Mid South Match Play — Rules & Format
Match Play Event – Wilson Group
• We have 28 players
• 7 pods with 4 players each
• The Pods were generated randomly using AI
• Players must declare a tee as part of the sign-up process. No changes will be allowed.
• Matches will be played during the Wilson’s group normal tee times on Monday and Wednesday. There will be one “make-up” week for matches. All matches must be completed by Friday May 8th. No exceptions.
• Each person will play 3 matches within their pod via round robin
• Each match will be played over 18 holes. Even if the match is “closed out” points can still be earned by each participant.
• Points will be earned as follows: 1 point earned for a hole won, ½ point earned for each hole halved and 2 points earned for winning the match.
• If the match extends into extra holes, the match will be decided by Sudden Death. No additional points will be awarded. Only the 2 points for winning the match will be awarded for the extra holes. Sudden Death will begin on the 1st or 10th after coordination with the pro shop. In the event the match cannot proceed the match will be deemed a tie and both players awarded 10 points
• In the event a match cannot be completed by the May 8th deadline due to scheduling conflicts, the Rules Committee will determine the result or declare a tie
• The total points earned for each match will be used to determine the winner and 2nd place finisher from each pod. These two will advance to the round of 16. Tie breaking rules are listed below.
• Two wildcard winners will be used to fill the 16-person championship bracket. The wildcard winners will be the two non-qualifying players with the most points earned. Tie breaking rules are listed below.
• Pod winners and the highest point earner from the 2nd place finishers will be the top seeds. The top eight will play the remaining second place finishers and wildcard winners.
• The round of 16 will be a single elimination until a champion is crowned
• Handicap will be based on current verified handicap in the GHIN system
• 100% of course handicap will be used.
• Stroke allocation. The lower handicap player plays at scratch; the higher handicap player receives the full difference
• Unknown Golf will be used to report scores
• Conceded putts, and holes are allowed
• Cost of entry is $25
Rules of Play
• USGA Rules of Golf govern
• Out of Bounds as marked by white stakes throughout course. For a ball out of bounds, players may use the local two-stroke option in lieu of stroke and distance, per USGA Model Local Rule E-5.
• How Model Local Rule E‑5 Actually Works
• E‑5 is an alternative to stroke‑and‑distance for a ball that is:
• • Lost outside a penalty area, or
• • Out of bounds,
• • And no provisional ball was played.
• When those conditions are met, the player may drop in a designated relief area (between the estimated ball location and the fairway reference point) for two penalty strokes.
• ✔️ Applies After Any Stroke
• E‑5 is not limited to tee shots.
• It can be used after:
• • A tee shot
• • A second shot from the fairway
• • A shot from the rough
• • Any stroke where the ball is lost or OB and no provisional was played
• The USGA explicitly states that the rule applies “when a player’s ball has not been found or is known or virtually certain to be out of bounds,” without restricting it to teeing‑area strokes.
•
• 🚫 When E‑5 Cannot Be Used
• • If a provisional ball was played and is found in play
• • For a ball in a penalty area
• • For an unplayable ball
• • In elite competitions (committees typically do not adopt it)
• Local “root rule” will be in effect. Opponent must verify. Player may take free relief one club length no closer to the hole
• Move the ball in own fairway one club length
Tiebreakers for Pod Standings and wildcard winners
o Head to Head result
o Total points earned
o Total holes won
o Hole differential (holes won minus holes lost)
o Sudden Death playoff (19th hole) followed by Chip Off if necessary
No-shows/withdrawals
o No Show = Forfeit. Opponent receives 10 points
o Withdrawal by player from POD. Treated as a Forfeit – 11 points awarded
o If a player withdrawals from the pod, all unplayed matches are treated as forfeits. Remaining opponents receive forfeit points, but tie-breakers may be adjusted by Rules Committee to maintain competitive balance. Completed matches stand.
o Weather suspensions. Match resumes during the makeup period.
Rules committee
Decisions by the Rules Committee are final
Bill Moyers
Tom Tomlinson
Barry Wilson
Payout Structure (based on 28 players)
· Quarterfinals Losers ($40 each)
· Semifinal Losers ($80 each)
· Runner-up ($160)
· Winner ($220)