Issue 1 – On the 8th hole, Chris attempted to finish a short putt with an unconventional stance. The ball missed the cup and his foot stopped the ball. He picked up the ball and walked off the green. Before the next tee box he did give himself a one stroke penalty.

Issue 2 – Matt and Dan did not turn in a score card.

In both cases the question comes down to “Did they know the rule?” If the person knew the rule then they would be disqualified, if they did not know the rule then it would be a 2 stroke penalty for total score and points but not for handicapping.

After reviewing the facts and the circumstances:

1. Members scrambled to find the best day to play after we had 2 tee times for Sunday. The warmest day was Friday in which Dave, Jake & Rock played. Since Friday is a work or school day for most players and weather being the only fact in playing on Friday, this may have been an unfair advantage. Hindsight being 20/20 - Since everyone could play on Sunday & we did have 2 tee times on Sunday then we should have played on Sunday. If it had snowed then no one would have played and the Major would have been moved back a week.

2. After meeting last Thursday night and 3 members playing on a Friday morning (weather related only) there was no time to "officially" post the rules even though most rules have not changed from last year.

3. The weather was COLD on Saturday and may have played a role in the player’s lack of judgment. I had to dig my own scorecard out of the trash because I did not take it from the golf cart.

My ruling

"That disqualification is an extreme punishment and that a 2 stroke penalty will be assessed to each of the 3 players and that after assessing the 2 stroke a penalty there was no change to this week’s double points."

If an appeal is made by any member than there will be a vote by the full board (minus the 3 players in question). A request for an appeal must be made no later than 5:00pm on Monday March 21st. If an appeal is requested then a vote will be held on Thursday, March 24th at 6pm at the family gathering at Chris’s house. Those that cannot attend may submit their vote by text. The vote will be for “disqualification” or the “two stroke penalty” only. If no appeal is requested then the points will be posted on Monday after 5pm.

Since neither Rock nor Leon had any issues, there is no question as to what happens to the trophy or their points (double). They both receive 15 for the tie (16 + 14 = 30 divide by 2 = 15) They will play 18 holes next week to determine who won the Irish Cup as well as their scores and points for Agawam.