Blue Classic Tournament

Eligibility: Both players must be current LVMC members and must have an established GHIN Index at the time the team enters the event.

Field Size: 64 teams maximum.

Please read these rules carefully before participating. By entering this tournament, each player agrees to follow all tournament procedures, deadlines, scorecard requirements, Golf Genius procedures, team restrictions, and pace-of-play requirements.

1) Match Play Format Only — No Mixed Formats

The Blue Classic is a Match Play competition using a 4-ball / partner’s better ball format.

This match may not be played at the same time as a Stroke Play round or any other concurrent competition.

When you are playing a Blue Classic match, you are playing Match Play only. The match begins on Hole #1 and ends when the match is decided, or after the playoff procedure if the match is tied after 18 holes.

Any attempt to mix formats, including continuing the round as a stroke-play score for another event, is not permitted and may result in disqualification, at the discretion of the Satellite Tournament Captain.

When in doubt, Match Play rules control. Play on without delay, apply Match Play rules to the best of your ability, and report the situation to the Satellite Tournament Captain through the Golf Genius portal contact page after the round.

2) Rules of Golf, Local Rules, and Tees

All play will follow the USGA Rules of Golf and Los Verdes local rules.

“Winter Rules” will not be in effect unless specifically authorized by the Greens Chairman / Tournament Committee and communicated in writing for that day.

Tees: Play will be from the blue movable tee markers, not the permanent tee plates.

3) Format and Round Schedule

This is a team single-elimination match play tournament.

The format is 4-ball, also known as partner’s better ball. Each player plays his own ball, and the team’s best net score on each hole counts for the match.

Each round must be completed within its assigned month. No extensions are guaranteed.

Monthly Round Schedule:

May: Round of 64
June: Round of 32
July: Sweet Sixteen
August: Elite Eight
September: Final Four
October: Championship Match

4) Team Rules and Pairing Restriction

Teams must enter the event as a two-player team.

No team changes are allowed after registration closes.

The same two players may not partner together in both the White Classic and the Blue Classic.

5) Handicaps

Handicaps will be based on each player’s Los Verdes Tournament Index.

An allocation of 90% of each player’s Los Verdes Tournament Index will be applied.

The Los Verdes Tournament Index used for this event will be fixed for the entire tournament and will not change from round to round.

Golf Genius will be used for scorecards, scoring, posting, and bracket updates.

6) Scheduling Responsibilities and Deadlines

Both teams are equally responsible for coordinating the match and securing a tee time.

Every player must be flexible and make a good-faith effort to schedule each match early enough to ensure completion by the round deadline.

For subsequent rounds, the team that plays last must notify its next opponent within 24 hours of winning so the next match can be scheduled promptly.

If a match is not scheduled in a reasonable amount of time, the teams may receive a warning to schedule immediately.

If a match is not completed by the deadline, all four players may be disqualified, pending review by the Satellite Tournament Captain. The next bracket team may receive a bye.

This tournament allows one month to play one match. If your team cannot reliably complete matches within the assigned month, including vacations, extended absences, or limited availability, please do not enter this event.

7) Early Match Finish and Hole-by-Hole Scoring

If a match ends early, such as 4 & 3, players may continue playing for practice.

Do not record or post scores for holes not played in competition. For example, in a 4 & 3 match, do not enter holes 16–18 as match holes.

If the match goes beyond 18 holes, enter the additional hole results on the scorecard.

8) Golf Genius and GHIN Posting

Golf Genius will be used for tournament administration, scorecards, scoring, posting, and bracket updates.

One team should enter the match results in Golf Genius during the match, while the other team keeps the printed scorecard.

Do not post your own score to GHIN. The Satellite Tournament Captain will post the round through Golf Genius as a competition score after validating the Golf Genius entry and signed scorecard.

9) Scorecard Requirements

To reduce disputes and ensure integrity:

One team should use Golf Genius during the match.

The other team should keep the printed scorecard.

Both teams must review and sign the printed scorecard after the match.

The signed scorecard must be deposited in the Satellite Wooden Box located at the pro shop.

The Satellite Tournament Captain will validate the Golf Genius scoring and the signed scorecard. The signed scorecard is the official record.

If there is a scoring issue, missing card, disagreement, or incomplete information, the Satellite Tournament Captain may request additional clarification from the players.

10) Posting Results

Winners must update the Blue Classic pairings sheet located at the locker room entryway.

The winning team must also notify the next opponent within 24 hours so the next match can be scheduled promptly.

11) Ties After 18 Holes

If the match is tied after 18 holes, the default playoff method is sudden death.

Sudden death begins on Hole #1 using the same handicaps as the original match. Teams must coordinate with the starter for continued play.

All extra-hole results must be recorded on the scorecard.

Optional Alternative — Card-Off

A card-off may only be used if both teams agree before the match begins.

The card-off method is:

Most holes won over the last 9 holes
If still tied, most holes won over the last 6 holes
If still tied, most holes won over the last 3 holes
If still tied, Hole 18

Availability constraints from one team member do not force a card-off. A card-off is optional only by mutual agreement before play begins.

12) Pace of Play

LVMC has instituted a maximum pace of play of 4 hours and 30 minutes for all tournament rounds, including Blue Classic matches played outside monthly tournaments.

Any round exceeding 4 hours and 30 minutes may trigger a 3-month tournament suspension, including satellite tournaments.

A player under suspension is effectively disqualified from the Blue Classic. Matches will not be held or postponed during the suspension period.

Board members and/or on-course ambassadors may verify pace and position.

Even if your pace feels acceptable, being more than one hole behind the group in front means you are out of position. If you are creating backups, it will be addressed.

There is no exception for exceeding 4 hours and 30 minutes unless you are clearly waiting on the group ahead. 4:31 is over the limit.

If you do not believe you can comply with these pace-of-play rules, please do not enter this event.

13) If You Are Falling Behind

Use these actions immediately until you regain position:

Pay attention to your position and act early. Do not wait for a warning.

Lost ball searches are limited to 3 minutes. If there is any chance the ball may not be found, play a provisional right away.

Play ready golf to the green when your group is out of position.

When behind, players are expected to take no more than 45 seconds once they arrive at the ball. This includes discussion, practice swings, club selection, and decisions.

As soon as you and one opponent have completed the hole, move to the next tee and be ready to play. Your partner and the other opponent can finish the hole or give putts as appropriate.

Your priority is to regain position.

Questions / Contact

For tournament questions, please contact the Satellite Tournament Captain through the contact page in the Golf Genius portal.

Good luck to all competitors, and thank you for respecting the rules, deadlines, and pace of play.

Official Rules & Procedures

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