Golf Regulations

Please note: Regulations are currently under review for the 2023-24 season and so those currently published are subject to change.

GOL i The BUCS Golf Championships shall be conducted in accordance with the following BUCS sport specific regulations, the BUCS general regulations, the R&A Rules of Golf and such Local Rules (BUCS Hard Card at BUCS Golf Tour events or those of the course in use subject to them meeting the requirements of GOL 4) and Conditions of Competition as shall be approved by BUCS. Further event specific requirements, rules, and regulations will be contained within the entry and pre-event information for each Championship.

GOL ii In the event that these regulations contradict the BUCS general regulations, these BUCS sport specific regulations will supersede, unless specifically stated otherwise.

GOL iii In the event that these regulations contradict the R&A Rules of Golf, these BUCS sport specific regulations will supersede, unless specifically stated otherwise.

---

GOL 1 Championships BUCS will host annually the following Championships:

GOL 1.1 Individual Championships (Stroke Play) The programme shall include the events listed in Appendix 1 (‘BUCS Competition Offer and Associated BUCS Points’), subject to entry numbers.

GOL 1.2 Team Championships (Match Play) The programme shall include leagues and knockout competitions as per BUCS general regulations, Appendix 1 (‘BUCS Competition Offer and Associated BUCS Points’) and Appendix 10 (‘BUCS Promotion, Relegation and Knockout Information’).

GOL 2 Individual Championships (Stroke Play) / BUCS Order of Merit (Golf Tour)

GOL 2.1 The Individual Championships (Stroke Play), also referred to as the BUCS Order of Merit (Golf Tour), shall comprise of a number of qualifying tour events, followed by a tour finals event.

GOL 2.2 The BUCS Individual Champions shall be the players with the highest grossing points within the Order of Merit on conclusion of the Golf Tour Finals. If players are level on points, the player with the higher finish in the Golf Tour Finals shall be deemed the Champion.

GOL 2.3 Individual eligibility

GOL 2.3.1 All competitors of Amateur status should hold a handicap recognised by their National Governing Body (NGB).

GOL 2.3.2 Competitors may be a member of a Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) but not a Professional Golf Tour.

GOL 2.3.4 Proof of current handicap or professional status may be requested for entries to be accepted.

GOL 2.3.5 BUCS, in consultation with the BUCS Golf Sport Advisory Group, can offer a limited number of invitations or guest entries to improve the overall standard of the field. Invitations or guest entries will not number more than 15.

GOL 2.4 Scorecards For stroke play events; official BUCS scorecards or club scorecards must be used. At the end of each round, players must present their verified scorecards to BUCS (or its representatives) who will take a copy which will be retained until the end of each academic year. Original hardcopy scorecards shall remain the property of the players.

GOL 2.5 BUCS Golf Tour qualifying events

GOL 2.5.1 To be eligible to compete in the Golf Tour Finals, individuals must compete in a number (determined and published by the BUCS Golf Sport Advisory Group annually) of qualifying events, at least one of which must be a BUCS Golf Tour event (note GOL 2.5.9 for other events). The current minimum number of events required is two.

GOL 2.5.2 Individual events within the Golf Tour calendar may comprise of 18-, 36-, 54-, or 72-hole competitions and may be scratch or a combination of scratch and handicap competition (as detailed in the annual calendar).

GOL 2.5.3 A cut will take place in each event of more than 36 holes as outlined below. The size of the cut will be determined by the Tournament Director and will be dependent upon field size. Information on the cut for each tournament will be provided in the pre-event information.

1. 72-hole events – cut after either 36 or 54 holes
2. 54-hole events – cut after 36 holes

GOL 2.5.3.1 Cuts may not take place in co-sanctioned events (note GOL 2.5.9).

GOL 2.5.4 A maximum handicap of five for Men and 12 for Women (as determined by the BUCS Golf Sport Advisory Group) will normally be permitted in a Golf Tour event.

GOL 2.5.5 A maximum field for each Golf Tour qualifying event will be considered based on time of year, weather and course availability.

GOL 2.5.6 The maximum field for an event will be equally split between men’s and women’s entries. Where entries in either of these categories does not reach 50% of the field the remaining places will be filled by the other category.

GOL 2.5.7 If the number of entries is greater than the maximum field size, entries will be balloted by eliminating the higher handicaps. In the event of a ballot, students holding membership of the PGA shall be allocated a handicap of 0.0. Remaining entries will form a reserve list.

GOL 2.5.8 The Golf Tour will reflect regional requirements. Northern Ireland may determine and host their own regional qualifying programmes in consultation with BUCS and allow entrants from other BUCS institutions/Playing Entities.

GOL 2.5.9 BUCS under the advice of the BUCS Golf Sport Advisory Group may decide to co-sanction qualifying events with other student golf tours. Where this occurs Order of Merit points will only be awarded to student-athletes from BUCS institutions/Playing Entities based upon their placing in these events. For example, if a student-athlete from a BUCS institution/Playing Entity finishes in third place, behind two competitors not from a BUCS institution/Playing Entity, they would receive 90 Order of Merit points.

GOL 2.5.10 The winner of each individual event shall be the competitor who returns the lowest score over the designated tournament length (18, 36, 54, or 72 holes). In the event of a tie, there will be a playoff over holes determined by the Tournament Committee before the start of the tournament. If a playoff is not possible due to unforeseen circumstances the winner will be decided on countback. This will be by taking the score for tied players for the last nine holes, last six holes, last three holes and finally the 18^th hole as needed. If there is still a tie, then the last six holes, three holes and final hole of the first nine holes will be considered in turn.

GOL 2.6 BUCS Order of Merit

GOL 2.6.1 Players will be ranked according to their performance in each BUCS Golf Tour event. Order of Merit points will be awarded on the basis of final scratch positions at each qualifying event.

GOL 2.6.2 Standard Order of Merit points will be as shown in the table below:

Position	Points	Position	Points
First	120	Eleventh	50
Second	100	Twelfth	45
Third	90	Thirteenth	40
Fourth	85	Fourteenth	35
Fifth	80	Fifteenth	30
Sixth	75	Sixteenth	25
Seventh	70	Seventeenth	20
Eighth	65	Eighteenth	15
Ninth	60	Nineteenth	10
Tenth	55	Twentieth	5

 

GOL 2.6.3 Points available at each event will be determined by number of rounds in the tournament with the Standard Order of Merit points multiplied by the appropriate weighting:

1. 72-hole events = 1.25 points multiplier
2. 54-hole events = 1.00 points multiplier
3. 36-hole events = 0.75 points multiplier
4. 18-hole events = 0.50 points multiplier
5. Golf Tour Finals = 1.50 points multiplier

GOL 2.6.4 Should an event be reduced by poor weather, the weighting for the originally intended number of holes will be applied.

GOL 2.6.5 When a competition has six or less Men’s or Women’s entries, the Order of Merit points will be halved in that category.

GOL 2.6.6 At the conclusion of the qualifying events, the BUCS Order of Merit will include up to a player’s best four finishes. At this point the top 50 ranked men and top 15 ranked women will be invited to the Individual Stroke Play Championships (Golf Tour Finals). The Individual Stroke Play Championships will be included as a player's fifth/additional counting event for the overall Order of Merit.

GOL 2.6.7 To be eligible to win the Order of Merit a player must play in the Individual Stroke Play Championships. Exceptions to this are injury, illness and other unforeseeable circumstances as determined by the BUCS Golf Sport Advisory Group.

GOL 2.7 BUCS Golf Tour Finals

GOL 2.7.1 A Men’s and Women’s Individual Golf Tour Finals will take place annually at a venue selected by BUCS and meeting GOL 4.1.

GOL 2.7.2 The Golf Tour Finals shall be played over 72 holes.

GOL 2.7.3 The winner shall be the competitor who returns the lowest score over 72 holes. In the event of a tie, there will be a playoff over holes determined by the Tournament Committee.

GOL 2.7.4 A maximum field for the Golf Tour Finals will be considered based on time of year, weather and course availability.

GOL 2.7.5 Entry to the Golf Tour Finals is available to competitors through the Golf Tour qualifying events (note GOL 2.6.6). Exemptions will be granted to the following at the discretion of the BUCS Golf Sport Advisory Group:

1. Players finishing in the top five of the BUCS Order of Merit in the previous year.
2. Players in receipt of at least one full international cap in the year prior to the Championship.
3. Players reaching the top 10 of their NGB Order of Merit in the previous year.
4. Players reaching the top 150 of the World Amateur Golf Rankings in the year prior to the Championship.
5. Players winning a BUCS Golf Tour event during the current Tour season.

GOL 2.7.6 All qualifiers must have played in the minimum number of BUCS Tour qualifying events identified on an annual basis by the BUCS Golf Sport Advisory Group as per GOL 2.5.1.

GOL 2.7.7 Invitations or guests are not eligible to win the Individual Stroke Play Championships.

GOL 2.8 Men’s and Women’s Team Stroke Play Champions

GOL 2.8.1 Men’s and Women’s Team Stroke Play Champions will be calculated from the 72 holes of the Individual Stroke Play Tour Finals.

GOL 2.8.2 Men’s Teams shall comprise of four players selected at the start of the Championship. The lowest three scores for each day’s competition shall be used to ascertain the Men’s Team Stroke Play Champions.

GOL 2.8.3 Women’s Teams shall comprise of three players selected at the start of the Championship. The lowest two scores for each day’s competition shall be used to ascertain the Women’s Team Stroke Play Champions.

GOL 2.8.4 In the event of a tie the winner will be determined by the inclusion of the unused score for all the rounds of the Championship. If a tie still exists, card countback will be used.

GOL 2.9 Disputes at events In line with REG 7.7, should a dispute occur at an event, the event appeal panel for Golf shall comprise of the Tournament Director and/or a BUCS Staff Member. These same individuals shall form the Tournament Committee in governance of the set event.

GOL 3 BUCS Team Championships (Match Play) / (League and Knockout competitions)

GOL 3.1 For league and knockout competition matches, home teams must organise suitable tee times to complete the match in daylight. Teams must allow for a minimum of five hours play.

GOL 3.2 Before play starts the captains shall draw up and exchange their orders for play for singles and, where relevant, foursomes. Note GOL 3.4.4/GOL 3.5.4 for when teams are playing with less than a full complement of players.

GOL 3.3 Stroke allowance

GOL 3.3.1 No stroke allowance is given for matches in the Premier Tier leagues and the Championship knockout competition.

GOL 3.3.2 For matches in leagues and knockout competitions below the Premier Tier leagues and the Championship knockout competition, stroke allowance for Men or Women based on the Course Rating for the tees in play that day will be given.

GOL 3.3.3 Stroke allowance for Men or Women shall be based on the difference in Course Rating for the tees selected for play that day.

GOL 3.3.4 If stroke allowance is given the stroke index for the Men’s card will be used. If a playoff situation occurs any stroke allowance would continue over to playoff holes.

GOL 3.3.5 In a scratch match play between a man and a woman no strokes shall be given on the basis of difference in par for a hole.

GOL 3.3.6 The maximum stroke allowance for Men or Women will be two strokes. In foursome matches the following stroke allowances may be given:

1. Two Men v two Women: Up to two shots, taken on lowest SI holes.
2. Two Men v one Woman and one Man: Up to one shot, taken on lowest SI hole from which the Woman tees off.
3. Two Women v one Woman and one Man: Up to one shot, taken on lowest SI hole.
4. One Man and one Woman v one Woman and one Man: No shots.

GOL 3.4.1 Each team in a league match will consist of a set number of members (Men or Women) as detailed here.

1. Premier Tier: 8 nominated players
2. English and Welsh Conference leagues (Tier 1 and below): 6 nominated players
3. Scottish Conference leagues (Tier 1 and below): 8 nominated players

GOL 3.4.2 A team unable to field at least half of the number of players as detailed in GOL 3.4.1 shall concede a walkover, however institutions/Playing Entities with multiple teams should be aware of REG 11.1.3.1.

GOL 3.4.3 A team fielding at least half of the number of players as detailed in GOL 3.4.1, but not a full team shall be permitted to play but shall concede the games they are unable to fulfil. In such circumstances it is expected that the team would notify their opposition as soon as possible after it is known that they will not be fielding a full team of this, specifying how many players will be fielded. When drawing up their order for play, each captain shall only be required to list the maximum number of players that both are able to field. For the avoidance of doubt, if notice of being short of players is given to the opposition in advance of the fixture, the opposition team is only required to bring enough players to match the adjusted team size and the appropriate number of games shall still be conceded. Teams found to be fielding less than a full team and conceding games for multiple fixtures may face disciplinary action.

GOL 3.4.4 The competition is player versus player scratch match play. Each match shall consist of singles games of a number according to GOL 3.4.1.

GOL 3.4.5 Where a team arrives late for the first tee time of a match every effort should be made to still play the match in full. Where this is not possible, Rule 5.3a of The Rules of Golf will apply based upon the original tee times.

GOL 3.4.6 If bad light, or inclement weather prevents the completion of all matches (and as long as 50% of the games in the match have been decided and all matches have started), the match scores will be determined on the basis of the team positions at the suspension of play. Team positions will include the points position of uncompleted matches on the course based upon the current score position and as long as 10 holes have been completed in the match. Where no result can be determined then the fixture shall be replayed.

GOL 3.5 Knockout competition match specific regulations

GOL 3.5.1 Each team in a knockout competition match will consist of a set number of members (Men or Women) as detailed here.

1. National Championship: 8 nominated players
2. National Trophy: 6 nominated players
3. English and Welsh Conference Cups: 6 nominated players
4. Scottish Conference Cup: 8 nominated players

GOL 3.5.2 A team unable to field at least half of the number of players as detailed in GOL 3.5.1 shall concede a walkover, however institutions/Playing Entities with multiple teams should be aware of REG 11.1.3.1.

GOL 3.5.3 A team fielding at least half of the number of players as detailed in GOL 3.5.1, but not a full team shall be permitted to play but shall concede the games they are unable to fulfil. In such circumstances it is expected that the team would notify their opposition as soon as possible after it is known that they will not be fielding a full team of this, specifying how many players will be fielded. When drawing up their order for play, each captain shall only be required to list the maximum number of players that both are able to field. For the avoidance of doubt, if notice of being short of players is given to the opposition in advance of the fixture, the opposition team is only required to bring enough players to match the adjusted team size and the appropriate number of games shall still be conceded. Teams found to be fielding less than a full team and conceding games for multiple fixtures may face disciplinary action.

GOL 3.5.4 In knockout competition matches up to but not including the quarter-finals of the National Championship and National Trophy, and all Conference Cup matches, all matches shall consist of singles games.

GOL 3.5.5 From the quarter-finals onwards in the National Championship, all matches shall consist of four foursomes and eight singles games, with the foursomes taking place before the singles games.

GOL 3.5.6 From the quarter-finals onwards in the National Trophy, all matches shall consist of three foursomes and six singles games, with the foursomes taking place before the singles games.

GOL 3.5.7 For matches consisting of foursomes and singles the same venue will be used for each format.

GOL 3.5.8 If a match is tied at the end of normal play, a sudden death playoff will take place between a nominated player from either side (players to be nominated once the final result has been declared). The playoff shall take place on holes determined by the tradition of the host golf club or the BUCS Tournament Director (if present).

GOL 3.5.9 Where a team arrives late for the first tee time of a match every effort should be made to still play the match in full. Where this is not possible, Rule 5.3a of The Rules of Golf will apply based upon the original tee times.

GOL 3.5.10 If bad light, or inclement weather prevents the completion of all matches (and as long as 50% of the games in the match have been decided and all matches have started), the match scores will be determined on the basis of the team positions at the suspension of play. Team positions will include the points position of uncompleted matches on the course based upon the current score position and as long as 10 holes have been completed in the match. Where no result is able to be determined then the fixture shall be replayed.

GOL 4 Competition Venues

GOL 4.1 Course requirements All BUCS competitions will be held on a golf course of appropriate quality which regularly hosts amateur matches of similar standard. Men will compete from an officially measured men’s tee (or officially measured winter tee) and women will compete from an officially measured women’s tee (or officially measured winter tee). Minimum course yardages:

Format	Competition	Men’s	Women’s
Stroke Play	BUCS Individual Championships (Stroke Play) Tour Finals	6,600 yards+	5,500 yards+ and within 10-15% of Men’s
	BUCS Individual Championships (Stroke Play) Tour Qualifying Events	6,000 yards+	5,200 yards+ and within 10-15% of Men’s
	BUCS Handicap Competitions	5,500 yards+	4,750 yards+ and within 10-15% of Men’s
Match Play	BUCS Team Championship Finals (National Championship and National Trophy)	6,600 yards+	5,500 yards+ and within 10-15% of Men’s
	BUCS Premier Tier and National Championship (All fixtures except National Championship Finals)	6,000 yards+	5,200 yards+ and within 10-15% of Men’s
	BUCS Tier 1, Tier 2 and National Trophy (All fixtures except National Trophy Finals)	5,500 yards+	4,750 yards+ and within 10-15% of Men’s
	BUCS Tier 3 and below and Conference Cup (All fixtures)	5,000 yards+	4,250 yards+ and within 10-15% of Men’s

 

GOL 4.2 Match play specific requirements

GOL 4.2.1 For league and knockout matches women’s tees should be no less than 10% and no more than 15% shorter than the yardage for the Men’s tees.

GOL 4.2.2 In a mixed game, where the Men’s tee on a hole is in front of the Women’s tee, the Women shall tee off from the Men’s tee.

GOL 4.2.3 In the event of a dispute as to whether the course is fit to play the (i) golf club Professional, (ii) Head Greenkeeper or (iii) other suitable club official will make the final decision.

GOL 4.2.4 In the event of the course being open, but some holes closed, the match should go ahead with the requisite number of holes played twice to complete 18 holes. The captains must agree in advance of the match starting the holes which will be played twice and the order they will be played in. If 10 or more holes are closed the match should not start.

GOL 4.2.4.1 Where both captains have agreed to playing a course under GOL 4.2.4 and this results in the course not meeting GOL 4.1 the course is deemed to have met GOL 4.1 for the purposes of that match.

GOL 4.2.5 Temporary greens In normal circumstances, temporary greens will not be used. If four or more temporary greens are – or are likely to be – in operation, the away team should be notified in good time (24 hours in advance). In such circumstances, the away team have the option to request a rescheduling of any match. Providing such rescheduling is agreed before the away team start their journey, the match will be replayed at the original home venue.

GOL 4.2.6 Matches may be staged on a nine-hole course below the Premier Tier leagues and the Championship knockout competition.

GOL 4.2.7 A team may use more than one home venue throughout the BUCS Golf season as long as all venues meet the requirements in GOL 4.1.

GOL 4.2.8 The use of fairway mats during the winter is allowed but any local winter rules that require a ball to be removed from the fairway are not permitted.

GOL 4.3 Premier Tier league and National Championship knockout competition specific requirements

GOL 4.3.1 The BUCS Golf Sport Advisory Group will review and approve the home venues and local rules of all institutions/Playing Entities in Premier Tier leagues prior to the start of the BUCS Golf season. Where the BUCS Golf Sport Advisory Group deems that an institution/Playing Entity’s home venue is inappropriate for competition in these leagues under GOL 4 and sub-regulations then an institution/Playing Entity will be required to select an alternative home venue.

GOL 4.3.2 All matches must be staged on 18-hole golf courses.

GOL 4.3.3 Institutions/Playing Entities should ensure that their home course meets the conditions under GOL 4.1 and GOL 4.2.1 from both scorecard and winter tees.

GOL 4.3.4 Institutions/Playing Entities with teams in Premier Tier leagues must submit to BUCS for approval, the scorecard (or appropriate document) for their home course(s) showing the Men’s and Women’s course lengths along with Course Rating and Slope for both the full length course and any winter course used. They must also submit to BUCS for approval a copy of the local rules and any winter rules for their home course(s). These rules will be reviewed by the BUCS Golf Sport Advisory Group to ensure that they allow for fair and even competition. This information must be submitted by the deadline listed in the BUCS Sport Specific Affiliations Document. Institutions/Playing Entities must submit all courses that could be used in a season.

GOL 4.3.5 Where a team needs to play a match at an alternate course that was not submitted by the deadline, (for example for the National Championship knockout competition round of 16 or quarter-finals), the same information as per GOL 4.3.4 must be submitted at least seven days prior to the fixture. If the BUCS Executive (in consultation with the BUCS Golf Sport Advisory Group) believes the course is not in a suitable condition or does not meet GOL 4.3, then the home team will be instructed to find a different venue or have the match switched to the away team's venue.

GOL 4.3.6 Failure to submit the information required under GOL 4.3.4 will lead to sanctions as outlined in the BUCS Sport Specific Affiliations Document and possibly further disciplinary action.

GOL 4.3.7 Where a home team stages a match on an unapproved course or an unapproved winter course at an approved venue, whether unintentionally or not, then a walkover will be awarded to the away team. An exception to this will be where the away team is made aware of this information prior to the fixture and agrees in writing to the fixture going ahead under these conditions.

GOL 4.3.8 Approved home venues for each institution/Playing Entity will be listed here for ease of reference.

GOL 5 General conditions

GOL 5.1 Use of electronic equipment In all BUCS competitions throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, a player may obtain distance information by use of a distance-measuring device. If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect their play (e.g. elevation changes, wind speed, etc.), the player will be in breach of Rule 14-3 of the Rules of Golf.

GOL 5.2 All BUCS competitions throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will permit the use of manual or powered caddy cars. However, the use of buggies remains forbidden (with the exception of certified medical exemption).

GOL 5.3 A competitor may use a caddy during a round, but the caddy must not receive payment of any form for their service.

GOL 6 International representation

GOL 6.1 In appropriate qualifying years, individual players will be eligible to represent BUCS in the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Golf Championships or Universiade. BUCS may choose not to select representatives for individual competitions.

GOL 6.1.1 For each event a selection panel will be appointed to consider individual player applications. This panel will be chaired by the BUCS Golf Sport Advisory Group Chair and may contain representatives of the R&A and National Governing Bodies.

GOL6.1.2 Current selections are based on the following consideration of the criteria:

1. BUCS Order of Merit Champion
2. BUCS Tour Finals Champion
3. WAGR current list (as at the nomination deadline)
4. NCAA Rankings
5. Current EGU/SGU/WGU Order of Merit (and GUI Order of Merit if appropriate)
6. Current international representation at full level, then other Orders of Merits and Youth performances

GOL 6.1.3 Where further consideration is required, attention also is given to:

1. Consistency of performances shown within the qualification period
2. Previous international performances
3. Previous national championship performances
4. Head-to-head competitive records (in stroke play events)
5. Current form and fitness
6. Any other factor(s) which in the selection panel’s opinion will impact on the individual’s medal potential

GOL 6.2 In appropriate qualifying years, the Men’s Team Stroke Play Champions and the Women’s Team Stroke Play Champions will be eligible to represent BUCS in the European University Sports Association (EUSA) Golf Championships or EUSA Games. If the winning team is unable to play, the next placed team shall be eligible to compete.