke on a par-5 hole. D. The first player to play on or around the putting green.

4. Fines and Penalties - Penalty Phase

Any player in a group out of position will be subject to being timed. Any player who exceeds the allotted time to play a stroke will be notified of such. Any player that has received notification of a bad time is considered to be in the Penalty Phase of the Pace of Play Policy. Players in the Penalty Phase of the Pace of Play Policy exceeding the allotted time to play a stroke will be penalized in the following manner.

5. Summary of Fines and Penalties during a Round

First Offense: One timing exceeding the allotted time to play a stroke -- one stroke penalty. Second Offense: One more timing (a total of two) exceeding the allotted time to play a stroke -- two stroke penalty. Subsequent Offense: One more timing (a total of three) exceeding the allotted time to play a stroke -- disqualification. Note: In the administration of these paces of play guidelines, a member of the rules committee shall not tolerate any form of abuse, by the player. Such abuse constitutes conduct unbecoming a professional.
Any player who is put “On the clock” five times over the course of the 2012 season will be fined R200.00. Each subsequent timing will result in an additional R200.00 fine for the offending player.

6. Appeals

The player in question immediately upon completion of his/her round must refer any appeal of a penalty and/or fine to the Tour Director. The Tour Director's decision shall be final.

CONDUCT

Any conduct unbecoming of a professional will not be tolerated on the IGT Challenge Pro Tour. Such behaviour includes abusive profanity, club throwing, and any act that results in personal or private property damage. In addition, players failing to properly rake fairway and greenside bunkers will be subject to all fines that fall under the category of conduct unbecoming of a professional. Players are responsible for the conduct of their caddies, parents or friends and will be responsible for any fines incurred. Breach of professional conduct will result in warnings, fines and/or disqualification/suspension.

Fines will be deducted from a player's check for that tournament. Should a player not make a check, a bill for the fine will be sent to that player online. All fines must be paid in full before the player is allowed entry into another IGT Challenge Pro Tour event. It is the responsibility of all IGT Tour players to report any behaviour they witness that is deemed conduct unbecoming of a professional.

SCORING

All players are required to return their scorecards to the scoring area immediately following the tournament round. Players are required to remain in the scoring area until all players in their group have returned their scorecards to the tournament staff. A breach of this rule will be considered conduct unbecoming of a professional and will be subject to discipline under the IGT Challenge Pro Tour's conduct policy.

The scoring area will be determined by the committee and defined by a tent, rope, or the specific room in which it is located. A scorecard is deemed returned once the player has left this defined area.

ALCOHOL and ILLEGAL DRUGS

Any player who drinks alcohol or uses any illegal drugs during an official tournament round or practice round will be disqualified from the tournament. A second offense will result in loss of playing privileges for the remainder of the 2012 season.

Any player under the age of 18 years old is not allowed to smoke or use any alcohol while playing on the tour.

DRESS CODE

No jeans or denim allowed. Shorts may be worn but must be of Bermuda length. Shorts with a camouflage print will not be allowed. Collared shirts are required at all events and should remain tucked in at all times. Players will not be allowed to wear hooded sweatshirts of any nature. Soft spikes are mandatory at all events. All caddies must wear spikeless, soft-soled shoes - open-toed shoes are not permitted. This policy apply to all players and caddies, and to all practice and tournament rounds.

MOBILE PHONES

Except for emergencies, cell phone use during a stipulated round is prohibited.

Penalty for violation of this policy: First offense: "Warning" and possible penalty for undue delay.
Second offense: Disqualification.

ELECTRONIC MEASURING DEVICES

Electronic measuring devices may be used during any event. Players may use devices that measure slope, wind or factors other than distance, but that feature MUST be turned off during official tournament competition. Breach of this policy will result in immediate disqualification from the event in which the infraction occurs.

PLAYOFFS & TIES

Ties will be decided by a sudden death playoff immediately following regulation play. Tour officials will decide the starting hole and hole procession.

SUSPENSION OF PLAY (Due to Dangerous Situation)

Play may be suspended due to dangerous situations. A suspension of play for a dangerous situation shall be signalled by one long air horn blast. After a horn or siren has sounded, players must immediately halt play and may not resume again until the Committee has ordered to do so. Under suspension, the entire golf course, driving range, putting greens and all practice areas are closed until the "Committee" has declared them open again. Suspension of play due to fog, excessive rain, ice, wind or any other reason is not considered dangerous and will be signalled by consecutive air horn blasts. Players in the process of playing the hole may complete the hole. Players in between the play of two holes must stop immediately.

The IGT Challenge Pro Tour reserves the right to suspend play based upon conditions of playability at a course in the tournament.

GOLF CARTS

The 2012 IGT Challenge Pro Tour season will feature primarily walking events. However, the Tour has the right to designate any event a riding event if deemed necessary. Any changes will be posted on the tour's website.

Spectators are not allowed to ride in a player's cart at any time. Spectator carts are not allowed unless approved by the Tournament Director.

Pull carts are allowed during all tournament rounds.

If a scheduled IGT Challenge Pro Tour event is listed as a walking event, the tour has the right to change the event to a riding event.

REDUCTION OF ROUNDS

72-Hole Events

The IGT Challenge Pro Tour will do everything within reason to complete 72 holes in a 72-hole event. In such a case 72 holes cannot be completed, a 72-hole tournament is final after 36 or 54 completed holes. Partial rounds will not count. Every effort will be made to complete a round. If less than 36 holes of a 72-hole event are completed, refunds will be given less $40.00 for tournament costs.

If play is suspended at any time during the first round, play will resume later that day or the next day. The same procedure will be followed for each ensuing round, with the following exceptions:

In a 72-hole event, if the third and fourth rounds are cancelled, the tournament will be deemed final after the second round. If the third round must be completed on the final day, it must be finished in time for the final round to start and finish on that day with a maximum of six holes to be completed on each side. This is subject to change based on golf course availability.

54-Hole Events

The IGT Challenge Pro Tour will do everything within reason to complete 54 holes in a 54-hole event. In such a case 54 holes cannot be completed, a 54-hole tournament is final after 36 completed holes. Partial rounds will not count. Every effort will be made to complete a round. If less than 36 holes of a 54-hole event are completed, refunds will be given less $40.00 for tournament costs.

The rainout policy is very specific. If play is suspended at any time during the first round, play will resume later that day or the next day. The same procedure will be followed for each ensuing round, with the following exceptions:

In a 54-hole event, if the final round is cancelled, the tournament will be deemed final after the second round. If the second round must be completed on the final day, it must be finished in time for the final round to start and finish on that day with a maximum of six holes to be completed on each side. This is subject to change based on golf course availability.

DISCLAIMER

The IGT Challenge Pro Tour reserves the right to refuse entry to any player for any reason.

The IGT Challenge Pro Tour is not responsible for any items lost, stolen or damaged at a host or secondary facility.

Participants in IGT Challenge Pro Tour are responsible for any damage they cause to the golf course and/or property of the golf course.

Grant the IGT Challenge Pro Tour the right to any Photos, personal or historical information herein for media and public relations use now and in the future. I also agree to adhere to Tour Policy and Procedure, and acknowledge that failure to do so may forfeit my Tour Membership