Senior Match Play Tournament

2026 Senior Match Play - Official Rules and Procedures

OFFICIAL RULES & PROCEDURES

Entry Fee: $35 per golfer
Field Size: 64 players maximum

Please read these rules carefully before registering. By registering, you agree to follow all procedures, deadlines, and pace-of-play requirements.

Links to

Registration
Tournament Information (including results)

1) 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 WHITE permanent tee markers, except Hole #1, which will be played from the movable markers (per Los Verdes request).

2) Format and Round Schedule

This is a single-elimination match play tournament governed by USGA Match Play rules.
Each round must be completed within its assigned month. No extensions are guaranteed.

Monthly Round Schedule:

May – Round 1 (Round of 64): 32 matches → 32 winners advance
June – Round 2 (Round of 32): 16 matches → 16 winners advance
July – Round 3 (Sweet Sixteen): 8 matches → 8 winners advance
August – Round 4 (Elite Eight): 4 matches → 4 winners advance
September – Round 5 (Final Four): 2 matches → 2 winners advance
October – Round 6 (Championship): 1 match → Champion

3) Match Play Only — No Mixed Formats

This event is Match Play only. Your match must be played and scored strictly under USGA Match Play rules.
Match Play may not be combined with Stroke Play under any circumstance. This includes (but is not limited to) playing your match during a monthly tournament or any other event where a separate stroke-play format is being conducted.
If players choose to play on the same day as another event, the Senior Match must still be conducted as a standalone match with match-play procedures, match-play scoring, and match-play priorities.
Any ambiguity, disagreement, or procedure that results from attempting to mix formats (e.g., applying stroke-play procedures to a match, using stroke-play rules to settle a match, or recording results inconsistently) may result in disqualification, at the discretion of the Satellite Tournament Chairman.
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 Chairman immediately after the round.

4) Handicaps

Handicaps will be based on your Los Verdes Tournament Index for the month/round being played.
Indexes will be updated a few days prior to the start of each new month and will apply for that month’s round.

5) Scheduling Responsibilities and Deadlines (Strictly Enforced)

Both players are equally responsible for coordinating and securing a tee time.
Every player must be flexible and make a good-faith effort to schedule the match early enough to ensure completion within the month.
Winner notification: After a match is completed, the winner must notify their next opponent within 24 hours.
Failure to complete by the monthly deadline: If a match is not completed by the end of the scheduled month, both players may be disqualified, pending review by the Satellite Tournament Chairman. The next bracket position may receive a bye.
This tournament allows one month to play one match. If you cannot reliably complete matches within the assigned month (including vacations or extended absences), do not register.

6) Match Completion and Hole-by-Hole Scoring

If a match ends early (example: 4 & 3), players may continue playing for practice.
Do NOT record/post scores for holes not played in competition (e.g., in a 4 & 3 match, do not enter holes 16–18). Golf Genius/GHIN will handle posting correctly when administered properly.

7) Scoring Platform and Posting (Golf Genius)

Golf Genius (GGID) will be used for administration and posting.
On the day of play, after the match concludes, you must notify the Satellite Tournament Chairman.
DO NOT POST YOUR SCORE TO GHIN. The Satellite Tournament Chairman will post the round through Golf Genius as a competition score.

8) Scorecard Requirements (Both Players — Mandatory)

To reduce disputes and ensure integrity:

Both players must keep a scorecard and submit it individually.
Both players must sign the scorecard.
Submit a clear photo/scan of your scorecard by email or text/call:

Email: sdrolet30@hotmail.com
Call/Text: 818-292-4021

The Satellite Tournament Chairman will validate both scorecards and post accordingly.
Failure to notify the Satellite Tournament Chairman and/or failure to submit scorecards may result in disqualification (including disqualification from the next match).

9) Posting Results (Pairings Sheet)

Winners must update the Senior Match Play pairings sheet located at the locker room entryway.

10) Ties After 18 Holes (Playoff Methods)

If the match is tied after 18:

Sudden Death: Continue starting on Hole #1, using the same handicaps as the original match. Coordinate with the starter for continued play.

Optional Alternative — Card-Off (Must be agreed BEFORE the match starts):

Most holes won over the last 9 holes; if tied, then last 6, then last 3, then Hole 18.

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

PACE OF PLAY (Strictly Enforced)

LVMGC has instituted a maximum 4 hours 30 minutes (4:30) pace of play for all tournament rounds, including match play rounds played outside monthly tournaments.

Any round exceeding 4:30 may trigger a 3-month tournament suspension, including satellite tournaments.
A player under suspension is effectively disqualified from this Senior Match Play event (matches will not be held or postponed during the suspension period).
Monitoring: Board members and/or on-course ambassadors may verify pace and position.
Position standard: 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 (e.g., delaying a par-4 tee box while two holes behind), it will be addressed.
There is no exception for exceeding 4:30 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, do not sign up.

If You’re Falling Behind: Required Pace-of-Play Actions

Use these immediately until you regain position:

Pay attention to your position and act early—do not wait for a warning.
Lost ball search is 3 minutes. If there is any chance the ball may not be found, play a provisional right away.
Play ready golf (to the green). Do not wait for “your turn” when you are out of position.
45-second shot expectation once you arrive at your ball (discussion, practice swings, and decisions included) when behind.
After holing out, move directly to the next tee and be ready to play. Your priority is to regain position.

Questions?

Stephane Drolet
Satellite Tournament Chairman
Email: sdrolet30@hotmail.com
Phone/Text: 818-292-4021