The competitions are in age groups which you will fit into,  for example if born in 2011 for 2025 will be under 14, if born 2015 for 2025 will be under 10

There is no minimum age

There is no need for any handicap or club membership to play in the flag events. The age groups in flag events are Boys Under 8, under 10, Under 12, Under 15 and for Girls Under 10 and Under 14 and Under 18

For the 9/18 hole short course stroke play events which are generally on the same time as the flag event each child must complete a flag course in 36 shots, at least once, to be considered. The age groups in this are for boys Under 10, Under 12 and Under 15 for girls it is Under 14 and Under 18

The Under 18 opens for boys and Under 18 Open events for girls, would require you to be a member of a club and have an official WHS handicap.

NO - There is no need for any handicap or club membership to play in the flag events or the Under 14 boys and girls short course stroke play events.

YES - If you wish to play in the Under 18 events for Boys and Girls

If you follow the procedure on the Events section of the website this will take you to the payment area when you book into a competition.

If you are having difficulty with this, please contact scott@sgfoundation.co.uk to explain the problem and we will make alternative arrangements.

Pathway

The purpose of this document is to give a clear guideline as to the process the Foundation would be expecting each child to go through as they progress their own golf game.

The main objective as always will be for the children to have fun as they progress.

As each player reaches the stages set, they will be given a coloured wristband to show their progression.

 

  1. Flag Events (Under 15 Boys, Under 18 Girls, No minimum age)

All new entrants to the Foundation will take part within our Flag Event structure and rules (appendix 1); this will be over 9 holes varying in lengths from 60 yards to a maximum of 150 yards with a maximum of 36 shots, before flag is placed in the ground. Caddies are allowed for Under 10’s only, although we would encourage the children to carry their own bags. A parent/adult must accompany the child.

Where possible, we will have PGA Professionals who will give each child a short lesson before or after they have competed.

Medals will be giving to first 3 in each age group that is set for the day.

The idea is for each competitor to complete the course in 36 shots, if they do not complete this, they should mark on the scorecard where they completed their 36th shot and then continue to complete the 9 holes.

Coloured wristbands will be issued to each player based on where their 36th shot finished, as follows:

Red/White:               5th hole

Red:                         6th hole

Yellow:                     7th hole

Yellow/Green:          8th hole

Green:                     9th hole

Blue:                       Completed 9 holes in 36 shots or less.

The goal for each child is to progress to the next wristband

When a child has completed the 9 holes, we will interview the parents and child to discuss the option of moving to the new 9/18-hole short course stroke play event, we will also discuss items regards coaching and membership options, if possible, regards local clubs, if not already a member of a golf club.

Events such as group coaching with our Professionals will be made available to all children who are or remain in this section.

 

  1. 9/18 Hole Stroke Play ‘Open’ Events (Under 18 Girls, under 15 Boys, no players Under 10 allowed)

Once a player has completed the flag events, he/she will have the option to progress into the 9/18-hole stroke play category.

This event is over 9/18 holes with length of holes varying but will be from either the red or yellow tees, depending upon the course.

This will be played under strict R and A golfing rules.

No caddies will be allowed. No advice should be given to the child when playing, if watching your child please keep a minimum 50 yards while they are on the course.

There will be medals for the first 3 players in each gender group.

On occasions we may have our Professionals watching the children play round. The Professionals will then individually discuss with child and parent items regards coaching and course management if applicable.

We will also discuss with children, parents and relevant golf associations regards the option to move on to more in-depth coaching.

 

  1. WAGR, EGR and ‘Open’ Events

WAGR: World Amateur Golf Ranking

EGR: European Golf Ranking

 

These events are for suitable for boys with a handicap of 10.4 or below and girls from 15.4 and below. They can either be 72-, 54- or 36-hole events.

In these events no caddies are allowed, and parents/adults must keep at least 50 yards away from their player.

There will be several events for boys/girls to play in over the summer season.

In the order of merits, scratch and handicap, the top ten players in each section at end of the year will qualify for our “Race to Dunbar” Finals Day at the end of the year.

Gold/Black; Qualifier for Finals Day

Pink/White: Qualifier for Finals Day

Throughout the boy/girl’s time with the Foundation we will monitor the child’s progress and will always be available for advice and guidance.

At all times our Professionals will work with the children/parents and if appropriate their own coach/professional or Association to ensure the child can improve their game, but ultimately to have fun playing golf.

Under 8, 10, 12 and 15 Boys Flag Events

Under 10, 14 and 18 Girls Flag Events

(based on age on 1st January 2025)

Rules and Conditions

  1. A parent or another adult (over 18), nominated by the parent, must supervise each child on the course. A supervisor does not require knowledge of the Rules of Golf, but some knowledge would be helpful. The role is chiefly to keep player’s score and supervise their behavior.
  2. There will be a boys’ section and a girls’ section.
  3. Competition shall run over 9 holes.
  4. The idea is for each competitor to complete the course in 36 shots, if they do not complete this, they should mark on the scorecard where they completed their 36th shot and then continue to complete the 9 holes.
  5. Coloured wristbands will be issued to each player based on where their 36th shot finished, as follows:
  6. Red/White: 5th hole
  7. Red: 6th hole
  8. Yellow: 7th hole
  9. Yellow/Green: 8th hole
  10. Green: 9th hole
  11. Blue: Completed 9 holes in 36 shots or less
  12. There will be 2 Order of Merits in this section for Under 14 Girls, Under 10 Boys

There are around 15 events that you can play in, but only your Top ten Events will count towards points on the                                               Order of Merit, culminating with the Finals Day at Kingsfield GC, Linlithgow on Sunday 28th September

The scoring system is your child must finish in the top ten of their section to gain points; the points are allocated as follows:

  1. 100     2.   85     3.  70     4.  60     5.  50     6.  40     7.  30     8.  20     9.  15     10.  10

If there is a tie in any position the points are shared

  1. Competitors should register 30 minutes before their tee time and be on the first tee 10 minutes before their tee time.
  2. Caddies are allowed for Under 10’s only unless special permission has been granted by the organisers.
  3. For all adults: please refrain from giving too much advice as this does slow play on the course.
  4. All competitors will play from the same tees
  5. Not more than 10 strokes in total may be taken at any hole, including a maximum of 4 putts on any green. If a competitor reaches the maximum of strokes or putts for that hole, they will record their score and progress to the next hole.
  6. Fresh air shots do not count
  7. After three failed attempts to play from a bunker, a competitor may throw his or her ball nearer the hole for no penalty, but only the three failed strokes will count.
  8. If a ball goes into a water hazard the ball should be dropped on the opposite side of the hazard, nearest the hole under penalty of one shot.
  9. On the completion of each hole, supervisors should agree the score with each of the other supervisors and players and record it on the score card.
  10. The organising Committee reserves the right to amend the conditions, and the decision of the Committee will be final.

PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT

Player Responsibility • Play by the rules, act with integrity and show good sportsmanship • Respect fellow competitors, opponents and officials • Demonstrate a high standard of personal behaviour at all times • Never physically or verbally abuse or harass anyone • Respect the golf course and host venue

Code of Conduct (Rule 1.2b) In accordance with the SGF Disciplinary Procedure the following outlines the code of conduct expected by all players competing in SGF Golf events.  Examples of behaviour deemed to breach the code of conduct policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

Etiquette

1) Dropping litter 2) Spitting  3) Any unsporting conduct or deliberate distracting of fellow competitors 4) Failure to shout ‘FORE’ when hitting into the vicinity of people 5) Failure to report a known policy breach by a fellow participant 6) Any unauthorised or distracting phone usage during round

Care of the Course  

1) Not replacing divots 2) Not repairing pitch marks 3) Not raking bunkers 4) Not respecting the course, event furniture including tee markers or signage

General Misbehaviour 

1) Use of audible obscenities or gestures 2) Abuse of equipment 3) Breach of publicised dress code 4) Disrespectful actions directed towards SGF, host venue, officials, volunteers, spectators or fellow competitors

Penalty for Breach During Round 

1st Breach Verbal warning and informed further breach be penalised    Stroke Play   Match Play  2nd Breach  Two Penalty Strokes   Loss of Hole  3rd Breach  Disqualification

In addition to the above penalties, SGF reserve the right to disqualify a player (Rule 1.2) it deems to have committed a serious act of misconduct. A player will not be penalised for a second breach before first being advised of an initial breach.  SGF will act on any breaches of code of conduct it observes or becomes aware of and will impose penalties on a case by case basis taking all relevant facts and evidence into account. In all cases, SGF’s decision will be final.

Yes, we do not share information with anyone.

Please let us know via email – scott@sgfoundation.co.uk or phone 07786540614

All competitors in the flag event and under 12 boys and Under 14 girls stroke play events need a responsible adult with them at all time.

Although we can be flexible with the older children in the Under 12 boys and Under 14 girls groups, there still must be at least one adult that goes round with the group to mark the scorecard

Parents may caddy for any child in the  under age 10 sections for flag events.

All other age groups in our events caddies are not allowed and parents are asked to keep their distance from their child on the course and refrain from giving any advice.

PARENT / SPECTATOR GUIDELINES

Stephen Gallacher Foundation ( SGF ) values the support from parents of players both on and off the course.  It is an exciting time for young players and SGF is keen to support them through their golf journey.  By accepting the place at the event as a parent/spectator you are agreeing to the below.

DO

  • Enjoy watching some fantastic golf.
  • Always show appreciation and support to all players both on and off the course.
  • Encourage all players to learn the rules and play within them.
  • Assist with all ball searches within time limits to encourage a good pace of play. Keep up with play, don’t dawdle and be mindful of the groups behind.
  • Be a positive role model.
  • Respect officials and their decisions
  • If you wish further information or to question a decision, please do so immediately with the relevant tournament organiser.
  • If you have a concern that has not been answered, please email scott@sgfoundation.co.uk
  • Ensure your child understands and abides by the Players Code of Conduct
  • Remember it is just a game!

 

DON’T

  • Get too close to play - keep to the rough. If you are supporting a player, you should remain a respectful distance from all players. (at least 50 yrds)
  • Give players advice.
  • Get involved with rulings.
  • Use inappropriate language.
  • Interact with players or officials on course unless directed.
  • Verbally or physically abuse anyone.
  • Behave in a disrespectful manner towards others both in person and with all communications.
  • Respond negatively to a bad result.

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION

Failure to abide by the above guidelines may result in

  • Verbal/written warning to Individual regarding their behaviour
  • Individual being asked to remain at the Clubhouse/leave the premises during play.
  • Individual being suspended from attending future SGF events
  • Request for an alternative adult point of contact for a player

RULES

18/9 HOLE STROKE PLAY ORDER OF MERITS

These events are open for all boys age, Under 15, and all girls age, Under 18 on 1st January 2025.  Th qualifying criteria is that the child must have Scored 36 or better in one flag event, exemptions to this rule must be approved by the Foundation Manager before playing.

There are 4 Scratch Order of Merits –    U18 and U14 Girls, U15 and U12 Boys

and 2 Handicap Order of Merits –   U18 Girls and U15 Boys

All courses will be from measured tees and all events over 9 or 18 holes will count for handicap purposes.

These events are either over 9, 12 or 18 holes.

There are around 15 events that you can play in, but only your Top ten Events will count towards points on the Order of Merit, culminating with the Finals Day at Castle Park GC on Sunday 21st September

To score points a competitor must finish in the top ten of their section and the points are allocated as follows:

  1. 100      85     3.  70     4.  60     5.  50     6.  40     7.  30     8.  20     9.  15     10.  10

If there is a tie in any position the points are shared.

GENERAL RULES

PARENTS/ADULTS/GUARDIANS:

Please make sure that you always remain a MINIMUM of 50 yards away from the players during play.

EXCEPTIONS: Player hurt or unwell, please contact Event Organiser on the day.

Breach of rules by an adult, will result in a warning and if repeated the adult will be asked to leave the course.

Please Submit any other questions