Vancouver Golf Tour (VGT)
Membership and Tournament Registration

 Who Can Play?

The Vancouver Golf Tour has been designed for both male and female Professionals and Amateurs with Golf Canada handicap factor of 18.0 and less.  Golfers can join VGT as Members or they can play VGT events as Non-members.  VGT Members will get discounted rates on their entry fees and priority registration for a majority of our events.  We will accept all Non-Member’s entries to our tournaments if we are not full at the time of an event’s registration deadline (usually 4-7 days prior to event).

Membership and Tournament Qualifying

The qualification to enter a majority of VGT tournaments is to either join membership and pay the member’s discounted tournament fee, or simply register with payment as a non-member in the Division you are associated with (Professional or Amateur).  In the case of Invitational events, there will either be a qualification process or exemption list posted in the details section of that event.

World Handicap System (WHS)

VGT Result Posting and Handicapping for Amateur Flights.

This notice is to advise all VGT Amateur players of the launch of the World Handicap System effective January 1, 2020.

 Under the New World Handicap System and under VGT’s handicapping policy, it is a requirement for players to enter ALL your round scores “Hole by Hole” to avoid handicap errors and/or confusion.

 For detailed information on the new system please follow this link: https://golfcanada.ca/article/world-handicap-system-coming-to-canada-in-january-2020

 VGT posts ALL tournament results “Hole by Hole” directly to Golf Canada within 24-48 hours of each event (with the exception of the Golden Ears Invitational and the BC Match Play). In order to avoid duplicate postings, player with Golf Canada ID’s are asked to NOT POST their VGT Tournament scores (other than Golden Ears & BC Match Play where the player is responsible for posting their own score).  Whereas players with USGA GHIN#’s ARE REQUIRED to post ALL VGT Results hole-by-hole within 48 hours of the event.

 It is mandatory for ALL Amateur flight players to have a current Golf Canada “GOLD” handicap ID# (approximately $50). It can be obtained through any Golf Canada member club or through the BCGA Players Association.  A current USGA GHIN # is also accepted.

 ALL Amateur flight players with a “(h)” by your name indicates the lack of a downloadable valid handicap factor. Failure to provide a valid handicap factor will result in players being placed in the Championship division with a +1.0 factor.

 The VGT awards Gross and Net prizing in all Amateur divisions at each event. Players with a “(h)” will NOT qualify for any Net prizing.

Professional Status

PGA Carded Status:  To be eligible for Carded Professional rates, players must be either:

1. A current PGA of Canada Member in good standing
2. A current Member of any of the eligible tours found at www.owgr.com.

New Unattached Professional Members

New unattached Professionals to VGT must submit a playing resume accompanied by a letter of recommendation from a PGA Professional certifying their ability to play up to the standards of professional golf.  Both resume and reference letter shall be submitted to the VGT Tour office at info@vancouvergolftour.com.

Membership Terms and Conditions

When joining VGT or registering for a tournament, you agree to abide by all the terms and conditions of both the Code of Conduct and Tournament Application and Cancellation Procedures set in place by VGT. Membership dues are non-refundable 14 days from time of processing and expire at the end of the current season (Summer Tour schedule runs March 16th to Sept.30th. Winter Tour schedule runs Oct.1st to March 15th).

Membership applications will be processed and confirmed by email within 48 hours of receipt.  If no confirmation is received within this time, please contact VGT by email: info@vancouvergolftour.com.

VGT has the right to terminate membership of an individual at any time if there is a breach in the code of conduct.

You agree that all photos taken of you by VGT or any of its representatives may be used in any brochures, posters, literature, announcements, advertisements, or press releases. You also agree to consent to release any information concerning performance and status of membership to the news media, other golf associations and organizations interested in the game of golf.

NSF Policy

Any bounced cheques OR declined credit cards for membership and/or tournament payment will result in the following penalties:

• 1st Offense: $35 penalty.  Player must make payment of current event fee + $35.00 before next scheduled event.  Failure to do so will result in suspension from VGT until payment is received.
• 2nd Offense: $50 penalty.  Player must make payment of current event fee + $50.00 fee before next scheduled event.  Failure to do so will result in suspension from VGT until payment is received.
• 3rd Offense: $50 penalty + indefinite loss of membership and/or playing privileges with VGT

Liability Disclaimer

You acknowledge that participation in any Vancouver Golf Tour event shall be played entirely at your own risk. You, hereby release and discharge the Vancouver Golf Tour and its and its Officers, Directors, Employees, Volunteers and Representatives from all manner of actions, causes of action, suits, liabilities, damages, costs, claims and demands whatsoever which may arise out of the involvement and participation in VGT Tournaments including bodily injury, death, property damage and/or other whether caused by negligence of other members of VGT or of any of the Vancouver Golf Tour Officers, Directors, Employees, Volunteers and Representatives.

Prize Presentations

All Professional Winners of VGT events must attend Official Prize Presentations of the event they win.  Failure to attend will result in the following penalties: 1st offence – $100 fine; Second offence – $300 fine; Third offence – $500 fine and suspension from VGT (length determined by VGT). A fourth offence will lead to a $1,000 fine and termination of membership in VGT for the current year.

Tournament Payment

Players have the option to pay for tournaments online with any major credit card or by sending in an E-Transfer payment to payments@vancouvergolftour.com.  Long-standing members who have a clean track record will be entitled to pay their entry fees with cash or cheque (payable to “VGT”) on tournament day.  A Member who has registered for an event in golf genius (promising to pay on the day) and fails to withdraw, will be responsible to pay the full entry fee payment within 48 hours of the event or they will be suspended indefinitely from the tour.

Tournament Withdrawal Policy

VGT Events (other than Vancouver Open) where VGT Accepts Tournament Payment

• All Players must provide at least 3 days notice (72 hours + from the 1st start time of the event) to qualify for a full refund of their entry.  All non-members must confirm their withdrawal by email to info@vancouvergolftour.com.  All members must withdraw through Golf Genius Member’s section (click ‘unregister’ on the app) and if pre-paid for the event, send an email to info@vancouvergolftour.comat least 72 hours in advance to qualify for a full refund.
• Players who provide less than 3 days notice for their withdrawal but more than 48 hours notice will qualify for a refund less $50 + GST admin fee.   Players who do not provide 48 hours notice of their withdrawal will forfeit their full entry fee.

Vancouver Open

• All Players must provide at least 5 days noticeat 6pm PST to qualify for a full refund of their entry.  All non-members must confirm their withdrawal by email to info@vancouvergolftour.com and ALL members must withdraw through Golf Genius Member’s section or with an email to info@vancouvergolftour.com by the deadline.
• Players who provide less than 5 days notice for their withdrawal but more than 72 hours notice will qualify for a refund less $100 + GST admin fee.   Players who do not provide 72 hours notice of their withdrawal will forfeit their full entry fee.
• Players who register any Major (including the Vancouver Open) and subsequently qualify for a Mackenzie Tour, Web.com Tour or PGA Tour event (that conflicts with the VGT Major they are registered for) will have their entry fees fully refunded as long as VGT is notified in writing to info@vancouvergolftour.commore than 72 hours in advance and a player receives confirmation of this email.  Failure to notify VGT more than 72 hours in advance will result in the normal withdrawal policy applying above.

NOTE: All penalties must be paid in full as soon as possible and before their registration is accepted for any future VGT events.

Player Registration on Tournament Day

Players who have pre-paid for events must register 30 minutes prior to their tee time or prior to a shotgun start.  Players who have not pre-paid with their registration must register at least 45 minutes prior to their tee-time.

Penalty for Late Starts

Rule 6-3a provides: “The player must start at the time established by the Committee.” The penalty for breach of 6-3a is disqualification. However, it is a condition of the competition that, if the player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after his starting time, in the absence of circumstances that warrant waiving the penalty of disqualification as provided in Rule 33-7, the penalty for failure to start on time is two strokes at the first hole in stroke play instead of disqualification.

Lifting an embedded Ball

When applicable during play, the “Embedded Ball Rule” as written in Appendix 1 is in effect in the  “general area.”

Ties & Playoffs

Ties for 1st may be decided by a playoff when time permits. In most cases, a sudden death playoff over 3 holes will ensue. In the event of a tie after 3 holes, players will split prize moneys. In certain tournaments where time permits (i.e.: VGT Majors and the Vancouver Open) a sudden death playoff will ensue until a winner is established. Ties for 1st during Pro-ams and in the Winter Tour, and ties for all other places will split the place and prize amount.

Caddies

Caddies are permitted, provided that they do not wear spiked shoes. Caddies will be required to register with VGT prior to tee-off and are obligated to abide by the host golf course’s dress code and wear a VGT caddy bib when available.

Power Carts

Power Carts are not permitted for players in the Professional and Championship Flight in ‘Open events’ unless local rules state otherwise. Carts will be permitted for play in Pro-am events where players are asked to share a cart with Pro-am partners and in the qualifying rounds of the BC Match Play. 

Code of Conduct

Vancouver Golf Tour has adopted the Local Rule under Golf Canada Rule 1.2b setting standards of player conduct on the golf course during play at all competitions. The full policy is available online at www.golfcanada.ca/rules, in the VGT Tournament Office and at the starting tee. 

All players must also abide by the Code of Conduct expected by VGT, both on and off the golf course. Players must attempt to be competitive and must conduct themselves in a professional manner. 

Failure to do so – including throwing club, burying club, abusive language, or behavior unbecoming of a Professional (and based on the frequency and nature of the violation, whether on or off the golf course), the VGT Committee may assess any or all of the following penalties outlined below:

• Warning
• One penalty stroke
• General Penalty
• Disqualification
• Indefinite Suspension of Membership

At any time the VGT Committee may suspend membership or disqualify a player from a tournament for serious misconduct (either on or off the golf course) for acting contrary to the spirit of the game and breaching the VGT Code of Conduct.

Penalties are cumulative throughout the year.

Dress Code

All professionals are required to present a neat appearance in both clothing and personal grooming. You are required at all times to maintain an acceptable standard of dress both on the golf course and in the clubhouse, including golf slacks and a collared golf shirt or mock neck golf shirt. Shorts or jeans are not permitted in any VGT Tour events, unless specified by the tour in a local rule.

All Amateurs playing in VGT events may wear shorts and must abide by the host golf course’s dress code policy in place.

Alcohol Consumption

NO ALCOHOL is to be consumed by Professionals or Championship Amateurs during the course of play during any ‘Open’ VGT Events.

•  1st offence: Official Warning
•  2nd offence: Disqualification from event
•  3rd offence: Player will be suspended from competing in VANCOUVER GOLF TOUR events for the remainder of the year.

*Additional discipline may be administered if a serious violation of professional code of conduct has occurred.

Pace of Play

The following rules will apply to all VGT players throughout the year. If an individual or group is determined to be behind ‘Time Par’ by a VGT Rules Official, the group in question will be put on the clock.  In the case of an individual offence, the following penalties will be in place:

• 1st offence: Warning
• 2nd offence: 1 stroke penalty
• 3rd offence: 2 stroke penalty
• 4th offence: Disqualification from event and $300 fine. Player will be suspended from competing in VANCOUVER GOLF TOUR events for an indefinite period to be determined by VGT.

If the rules official cannot determine the individual in question that is causing the group to be out of position, the group in question will be warned and will be expected to move back into position with group ahead of them by a time determined by the onsite rules official.  Failure to do so by the group will result in the following group penalties:

• 1st offence: 1 stroke penalty
• 2nd offence: 2 stroke penalty
• 3rd offence: 2 stroke penalty and $300 fine.
• 4th offence: Disqualification from event and $500 fine. Player will be suspended from competing in VANCOUVER GOLF TOUR events for an indefinite period to be determined by VGT.

Return of Scorecards

Upon completion of play, failure to return scorecards in a timely manner may result in disqualification. For the purpose of applying Rule 6-6c, a competitor is considered to have returned his scorecard when he has first left the scoring area.

Any player failing to return a scorecard (DNF):

• 1st offence: Player will be omitted from the VGT Order of Merit and Scoring Average standings.
• 2nd offence: Player will be suspended from competing in TOUR events for the remainder of the year.

 Conforming Balls and Non-conforming clubs

• The ball that a player plays must be named on the current “List of Conforming Golf Balls” recognized by Golf Canada. Penalty for playing a non-conforming ball is disqualification.
• The one ball rule is in effect for all players in the Professional and Championship Flight of Vancouver Golf Tour events, unless a local rule is in effect.
• All clubs used by the player must not be named on the current “List of Non-Conforming Golf Clubs” recognized by Golf Canada. Penalty for playing a non-conforming golf club is disqualification

VGT’s Groove Rule

Golf Canada in affiliation with the R&A and the United States Golf Association have revised the Rules of Golf, placing new restrictions on the cross sectional area and edge sharpness of golf club grooves. The revisions are designed to restore the challenge of playing shots to the green from the rough by reducing backspin on those shots. The initial focus of the new Rules will be competitions involving highly skilled professional golfers and will have little impact on the play of most golfers.

The Rules control the cross sectional area of grooves on all clubs, with the exception of drivers and putters, and limit groove edge sharpness on clubs with lofts equal to or greater than 25 degrees (generally a standard 5-iron and above).

The Rules apply to clubs manufactured after January 1, 2010. Clubs manufactured prior to January 1, 2010 that conform to current regulations will continue to be considered conforming to the Rules of Golf until May 1st, 2014 for all Championship Amateurs and Professionals. This includes clubs purchased after that date from manufacturers’ existing model ranges. So long as these clubs continue to be conforming they may be used for VGT events until April 31st, 2014.

It is intended that the new Groove Rules will be introduced as a Condition of Competition for VGT events in only the Professional and Championship Amateur Flight on May 1, 2014.  All Flight A and B players will be entitled to continue using golf clubs that conformed prior to the rule change.

Distance Measuring Devices (DMDs):

Range finders or distance measuring devices are permissible for play on the Vancouver Golf Tour.  The devices may be used in competition to measure distance only, and may not be used to measure or gauge other conditions such as wind speed or direction, temperature or elevation or a player’s physical or mental state, such as heart rate.

Functions which were previously prohibited from residing on a DMD, may now reside there, provided that such functions are not accessed by the player during the stipulated round. Such prohibited functions include, but are not limited to:

• the gauging or measuring of slope;
• the gauging or measuring of other conditions that might affect play (e.g., wind speed or direction);
• the gauging or measuring of a player’s physical or mental state, such as heart rate;
• recommendations that might assist the player in making a stroke or in his play (e.g.,club selection, type of shot to be played, green reading or any other advice-related matter); or
• calculating the effective distance between two points based on elevation changes or other conditions affecting shot distance.

Interpretation of the Rule

Important points to note, concerning actual use of prohibited information versus functionality of the device (all assuming the Local Rule for DMDs is in effect):

1. A player may use a device that contains prohibited functions (examples listed above) provided these specific functions are not accessed by the player during the stipulated round. “Access” is interpreted to mean that the player has viewed or otherwise used the information generated by a prohibited function, or the player uses a device where such output is displayed.
2. Questions will arise if permitted and prohibited functions are not effectively separated on the device.
3. Such questions will put the player at risk of being considered in breach of the Rules.
4. If, for example, information generated by a prohibited function is permanently or regularly on display to a player during normal interaction with a device during a stipulated round, the player has “used” that information. This would include devices which are both carried and worn (e.g., a multi-functional watch).
5. If, however, a device contains two separate applications, one of which contains only permitted functions, the other certain prohibited functions, the player would only be in breach of the Local Rule if he accesses the latter application.
6. Presence of an icon of a prohibited application or function within a menu screen would not normally be considered to be a breach of the Local Rule.
7. The same principles, above, apply to audible information.

Practice

Between the play of two holes in stroke play events, a player must not play a practice stroke or roll a ball on or near the putting green of the hole last played. Any practice of this nature will result in a two shot penalty.  In the case of a two-round tournament, practice on the course (being used in round two) in between rounds is prohibited.  Practice of this nature between rounds will result in disqualification.

Order of Merit

Vancouver Golf Tour will use a year-long Point System to determine the Order of Merit Winners in both Professional and Amateur Divisions.  

• For the Professional Division, the Order of Merit is based on points accumulated from all Professional events.  
• For All Amateur Flights, the Order of Merit is based on the points accumulated from the top 12 events a player plays in.