Junior Boys and Girls Handbook 2015 WOODBROOK CLUB Introduction

Established in 1921, by Sir Stanley Cochrane as his private club, Woodbrook was first affiliated to the Golfing Union of in 1926. Sir Stanley had previously indulged his enthusiasm for cricket at Woodbrook, a fact that is still reflected in the pavilion-style clubhouse and the cricket bell, which tolled the start and finish of play and now hangs in the bar. In olden days the Dublin-Bray train stopped at the club and in the early days of tournament golf, spectators alighted on the course.

Where the wind has sculpted the trees. Although a flat course, the wind plays a most significant role. When it blows from the North, nine holes are affected, including three out of the last four. When it’s from the South, the tenth plus the three eleventh, and the par five – 12th, 14th and 16th, all become very difficult long holes. A crosswind from the East affects almost every hole on the course and calls for shot making of the highest caliber. With its configuration of five par threes and five par fives, Woodbrook’s layout is unusual but, in the opinion of those who have played there, it is a championship course in every meaning of the word.

Woodbrook is unique in Irish Golf, with its heritage and tradition, ambience and atmosphere and the quality and layout of its course. For members and visitors alike it represents a challenge to be met weekly or just occasionally, but always enjoyably.

Aim The aim of our junior section is to provide juniors with a fun and safe environment to experience golf, to give them the opportunity to progress to their potential and to equip them with golfing skills that can be used and enjoyed for the rest of their lives.

Golf’s Nine Core Values

Golf is unique to other sports in that it uses a value system which mirrors the personality traits that are highly regarded and cherished in any personal undertaking. Bear these values in mind as you approach the game and your journey to master it. Honesty - the quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive  Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score.

PAGE 1 Integrity - strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct; personal honesty and independence

 Golf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the even at times when others may not be looking.

Sportsmanship - observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace

 Players must know and abide by the and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and respectful manner towards others even in a competitive game.

Respect - to feel or show deferential regard for esteem  In golf it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honour and traditions of the game.

Confidence - reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assurance  Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well regardless of the outcome.

Responsibility - accounting for one’s actions; dependable  Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course. It is up to them to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play.

Perseverance - to persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles  To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from past experiences.

Courtesy - considerate behaviour toward others; a polite remark or gesture  A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Players also should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.

Judgment - the ability to make a decision or form an opinion; a decision reached after consideration  Using good judgment is very important in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type

PAGE 2 of shot players consider executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course. Source: T he First

Junior Rules You should not engage in any irresponsible, abusive, inappropriate or illegal behaviour. The following should be noted:-  You MUST NOT consume alcohol  You MUST NOT take any illegal or performance-enhancing drugs  You MUST NOT smoke  You MUST NOT use foul language  You MUST NOT use critical or disrespectful descriptions of others  You MUST ensure your parents have filled out parental consent forms  You MUST NOT knowingly cheat (cheating will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or expulsion from the Club)  You MUST, if you are under 12, be accompanied on the course by an adult

Code of Conduct Every Junior must sign up to the junior code of conduct, each junior member is expected to:  Help create and maintain an environment free of fear and harassment  Demonstrate fair play and apply golf’s standards both on and off the course.  Understand that you have the right to be treated as an individual  Treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself  Respect any advice that you may receive  Challenge or report if you observe any form of discrimination or prejudice  Respect physical, cultural and racial differences  Look out for yourself and the welfare of others  Speak out if you consider that you or others have been poorly treated  Report behaviour that appears to fall below the expected standards of the Club  Be organised and on time  Tell someone in authority if you are leaving a venue or competition  Accept that these guidelines are in place for the well-being of all concerned  Treat organisers, volunteers and coaches with respect  Observe instructions or restrictions required by appropriate members of staff  Check the diary for rules, competitions and events that impact on you.

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Etiquette All Juniors must respect the traditions and etiquette involved in being a member of Woodbrook  Abide by dress code rules both on and off the course  Avoid slow play and keep up with the group in front (call faster playing groups through) – your place on the course is behind those in front and not in front of those behind!!

o Only take one practice swing before hitting the ball o Walk (and talk) quickly between shots o Whoever finishes putting first picks up the flag o If it is your honour on the tee, hit the ball first and then mark the card o Watch where playing partners hit their balls and help them to look for lost balls

 Always carry a flat marker, a tee, and a pitch repairer  Attend the flag/take flag out of the hole when others are putting  Always ask for the other balls on the green to be marked when you are putting  Always stand in front or behind the person who is putting  When playing , please write your points on the card  Mark somebody else’s card and put your own score down on the card  Always wear golf shoes when playing on the golf course  Always replace divots, use sandbags, repair pitch marks and rake bunkers  Shout “fore” if you believe a ball may hit another golfer or walker  Do not throw clubs or swear  Make sure it is safe to swing before hitting the ball

Tips  Always play with a smile and enjoy your game, even on a bad day.  Try your hardest and never give up  Practice hard, practice makes you better, we have excellent practice facilities at Woodbrook  Concentrate on the shot you are playing not the one you have just played  Keep your clubs and shoes clean. A smart tidy golfer has a smart tidy game

PAGE 4  Remember your manners; you are representing yourself, your family and the Junior section of the Club

Junior Coaching & Academy Junior coaching is provided by our PGA Professional, Mark Callan. There are a number of levels of coaching in operation for Juniors

Elite Panel: this is for Junior Golfers who have or are likely to have the ability to play and compete in some or all of the following U14, U16 and/or U18 Boys Championships;   Leinster Open  Leinster Close  Open  Munster Open  Connaught Open

This panel will also be used as a selection pool for Irish Junior Foresomes, the Fred Daly Trophy and other team events throughout the golfing year.

Development Panel: this is for Junior Golfers who show reasonable ability, have the potential to improve and hold a CONGU .

Beginners Panel: this is for Junior Golfers who have little or no experience of golf, are new to the game and require tuition in the fundamentals of grip, swing, stance etc.

Girls Panel : this is for junior girls and is split into two or three divisions depending on numbers and is based on ability, it covers all the basics of the game including, swing, grip, putting, stance etc

Coaching sessions take place over the summer months where you will participate in a coaching session designed to improve your game once per week for 2 hours. The day and time you are required to attend for coaching will be displayed on the Junior Notice Board and you should consult this.

Girls Short Game Skills Sessions: In addition to the tuition offered by Mark Callan, the ILGU offers grants for supplementary coaching for Junior Girls. Because of our proposed programme and the number of girls participating, Woodbrook has been successful in obtaining the grant and hold 10 additional hours of skills games focusing on putting and chipping. These sessions are run by the Assistant Pro and use games and friendly competitions to development the feel for good short game shots.

PAGE 5 Handicaps  Junior handicaps will be administered following the CONGU rules.  Juniors whose ability precludes them from achieving a full CONGU handicap (28 Boys & 36 Girls) will be given a Club Domestic Handicap (up to 36 boys & 45 Girls).  Details can be found on the CONGU web site http://www.congu.com/Junior.htm  In order to be considered for a handicap, you must submit three (3) cards played over eighteen (18) holes. The three (3) rounds must be played with an adult or with an established Junior or Intermediate member.  Once three (3) cards have been submitted the Junior Committee will review these cards and assign you a handicap.

Rules of Golf  Every golfer is required and expected to know and understand the rules of golf. The game is self-refereeing and failure to play by the rules can be construed as deliberate cheating – an extremely serious allegation for the player involved.  The vast majority of situations (90%) a golfer finds him/herself are covered in 10 key rules (see Appendix 2).  To begin the learning process, it is advisable that the Junior subscribe to Barry Rhodes weekly email. It’s a free service and explains a different rule each week in a multiple choice, easy to follow format http://www.rhodesrulesschool.com

Competitions  There are number of competitions available to Juniors depending on the handicap you hold. A list of the competitions you are permitted to play in is contained at Appendix 1 to this Handbook.  Those who are new to the game or hold a domestic handicap will on certain occasions, play 6 or 12 hole junior development competitions.  Please note that any junior who incorrectly enters their name in a competition they are not permitted to play in will have their name removed from the time-sheet.  Entry to competitions must be done online at the members Booking Section on our website www.woodbrook.ie and the Competition Purse System will apply, details of which are at the following link; http://members.woodbrook.ie/wp- content/uploads/2015/02/Competition-Purse-Gents.pdf  Entry to competition on the day must be via the electronic entry system beside the Caddymasters desk.

PAGE 6  Scores must be recorded on this system after play  Each player must ensure his/her scorecard is completely filled in with player name, handicap, competition name, date and time. The card MUST be signed by player and the marker. Failure to do so will lead to disqualification.  Scorecards must be placed in the competition box at the end of play and any amendment on a score card has to be initialled by the golfers playing partner, no exceptions are allowed.  Any Junior failing to return his or her scorecard will receive a two competition ban  Any Junior failing to turn up for competition without notifying the Caddymaster will receive a two competition ban

Panels & Teams Woodbrook offers a number of opportunities for boys and girls who show ability and commitment. All Juniors will be considered for inclusion in a number of panels we have within our Junior Section

 Boys U15 Team Interclub Matchplay– boys need to be under 15 years of age on 1 January of the relevant year and be able to play to a handicap of 18 or less in order to be considered for inclusion on this panel.

 Wicklow Cup – boys and girls need to be under 20 years of age and be able to play to a handicap of 18 (boys) or 28 (girls) or less in order to be considered for inclusion on this panel.

 Elm Park Trophy – boys need to be under 15 years of age and girls under 17 years and hold a handicap of 28 / 36 or less to be considered for inclusion on this panel

 Club Teams – boys who show ability and form and fall within the team handicap range will be notified to respective Club Team Managers, e.g. Barton Cup, Metropolitan Cup, Junior Cup, Senior Cup etc. Girls are eligible to play on all the ladies teams depending on the handicap qualifications for the relevant team.

 Girls Junior Development Winter Alliance – organised by the ILGU for girls of all abilities; these are fun scrambles and rounds at various clubs in the region from September to May

PAGE 7  Girls Inter Club Scrambles – organised by the ILGU for girls of all abilities; these are fun competitions at various clubs in the region during the summer season.

 Girls ILGU Junior Medal – Open to all girls U18 in Ireland; scores are taken from any 18 hole singles competition during June to August (if score is entered on Woodbrook’s system) Lowest nett score from each month counts. National finals in October mid-term break.

Selection on panels and teams will be decided upon by the Junior Committee and respective Team Managers.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Patents / Guardians are ultimately responsible for their children.

Parents / Guardians should drop off and collect their children from Woodbrook or make appropriate alternative arrangements.

Where junior boys or girls are playing at away courses either in inter club matches or in open competitions parents / guardians should drop off and collect their children or make alternative arrangements to ensure that their children return safely.

Junior boys / girls under 12 years should be accompanied on the course by a responsible adult at all times.

Bullying

Bullying is not tolerated under any circumstances at Woodbrook.

If there are any instances of bullying they should be reported immediately, junior boys instances to Denis O’Connor ( 086 819 6288 ) or Sean Bresnan ( 086 023 7284) and junior girls instances to Kristi O’Sullivan ( 087 270 9330)

Cubs Programme

A limited Cubs programme will operate over the summer; this is usually for 8 to 10 year olds. Sessions are planned for

PAGE 8 Friday July 31 from 5pm to 7pm Saturday August 15 from 3pm to 5pm Saturday August 22 from 4pm to 6pm

The format is an hour of short game coaching/games followed by a four hole scramble off junior .

Please note that each child needs a parent or guardian with him/her during the session.

Use It or Lose It

There is significant demand for junior / intermediate membership at Woodbrook and a waiting list currently exists.

Juniors / Intermediates apply annually (30 September ) for membership and preference will be given to juniors / intermediates who play regularly and return competition cards. In order to retain your handicap under GUI rules a golfer is required to return 4 singles card in a calendar year.

Resources

More information on open competitions, tuition, and events happening in Irish golf can be found on the following websites:

 For Golf Union of Ireland see https://www.golfnet.ie  For Irish Ladies Golf Union see https://www.golfnet.ie

 For Confederation of Golf in Ireland see http://www.cgigolf.org

 Information on a player’s handicap, and personal golf performance by hole can be found on the following:  https://www.golfnet.ie  http://www.howdidido.co.uk

Woodbrook Junior Committee

Summer 2015

PAGE 9 Appendix 1: Playing Rights (Juniors) CONGU Handicaps

HA NDICA P COMPET ITION CONGU 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 Club Captains Prize N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Pr esidents Prize N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N V ice Captains Prize N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N A ll other major singles Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Keiller Cup (0-14) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N N N N N N N N N N O’ Connor Cup (15-28) N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Cochrane Cup (0-12) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Bu nny Cup (13-28) N N N N N N N N N N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Club Fourballs Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N N N N Club Foresomes Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N N N N Hamper Competitions N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Ma tchplay Singles N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Ma tchplay Foresomes and Fourball N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Club Singles (inc Medals) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N N N N In v itation Competitions N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Ju nior Comps (Wed) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N N N N N N Ju nior Comps (Sun) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Ju nior Development Competitions N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N

Club Competitions Ju nior Competitions

Some exceptions to playing rights may be made for the Juniors & Intermediates on Senior Cup & Junior Cup Panels Some exceptions to playing rights may be madeby Junior Committee in consulations with Mens & Ladies Club Ju niors and Intermediates with a handicap of 7 or less are permitted to book any time on the timesheet once the timesheet opens Ju niors and Intermediates with a handicap of 8 or more are only permitted to book a time after 14:00 once the timesheet opens Ju niors and Intermediates with a handicap of 8 or more are not permitted to book a time before 14:00 until 14:00 on the day b efore the competition. Domestic Handicaps

COMPET ITION DOMEST IC 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36+ Club Captains Prize N N N N N N N N Pr esidents Prize N N N N N N N N V ice Captains Prize N N N N N N N N A ll other major singles N N N N N N N N Keiller Cup (0-14) N N N N N N N N O’ Connor Cup (15-28) N N N N N N N N Cochrane Cup (0-12) N N N N N N N N Bu nny Cup (13-28) N N N N N N N Club Fourballs N N N N N N N N Club Foresomes N N N N N N N N Hamper Competitions N N N N N N N N Ma tchplay Singles N N N N N N N N Ma tchplay Foresomes and Fourball N N N N N N N N Club Singles (inc Medals) N N N N N N N N In v itation Competitions N N N N N N N N Ju nior Comps (Wed) N N N N N N N N Ju nior Comps (Sun) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Ju nior Development Competitions Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Club Competitions Ju nior Competitions

PAGE 1 Appendix 2: The 10 Golden Rules in Golf

If all golfers were to learn these 10 Golden Rules, they would be able to resolve 90% of the Rules situations that golfers routinely encounter in the course of an 18-hole round.

1. Play the ball as it lies.

2. Don’t move, bend, or break anything growing or fixed, except in fairly taking your stance or swing. Don’t press anything down.

3. You may lift natural objects not fixed or growing, except in a water or bunker. No .

4. Movable man-made objects may be moved. For immovable objects, you may take relief by dropping away from them within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole, except in a water hazard or if the object defines out of bounds. In a bunker, you must drop in the bunker. No penalty.

5. You may take relief from casual water, ground under repair, burrowing animal holes or casts, anywhere except in a water hazard. On the putting green, place at the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole; otherwise drop within one club- length of the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole. In a bunker, you must drop in the bunker. No penalty.

6. In a water hazard or bunker, don’t touch the water or ground with your hand or club before the stroke.

7. If you hit your ball into a water hazard and cannot find or play it, either drop behind the point where the ball last crossed the hazard margin or at the place where you played the shot. On the tee, you may tee the ball. One penalty stroke. If you hit into a lateral hazard, you may also drop within two club-lengths of the point where the ball last crossed the hazard margin, or, within two club-lengths of a point equidistant from the hole on the opposite margin. One penalty stroke.

8. When you hit your ball out of bounds or cannot find it after 5 minutes of searching, add a penalty stroke, go back and drop a ball at the place where you played the shot. On the tee, you may tee the ball. If you think you have hit your ball out of bounds or lost it outside a water hazard, play a provisional ball before searching for the first one.

9. When you have an unplayable lie, you may drop a ball at the place where you played the previous shot, adding a penalty stroke. On the tee, you may tee the ball. Alternatively, drop within two club-lengths, no nearer the hole, or any distance behind the unplayable spot, keeping it between you and the hole. If the ball is in a bunker, you must drop in the bunker, under either of the alternative options. If you can’t play your ball that is in a water hazard, see Golden Rule #7.

10. You may repair ball marks and old hole plugs on the putting green that are on the line of your putt, but not spike marks.

PAGE 1 Appendix 3: Calculating a Stableford Score

Most competitions run for Juniors operate on the Stableford Scoring System. The traditional way to calculate the number of Stableford points scored on each hole is to compare the player’s net score for each hole (i.e. taking their handicap and the stroke index for the hole into account) against the fixed par score. Once a player has taken two strokes more than the adjusted fixed score, they should pick up their ball, as it is then not possible or them to score any points on that hole. For example a player who receives a handicap stroke on a par-4 hole should pick- up once they have had six strokes, as they cannot then score any points for that hole. The winner of a Stableford competition is the player with the highest points total. This table explains the scoring system:

Points with Points with Points with Points with Gross Score no shots on 1 shot on 2 shots on 3 shots on hole hole hole hole

3 under Par 5 6 7 8 2 under Par 4 5 6 7 1 under Par 3 4 5 6 Par 2 3 4 5 1 over Par 1 2 3 4 2 over Par 0 1 2 3 3 over Par 0 0 1 2

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