Pin High SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)

The Game

Counting on your opponent to inform you when he breaks a rule is like expecting him to make fun of his own haircut.

While Pin High's mandate is to have fun we still observe most RCGA rules. You're welcome to take one mulligan, a "gimme", and score no more than double par. These Pin High rules were put in place to help speed up the game. If you're not sure what to score on a hole, discuss it with your teammates. Random 'games within the game' (i.e. long drive, closest to the pin) may be incorporated into your regular stroke play. Players will be notified at start of play.

Foursome Structure

If a lot of people gripped a knife and fork the way they do a golf club, they'd starve to death.

Our foursomes are programmed randomly based on handicap levels, partner requests and maximizing a balance of men and women playing together. (In the case of partnered play, the higher handicap player establishes eligibility for priority booking.) Depending upon cancellations and substitutions this may not always be possible, but one of our priorities is to provide ‘mixed play’.

Check-In at the Course

Don't buy a putter until you've had a chance to throw it.

Please arrive no later than 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled tee time. Remember your green fees are already paid, however power and pull carts must be paid for separately at this time Check in with the Pin Head on duty. Note that while foursomes are preset, if you do not arrive within 8 minutes of your tee time, you will be put with another group.

Scorecards

Golfers who claim they don't cheat, also lie.

Each player is responsible for recording their own scores including number of putts. (Remember using your putter off the green does not count as a putt.) After each round, members may login and enter their scores online. (Your score can only be viewed by you.)

Scorekeeping is not mandatory, however with this system, at the end of the season you will have an established Pin High handicap. You might be surprised at how much you’ve improved or how those putts added up!!

Can't Make It?

A golf match is a test of your skill against your opponent's luck.

If you can't play one week, remember that we have allotted an extra 2 weeks after regular play is finished to book a make-up game. During the regular season, up to 24 hours in advance of your scheduled play, you can make changes by going online. Simply remove yourself from play and select another available date and tee time. If you're not sure when you're available to do a make-up game, simply remove yourself from play so that you don't forfeit the game. Check back periodically to see available windows of opportunity to play on another night. Within 24 hours of play, if you can't make your game, please call Pin High. If we have members waiting to take your available spot, you won't forfeit the game.

Substitution Policy & Guests

The less skilled the player, the more likely he is to share his ideas about the golf swing.

If you can't play and don't want to reschedule, send a substitute. The individual must be 18 years of age or older and at least a Pin High 3 (see Registration page for more info.) You must contact Pin High directly and let us know the name of your guest by noon the day of play.

Requests for guests to play with a member will be honoured on a space available basis. Payment of $35 must be given to the Pin Head that evening or this game will count as one of your 15 games.

Cancellation Policy

Never try to keep more than 300 separate thoughts in your mind during your swing.

Unfortunately, changes/cancellations within 24 hours of play are not available online. However, if you call within 24 hours to cancel (i.e. day of play), we'll do our best to fill your available spot, however, if we can't accommodate, it is a forfeit. And of course, "no show" is a forfeit too.

Inclement Weather

No matter how bad you are playing, it is always possible to play worse.

Most Calgary golf courses remain open regardless of inclement weather, however if a course makes the decision to suspend play, Pin High will make every effort to contact you before you head out to the course (this is where cell numbers and daytime email addresses are a benefit!). Depending on course policies and/or number of golfers affected by the suspended play, we may issue a voucher that can be used at your convenience. If the course remains open, but you choose not to play, the regular cancellation policy is in effect. Don't let a thunderstorm in Calgary lead you to believe that there is one at Redwood Meadows or Wintergreen. If you're not sure, call the course.

Tips to Speed up your Game

The shortest distance between any two points on a golf course is a straight line that passes directly through the center of a very large tree.

Note how long it takes you to play each hole. Keep in mind…
13 minutes per hole = 2 hour round
15 minutes per hole = 2.5 hour round
20 minutes per hole = 3 hour round!
Keep within one shot of the group ahead of you!
If you are a Pin High 3 - a player with basic proficiency - it's important to remember that there are times when picking up your ball is acceptable and appropriate. Your playing partners will thank you for it.

Play Ready Golf

It's not a gimme if you're still away.

On the Tee:

The player who is ready should tee off.
Limit practice swings to two.
Blue tees should only be used by the players with an established handicap of 15 or better.

On the Fairways:

Proceed quickly to your ball - think about your club selection on the way there.

Watch each player's shots to avoid losing golf balls and to save time in the search.
Don't spend more than 3 minutes looking for your ball. Take the 2-stroke penalty (one for lost ball, one for the drop.)

On the Green:

Line up your putt as others are putting out.
Limit practice strokes to two.

Short Cuts:

When playing with carts drop your partner off at their ball with an extra club or two then proceed to your ball.

Golf Etiquette

Everyone replaces his divot after a perfect approach shot.

Courtesy and good manners on the course help everyone to have a good day. Here are some reminders:

Pin High members must observe all course etiquette as noted on the back of scorecards.
Proper golf attire to be worn at all times. No blue jeans, cut-offs, or tank tops. Men, please wear collared shirts.
Do not play until the golfers ahead are safely out of range.
Don't move or talk or stand too close while a golfer is playing his shot.
Prepare yourself discretely in order to be ready when your turn comes.
Remember the 3 r's: rake traps, repair ball marks, replace divots.
Do not walk on the line of putt of other players.
Do not disturb other players with your shadow.
With a cart, always stay at least 30 feet from greens and follow course signs.
The player whose ball is the farthest from the cup always plays first, unless he or she concedes to another player (i.e. ready golf).
Don't write your score while you are still on the green. Wait until you get to the next tee box. Leave the green as soon as your foursome is finished.
And please, please leave your cell phone in the car.

Wrap-Up Events

When your shot has to carry over a water hazard, you can either hit one more club or two more balls.

A wrap-up event will take place on Wednesday, September 10 (location tba). Food, toasting, celebrating new friends and distributing prizes will be the order for the evening. The top 5 winners in men's and women's long drive (LD), closest to the pin (KP), and putting contests will be gifted. In order to spread the joy, players are eligible for one prize only.

Make-Up Games

If you really want to get better at golf, go back and take it up at a much earlier age.

You can schedule a make-up game at anytime during the regular season. For instance, if you know you're away on vacation for 2 weeks in August, go online, remove yourself from play on those weeks, and select another available date and tee time in May, June or July. You may end up golfing 3 times in one week, but chances are you won't miss out on your allotted 15 games for the season. Remember we'll also have extra tee times available for 2 weeks following the regular season for you to choose from. If you're prone to spontaneous golf outings, call us on a regular league day and see if there's been any last-minute cancellations.