 The ERWGC board periodically receives questions or requests for USGA rules interpretation from individual members or foursomes. From the highest handicap to the professional level, golf is a game of continual learning. So in that spirit, we will periodically publish questions and their respective answers so that all members will have access to this information. We’ll start with just a few of the most recently fielded questions and build on this as we encounter them. If you have a question you would like the board to address, please send it to Carolyn McGurn, Pres.:
Q: When my ball lands in a dirt patch, or my stance is in a dirt patch, that has not been marked as ground under repair, can I take relief?
A: The condition of Encinitas Ranch golf course has greatly improved; however, all golf courses have some areas of dirt patches. In general, the area must be marked as "ground under repair" for the player to the relief. However, if the ball or your stance is in standing water, you may take relief - even if the area is not marked as "ground under repair".
Q: What are winter rules? and does ERWGC follow them?
A: Winter rules for ERWGC were defined and published in August, 2009 and were in effect through the 2010 winter. If you are in a bad area (such as a large patch of dirt or other condition that would typically be marked as "ground under repair") in the fairway or on the green, you may move your ball, closest relief one club length on the fairway and closest relief 6" on the green, no closer to the hole. Relief must be agreed to by your group before taken. The need for winter rules for the winter of 2010/2011 will be revisited next winter; and, if appropriate, an effective date will be announced at that time.
Q. I see that I have money in the SWEEPS account. How do I get it?
A. SWEEPS money is paid in the form of gift certificates redeemable at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Club. You can also use it to pay for your annual ERWGC membership or your JC Resorts membership. Contact treasurer@ERWGC.com if you would like to receive SWEEPS winnings.
Q. Sometimes the winner in SWEEPS is determined by a “cardoff”. Can you explain how that works?
A. If more than one player end with the same gross score in a category determined by gross, the winner is determined by the golfer with the lowest score on the last nine holes played (usually holes #1 through #9). If the score is still tied, the last six holes played are used (usually holes #4 through #9). If still tied, the last 3 holes are used (#7 through #9). In a category where net score determines the winner, this process is followed, adjusting each time by the appropriate portion of total handicap (50%, 33.3%, 16.7%, etc.)
Q. Can I choose to not play out a hole and take my maximum stroke for that hole?
A. You may choose to not play out a hole, but if an “x” score (see descriptions below) is on a hole included in the day’s tournament, you are not eligible for sweeps. In such a case, make a note on the Results Sheet that you have withdrawn “W/D”. BE SURE TO POST YOUR SCORE IF YOU COMPLETED AT LEAST 13 HOLES.
 Holes Not Played at all: Player may not automatically take her “maximum” ESC (Equitable Stroke Control), but must take “net par” which is par plus strokes allowed for that hole according to her handicap. Place an “x” after the score.
 Holes Started but not Finished: Player takes the score she most likely would have made, not to exceed her ESC. Place an “x” after the score.
Q. Some days I just can’t seem to do anything right – I’m not myself!! I choose to “W/D” from the SWEEPS and stop keeping score all together. What happens if I fail to post a score that day?
A. Post the score as soon as possible. If your score has not been posted, the Handicap Committee can post a penalty score, which is the score and rating that equates to the lowest or highest handicap differential. If you forget to post regularly, the Handicap Committee can adjust your Handicap Index. If you do not follow the USGA Handicap System, the Handicap Committee shall withdraw the players USGA Handicap Index.
Q: Why did the women’s golf club switch to a point system for payment of SWEEPS?
A. Each year the Board estimates total membership for the year – and the amount of money available for SWEEPS payout (roughly 40% of the total budget). This estimate is difficult because memberships come in throughout the year yet assumptions must be made about those memberships at the beginning of the year. With a point system, the points are paid quarterly based on actual club income. The Board feels this is a more fiscally responsible payment plan which assures that commitments to pay SWEEPS winnings match the club’s ability to pay.
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