Dominick’s Sports Tavern Golf League Rules

League Overview

This league uses a 2-person team scramble format with weekly point scoring and team handicaps. The goal of this format is to:

  • Keep league play competitive and fair
  • Eliminate scheduling issues caused by byes or teams dropping
  • Increase teamwork and pace of play
  • Keep every hole meaningful throughout the season
  • Season standings are determined by cumulative points earned throughout the year.

Team Format

  • 2-person teams
  • 9-hole rounds
  • Scramble format
  • Team handicap scoring
  • Weekly point accumulation
  • Season-long standings

Weekly Scoring Format

  • 2-Person Scramble
  • Both players tee off on every hole.
  • The team selects the shot they would like to use.
  • Both players then play their next shot from that location.
  • This process continues until the ball is holed.
  • The team records one gross score for the hole.
  • Handicap strokes are then applied to determine the NET score for the hole.

Point System

Points are awarded based on the team’s NET score on each hole. Net Score

Points

  • Double Bogey or Worse: 0
  • Bogey: 1
  • Par: 2
  • Birdie: 4
  • Eagle: 6

Every hole matters and teams are rewarded for strong play throughout the round. You can’t score worse than double bogey, pick up the ball after double bogey

Team Handicap System

Establishing Handicaps

The first two weeks of league play will be used to establish team handicaps. Weeks 1 and 2 will initially be played without handicaps. Beginning in Week 3: Each team will receive a handicap based on their average team scores from Weeks 1 and 2. Individual player handicaps will not be used. Handicaps are based entirely on team scramble scores during league play. Team handicaps will be recalculated weekly throughout the season based on league performance.

Retroactive Scoring for Weeks 1 & 2

After handicaps are established in Week 3: Scores from Weeks 1 and 2 will be recalculated using each team’s newly established handicap. Points for Weeks 1 and 2 will then be awarded retroactively using the official league scoring system. This allows all teams to begin the season fairly while still using early-season rounds to establish accurate handicaps.

Handicap Stroke Allocation

Handicap strokes are applied on the hardest holes according to the course handicap ratings.
Example: A team receiving 4 handicap strokes will receive one stroke on handicap holes 1–4.
The adjusted NET score determines the points earned for each hole.

Weekly Bonus Points

Additional bonus points will be awarded each week based on overall score compared to the league average. The top 50% of the field will receive 2 bonus points each week.

For example:
League average for this week is 18 points and your team scores 19 points. You will be scored 21 points for the night

Matchups

Weekly matchups may still be assigned for scheduling purposes, however league standings are determined by total points accumulated throughout the season rather than head-to-head record.

Substitutes

Substitutes are allowed when necessary. League management reserves the right to determine or adjust substitute handicaps if needed for fairness.

Absences & Make-up Games

One Player Present:

If only one player is present: The player may still compete. The single player will play scramble format alone for the round.

Full Team No-Show:

Inform us you won’t be able to make it so we can inform the team you are scheduled to play with or re arrange match ups. Teams have 2 weeks to make up a missed round otherwise 0 points will be assessed for that week

Scorekeeping

Scores must be recorded clearly after each hole. Teams are responsible for verifying scorecards before submission. Any scoring disputes must be resolved before scorecards are turned in.

Pace of Play

To maintain pace of play:

  • Be ready when it is your turn to hit.
  • Limit ball searches.
  • Play "Ready Golf"
  • Ball can be moved up to the distance of a dollar bill on any stroke to improve the lie (lets be real, none of us are pros)
  • Gimme putts for anything inside the distance of putter length

Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship is expected at all times. Respect:

  • Other players
  • Course staff
  • League officials
  • Pace of play
  • Rules decisions

Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in warnings or removal from league play.

League Discretion

League management reserves the right to:

  • Adjust handicaps if necessary
  • Resolve scoring disputes
  • Interpret league rules
  • Make decisions in the best interest of fair competition
  • Teams intentionally manipulating scores to gain handicap advantage may have handicaps adjusted or face league penalties.

Most Important Rule

Have fun. This league is designed to be competitive, fair, fast-paced, and enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.