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Competitive Golf for the Casual Golfer

The South Side of Chicago is full of casual golfers that want to enjoy the game at a wide variety of fantastic courses.  The Fore Star Golf Tour attempts to make this experience better, by introducing friendly competition and structure to our otherwise casual rounds throughout the summer.  This league prioritizes playability and fun.  Golf should not be overly stressful - we're not that good.  

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The FSGT attempts to level the playing field for all participants by leveraging the CDGA handicap system.  Players of all skill levels can compete together by applying applicable course handicaps.  Only net scores matter on this tour.  A 4 handicap and a 28 handicap can compete just as fiercely as two scratch golfers going head-to-head.  

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The Handicap System

  • All participants in the FSGT must have a current CDGA Handicap index.  No other handicap systems will be allowed.  All handicap indexes are welcome to join the league.

  • Playing handicaps will be posted and shared with the League Members on the first start date of each event, this is what you will play at regardless of when you complete your round. These are calculated by using current handicap/adjusted handicap + course handicap/par ​

    • Low net scores will be paid out to the winner(s) of each event

Rules

​Basics:

  • The Fore Star Golf Tour operates under house rules.

  • Singles, net handicap, stroke play format.  Ball in hole (no gimmies).

  • Players are allowed practice rounds.  No mulligans allowed when playing declared league round.

  • Players must play with at least one other member within the league to attest scorecard for their round to be official.

  • Each player is responsible for posting their own score.  Hole-by-hole submission on CDGA.

  • Once a scorecard is signed and submitted, scores are final.

  • Scores are due by 9pm on the final day of each event.  ​​

  • In order to be eligible for weekly prizes, the round must be played within the specified event dates.

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Tee Box Selection:​

  • Two tee box options will be offered for the season.  Think "white" and "blue" tee boxes, as the standard.​

  • The course selections and tee distances will be distributed before the beginning of the season.

  • Each player must choose if they want to play the "white" tees or "blue" tees for the duration of the season.

  • Once the season begins, the decision is final.  You cannot change tee groups.

  • We feel as though this option gives longer players that choice to play a more difficult course, along with the handicap benefits that accompany the added distance.

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Custom League Rules:

We are not professionals, and therefore should not play like professionals.  The following rules are intended to improve overall pleasure and pace of play.  Please do not take advantage of these rules.  All final rulings must be approved by your playing partner and/or group.

  • Max score = double par.  Can pick up when you've hit your max score on a hole.

  • Play OB/Lost Ball as a lateral hazard where your playing partner(s) agree the ball crossed the boundary.

  • Drop on the far side of a forced carry over water hazard/ravine/native area.

  • Lift, clean, and place when necessary.  Must be agreed upon with playing partner(s) at the start of round.

  • Free relief from "unmarked" ground under repair (bare spots, tree roots, unraked bunkers, divots, etc...) agreed upon with playing partner(s).  No closer to the hole (cannot improve lie from sand to rough, long rough to 1st cut, rough to fairway, fringe to green, etc.). 

  • If your ball is lost in plain sight with no OB/hazards/woods/native areas within 20 yards of where your ball came to rest, take a free drop to keep pace moving (aka. "The Leaf Rule").  Must be approved by playing partner(s).  If not agreed upon, play using OB/Lost Ball lateral hazard rule above.

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