Winter Handicap Qualifying Round Procedure (With Fairway Mats)

Tytherington Golf Club

Purpose

To allow members to submit acceptable scores for handicap purposes during the winter months, while preserving course conditions and complying with local winter rules, including the use of fairway mats.

1. Pre-Round Requirements

Eligibility

Players must be members of Tytherington Golf Club.
Must have an active WHS handicap index or be in the process of establishing one.

Course Status

The course must be designated as “Qualifying Conditions Met” by the committee on the day of play.
All holes must be open and in standard configuration.
For men, the Green Course tees are most likely to be in use for winter qualifying, but this may vary.
Players must check on the day to confirm whether the Green, Yellow, or White Course tees are in qualifying condition.
Winter rules (preferred lies) and the use of fairway mats must be in effect and clearly posted.

Score Intent Declaration

Players must pre-register their intention to submit a qualifying score:

Via the club’s app, in the pro shop, or using the sign-in sheet before teeing off.
Indicate the round is a General Play Round for handicap purposes.

Markers

The player’s score must be verified by a marker who:

Is a current member of Tytherington Golf Club, and
Holds an active WHS handicap index.

The marker is responsible for confirming and certifying the player’s score.

2. Equipment & Setup

Fairway Mat Use

A club-approved fairway mat must be used when the ball lies on fairway-height grass (including fringes).
If a mat is not available, the ball must be moved to the nearest point in the semi-rough, no closer to the hole, and played from there.

Tees

For men’s qualifying rounds in winter:

The Green Course tees will most likely be in use.
However, players must confirm on the day whether the Green, Yellow, or White tees are in qualifying condition and designated for handicap play.

Only rounds played from the designated qualifying tee set are acceptable for handicap purposes.

3. During the Round

Rules in Effect

The Rules of Golf apply at all times, including all posted local rules (e.g., mat use, preferred lies).

Use of Mats

When the ball lies on a closely mown area:

Place it on a fairway mat.
The ball may be cleaned before placing it on the mat.
Play the stroke from the mat.

No Mat Available

If no mat is available:

The ball must be moved to the nearest point in the semi-rough, no closer to the hole.
The ball may be cleaned if you are moving it from the fairway to the rough.

Balls in the Rough or Non-Fairway Areas

If the ball lies in the rough, semi-rough, or any area not cut to fairway height or less:

The ball must be played as it lies.
The ball may not be cleaned.  

Scoring

Record gross scores hole-by-hole.
The marker (Tytherington member with a handicap) must verify and either sign the card or approve the digital submission.

4. Post-Round Submission

Submit Score

Scores must be submitted via the club app or
If using a paper scorecard, submit it to the pro shop or the designated handicap box immediately after the round.

Accuracy

Ensure the correct tee set (Green, Yellow, or White) is selected
Indicate the round was a General Play Round.
Clearly enter your marker’s name and handicap index.

5. Important Notes

For a Round to Be Qualifying:

All the following must be true:

The course is in qualifying condition.
The correct tee markers (usually Green, but possibly Yellow or White) are in use.
Mats are used correctly where required.
The round is pre-registered and submitted properly.
The round complies with the Rules of Golf and Local Rules.

Disqualification or Rejection of Score:

Scores may be disqualified or rejected if:

A mat was not used where required.
A ball was cleaned inappropriately.
The wrong tee set was used.
The score was not verified by a Tytherington member with a handicap.
The score was submitted late or incorrectly.

Oversight

The Handicap Committee at Tytherington Golf Club reserves the right to monitor and investigate scores, and to reject them under Rule 7.1 of the Rules of Handicapping.

Local Rule – Fairway Mats

“When a player’s ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, the player must take free relief by lifting the ball and placing it on a fairway mat. If the player does not have a mat, the ball must be moved to the nearest semi-rough within one club-length, no closer to the hole.

Balls lying in the rough or in any area not cut to fairway height must be played as they lie and must not be cleaned unless another rule of golf allows you to.”