Senior Amateur Championship

47^th Senior Amateur Championship

Old Corkscrew Golf Club

www.oldcorkscrew.com

Estero, Florida

April 15 - 17, 2008

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION

Memorandum to Contestants

On behalf of the FSGA, congratulations on qualifying for the 47^th Senior Amateur Championship.  We hope that you enjoy your experience in competing at a State Championship and take many favorable memories from your time at the Old Corkscrew Golf Club.

Please take time to carefully read this information.  There are several important pieces of information contained here, some of which require action by you, by a certain time (e.g. hotel reservations, pre-registration and practice rounds, etc.).  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the FSGA Championship Department at (813) 632-3742 or championships@fsga.org.        

Pre-Registration Deadline

BY 3:30 PM, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9th, EACH SUCCESSFUL QUALIFIER MUST:

Remit to the FSGA office, $200 for advance payment of Championship Fees.  Championship fees include cart fees, tee gift and range balls for all competitive rounds. Players may send a check to the FSGA office or pay by credit card online through the “My FSGA Account” section of the FSGA website at www.fsga.org.  Payment must be received by 3:30 PM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9^TH, or you will be withdrawn from the Championship. Exempt players are automatically pre-registered with a complete entry. Exempt players will only be charged the $220 Exempt Fee. ($230 Non-GHIN)

There will be no pre-registration the day before the Championship.  If we have received your payment for your championship fees by WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9^TH you have pre-registered for the Championship. 

Championship Format

54 holes of individual stroke play. Competition will consist of the Senior Division (age 55 and over) and the Super Senior Division (ages 65 and over).  The field will be cut after the second round in both divisions. (Approximately one half of each division)   The lowest score for 54 holes will be the Champion in each division. There will be a hole by hole play-off immediately following play in event of a tie in each division. It is the player’s responsibility to be present for any playoff.

Groupings

Initial groupings will be for two-days; the field will be re-paired by score after the second round.  Round three tee times will start at 8:00 AM off of the first & tenth tees.

Practice Rounds

Players may call to arrange a practice round tee time beginning Tuesday, March 25th.  Practice rounds are available anytime prior to the Championship on a space available basis.  On the weekend prior to the Championship, practice rounds are restricted until after 12:00 PM.  The cost of your practice round is $40 plus tax.  Qualified and exempt players are allowed to bring a guest if they wish for a special guest rate of $100 plus tax.  Your practice round can be arranged by calling the club at (239) 949-4700.  Alternates are not allowed practice rounds. The place to practice your golf swing is on the driving range.  Hitting multiple balls on the golf course is unacceptable.

GPS and Range Finders Allowed: In this competition, a player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance 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.”

Food and Beverage

Beginning on Monday (practice round), April 14^th, Old Corkscrew Golf Club will have a lunch buffet each day throughout the Championship available for all players and spectators.  

Dress Codes

Gentlemen are required to have shirts tucked in and hats worn properly while on the golf course.  The wearing of a mock turtle neck shirts designed for golf is permitted.

Remember that you are a guest of Old Corkscrew Golf Club. Entries are subject to rejection or withdrawal at any time (including during the event). The reason for rejection may include improper attire and/or unbecoming conduct.

Pace of Play

In order to accommodate 156 players, it is essential that the game be played at a brisk pace. During the Championship rounds the pace of play will be monitored.  If and when it should become necessary to give each player in the group a penalty for slow play, we hope they will react with the understanding that we do it in the best interest of the Championship and the other players.  The pace of play for the Championship will be posted on the Notice to Players.

The FSGA pace of play policy utilizes a two checkpoint system.

• Players will not receive warnings.
• Each group is responsible for monitoring their own pace.
• To avoid penalty, groups must complete each checkpoint hole:

1. Under the allotted time, or
2. Within 15 minutes of the group ahead.
• Checkpoints will be on holes #9 and #18.
• All players in a group are subject to penalty.

Position with Group Ahead – To stay within 15 minutes of the group ahead, players should never have an open hole and they should be in the fairway on par 4’s and 5’s when the group ahead leaves the green.

As each group completes a checkpoint hole, a Checkpoint Official will advise the group of their status.

Accommodations

Arrangements have been made at the Embassy Suites Fort Myers – Estero.  A king suite is $109.00 per night and a two double beds suite is $129.00 per night.  Guest room rates are subject to 11.03% state and local taxes.  Call (239) 949-4222 and identify yourself as an FSGA Senior Amateur player for reservations.   Players must call before March 25^th to receive the FSGA rate.

The Embassy Suites Fort Myers – Estero offers a manager’s special from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM each day.  The manager’s special includes free draft beer, well drinks and snacks.

Registration

There will be a registration table set up in front of the men’s locker room at the Old Corkscrew Golf Club to pick up your tee gift and player information the day before the Championship from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  This is NOT a mandatory registration.  Tee gifts and player information work will be available for pick up before the competitive rounds for players not playing a practice round on Monday. If we have received your payment for your Championship fees by Wednesday, April 9^th you have pre-registered for the Championship.

Additional Services

A limited amount of bag storage and lockers will be available for competitors on a first come first serve basis. Old Corkscrew will not be responsible for any lost items.

Caddies/Spectators

Spectators are always welcome at FSGA Championships.  However, only players are allowed to ride in carts.  If a player employs a caddie, the caddie must walk and the player’s clubs must remain on the golf cart.

Carts

All players must ride during the Championship rounds.  

Driving Range

Range balls will be provided on the practice round and competition days.

Payment

Old Corkscrew Golf Club accepts Cash, Visa/MasterCard & American Express as payment for all meals and other services.

Spike Policy

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.

Directions to Old Corkscrew Golf Club, Estero, Florida

(239) 949-4700

I-75 – Driving North or South use exit 123.  Travel East on Corkscrew Road and the club will be seven miles on the right hand side.  Exit 123(seven miles East of I-75 – exit 123 – on Corkscrew Road)

Thank you and Good Luck!!

FSGA Championships Committee

THE JACK NICKLAUS PHILOSOPHY

“Designing a golf course is my total expression. My golf game can only go on so long. But what I have learned can be put into a piece of ground, and that will last beyond me.”
- Jack Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus’ dedication and ingenuity has enhanced hundreds of spectacular courses worldwide. In Lee County, Southwest Florida, however, only Old Corkscrew Golf Club is highlighted by that spectacular designation – Jack Nicklaus Signature. Nicklaus Design, based in North Palm Beach, Florida, is working hand-in-hand with OCGC management to enhance the natural environment and create a course that is both challenging and enjoyable for players of all levels.

The Jack Nicklaus-designed par-72 championship layout meets the highest design criteria. Since OCGC is not part of a real estate development, this course is a “core” or “stand-alone” extraordinary golf experience. The course design has been developed to mesh precisely with the Corkscrew site’s outstanding natural assets – mature oak, pine and cypress trees and a natural flow way through the center of the property... adding up to one spectacular golf course.