Revised October 2019
The SoHG Tournament Guidelines are provided here to assist tournament directors, event organizers, golf professionals, golf clubs, their members and their committees in the planning, organizing and conducting of “hickory golf” events.
These guidelines are organized into sections consisting of: 1 – Equipment; 2 – The Competition; 3 – Course Set-Up; 4 – Facilities; and 5 – Other Items. Questions, comments and requests for assistance can be directed to Bill Geisler, events chair (hickorybill1@gmail.com) or Rob Ahlschwede, equipment chair (swedeberger@gmail.com).
(1) EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES
The Society has developed and implemented standards regarding equipment to be allowed for use in hickory events. These guidelines are available for viewing under the “Equipment Guidelines” section of the website, below. In order for an event to claim it “follows SoHG guidelines,” those guidelines are the minimum acceptable equipment requirements.
Tournament directors/organizers, at their discretion, are free to implement equipment rules that are more restrictive than those set down by the Society – such as requiring a particular ball or limiting types of equipment. These events can still claim to follow SoHG guidelines, but such changes to the guidelines must be within the spirit of the rules currently put in place by the SoHG. Questions regarding any changes can be answered by the SoHG Equipment Committee chair, Rob Ahlschwede, swedeberger@gmail.com). Additional details are found in the pages below.
(2) THE COMPETITION
Format – The competition should be contested in a format determined by the tournament director or the tournament committee. This format needs to be clearly explained to the competitors well in advance to eliminate any misunderstandings during the competition.
This format choice could be anything from straight medal play to a scramble (many versions of that format exist), different versions of match play (foursomes, four-ball, singles, etc). There are many interesting formats besides these few.
The field could be separated into age divisions – Open(any age or gender), Senior (60+), Super Senior or “Statesman” (70+), and don’t forget the women. There should be a Women’s division depending on the number of competitors and the type of competition.
Handicaps can come into some formats. The SoHG maintains a handicap service for its members who wish to establish a “hickory handicap,” and members can avail themselves of this service on the website.
Rules For Competition – Rules/guidelines governing the competition should be in writing and the “rules sheet” should be made available to every competitor before the round begins. Also the rules for the competition should be clearly announced prior to the beginning of play. These rules should include any local rules that would affect the competition, the procedure for breaking ties and plans necessary if the competition is shortened or ended because of weather.
It is suggested that ties be broken by an actual playoff if possible. If it is not possible to have an actual playoff, the procedure for a scorecard playoff should be communicated clearly prior to the beginning of the competition.
Pace of play – We all love this great game and yet slow pace of play threatens to ruin the experience for all. Ask your players to remember these simple guidelines:
—Keep up with the group in front of you.
—If your group falls behind, it is everyone’s responsibility to speed up the pace to catch back up.
—Be ready to play your shot when it is your turn to play.
—Leave the greens promptly. Record scores on the next tee while you are preparing to tee off.
—Remember, we are guests at the courses we play, and playing the round in the appropriate time maintains good relations with the course and enhances the reputation of “hickory golf.”
Our love of the “hickory game” is rooted in our respect in how the game was originally played more than a century ago. Playing a slow round is not respectful to the game or the other competitors playing the event.
Entry Form – A generic sample entry form will be provided by the SoHG upon request. The entry should clearly state the type of competition, request personal information of the entrant including their division of play and hickory handicap, outline the rules for equipment – clubs as well as balls – and clearly state the entry fee. The entry should also clearly state the rules concerning riding/walking and the use of electronic distance devices. If a tournament dinner is planned, that cost should be included in the fee or indicated on the entry.
Handicaps – The competitor’s handicap should be a “hickory handicap” that can be developed on the SoHG website and made available for all competitions. If the competitor does not maintain a hickory handicap, they should be playing off scratch or 0. There are several methods for determining a hickory handicap from a USGA handicap (steel), but none are recognized as being very useful. Those formulas may be used if they are explained prior to the entry process.
(3) COURSE SET-UP
Golf courses will often dictate the length most appropriate for the competition. For example, firm and running courses play shorter than soft over-irrigated courses. The amount and depth of the rough is another factor that has an effect. General guidelines for length for play are:
Open and Open Net – no longer than 6,200 yards / 5,700 meters
Senior – 5,200-5,600 yards / 4,750-5,100 meters
Super Senior – 5,000-5,400 yards / 4,575-5,000 meters
Women – 4,200-4,800 yards / 3,850-4,400 meters
Scramble competitions should not exceed that 6,200-yard/5,700 meter guideline for hickory.
These are, of course, guidelines, and the final decision is left to the organizing committee.
The committee should work closely with the maintenance staff at the course to ensure a fair competition. Pin placements, speed of the greens, and depth of the rough are very important to the success of your event. Research and history has shown that the difficulty of this year’s setup is directly related to the strength of your field the next year!
(4) FACILITIES
Practice facilities – If the site has a practice facility it should be made available for all competitors and included in the event fee if possible.
On course refreshments should be available if possible. Hot weather increases the need for water availability during play. If possible, before and after play, refreshments should be available to the players. The availability of food and drink for the event needs to be clearly communicated prior to the event so players can plan appropriately.
If there is to be a “tournament dinner,” the location and time of that event should be communicated early, as well as the cost if this is not included in the entry fee.
Restricted areas of the grounds and club need to be clearly stated to all competitors prior to the play.
Awards Ceremony – This is the perfect way to bring competitors together immediately following play to distribute prizes, thank the club and course staff, volunteers and sponsors as well. This is also the best time to announce the next event offered on the calendar as well as the schedule for this event next year.
(5) OTHER ITEMS
There is a need to make other information available to ensure a good event and add to the enjoyment of the people who have traveled to participate. That would include local dining, accommodations available nearby, and transportation available for those flying or traveling from a distance.
It is important to include the address of the course and related locations. Having a map available is still a good thing.
Non-golf Activities – Providing a listing of things of interest in the surrounding area can be most helpful for those traveling with competitors.
Media Coverage – If media coverage is important and is available, it is always good to have some information out in the community about the tournament, especially if the event is important to the golfing community.
Dress Code – Typically, the SoHG encourages players to participate in clothing of the hickory golf era. That can mean shirt and tie, slacks or knickers (plus 2s, 4s, etc.), sometimes a jacket, and headwear true to that era – that leaves out visors and baseball caps. Remember, these are guidelines, and your event may find other more casual wear better for your event.
Awards – These are totally up to the event director and committee. Medals, small trophies, or other appropriate awards work well to reward good play and other notable achievements during the tournament. The following section “Guidelines for SoHG Tournament Medals” provides details regarding the standards associated with awards at Society tournaments and events.