1. **Registration**: Participants must possess a valid GOLF Link number to register for the FLEXI Match Play Series.
 

2. **Handicap Allocation**:
   - Players with 5 or fewer rounds on their Golf Australia (GA) handicap will be allocated 50% of their handicap.
   - Players with 10 or fewer rounds on their GA handicap will be allocated 70% of their handicap.

   - Players with more than 10 rounds on their GA handicap will be allocated their full tournament handicap allowance.
 

3. **Match Arrangements**:
   - Players' information will be shared with their playing partner for match arrangement purposes.
   - Every effort should be made to schedule matches on the golf course whenever possible.
   - Matches can be played during any club event, but Simulator and Mini Golf options should only be used as a last resort.

   - It is completely up to the individual match participants to decide and agree upon their own rules when playing their match via a simulator or mini golf.
 

   VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure you notify us via email at least one day in advance, specifying the date, format, and chosen course for your match.
 

4. **Match Deadline**: All matches must be completed (or at the very least, booked) by the last day of the month or earlier.
 

5. **Unfinished Matches**:

   - Players who have been matched up with "TBD" in the round of 32 will advance to the following bracket automatically if the slot remains unfilled before all matches on that bracket side conclude.
   - If a match is not completed within the allotted time, a coin will be flipped to determine the winner.
 

6. **Handicap Calculation**: Matches will be played based on handicaps at the time of the match, adjusted to the daily handicap on the course. Refer to the course scorecard for the course specific match play index. 

 

The COURSE MATCH PLAY INDEX will be used if available; otherwise, the GA MATCH PLAY INDEX is to be applied.

7. **GA Match Index Explanation**: Use if course match play index is not available.
 

   - Holes 1-9: 1 – 18, 2 – 8 , 3 – 12, 4 – 3, 5 – 14, 6 – 6, 7 – 10, 8 – 1, 9 – 16

   - Holes 10-18: 10 – 5, 11 – 11, 12 – 2, 13 – 15, 14 – 7, 15 – 13, 16 – 4 , 17 – 17 , 18 – 9

 

**PLEASE NOTE** - The above is only a recommendation from GA. We reserve the right to adjust hole indexes as necessary to ensure fair competition. For instance, the suggested index may unfairly advantage low handicap players on very short par 3's, disadvantaging higher handicap players. TGC management will review each match index for each course before tee-off to ensure fairness. It is the players' responsibility to check which holes they receive strokes on via the app on the day.

- We recognize that some members may not be fully familiar with match play rules and indexes. Therefore, we offer flexibility for players to decide with their partners on the match format. However, we expect that players with handicaps below 15 utilize the course match play index for scoring, if available. If you have the chance to play using the course match play index with a knowledgeable partner, we highly encourage you to accept and learn the process for future matches.
 

- For further clarification on how indexes work, players can contact our team via email, who will set up the match on Golf Genius with the indexes automatically loaded for you.

 

8. **Rulings and Official Match Result**: Players may call rulings as they see fit, but it is VERY IMPORTANT to understand that a called ruling is not automatically correct or final, regardless of whether the opponent accepts it at the time. Players should play out the hole disregarding the ruling (unless the ruling is blatantly obvious) in case the ruling is incorrect. Any disputes or protests regarding a ruling should be directed to TGC management as soon as the match concludes. The official match result is only final once TGC has updated the tournament bracket graphic via the portal, social media, and/or email.

 

9. **Final Match**: The final match is planned to be played on the golf course.
 

10. **Tiebreaker Options**: In case of a tie after 18 holes, players may choose from the following options:
   - Play extra holes until the match is decided.
   - Putt off (closest to the hole wins).
   - Chip off (closest to the hole wins).
   - Coin flip.
   - Any other reasonable method agreed upon by both players.
 

11. **Team Points**:
    - 50 points are allocated to individual's teams for each win achieved.
    - The team of the series winner receives 200 points.
    - The team of the series runner-up receives 100 points.
    - The team of the series third-place finisher receives 75 points.
 

11. **Prize Pool Distribution**:
    - Total minimum prize pool: $1500.
    - 1st Place: 60% - $800 prize from the Golf Club Organization (GCO).
    - 2nd Place: 25% - $500 prize from GCO.
    - 3rd Place: 15% - $200 prize from GCO.
    - Actual prizes will be announced once quarter-final brackets are live.
 

By participating in the FLEXI Match Play Series, players agree to abide by these rules and any decisions made by the organizers.

 

For inquiries or clarifications, please contact us via email
admin@thegolfcollective.com.au