BRGC Operations
Welcome to our BRGC key Operations webpage. We encourage our members to become familiar with our key areas of operations to help you better understand how we manage our society.
BRGC Operations Sections:
BRGG will operate and administer our society to:
2. BRGC Membership Guidelines
BRGC understands the importance of managing the administration of our membership roster. Our members are the backbone of our society.
2. 1 Membership Application
BRGC will provide a membership application to any golfer interesting in becoming a member. Once completed, the Committee will review the following to validate the golfer can meet certain requirements:
2.2 Membership Approval Process
Once an application has been received, the Committee membership secretary will notify Committee members of Potential Member application including name and contact info of applicant. The Committee will arrange with the applicant to play 3 rounds of golf with a member of the committee. The Committee has the right to reject an application should they deem that the applicant will not meet BRGC guidelines. Once the application is approved, the membership secretary will schedule a meeting with the new member to review website, booking sheet, code of conduct and background of our golf society.
2.3 Membership Fee / Subscription
The cost of joining BRGC is: 2,000 B and annual subscription is 1,500 B to be paid annually by January 31.
BRGC members shall pay an annual membership fee to any member of the Committee in cash or via bank transfer. Any member who has not paid or renewed their membership by January 31 will be automatically converted to visitor status.
The Committee will review annual subscriptions after February 1 and prepare a summary report for the Annual General Meeting providing a list of members who have renewed their membership.
Should a member who did not pay their annual dues and who has been recorded as a visitor wish to renew their membership later in the year then can pay renewal fee that was due for that year. The Committee will review the circumstances of the member wishing to renew and may exercise a reduction in fee (e.g., 750 B after July 1). Also, should a former member who has been out of the country for over a year, wish to re-join, they will notify Committee via email and the Committee will review request and determine fee to be paid. If full year: 1,500 B, if after July 1: 750 B.
All serving Committee Members and Honorary Members are exempt from annual fee subscription.
Only due to extraordinary circumstances, the Committee may request Members to contribute to BRGC funds by way of special levy. Should this be required, the Committee will call an EGM to review the request and seek approval from membership prior to applying the levy.
Note: The Committee will regularly monitor Operational Guidelines, and if necessary, update based on changes in rules, etc. Also, Disciplinary Policy Guidelines will provide the Committee the ability to call upon any member to resign without explicitly stating the reason and will report when required to membership disciplinary action taken.
2.4 Member Responsibilities
Membership is granted at the discretion of the BRGC Committee. Unless incapacitated through illness or injury, members are expected to play a minimum of 12 games at BRGC organized events during the period of one calendar year. Failure to do so may result in the membership being reviewed.
Members accept the terms and conditions of BRGC and will comply with Local Rules and the Code of Conduct at our events. It is expected when entering a BRGC event, members must accept the format and rules governing that event.
The BRGC Committee values its members and welcomes any feedback to further improve and / or revise our events to meet member needs. Any feedback will be reviewed at Committee meetings and results shared in our monthly newsletter.
3. Committee Role and Responsibilities
3.1 Membership
Each Committee Member is a volunteer and BRGC appreciates the time and effort given by each Committee Member.
BRGC members will undertake an Election process for the positions of: Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to the Committee at the AGM.
Any member can be nominated for election to these positions and must be nominated no later than 14 days prior to an AGM or EGM. The Election process will use a confidential electronic mechanism thereby offering all active members – both locally and abroad an opportunity to vote. A neutral BRGC member will monitor nominations and submit them to the current Committee for approval. Each Nominee must be seconded by a BRGC member.
Each position noted above must be elected in off-setting years and not jointly.
Once nominations are received by BRGC Committee, and then approved; BRGC will notify all BRGC members 7 days prior to the next AGM of member candidates up for election.
The results of the vote will be electronically tallied 1 day prior to the AGM and the results will be announced at the AGM. The elected Chair and Vice Chair will immediately undertake their roles upon being voted in.
Regarding other members of the Committee, the elected Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson may nominate and seek approval from membership for any of the non-elected positions to join the Committee. Once approved, the Committee Member will be assigned key roles to support the Chairperson / Vice-Chairperson, Committee, and membership.
Maximum tenure on the BRGC Committee is three (3) years. At the expiry of that three-year period any Committee member may be nominated and seconded to the Committee and let their name stand for re-election using the process identified above. A retiring or former Committee Member may stand again subject to appropriate nomination.
The Chairperson and or Vice-Chairperson will endeavor to promote and encourage members to join the Committee. Members who become part of the Committee will be acknowledged via a letter to membership and their membership of the Committee will be validated at the AGM.
BRGC ideally would like to have six (6) Committee members. Committee member duties begin immediately upon appointment by the Committee. If the post of any Committee Member becomes vacant the Committee shall have the power to fill the vacancy until the next AGM.
It is important to note that BRGC welcomes support from all members to work in tandem with the Committee when organizing events.
3.2 Key Roles & Responsibilities of Committee Members
Key responsibilities include:
3.3 Handicap management
BRGC member / guest Handicaps will be calculated based on games played with BRGC, other recognized clubs or societies. BRGC will endeavor to work in tandem with Hua Hin Golf Society and Saan Suk to monitor and review member Handicaps and meet on bi-annually to review Handicap updates and issues.
BRGC has the right to review Handicaps as need be and has the discretion to change a member’s Handicap based on a special request. Such a request must be submitted in writing to the BRGC Committee for review. Upon review, the BRGC Committee will advise the member who submitted request in writing of the decision and adjust Handicap accordingly in our Handicap recording system.
4. BRGC Events Management
4.1 Competitions
BRGC will organize and administer a variety of competitions throughout the playing year. Each scheduled event will have an organizer (Committee member) and will welcome working with the support of the BRGC member. Events require the organizer to fulfill a variety of tasks and may request assistance for members playing in the event.
Competition Fees will be collected at each Event from participants. Members and or guests participating in our events will pay a fee to be determined annually at the AGM. The BRGC Committee will determine how fees will be collected and how they will be administered including prize giving, costs of catering, trophy purchases, ball purchases, other costs associated with organizing the event.
KEY EVENTS / COMPETITIONS:
4.2 Events Booking Sheet Administration
BRGC uses a booking sheet via our website. All events will be posted in advance, and members are required to record their name (and name of guests including their handicap) on the date of the event they wish to play. Members are requested to book a minimum of 48 hours prior to event date. If there are a limited number of tee times available, BRGC organizers would give priority to members over guests.
A BRGC member may invite a maximum of 2 guests to any event (except those events restricted to Members only). The Member must play with their guest(s) and guest(s) will pay the fee of 200 B to enter event and be eligible for Nearest to the Pin, 2’s and Skins/ Team game prizes. If a golfer has played as a guest in BRGC event 3 times & wishes to play further BRGC events, then they will be requested to apply for membership. The Committee has the option of approving a guest to play more than 3 times under special circumstances.
It is key to note, the event organizer will close the booking sheet 24 hours prior to the event and structure a start sheet for distribution to players. Event start sheets and results will be managed using the Handicap Master software.
Members are responsible for their guest’s compliance with BRGC General & Local Rules plus Code of Conduct.
The booking sheet process allows for members to register guests and / or cancel, and the organizer will note changes and prepare the start sheet accordingly. The organizer will issue the start sheet 1 day prior to the event. If an urgent situation arises where a member needs to cancel participation, the member should contact the organizer at the earliest via phone call so a change to start sheet and groupings can be completed.
For Major and Special Events, priority will be given to members who have played a minimum of 12 games in the preceding 12 months. Special consideration will be given to members who have had to live outside of Thailand during the past 12 months. New members will have this qualification period pro-rated of 2 games per month (when in Thailand) from date approved to be a member.
Standard Designated tees for all players will be used for all Major / Special Events.
5. BRGC Meetings
5.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
BRGC will schedule an AGM no later than March 31 each year. The agenda will include the following:
5.2 Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)
Any BRGC member or the BRGC Committee can request to call an EGM by submitting a request to the BRGC Committee or to the membership in writing. The BRGC Committee will then review the request and if deemed a reasonable issue that requires an EGM to be scheduled then the Committee will notify the membership of the requirement to schedule an EGM 14 days notification of scheduled date and will then issue an Agenda 7 days prior to EGM. Again, a quorum of 20% of the membership must attend the EGM to then formalize the meeting.
A proposal may be submitted to membership providing details outlining the reason for calling an EGM.
Proxy nomination and voting process will apply as noted in 5.1. In the event of a tie, the Chairperson will cast the deciding vote.
6. Code of Conduct Protocol
BRGC core values will include congeniality, friendship, and respect through golfing and social activities. The members of BRGC are guests of golf courses around Hua Hin and beyond and the club negotiates agreements to play at these clubs and, to maintain and enhance the BRGC reputation. BRGC expects members and guests to:
1. Play by and be aware the rules and etiquette of golf in Thailand. If unsure, ask your playing partner for a ruling on a playing issue. If the issue cannot be resolved during the game, in the spirit of our core values play two balls and get a ruling from the Committee before signing the score card.
2. It is noted on our start sheets that all players arrive at the course within 30 minutes of their start time and be at the tee 5 minutes before their tee time. Players should complete their round of golf within the standard maximum time for 18 holes which is 4:20 hours. To facilitate meeting maximum time, please keep up with the group in front, and do not take an extended break after 9 holes. Players are requested to hand in their scorecard upon completion of their round to the organizer of the day based on start sheet instructions.
3. Prior to exchanging score cards the player must take sole responsibility for marking his card with full name & handicap, during play the player is responsible for marking their opponents scores clearly (this cannot be delegated to the caddy). (Please see sample attached of scorecards).
4. It is expected that each player should make a payment (tip) to the caddy of a minimum of 300 B. If there are any issues with the caddy fulfilling their responsibilities, the player cannot use the payment (tip) as a method of review. If there is a problem, the player is to report the issue to the daily organizer, who will take the issue to the club management. Usually, courses have their own internal caddy review mechanisms.
5. Show respect to the golf course by maintaining its playing condition, including ensuring the bunkers are raked, divots and pitch marks repaired (often the caddy will do this, but it is player responsibility to ensure it is done properly).
6. Show respect to the staff of the golf club including the caddy. The caddy is not a professional caddy and is employed to carry the bag, drive the cart, repair the course etc. (Players are advised not to drive the cart as if there is an accident the player will be held responsible.)
7. Show respect to the work that the committee is doing and to fellow members and their guests. We expect members / guests to make every attempt to attend presentations, if unable to attend please advise organizers of the day.
8. Resolve issues in non-confrontational ways, both with fellow members and with the Committee. If any member has a suggestion or complaint about the work of the Committee, the member is encouraged to call a Committee member or email to [email protected].
For breach of any Rules of Golf or competition rules, penalties as per R&A Rules of Golf apply. In addition, and in order to protect the reputation of BRGC and the rights of all members, the Committee reserves the right to take action in the event of any violation of the BRGC Code of Conduct by using the following process:
- verbal warning communicated by a Committee member (witnessed by at least one other
Committee member).
- a written warning issued by the Committee via email including nominated Committee
member(s) ensuring a discussion occurs to review violation or incident.
- The Committee reserves the right taking measure up to and including cancellation of
membership.
A record will be maintained by the Committee for all above Code of Conduct actions.
7. Financial Management
BRGC will have a Treasurer (and an Associate) to work on behalf of the Committee and membership. They will be responsible for the administration of BRGC funds including income, expenditures and submitting a monthly report to the Committee. BRGC Committee members are required to submit revenue and expense summary reports to the Treasurer to facilitate on-going record keeping of BRGC finances.
BRGC financial accounting will be administered in a transparent manner and be available for review upon written request to the BRGC Committee.
Based on annual income and expenditures, the Treasurer will prepare and submit an Annual Financial Report for the AGM. The Financial year for financial accountability ends of the 31st of January.
Should BRGC end its operation as a golf society, the Treasurer will formalize and submit a Final Account of Assets on hand and take measures to divide the assets equally amongst all currently registered members of BRGC.
8. BRGC Local Rules
BRGC Events will be played in alignment with R & A Rules of Golf. In addition, the following BRGC Local Rules apply to all courses BRGC play. Penalty for breach of any of the BRGC Local Rules, or R & A Rules of Gulf, will result in penalty shots in stroke play and loss of one hole in Matchplay.
1. Playing Conditions
The Organiser of the day will declare one of two playing conditions.
(a) Play as it lies.
(b) Preferred lies, only on the fairway and first cut of the grass (surrounding the green). The ball will be marked, lifted, cleaned, and placed within 6 inches or 5 centimetres, but no closer to the hole. Includes “the drop zone” of the hole that’s been played.
2. Ball at Rest
(a) Plugged balls (this is defined as embedded in its own pitch mark) in the “general area” (which excludes, tee box, penalty areas, bunkers, and greens). The player does not need to consult their playing partner in lifting the ball out of the plug, cleaning and legally dropping (arm outstretched from knee height, but no closer to the hole within the relief area).
(b) If a player accidentally moves the resting ball while searching for it or when marking on the green, there is no penalty.
(c) If the ball is in a penalty area (excluding bunkers), the player can move loose impediments, and take practice swings grounding the club without penalty, players cannot take relief from penalty area unless they are 100% sure the ball is in the penalty areas including water hazards).
(d) Player have three (3) minutes to find lost balls.
(e) Taking relief is defined as 1 or 2 club lengths (excluding the putter) dropped from knee height and the ball must come to rest within the relief area but no closer to the hole. If this is unattainable after two attempts, the ball may be placed on the spot where the ball landed on the second attempt. Free relief is the nearest point of relief, but no closer to the hole.
3. Ball in Motion
(a) no penalty if the ball “accidentally” hits another player, caddy, equipment, or flagstick lying on the green
(b) no penalty for hitting the ball twice in the one swing.
(c) no penalty for caddy touching the ground as a guide to putting.
(d) no penalty for “accidentally” moving the ball on the green.
(e) caddy cannot stand behind the player while the player is aligning for a swing or putt.
4. Bunkers
(a) stones, loose impediments (leaves, twigs, etc.,) are removable objects in bunkers. If the ball moves when removing stones or loose impediments, this will incur one shot penalty, and the ball must be placed in its original position. This rule also applies to general playing area including penalty areas (water hazards, any area marked by red or yellow stakes).
(b) If the ball as come to rest in animal scratchings, animal footprints or water scoured areas, the ball may be lifted and be placed in the bunker back on the line between the bunker point of entry and the flagstick, there is no limit on how far back.
(c) if the player deems the ball unplayable in the bunker, then with a two-stroke penalty, the player can take a drop outside the bunker back on the line between the bunker point of entry and the flagstick, there is no limit on how far back.
(d) players will incur a general penalty of one stroke, or loss of hole for deliberate contact testing of sand with hand or club during the swing. There is no penalty if the contact is made when the player loses balance.
(e) players are responsible to ensure the bunker is left correctly raked.
New local rule for bunkers at all courses – any substandard bunkers, as agreed with their marker or group consensus, the player may choose between the following options:
5 Distance Measuring Devices
These may be used as long as they do not slow down pace of play.
6. Drop Zones
BRGC use drop zones where they are clearly marked, otherwise the player should drop in line with the point of entry into penalty area.
7. GUR (Ground Under Repair)
(a) if a ball lies in an aeration hole, it may be marked, lifted, cleaned, and replaced immediately on either side of the aeration hole, without penalty.
(b) Deep rust (half a ball or more) made by course machinery or weather conditions anywhere on the course (not in a hazard) are considered GUR (even if not marked on the course) and relief may be taken at the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole, without penalty.
(c) Local Rules – Undefined GUR on fairways
On a number of courses, maintenance can happen at all times during the year, resulting in areas on fairways that are clearly under repair, but not clearly marked as such, or not marked at all. Under these circumstances, if a player’s ball comes to rest in such an area, then the request for relief will be made to their marker and/or their group to get agreement. If agreed then the point of relief will be no nearer the hole. If “preferred lies” are in play then the ball can be cleaned and placed, otherwise the ball may be cleaned and dropped.
8. Tree Roots
Players can take relief without penalty, only on the fairways and first cut grass.
9. Greens
(a) players can repair spike mark on greens.
(b) players can get relief without penalty if the ball comes to rest against the “grass collar” or groove defining the green, ball can be marked lifted, cleaned, and replaced no nearer the hole.
10. Dangerous insects and animals
Players are entitled to take relief if their stance is compromised by dangerous animals, reptiles, biting ants or insects, except in a penalty area.
11. Internal OB
(a) for safety reasons, on Lakeview A course, when playing the second hole, the cart path on hole 3 and anywhere right of it from the water to the back tees, shall be termed internal OB.
(b) A course may determine situations where the boundaries of a hole will be noted as OB, which will be indicated on the course scorecard. BRGC will abide and apply course local rules and do their best to advise players of unique situations that we need to pay attention to – such stipulations may change without BRGC knowing ahead of time.
12. Slow Play
(a) at all times your pace on the course should be behind the group in front and not ahead of the group behind. It is the responsibility of the lowest handicap player to ensure the rest of the group maintains a good pace between shots and a reasonable distance from the group in front. Allowances will be made for a 4-ball following a 3-ball.
(b) players should complete round in four and a half hours (maximum), or a maximum of 15 minutes behind the group in front, including handing in scorecards to the organiser, otherwise a general penalty for slow play, for the whole group may be considered by the organiser.
13. Preparing for the round – completing your score card.
(a) players should report to the organiser of the day at least 30 minutes (or as instructed on start sheet) before their tee time and be on the tee ready to play 10 minutes prior to player start time.
(b) scorecards are to be marked in pen, one scorecard per player, unless in a team competition. Marking of the scorecards cannot be delegated to a caddy, cards to be swapped within the group.
(c) All cards are to be clearly marked with:
(i) player’s name, in the box on the front or back of the card, as well as in the first scoring line of the card.
(ii) player’s handicap, as per the start sheet.
(iii) Gross score per hole on the first line, alongside the players name, Stableford points are optional, but if included are to be shown on the second line.
(iv) marker’s name and gross scores on the appropriate lines, this enables the player and marker to cross check their gross scores.
(d) Upon completion of the round, crosscheck your gross scores with your marker, sign the card, player, and marker, then immediately hand in to the organiser.
(e) sign scorecards are final cards and there will be no negotiation with organiser after the card has been handed in. Organiser/s may reject any scorecard deemed ineligible and the offending player will be disqualified.
** Please find example of properly completed scorecard in Sample Scorecard Heading.
Not handing in your scorecard after completion of play:
The organizer is to note the incident, take steps to notify the player communicating that this is unacceptable. Organizer to notify Committee via email noting key details of incident including player name, date, golf course name and player HC on that date, along with playing partner names. Upon review, the player (s) will be penalized by a disciplinary notification including having 4 points deducted from total points from Stableford Score for a Stableford Event or having 4 strokes added to net score at a Strokeplay Event. This will be applied for next game played by member and BRGC Committee will be notified along with incident recorded in Breach of Code of Conduct record;
Player not turning up for play:
For a BRGC event & more importantly not notifying the organizer. It was agreed that the organizer is to notify Committee of a breach of etiquette incident (written email or message with details). A disciplinary notification including having 4 points deducted from total points from Stableford Score for Stableford Event or having 4 strokes added to net score at a Strokeplay Event. This will be applied for the next game played by the member and BRGC Committee will be notified along with incident recorded in Breach of Etiquette record. Any further incident will need to be discussed and any actions to be taken must be agreed upon by the committee.
Not staying for prize giving:
BRGC enjoys organizing and putting together events, we therefore respectfully request that players not able to stay for presentations after golf notify / advise / apologize to the organizer, out of consideration for the society and event participants. Those who don’t will not be eligible for prizes unless an absolute valid excuse is provided, and informed of before the start of play. Instead, the golfer in the next position will be moved up in the prizes. NTP winners will forfeit the balls and the balls will go back into the BRGC supply. 2’s winners who miss the presentation will forfeit their prize and it will be split amongst the remaining winners. If there are no two’s on the day, all golfers will be reimbursed the 2’s entry fee.
14. Hole-in-One
If there is a hole in one, BRGC will buy a round of drinks for the field to a maximum value of 4,000 B and that player is eligible for 2’s and NTP.
15. Rule E5 Alternative to “Stroke and Distance Rule” (Potentially lost or out of bounds ball).
If after any shot, a player has sufficient grounds to believe their ball may potentially be lost or has gone out of bounds, the player has 2 options.
Option A: play a provisional ball then proceed to the vicinity where the original ball is likely to be at rest, confirm either, the ball is lost or out of bounds or found, within the allocated time of 3 minutes. When the ball is deemed lost or out of bounds, the player can play the provisional ball.
Option B: the play did not play a provisional ball, then the following shall apply – proceed to the vicinity where the ball is likely to be at rest and confirm the ball is lost or out of bounds or found, within the allocated time of 3 minutes. When the ball is deemed lost or out of bounds, the player will do the following:
The player will drop another ball within 2 club lengths from the edge of the fairway, no nearer the pin than where the ball came to rest, prior to dropping the ball, the player must agree this with the marker and/or group. The player will then be playing his next shot incurring a 2-stroke penalty. If the ball is found within the allocated time, of 3 minutes, that ball is now in play.
NOTE: Rule E5 does not apply when the ball is in a penalty area, or for an unplayable lie.
Alterations to the Rules shall only be made at an Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting, valid notice having been given of the intention.
Amended AGM MARCH 2024
Welcome to our BRGC key Operations webpage. We encourage our members to become familiar with our key areas of operations to help you better understand how we manage our society.
BRGC Operations Sections:
- General Rules
- BRGC Membership Guidelines
- Committee Membership, Role, and Responsibilities
- BRGC Events Management
- BRGC Meetings
- Code of Conduct
- Financial Management
- BRGC Local Rules
- General Rules
BRGG will operate and administer our society to:
- To foster and promote an enjoyable social and playing environment.
- To provide golf competitions for its members (and guests) at various golf courses playing various formats.
- Manage player handicaps using Handicap Master program applying WHS guidelines, while working in tandem with other local golf societies to ensure fair play.
- Maintain pertinent records of competitions, meetings, financial records, and other supporting documentation that may be required to fully support a transparent approach to managing BRGC Operations.
- Provide oversight and support the responsibility of our members (and guests) to not only comply with BRGC Rules (both General and Local) but to ensure we are ambassadors across our golfing community during play and when participating in social activities.
2. BRGC Membership Guidelines
BRGC understands the importance of managing the administration of our membership roster. Our members are the backbone of our society.
2. 1 Membership Application
BRGC will provide a membership application to any golfer interesting in becoming a member. Once completed, the Committee will review the following to validate the golfer can meet certain requirements:
- They are permanent or semi-permanent residents of Hua Hin / Cha Am
- Have a maximum handicap of 28 for men and 36 for ladies .
- are sponsored by a current BRGC member.
- The form provides key information about the golfer, including phone number, email address and Handicap verification.
2.2 Membership Approval Process
Once an application has been received, the Committee membership secretary will notify Committee members of Potential Member application including name and contact info of applicant. The Committee will arrange with the applicant to play 3 rounds of golf with a member of the committee. The Committee has the right to reject an application should they deem that the applicant will not meet BRGC guidelines. Once the application is approved, the membership secretary will schedule a meeting with the new member to review website, booking sheet, code of conduct and background of our golf society.
2.3 Membership Fee / Subscription
The cost of joining BRGC is: 2,000 B and annual subscription is 1,500 B to be paid annually by January 31.
BRGC members shall pay an annual membership fee to any member of the Committee in cash or via bank transfer. Any member who has not paid or renewed their membership by January 31 will be automatically converted to visitor status.
The Committee will review annual subscriptions after February 1 and prepare a summary report for the Annual General Meeting providing a list of members who have renewed their membership.
Should a member who did not pay their annual dues and who has been recorded as a visitor wish to renew their membership later in the year then can pay renewal fee that was due for that year. The Committee will review the circumstances of the member wishing to renew and may exercise a reduction in fee (e.g., 750 B after July 1). Also, should a former member who has been out of the country for over a year, wish to re-join, they will notify Committee via email and the Committee will review request and determine fee to be paid. If full year: 1,500 B, if after July 1: 750 B.
All serving Committee Members and Honorary Members are exempt from annual fee subscription.
Only due to extraordinary circumstances, the Committee may request Members to contribute to BRGC funds by way of special levy. Should this be required, the Committee will call an EGM to review the request and seek approval from membership prior to applying the levy.
Note: The Committee will regularly monitor Operational Guidelines, and if necessary, update based on changes in rules, etc. Also, Disciplinary Policy Guidelines will provide the Committee the ability to call upon any member to resign without explicitly stating the reason and will report when required to membership disciplinary action taken.
2.4 Member Responsibilities
Membership is granted at the discretion of the BRGC Committee. Unless incapacitated through illness or injury, members are expected to play a minimum of 12 games at BRGC organized events during the period of one calendar year. Failure to do so may result in the membership being reviewed.
Members accept the terms and conditions of BRGC and will comply with Local Rules and the Code of Conduct at our events. It is expected when entering a BRGC event, members must accept the format and rules governing that event.
The BRGC Committee values its members and welcomes any feedback to further improve and / or revise our events to meet member needs. Any feedback will be reviewed at Committee meetings and results shared in our monthly newsletter.
3. Committee Role and Responsibilities
3.1 Membership
Each Committee Member is a volunteer and BRGC appreciates the time and effort given by each Committee Member.
BRGC members will undertake an Election process for the positions of: Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to the Committee at the AGM.
Any member can be nominated for election to these positions and must be nominated no later than 14 days prior to an AGM or EGM. The Election process will use a confidential electronic mechanism thereby offering all active members – both locally and abroad an opportunity to vote. A neutral BRGC member will monitor nominations and submit them to the current Committee for approval. Each Nominee must be seconded by a BRGC member.
Each position noted above must be elected in off-setting years and not jointly.
Once nominations are received by BRGC Committee, and then approved; BRGC will notify all BRGC members 7 days prior to the next AGM of member candidates up for election.
The results of the vote will be electronically tallied 1 day prior to the AGM and the results will be announced at the AGM. The elected Chair and Vice Chair will immediately undertake their roles upon being voted in.
Regarding other members of the Committee, the elected Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson may nominate and seek approval from membership for any of the non-elected positions to join the Committee. Once approved, the Committee Member will be assigned key roles to support the Chairperson / Vice-Chairperson, Committee, and membership.
Maximum tenure on the BRGC Committee is three (3) years. At the expiry of that three-year period any Committee member may be nominated and seconded to the Committee and let their name stand for re-election using the process identified above. A retiring or former Committee Member may stand again subject to appropriate nomination.
The Chairperson and or Vice-Chairperson will endeavor to promote and encourage members to join the Committee. Members who become part of the Committee will be acknowledged via a letter to membership and their membership of the Committee will be validated at the AGM.
BRGC ideally would like to have six (6) Committee members. Committee member duties begin immediately upon appointment by the Committee. If the post of any Committee Member becomes vacant the Committee shall have the power to fill the vacancy until the next AGM.
It is important to note that BRGC welcomes support from all members to work in tandem with the Committee when organizing events.
3.2 Key Roles & Responsibilities of Committee Members
Key responsibilities include:
- Organize, promote, publicize and manage all BRGC competitions / events, and social media content.
- Manage membership.
- Monitor and provide information relating to BRGC operations such as social activities, finances, news about our members to our membership.
- Manage member and guest Handicaps.
- Manage BRGC finances and ensure transparency of revenue / expenses are available for AGM and or when required for a specific review.
- Ensure effective handover of duties, documents, information to new committee members.
3.3 Handicap management
BRGC member / guest Handicaps will be calculated based on games played with BRGC, other recognized clubs or societies. BRGC will endeavor to work in tandem with Hua Hin Golf Society and Saan Suk to monitor and review member Handicaps and meet on bi-annually to review Handicap updates and issues.
BRGC has the right to review Handicaps as need be and has the discretion to change a member’s Handicap based on a special request. Such a request must be submitted in writing to the BRGC Committee for review. Upon review, the BRGC Committee will advise the member who submitted request in writing of the decision and adjust Handicap accordingly in our Handicap recording system.
4. BRGC Events Management
4.1 Competitions
BRGC will organize and administer a variety of competitions throughout the playing year. Each scheduled event will have an organizer (Committee member) and will welcome working with the support of the BRGC member. Events require the organizer to fulfill a variety of tasks and may request assistance for members playing in the event.
Competition Fees will be collected at each Event from participants. Members and or guests participating in our events will pay a fee to be determined annually at the AGM. The BRGC Committee will determine how fees will be collected and how they will be administered including prize giving, costs of catering, trophy purchases, ball purchases, other costs associated with organizing the event.
KEY EVENTS / COMPETITIONS:
- Stroke Play / Medal Events
- Stableford Events
- Team Competitions e.g., 2-person Better Ball, Scramble, etc.
- BRGC Majors – Club Championship, Whippet, President Cup, Rhino Trophy, Match Play, Order of Merit
4.2 Events Booking Sheet Administration
BRGC uses a booking sheet via our website. All events will be posted in advance, and members are required to record their name (and name of guests including their handicap) on the date of the event they wish to play. Members are requested to book a minimum of 48 hours prior to event date. If there are a limited number of tee times available, BRGC organizers would give priority to members over guests.
A BRGC member may invite a maximum of 2 guests to any event (except those events restricted to Members only). The Member must play with their guest(s) and guest(s) will pay the fee of 200 B to enter event and be eligible for Nearest to the Pin, 2’s and Skins/ Team game prizes. If a golfer has played as a guest in BRGC event 3 times & wishes to play further BRGC events, then they will be requested to apply for membership. The Committee has the option of approving a guest to play more than 3 times under special circumstances.
It is key to note, the event organizer will close the booking sheet 24 hours prior to the event and structure a start sheet for distribution to players. Event start sheets and results will be managed using the Handicap Master software.
Members are responsible for their guest’s compliance with BRGC General & Local Rules plus Code of Conduct.
The booking sheet process allows for members to register guests and / or cancel, and the organizer will note changes and prepare the start sheet accordingly. The organizer will issue the start sheet 1 day prior to the event. If an urgent situation arises where a member needs to cancel participation, the member should contact the organizer at the earliest via phone call so a change to start sheet and groupings can be completed.
For Major and Special Events, priority will be given to members who have played a minimum of 12 games in the preceding 12 months. Special consideration will be given to members who have had to live outside of Thailand during the past 12 months. New members will have this qualification period pro-rated of 2 games per month (when in Thailand) from date approved to be a member.
Standard Designated tees for all players will be used for all Major / Special Events.
5. BRGC Meetings
5.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
BRGC will schedule an AGM no later than March 31 each year. The agenda will include the following:
- Review and approval of quorum (a minimum of 20% of total registered membership).
- Members who cannot attend the AGM may submit via email to BRGC Committee a proxy vote a minimum of 24 hours prior to AGM.
- Review and approval of previous AGM minutes.
- Submission of various Committee member reports, including Chairperson and Treasurer reports.
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair to the Committee as noted in section 3.1.
- Confirmation of the memberships paid for the current year.
- Review of proposals as submitted by members (to note proposals submitted must have been submitted 21 days prior to AGM) – voting will be invoked when required. In the event of a tie, the Chairperson will cast the deciding vote.
- AOB (any other business); general topic discussion, questions, any matter requiring further consideration based on attending member feedback will be formalized via a proposal process for a future AGM or EGM.
5.2 Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)
Any BRGC member or the BRGC Committee can request to call an EGM by submitting a request to the BRGC Committee or to the membership in writing. The BRGC Committee will then review the request and if deemed a reasonable issue that requires an EGM to be scheduled then the Committee will notify the membership of the requirement to schedule an EGM 14 days notification of scheduled date and will then issue an Agenda 7 days prior to EGM. Again, a quorum of 20% of the membership must attend the EGM to then formalize the meeting.
A proposal may be submitted to membership providing details outlining the reason for calling an EGM.
Proxy nomination and voting process will apply as noted in 5.1. In the event of a tie, the Chairperson will cast the deciding vote.
6. Code of Conduct Protocol
BRGC core values will include congeniality, friendship, and respect through golfing and social activities. The members of BRGC are guests of golf courses around Hua Hin and beyond and the club negotiates agreements to play at these clubs and, to maintain and enhance the BRGC reputation. BRGC expects members and guests to:
1. Play by and be aware the rules and etiquette of golf in Thailand. If unsure, ask your playing partner for a ruling on a playing issue. If the issue cannot be resolved during the game, in the spirit of our core values play two balls and get a ruling from the Committee before signing the score card.
2. It is noted on our start sheets that all players arrive at the course within 30 minutes of their start time and be at the tee 5 minutes before their tee time. Players should complete their round of golf within the standard maximum time for 18 holes which is 4:20 hours. To facilitate meeting maximum time, please keep up with the group in front, and do not take an extended break after 9 holes. Players are requested to hand in their scorecard upon completion of their round to the organizer of the day based on start sheet instructions.
3. Prior to exchanging score cards the player must take sole responsibility for marking his card with full name & handicap, during play the player is responsible for marking their opponents scores clearly (this cannot be delegated to the caddy). (Please see sample attached of scorecards).
4. It is expected that each player should make a payment (tip) to the caddy of a minimum of 300 B. If there are any issues with the caddy fulfilling their responsibilities, the player cannot use the payment (tip) as a method of review. If there is a problem, the player is to report the issue to the daily organizer, who will take the issue to the club management. Usually, courses have their own internal caddy review mechanisms.
5. Show respect to the golf course by maintaining its playing condition, including ensuring the bunkers are raked, divots and pitch marks repaired (often the caddy will do this, but it is player responsibility to ensure it is done properly).
6. Show respect to the staff of the golf club including the caddy. The caddy is not a professional caddy and is employed to carry the bag, drive the cart, repair the course etc. (Players are advised not to drive the cart as if there is an accident the player will be held responsible.)
7. Show respect to the work that the committee is doing and to fellow members and their guests. We expect members / guests to make every attempt to attend presentations, if unable to attend please advise organizers of the day.
8. Resolve issues in non-confrontational ways, both with fellow members and with the Committee. If any member has a suggestion or complaint about the work of the Committee, the member is encouraged to call a Committee member or email to [email protected].
For breach of any Rules of Golf or competition rules, penalties as per R&A Rules of Golf apply. In addition, and in order to protect the reputation of BRGC and the rights of all members, the Committee reserves the right to take action in the event of any violation of the BRGC Code of Conduct by using the following process:
- verbal warning communicated by a Committee member (witnessed by at least one other
Committee member).
- a written warning issued by the Committee via email including nominated Committee
member(s) ensuring a discussion occurs to review violation or incident.
- The Committee reserves the right taking measure up to and including cancellation of
membership.
A record will be maintained by the Committee for all above Code of Conduct actions.
7. Financial Management
BRGC will have a Treasurer (and an Associate) to work on behalf of the Committee and membership. They will be responsible for the administration of BRGC funds including income, expenditures and submitting a monthly report to the Committee. BRGC Committee members are required to submit revenue and expense summary reports to the Treasurer to facilitate on-going record keeping of BRGC finances.
BRGC financial accounting will be administered in a transparent manner and be available for review upon written request to the BRGC Committee.
Based on annual income and expenditures, the Treasurer will prepare and submit an Annual Financial Report for the AGM. The Financial year for financial accountability ends of the 31st of January.
Should BRGC end its operation as a golf society, the Treasurer will formalize and submit a Final Account of Assets on hand and take measures to divide the assets equally amongst all currently registered members of BRGC.
8. BRGC Local Rules
BRGC Events will be played in alignment with R & A Rules of Golf. In addition, the following BRGC Local Rules apply to all courses BRGC play. Penalty for breach of any of the BRGC Local Rules, or R & A Rules of Gulf, will result in penalty shots in stroke play and loss of one hole in Matchplay.
1. Playing Conditions
The Organiser of the day will declare one of two playing conditions.
(a) Play as it lies.
(b) Preferred lies, only on the fairway and first cut of the grass (surrounding the green). The ball will be marked, lifted, cleaned, and placed within 6 inches or 5 centimetres, but no closer to the hole. Includes “the drop zone” of the hole that’s been played.
2. Ball at Rest
(a) Plugged balls (this is defined as embedded in its own pitch mark) in the “general area” (which excludes, tee box, penalty areas, bunkers, and greens). The player does not need to consult their playing partner in lifting the ball out of the plug, cleaning and legally dropping (arm outstretched from knee height, but no closer to the hole within the relief area).
(b) If a player accidentally moves the resting ball while searching for it or when marking on the green, there is no penalty.
(c) If the ball is in a penalty area (excluding bunkers), the player can move loose impediments, and take practice swings grounding the club without penalty, players cannot take relief from penalty area unless they are 100% sure the ball is in the penalty areas including water hazards).
(d) Player have three (3) minutes to find lost balls.
(e) Taking relief is defined as 1 or 2 club lengths (excluding the putter) dropped from knee height and the ball must come to rest within the relief area but no closer to the hole. If this is unattainable after two attempts, the ball may be placed on the spot where the ball landed on the second attempt. Free relief is the nearest point of relief, but no closer to the hole.
3. Ball in Motion
(a) no penalty if the ball “accidentally” hits another player, caddy, equipment, or flagstick lying on the green
(b) no penalty for hitting the ball twice in the one swing.
(c) no penalty for caddy touching the ground as a guide to putting.
(d) no penalty for “accidentally” moving the ball on the green.
(e) caddy cannot stand behind the player while the player is aligning for a swing or putt.
4. Bunkers
(a) stones, loose impediments (leaves, twigs, etc.,) are removable objects in bunkers. If the ball moves when removing stones or loose impediments, this will incur one shot penalty, and the ball must be placed in its original position. This rule also applies to general playing area including penalty areas (water hazards, any area marked by red or yellow stakes).
(b) If the ball as come to rest in animal scratchings, animal footprints or water scoured areas, the ball may be lifted and be placed in the bunker back on the line between the bunker point of entry and the flagstick, there is no limit on how far back.
(c) if the player deems the ball unplayable in the bunker, then with a two-stroke penalty, the player can take a drop outside the bunker back on the line between the bunker point of entry and the flagstick, there is no limit on how far back.
(d) players will incur a general penalty of one stroke, or loss of hole for deliberate contact testing of sand with hand or club during the swing. There is no penalty if the contact is made when the player loses balance.
(e) players are responsible to ensure the bunker is left correctly raked.
New local rule for bunkers at all courses – any substandard bunkers, as agreed with their marker or group consensus, the player may choose between the following options:
- Lift the ball, rake the substandard area where the ball has come to rest, clean, replace the ball and play with no penalty.
- If the ball has come to rest in water, in mud or where there is no sand, lift the ball clean, replace the ball clear of the water, the mud or non-sandy area in the bunker, but no nearer the hold, then play with no penalty.
- Play the ball from outside the bunker. If “preferred lies” are in play, the ball may be placed outside the bunker, no nearer the hole, if “play as it lies” re in play, then the ball is to be dropped outside the bunker, no nearer the hole. Both these options incur a 2 shot penalty.
- If a bunker is found to be totally unpayable and agreed as such by the marker or by the group consensus, then for no penalty, the ball can be placed (preferred lies) or dropped (play as it lies) outside the bunker, but no nearer the hole.
5 Distance Measuring Devices
These may be used as long as they do not slow down pace of play.
6. Drop Zones
BRGC use drop zones where they are clearly marked, otherwise the player should drop in line with the point of entry into penalty area.
7. GUR (Ground Under Repair)
(a) if a ball lies in an aeration hole, it may be marked, lifted, cleaned, and replaced immediately on either side of the aeration hole, without penalty.
(b) Deep rust (half a ball or more) made by course machinery or weather conditions anywhere on the course (not in a hazard) are considered GUR (even if not marked on the course) and relief may be taken at the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole, without penalty.
(c) Local Rules – Undefined GUR on fairways
On a number of courses, maintenance can happen at all times during the year, resulting in areas on fairways that are clearly under repair, but not clearly marked as such, or not marked at all. Under these circumstances, if a player’s ball comes to rest in such an area, then the request for relief will be made to their marker and/or their group to get agreement. If agreed then the point of relief will be no nearer the hole. If “preferred lies” are in play then the ball can be cleaned and placed, otherwise the ball may be cleaned and dropped.
8. Tree Roots
Players can take relief without penalty, only on the fairways and first cut grass.
9. Greens
(a) players can repair spike mark on greens.
(b) players can get relief without penalty if the ball comes to rest against the “grass collar” or groove defining the green, ball can be marked lifted, cleaned, and replaced no nearer the hole.
10. Dangerous insects and animals
Players are entitled to take relief if their stance is compromised by dangerous animals, reptiles, biting ants or insects, except in a penalty area.
11. Internal OB
(a) for safety reasons, on Lakeview A course, when playing the second hole, the cart path on hole 3 and anywhere right of it from the water to the back tees, shall be termed internal OB.
(b) A course may determine situations where the boundaries of a hole will be noted as OB, which will be indicated on the course scorecard. BRGC will abide and apply course local rules and do their best to advise players of unique situations that we need to pay attention to – such stipulations may change without BRGC knowing ahead of time.
12. Slow Play
(a) at all times your pace on the course should be behind the group in front and not ahead of the group behind. It is the responsibility of the lowest handicap player to ensure the rest of the group maintains a good pace between shots and a reasonable distance from the group in front. Allowances will be made for a 4-ball following a 3-ball.
(b) players should complete round in four and a half hours (maximum), or a maximum of 15 minutes behind the group in front, including handing in scorecards to the organiser, otherwise a general penalty for slow play, for the whole group may be considered by the organiser.
13. Preparing for the round – completing your score card.
(a) players should report to the organiser of the day at least 30 minutes (or as instructed on start sheet) before their tee time and be on the tee ready to play 10 minutes prior to player start time.
(b) scorecards are to be marked in pen, one scorecard per player, unless in a team competition. Marking of the scorecards cannot be delegated to a caddy, cards to be swapped within the group.
(c) All cards are to be clearly marked with:
(i) player’s name, in the box on the front or back of the card, as well as in the first scoring line of the card.
(ii) player’s handicap, as per the start sheet.
(iii) Gross score per hole on the first line, alongside the players name, Stableford points are optional, but if included are to be shown on the second line.
(iv) marker’s name and gross scores on the appropriate lines, this enables the player and marker to cross check their gross scores.
(d) Upon completion of the round, crosscheck your gross scores with your marker, sign the card, player, and marker, then immediately hand in to the organiser.
(e) sign scorecards are final cards and there will be no negotiation with organiser after the card has been handed in. Organiser/s may reject any scorecard deemed ineligible and the offending player will be disqualified.
** Please find example of properly completed scorecard in Sample Scorecard Heading.
Not handing in your scorecard after completion of play:
The organizer is to note the incident, take steps to notify the player communicating that this is unacceptable. Organizer to notify Committee via email noting key details of incident including player name, date, golf course name and player HC on that date, along with playing partner names. Upon review, the player (s) will be penalized by a disciplinary notification including having 4 points deducted from total points from Stableford Score for a Stableford Event or having 4 strokes added to net score at a Strokeplay Event. This will be applied for next game played by member and BRGC Committee will be notified along with incident recorded in Breach of Code of Conduct record;
Player not turning up for play:
For a BRGC event & more importantly not notifying the organizer. It was agreed that the organizer is to notify Committee of a breach of etiquette incident (written email or message with details). A disciplinary notification including having 4 points deducted from total points from Stableford Score for Stableford Event or having 4 strokes added to net score at a Strokeplay Event. This will be applied for the next game played by the member and BRGC Committee will be notified along with incident recorded in Breach of Etiquette record. Any further incident will need to be discussed and any actions to be taken must be agreed upon by the committee.
Not staying for prize giving:
BRGC enjoys organizing and putting together events, we therefore respectfully request that players not able to stay for presentations after golf notify / advise / apologize to the organizer, out of consideration for the society and event participants. Those who don’t will not be eligible for prizes unless an absolute valid excuse is provided, and informed of before the start of play. Instead, the golfer in the next position will be moved up in the prizes. NTP winners will forfeit the balls and the balls will go back into the BRGC supply. 2’s winners who miss the presentation will forfeit their prize and it will be split amongst the remaining winners. If there are no two’s on the day, all golfers will be reimbursed the 2’s entry fee.
14. Hole-in-One
If there is a hole in one, BRGC will buy a round of drinks for the field to a maximum value of 4,000 B and that player is eligible for 2’s and NTP.
15. Rule E5 Alternative to “Stroke and Distance Rule” (Potentially lost or out of bounds ball).
If after any shot, a player has sufficient grounds to believe their ball may potentially be lost or has gone out of bounds, the player has 2 options.
Option A: play a provisional ball then proceed to the vicinity where the original ball is likely to be at rest, confirm either, the ball is lost or out of bounds or found, within the allocated time of 3 minutes. When the ball is deemed lost or out of bounds, the player can play the provisional ball.
Option B: the play did not play a provisional ball, then the following shall apply – proceed to the vicinity where the ball is likely to be at rest and confirm the ball is lost or out of bounds or found, within the allocated time of 3 minutes. When the ball is deemed lost or out of bounds, the player will do the following:
The player will drop another ball within 2 club lengths from the edge of the fairway, no nearer the pin than where the ball came to rest, prior to dropping the ball, the player must agree this with the marker and/or group. The player will then be playing his next shot incurring a 2-stroke penalty. If the ball is found within the allocated time, of 3 minutes, that ball is now in play.
NOTE: Rule E5 does not apply when the ball is in a penalty area, or for an unplayable lie.
Alterations to the Rules shall only be made at an Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting, valid notice having been given of the intention.
Amended AGM MARCH 2024