Eligibility

Florida Residents - all entrants must be a Resident of Florida (defined below) and either a:

• Golf Professional - employed at a Florida Golf Club, Indoor or Outdoor Practice Facility or Retail Sporting Goods Store for a minimum of 14 weeks of the current calendar year as of the date of the close of entries (must meet work responsibilities defined below). Those eligible include PGA Members, PGM participants and other individuals working directly in the golf industry in Florida; or

• Amateur - (or an amateur awaiting reinstatement) with a current USGA Handicap Index© not exceeding 6.4 under the Men's USGA Handicap System; or

• Lifetime Member of the PGA - are eligible and are not required to meet the employment requirement but must meet all other conditions

Those with Tour Status are Not Eligible - players with any form of status whether conditional, veterans or otherwise, on the PGA, Champions, Nationwide, Hooters, Canadian, eGolf or other comparable professional golf tour are ineligible. Players who are not members of tours and who occasionally compete in tour competitions may be eligible.  PGA members with A-3 status are ineligible.  Any questions about eligibility should be referred to the FSGA office and the Committee maintains the right to rule players ineligible at anytime during the competition.

Definitions

Resident of Florida is:

1) a person who maintains his permanent legal place of abode, where physical presence and possessions are maintained, for a period of not less than four consecutive months prior to last day of the Championship; or

2) a student who physically attends a high school or college in Florida at any time during the four months prior to the last day of the Championship; or

3) a student who graduated from a Florida high school and who attends an out-of-state college but remains a legal dependent of a parent or guardian who meets the Florida residency requirement; or

4) a military personnel based in Florida on active duty, their spouse, and dependent children as of the date of close of entries

Work Responsibilities for Golf Professionals - To be eligible, a golf professional must be employed a minimum of 32 hours per week and paid directly by a golf professional, the club or practice facility in the category of teacher, shop manager or assistant (which means spending at least 20 hours a week in duties of club repair, merchandising, handicapping records, inventory control, bookkeeping or tournament operations)

Conditions of Play
Entries are subject to rejection at any time (including during the event) by the FSGA. The reason for rejection may include false statement of eligibility or handicap index, improper attire and/or unbecoming conduct. Any person whose entry is accepted shall be subject to the Rules and Conditions of Competitions set forth by the FSGA.

The Championship results may determined by reverting to the results after 36 holes. The Committee will do everything within its power to complete the event over 54 holes. In the event the Championship is shortened to 36 holes as a result of inclement weather or force majeure, the top 60 and tied players will be awarded either cash or gift certificates.

Cart & Caddie Policy

Qualifying Round - Players have the option of walking or they may rent a cart. Either the player or his caddie may ride in a cart but not at the same time. The Qualifying Fee does not include cart fees for qualifying round. (Cart fees at the qualifying site not to exceed $25 per player)

Championship Rounds - Cart fees are included in the Championship Fee for all competitive rounds of the Championship.  Players may ride, carry their bag or have a caddie at the Championship, however no refunds will be given for unused cart fees.  Players who walk must adhere to the established FSGA Pace of Play Policy. The player or his caddie may ride in a cart but not at the same time

Practice Rounds - Cart fees, if charged, are the responsibility of the player.

Transferring Qualifying Sites
Players may submit one entry for the Florida Open and choose the qualifying site at which they will attempt to qualify.  However, if any qualifying site requires adjustment (including , but not limited to, the receipt of more entries than can be accommodated), players will be transferred to another qualifying site based on their preference listed on the entry application ad date of receipt of entry application (i.e. later applicants will be subject to transfer).

Entries: Form, Fee Closing Date
All players, including those exempt, must submit a completed entry accompanied by the appropriate entry fee to the Florida State Golf Association no later than 4:30 pm on June 16, 2010.  Only one entry may be filed per player.  Players may file entries online at the Florida State Golf Association website at www.fsga.org.

Late entries will be accepted and placed on an alternates list to fill spots if they become available up until the time the Tournament Committee establishes final pairings.  Entries will not be accepted unless they are accompanied by the correct entry fee (valid credit card and expiration date).  Telephone and faxed entries will not be accepted. 

Entries are subject to rejection at any time (including during the Championship).  The reason for rejection may include unbecoming conduct, false statements of handicap index or failure to meet eligibility requirements.

Rules of Golf; Close of Competition, Miscellaneous

USGA Rules Apply
Play is governed by the current United States Golf Association "Rules of Golf" and by the Florida State Golf Association Local Rules and Conditions of Competition.  The competition is deemed to have closed when the winner has been announced.

Pace of Play
The Florida State Golf Association Championship Pace of Play Policy is in effect. The policy utilizes two checkpoints.

Distance Measuring Devices
A player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distances only. However, if, during a stipulated round a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient, wind speed, temperature, etc) the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional functions are actually used.

Golf Balls, Driver Heads
Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect.

Footwear
It is a condition of the Florida State Golf Association that shoes with traditionally-designed spikes (regardless of composition i.e. ceramic, plastic, etc)  or spikes, regardless of design, comprised either entirely or partially of metal (when such metal comes in contact with the surface of the putting green) are prohibited.  Penalty for breach of this condition: Disqualification.

Time of Starting
The Optional Condition for Time of Starting prescribed in Appendix I is in effect.

DRESS CODE
Proper attire for competitors and caddies is required at all times at the golf facility.  Failure to comply may result in withdrawal of entry.  The dress code prohibits tank tops, T-shirts, denim shorts, jeans and short shorts.  Shorts are allowed but must reach to within four inches of the knee (as a measuring rule, shorts must come below the fingertips when arms are held to the side).  All hats must be worn properly. Collared shirts or shirts specifically designed for golf must be worn and tucked-in at all times. This code supplements any course or club guidelines, which shall take precedence.

Publicity and Promotion; Broadcasting
By participating in FSGA Events you grant the FSGA and those acting with the FSGA, permission, authority and the permanent rights to use your name or likeness for publicity and promotional purposes.  Participants understand that all Media, including film, photographic prints, audio or digital files are the exclusive property of the FSGA.  Participants in FSGA events waive their rights to inspect or approve all media produced by the FSGA and those acting on the FSGA's behalf.  Participants waive their permanent rights to compensation for use of their name and likeness by the FSGA.