**FOR 2020 CADDIES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE**

 

 

Golf Manitoba permits caddies in all championships except the Junior Bantam, Junior Provincial and Junior interclub.  Below are the expectations of all caddies and are not inclusive.

 

Definition of a Caddie:  Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:

• Carrying, Transporting or Handling Clubs:  A person who carries, transports (such as by cart or trolley) or handles a player’s clubs during play is the player’s caddie even if not named as a caddie by the player, except when done to move the player’s clubs, bag or cart out of the way or as a courtesy (such as getting a club the player left behind).
• Giving Advice:  A player’s caddie is the only person (other than a partner or partner’s caddie) a player may ask for advice.

A caddie may also help the player in other ways allowed by the Rules (Rule 10.3b).

 

Purpose of Rule 10.3 - Caddies:

 

The player may have a caddie to carry the player’s clubs and give advice and other help during the round, but there are limits to what the caddie is allowed to do.  The player is responsible for the caddie’s actions during the round and will get a penalty if the caddie breaches the Rules.

• The caddie is responsible for knowing the Rules.
• Caddies must be familiar with Golf Manitoba’s standard policies and dress code; or if more restrictive, the host club dress code will apply.
• The Committee can choose to modify Rule 10.3 - Caddie to:
  - Prohibit the use of caddies,
  - Limit a player’s choice of caddie (such as not allowing a caddie to be a professional, a parent or relative, another player in the competition, etc.).  See Model Local Rule 8H, H - 1.

 

Player Allowed Only One Caddie at a Time

Rule 10.3a (1)

• The player must not have more than one caddie at any one time.
• The player may change caddies during a round, BUT must not do so temporarily for the sole purpose of getting advice from the new caddie.
• Any other person who walks or rides along with the player or who carries other things for the player (such as a rain suit, umbrella or food) is not the player’s caddie.

What a Caddie May Do - Actions Always Allowed

Rule 10.3b (1)

• Carry, transport and handle the player’s clubs and other equipment.
• Search for the player’s ball.
• Give information, advice and other help before the stroke is made.
• Smooth bunkers or take other actions to care for the course.
• Remove sand and loose soil and repair damage on the putting green.
• Remove or attend the flagstick.
• Mark the spot of the player’s ball, lift & replace the ball on the putting green.
• Clean the player’s ball.
• Remove loose impediments and movable obstructions.

 

Actions Allowed Only With Player’s Authorization

Rule 10.3b (2)

• Restore conditions that were worsened after the player’s ball came to rest.
• Except on the putting green, lift the player’s ball under a Rule that requires it to be replaced or after the player has decided to take relief under a Rule. (The authorization must be given specifically each time rather than given generally for the round)
• So long as it is reasonable to conclude that the player is taking relief under a Rule, the caddie is treated as being given authorization to lift the ball.

What a Caddie May Do - Actions NOT Allowed

Rule 10.3b (3)

• Concede the next stroke, a hole or the match to the opponent or agree with the opponent on the match score.
• Deliberately stand on or close to an extension of the line of play behind the player’s ball when the player begins taking a stance for the stroke and until the stroke is made or take other actions prohibited under Rule 10.2b.
  Meaning of “Begins Taking a Stance for the Stroke” – the player begins to take the stance for the stroke that is actually made when they have at least one foot in position. If a player backs away, they have not taken a stance for the stroke that is actually made.  “Backs away” means that the player’s feet or body are no longer in a position where helpful guidance on aiming at the intended target line could be given.
• Replace a ball, unless the caddie had lifted or moved the ball.
• Drop or place a ball in a relief area.
• Decide to take relief under a Rule.  The caddie may advise a player to do so, but the player must decide.

Tips for Caddies

• Be aware of all Golf Manitoba terms of competition, policies, amateur code of conduct and The Rules of Golf
• Take care when carrying clubs to prevent them from rattling when near any golfer.
• Keep up your walking pace, do not lag behind.
• Clubs should be placed well away from any possible line of play and never be placed on the putting green or near the fringe.
• When your player is on the green determine the direction to the next tee and place the clubs close to that exit point.
• Always replace the player’s fairway divot.
• Keep sight of your player’s ball and spot where it lands.
• Observe your ettiquette on the greens.  Only repair old hole plugs and ball marks when directed by your player, do not walk on any player's line of putt and make sure your shoes will not mark the green.
• Always be ready with the rake when your player is in a bunker.  Always rake after the shot and never before.
• Do not substitute the player’s ball with another without the player’s consent.
• Do not touch or lift a player’s ball in play.

In order for Golf Manitoba competitors to enjoy their championship experience, we ask all caddies be respectful.  Any caddie behavior that is a distraction or a disturbance to any player or official will may result in the caddie being asked to leave the course by Golf Manitoba staff.

The purpose of the Dress Code is to ensure reasonable and appropriate standards are maintained at all Golf Manitoba competitions.  All competitors and caddies must adhere to this policy anytime they are on the host facility property.

The Golf Manitoba Dress Code is in conjunction with additional dress code restrictions of the host facility.

 

Men’s Dress Code:  Men are required to wear golf shirts with collars or golf shirts from a line of golf wear and tailored golf pants or shorts.

 

Women’s Dress Code:  Women are required to wear golf shirts with either a collar or sleeves or golf shirts from a line of golf wear, tailored golf shorts/slacks, skorts, skirts or dresses.

 

Golf Manitoba does not accept:  denim of any kind or color, cut - offs, tank tops, halter tops, mesh shirts, workout attire, t-shirts, sport jerseys of any kind, sweat pants (jogging suits) or any other inappropriate attire determined by the Tournament Committee.

 

Footwear:  It is a condition of Golf Manitoba competitions that shoes with metal or traditionally designed spikes are prohibited.

 

Penalty for breach of this rule may be DISQUALIFICATION.

Golf Manitoba will take the following steps as recommended by Environment Canada when weather is a factor during a competitive event:

• potential weather situations which may arise during golf play include:
  - lightening
  - heavy rain
  - extreme heat and humidity
• the decision to blow the horn to postpone play will be made by the Committee which includes the Director of Competitions or staff member on site, the lead official and all other officials that are available.  All officials are requested to communicate with Golf Manitoba staff on what they observe on the course
• play may resume that day, the next day or the round may be cancelled.  This decision will be made by the Committee.

LIGHTNING POLICY

• when lightning becomes a factor in any Golf Manitoba Championship, play will be suspended. Suspension of play will be determined based on the following:
  - visible lightning or when lightning is detected in the area
  - 30/30 rule - if an official can count less than 30 seconds between the lightning and the thunder, the strike of lightning was less than 10 km away and there is a good chance the next strike will be closer.
• lightning can strike ahead of the parent cloud and Golf Manitoba may need to take action even if a thunderstorm is not overhead
• once 30 minutes or more have passed since the last sound of thunder it is safe to go outside.  Resumption of play will be signalled by two short air horn notes.

HEAVY RAIN POLICY

• play will be postponed when the golf course becomes unplayable.  This decision will be made by the Committee and will include the head professional and golf course superintendent.

HEAT & HUMIDITY POLICY

• Golf Manitoba will advise players at the first tee when a high humidex rating is evident as well as provide recommended safety precautions
• when possible, Golf Manitoba will also try to ensure that the host club has a beverage cart on the golf course and advise players of where water sources are located

Background information:

• humidex is an index which combines effects of temperature and humidity on the human body
• maximum in Manitoba was 53 on July 25, 2007 in Carman (our mid - amateur and rural junior was being played elsewhere in the province)
• a humidex advisory is issued when it reaches 40.

Automotive carts are permitted in all events except the Junior Bantam Championship, Junior Interclub Championship and the Junior Provincial Championship.

 

Use of Motorized Transportation by a Competitor or Caddie is subject to the following conditions:

 

When using motorized transportation, the player or caddie must not:

1. Permit anyone else to drive the cart (other than moving it a very short distance to facilitate play)

2. Are not permitted to travel with their motorized cart beyond the point on the course where their ball lies to gauge yardage or to seek the position of the hole.

 

Use of Motorized Transportation

 

1.   Golf Manitoba has the right to limit motorized carts to 2 carts per pairing if they deem necessary

2.   If a cart is shared by two players, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be the equipment of the player whose ball is involved except that, when the cart is being moved by one of the players sharing it, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be that player’s equipment.

 

A player in breach of any of the above conditions is subject to penalty as follows:

 

Match play - At the conclusion of the hole at which the breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred; maximum deduction per round - two holes.

 

Stroke play - general penalty for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum penalty per round - four strokes.

 

Match or stroke play - In the event of a breach between the play of two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.

 

To increase the chance of availability, competitors are encouraged to make their own arrangements with the Host Club for pull carts or automotive carts PRIOR to the start of the event.

 

CARTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED TO BE AVAILABLE.

In order for Golf Manitoba competitors to enjoy their Championship experience, and to show respect to our host facilities and their members the Association asks that all spectators in our events assist us with the following:

• help your junior competitors learn the Rules of Golf including golf etiquette and respect for fellow competitors.
• respect all Golf Manitoba volunteers, staff, spectators and Golf Manitoba property.
• respect the host club, their personnel, volunteers and property.  As well, each club has their own dress code and cell phone policy, please familiarize yourself with it.

Helpful Hints while on the Golf Course:

• please remain a minimum of 20 yards from all competitors during the course of play.
• Spectators will not be allowed on the field of play.  This includes, tee boxes, greens, starting and scoring areas and fairways (as there are always golfers behind the group you are watching).
• please refrain from giving advice to any player during the entire competition.  Advice is defined at as counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining their play, choice of club or method of making a stroke.  The competitor will be given a General Penalty under Rule 10.2a if advice is given, whether asked for or not.
• please avoid all communication, verbal and non -verbal, which may be construed by others as advice.
• allow only referees to administer rulings and do not intervene.  You will be brought into a situation ONLY if the referee asks you.
• Due to possible distractions and privacy concerns no cameras of any kind are permitted on the course.  Pictures or videos may be taken only before or after each round, not during play. 
• Refrain from objectionable behavior including unacceptable language, disrespect to other players, referees, other spectators and volunteers.

You are welcome to:

• tell a competitor where you believe the point of entry into a penalty area is or the general area where a ball may be located ONLY if asked.  Remember, a player may not want their golf ball found.
• ​​​​​​​carry a competitor’s rain suit, umbrella, food and drink.

 

If in doubt on spectator and parent expectations please don’t hesitate to talk to Golf Manitoba Staff or Rules Referees.