Rev 1 December 2025
General Information
All members will be required to participate in at least four (4) tournaments in a calendar year.
Hotels/Motels:
Members will be given a list of hotels in the area of the Tournament location. All members are responsible for their hotel choice and reservations.
Tournaments:
A Tournament registration deadline will be given for each Tournament. Participation will be on a first come, first served basis, based on receipt of payment, when required. Late registrants will be accommodated if possible. Once play has started, only the Golf Course or Tournament Director can cancel play due to Force Majeure conditions, i.e. – heavy rain storm, lightning, etc. If a player quits and the round has not been officially cancelled by the Gold Course or Tournament Director, the player will be “disqualified.” If a player does not play the 18 holes from tee to finish, that player will be “disqualified.” If the player knowingly records a false score on the hole(s) not finished, the player can face expulsion from the Grasshoppers.
Pets:
There will be no pets brought by Grasshopper members on the golf course at any time. Many golf courses do not allow pets and they can be a distraction to other players. Therefore, this rule applies to all of our Tournaments.
No Shows:
No shows and late cancellations should be avoided. When they cannot be avoided, every effort should be made to contact the Tournament Director or Assistant Director. If cancellations are made prior to checks being deposited in the bank, the check will be destroyed by shredding. Cancellation within 5 days of the Tournament will result in forfeiture of the prize money and possible loss of entry fee based on the circumstance. No shows with no notification will result in forfeiture of all fees.
The entry fee for each Tournament will be based upon green fees, cart, tax, and prize
money for two days.
Prizes:
All money for each Tournament will be distributed. Approximately 35% to 40% of all players will receive prizes.
Refunds:
When Tournament refunds are necessary, a refund will be sent by Zelle transfer or check
immediately following the Tournament.
Handicaps:
Our Grasshopper season only consists of six Tournaments per year, and with our special
Grasshopper playing rules we have an internal Handicap program which is not the same as that used by the USGA. Grasshopper handicaps are computed on a spreadsheet using the Individual Play rounds of each Tournament. We take the average scores of at least five Tournament rounds played since 2022 (after COVID). For returning members, we will maintain and use all scores for the past three years (for example, at the end of the 2025 season we will no longer use 2022 scores). We throw out the highest score recorded, then average the remaining scores to get the computed Handicap Index based upon a par 71. That computed Handicap Index is then adjusted 95% to get the Default Handicap used in our Tournaments. Until a member has recorded at least five Grasshopper rounds (since 2022) or in the case of New Members, their Handicap will be based on the following:
We will use a New Member’s GHIN (USGA) Handicap for the very first Tournament, then
follow the schedule below.
2-3 Rounds played – we will average and use your lowest two (2) Rounds, at Handicap
Chairman’s discretion.
4-5 Rounds played – we will average and use your lowest four (4) Rounds, at Handicap
Chairman’s discretion.
5 and greater Rounds played – we will average all rounds except the highest, which will be
thrown out.
The maximum Handicap for men is 36. For women, it is 40.
Pairings:
For most Tournaments, players will be grouped using Handicaps to equalize the teams. Generally, teams will consist of two men and two women. There can be exceptions based upon the number of men versus the number of women signed up for a Tournament. Every effort will be made to avoid duplicating playing partners during a season. Spouses/significant others (couples) will not play together until the final Tournament of the season. At the final Tournament of the season, couples will be paired together (Divorce Invitational), or single players can request a partner. Otherwise, players will be paired at the Tournament Director’s discretion.
Blinds:
Blind draws will be used as necessary to fill out teams. Blind draws will play with their assigned teams, and their scores will be used with the team that is short a player. They are eligible to win prize money with both teams. For a Scramble game, no Blind player will be used. Players on the team rotate evenly (either by hole or by stroke) hitting the fourth shot. The prize money for the missing player goes back into the pot.
Hole in One Club:
Membership is open to all active members of the Cen-Tex Grasshoppers who pay $2.00. At the beginning of the year, membership dues include this $2.00. Membership continues until an enrolled member makes a Hole in One in Grasshopper competition. That member is awarded the prize money and a new Hole in One pot is started. Should more than one member make a Hole in One in the same Tournament, the prize money will be split evenly. The Hole in One money will be awarded if any competitive round is started, even if the round is not completed due to Force Majeure determination. Contributions to the Hole in One fund are not refundable.
Tailgate Party:
On each evening before the first day of the Tournament, a party will be held from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm., usually at the Golf Course. The party is known as the Tailgate Party and is used for announcements and fellowship. The Tournament Director’s Welcome Committee will provide snacks (peanuts, pretzels, chips, etc.). Members are responsible for purchasing their own beverages. Dinner afterwards is at the discretion of each member. Team members are encouraged to go out together for further strategy and planning sessions to enhance their chances of winning the Tournament.
Rules of Play
USGA Rules of Play will govern play except as noted below: (Grasshopper Rules)
Lies:
Unless otherwise noted, players may move their ball one Driver length, no nearer to the hole, through the green.
Penalty Areas (Hazards):
Players cannot remove their ball from a Hazard but can improve their lie, as stated above.
Bunkers:
Sand bunkers are considered “Ground Under Repair” for all Grasshoppers. As such, it is the Player’s choice to play the ball as it lies or take free relief:
- Find the nearest point of complete relief (stance and swing) from the ground under repair.
- Place your ball within one Driver length of that point, no closer to the hole.
Out of Bounds:
When a ball goes out of bounds, take relief as you would for a Lateral Hazard (Red Penalty Area). Drop the ball within two Driver lengths of the point at which it crossed the margin, no closer to the hole. Add ONE penalty stroke.
Lost Ball:
When a Player gets to the spot where they think the ball is located and the ball is not found within three (3) minutes, drop a ball, add ONE penalty stroke, and play on. The ball must be played from the area where it was lost (i.e. – if it was lost in the rough, it must be played from the rough).
Water Hazard (Yellow Penalty Area):
If you hit a ball in the water (Yellow Penalty Area), you have two options:
Option One: You may hit a second ball over the water, counting strokes according to the Rules of Golf (drop, add ONE Penalty Stroke, and hit).
Option Two: You may carry your ball around the water and drop on the other side on a line
from the tee box to the flag, no closer than TWO Driver lengths from the margin of the hazard toward the flag. Add TWO penalty strokes (hit in the water, carry around and drop, add two strokes, hit the ball).
Special Situation: If the Golf Course designates Drop Zones, then any ball AFTER a drive can be carried to the drop zone with only ONE penalty stroke. If a player hits their drive in the water, then Option One must be used.
Fourteen Club Rule:
The Fourteen Club Rule is waived for Grasshopper Tournaments.
Putts:
Only Putts with 18” can be given. Only the “A” Player can concede the putt, and his/her putter should be properly marked with tape before the Round.
“A” Player:
The Player with the lowest Handicap on a Team is considered the “A” Player. The “A” Player
is responsible for the accuracy of the scorecard. The “A” Player also ensures the scorecards are turned in immediately after the round. The “A” Player is responsible for keeping up the Pace of Play and ensuring the Rules are followed.
Scorecards:
Scorecards will be marked with names and Handicap Stroke holes for each Player on the Team. The Scorecards will be placed on both carts. The “A” Player will have the official scorecard and the “B” or “C” Player on the other cart will have the copy. Both cards must be filled out exactly the same. Each cart should routinely cross-check scorecards as play progresses. Do not wait until half way or the end of the round to begin this. Incorrect cards turned in to the Scoring Table may have scores increased to fix the error, but scores cannot be decreased. This may result in a lower finish and potentially loss of prize money.
Starting Time:
All Players are required to be at the Golf Course and have golf bags loaded on assigned cart
no later than thirty minutes prior to tee time. This allows time for announcements, Rules/Game clarification, and questions, and leaves time to get all Players to their assigned starting holes. All Players should have their names on their golf bags.
Pace of Play:
Always play “Ready Golf.” If you are out ahead of your Teammates and you can hit first, do it. Always remain aware of the group ahead of you. Do not fall behind. After teeing off, drive to your ball, get out of the cart with club in hand, and be ready to play. Drive to the next tee before you record your scores. If the tee is open, allow another Player to tee off while you record the scores. Remember, if your group is behind, EVERY group following you is behind. We are not asking you to hurry your swing, just keep pace and be “Ready” to hit.
General Information
All members will be required to participate in at least four (4) tournaments in a calendar year.
Hotels/Motels:
Members will be given a list of hotels in the area of the Tournament location. All members are responsible for their hotel choice and reservations.
Tournaments:
A Tournament registration deadline will be given for each Tournament. Participation will be on a first come, first served basis, based on receipt of payment, when required. Late registrants will be accommodated if possible. Once play has started, only the Golf Course or Tournament Director can cancel play due to Force Majeure conditions, i.e. – heavy rain storm, lightning, etc. If a player quits and the round has not been officially cancelled by the Gold Course or Tournament Director, the player will be “disqualified.” If a player does not play the 18 holes from tee to finish, that player will be “disqualified.” If the player knowingly records a false score on the hole(s) not finished, the player can face expulsion from the Grasshoppers.
Pets:
There will be no pets brought by Grasshopper members on the golf course at any time. Many golf courses do not allow pets and they can be a distraction to other players. Therefore, this rule applies to all of our Tournaments.
No Shows:
No shows and late cancellations should be avoided. When they cannot be avoided, every effort should be made to contact the Tournament Director or Assistant Director. If cancellations are made prior to checks being deposited in the bank, the check will be destroyed by shredding. Cancellation within 5 days of the Tournament will result in forfeiture of the prize money and possible loss of entry fee based on the circumstance. No shows with no notification will result in forfeiture of all fees.
The entry fee for each Tournament will be based upon green fees, cart, tax, and prize
money for two days.
Prizes:
All money for each Tournament will be distributed. Approximately 35% to 40% of all players will receive prizes.
Refunds:
When Tournament refunds are necessary, a refund will be sent by Zelle transfer or check
immediately following the Tournament.
Handicaps:
Our Grasshopper season only consists of six Tournaments per year, and with our special
Grasshopper playing rules we have an internal Handicap program which is not the same as that used by the USGA. Grasshopper handicaps are computed on a spreadsheet using the Individual Play rounds of each Tournament. We take the average scores of at least five Tournament rounds played since 2022 (after COVID). For returning members, we will maintain and use all scores for the past three years (for example, at the end of the 2025 season we will no longer use 2022 scores). We throw out the highest score recorded, then average the remaining scores to get the computed Handicap Index based upon a par 71. That computed Handicap Index is then adjusted 95% to get the Default Handicap used in our Tournaments. Until a member has recorded at least five Grasshopper rounds (since 2022) or in the case of New Members, their Handicap will be based on the following:
We will use a New Member’s GHIN (USGA) Handicap for the very first Tournament, then
follow the schedule below.
2-3 Rounds played – we will average and use your lowest two (2) Rounds, at Handicap
Chairman’s discretion.
4-5 Rounds played – we will average and use your lowest four (4) Rounds, at Handicap
Chairman’s discretion.
5 and greater Rounds played – we will average all rounds except the highest, which will be
thrown out.
The maximum Handicap for men is 36. For women, it is 40.
Pairings:
For most Tournaments, players will be grouped using Handicaps to equalize the teams. Generally, teams will consist of two men and two women. There can be exceptions based upon the number of men versus the number of women signed up for a Tournament. Every effort will be made to avoid duplicating playing partners during a season. Spouses/significant others (couples) will not play together until the final Tournament of the season. At the final Tournament of the season, couples will be paired together (Divorce Invitational), or single players can request a partner. Otherwise, players will be paired at the Tournament Director’s discretion.
Blinds:
Blind draws will be used as necessary to fill out teams. Blind draws will play with their assigned teams, and their scores will be used with the team that is short a player. They are eligible to win prize money with both teams. For a Scramble game, no Blind player will be used. Players on the team rotate evenly (either by hole or by stroke) hitting the fourth shot. The prize money for the missing player goes back into the pot.
Hole in One Club:
Membership is open to all active members of the Cen-Tex Grasshoppers who pay $2.00. At the beginning of the year, membership dues include this $2.00. Membership continues until an enrolled member makes a Hole in One in Grasshopper competition. That member is awarded the prize money and a new Hole in One pot is started. Should more than one member make a Hole in One in the same Tournament, the prize money will be split evenly. The Hole in One money will be awarded if any competitive round is started, even if the round is not completed due to Force Majeure determination. Contributions to the Hole in One fund are not refundable.
Tailgate Party:
On each evening before the first day of the Tournament, a party will be held from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm., usually at the Golf Course. The party is known as the Tailgate Party and is used for announcements and fellowship. The Tournament Director’s Welcome Committee will provide snacks (peanuts, pretzels, chips, etc.). Members are responsible for purchasing their own beverages. Dinner afterwards is at the discretion of each member. Team members are encouraged to go out together for further strategy and planning sessions to enhance their chances of winning the Tournament.
Rules of Play
USGA Rules of Play will govern play except as noted below: (Grasshopper Rules)
Lies:
Unless otherwise noted, players may move their ball one Driver length, no nearer to the hole, through the green.
Penalty Areas (Hazards):
Players cannot remove their ball from a Hazard but can improve their lie, as stated above.
Bunkers:
Sand bunkers are considered “Ground Under Repair” for all Grasshoppers. As such, it is the Player’s choice to play the ball as it lies or take free relief:
- Find the nearest point of complete relief (stance and swing) from the ground under repair.
- Place your ball within one Driver length of that point, no closer to the hole.
Out of Bounds:
When a ball goes out of bounds, take relief as you would for a Lateral Hazard (Red Penalty Area). Drop the ball within two Driver lengths of the point at which it crossed the margin, no closer to the hole. Add ONE penalty stroke.
Lost Ball:
When a Player gets to the spot where they think the ball is located and the ball is not found within three (3) minutes, drop a ball, add ONE penalty stroke, and play on. The ball must be played from the area where it was lost (i.e. – if it was lost in the rough, it must be played from the rough).
Water Hazard (Yellow Penalty Area):
If you hit a ball in the water (Yellow Penalty Area), you have two options:
Option One: You may hit a second ball over the water, counting strokes according to the Rules of Golf (drop, add ONE Penalty Stroke, and hit).
Option Two: You may carry your ball around the water and drop on the other side on a line
from the tee box to the flag, no closer than TWO Driver lengths from the margin of the hazard toward the flag. Add TWO penalty strokes (hit in the water, carry around and drop, add two strokes, hit the ball).
Special Situation: If the Golf Course designates Drop Zones, then any ball AFTER a drive can be carried to the drop zone with only ONE penalty stroke. If a player hits their drive in the water, then Option One must be used.
Fourteen Club Rule:
The Fourteen Club Rule is waived for Grasshopper Tournaments.
Putts:
Only Putts with 18” can be given. Only the “A” Player can concede the putt, and his/her putter should be properly marked with tape before the Round.
“A” Player:
The Player with the lowest Handicap on a Team is considered the “A” Player. The “A” Player
is responsible for the accuracy of the scorecard. The “A” Player also ensures the scorecards are turned in immediately after the round. The “A” Player is responsible for keeping up the Pace of Play and ensuring the Rules are followed.
Scorecards:
Scorecards will be marked with names and Handicap Stroke holes for each Player on the Team. The Scorecards will be placed on both carts. The “A” Player will have the official scorecard and the “B” or “C” Player on the other cart will have the copy. Both cards must be filled out exactly the same. Each cart should routinely cross-check scorecards as play progresses. Do not wait until half way or the end of the round to begin this. Incorrect cards turned in to the Scoring Table may have scores increased to fix the error, but scores cannot be decreased. This may result in a lower finish and potentially loss of prize money.
Starting Time:
All Players are required to be at the Golf Course and have golf bags loaded on assigned cart
no later than thirty minutes prior to tee time. This allows time for announcements, Rules/Game clarification, and questions, and leaves time to get all Players to their assigned starting holes. All Players should have their names on their golf bags.
Pace of Play:
Always play “Ready Golf.” If you are out ahead of your Teammates and you can hit first, do it. Always remain aware of the group ahead of you. Do not fall behind. After teeing off, drive to your ball, get out of the cart with club in hand, and be ready to play. Drive to the next tee before you record your scores. If the tee is open, allow another Player to tee off while you record the scores. Remember, if your group is behind, EVERY group following you is behind. We are not asking you to hurry your swing, just keep pace and be “Ready” to hit.