Black Swamp Golf Tour - Official Handbook

Last Updated - January 9th 2025

  1. Terminology
    1. USGA
      1. The USGA™ and Rules of Golf© are trademarks and copyrights, respectively, of the USGA™ and are only used as a reference within this material. The Black Swamp Golf Tour, LLC, its tournaments, and its affiliate entities are in no way associated with the USGA™ and its affiliated entities.
    2. The Committee or Tournament Committee
      1. The Black Swamp Golf Tour will appoint individuals to run each event. Those appointed members will constitute the Committee as mentioned throughout this text. Typically, the Committee will be comprised of two or three individuals depending on the volume of registrations, availability, and other unforeseen factors.
    3. Board of Directors
      1. Any reference to the Board of Directors is limited to member/owners of Black Swamp Golf Tour, LLC. All decisions made by the Board of Directors are final and will override any decisions made by the Committee.
    4. TPI - Tournament Player Index
      1. A Tournament Player Index is the Black Swamp Golf Tour's method of leveling the playing field for players of all skill levels to compete in the same event. It is analogous to the USGA™ handicap index with some adjustments to more accurately reflect a player's abilities. The Black Swamp Golf Tour is in no way affiliated with the USGA™ and is not certified to use the USGA™ handicap system or issue USGA™ handicaps and, therefore, has elected to create its own mathematical formula for calculating a TPI and score adjustment.
      2. Please note that the names TPI, Tournament Player Index, and the formula to calculate a TPI are the sole property of the Black Swamp Golf Tour, LLC. The tour reserves its right to protect this intellectual property from unauthorized use.
    5. Score Adjustment
      1. The Black Swamp Golf Tour creates a "Score Adjustment" that is applied to players scores for competitive rounds. This system is analogous to the USGA™ playing handicap with a different calculation method. Regardless of TPI, a player may receive no more than fifteen (15) strokes per round when calculating the "Score Adjustment". Prior to play, the tournament committee will indicate on the player's official scoring strip how the "Score Adjustment" is allocated per hole. Note that after a course has an established playing history, the tour may choose to adjust hole difficulty ratings based on concrete data. This review will be made public for all courses whose hole ratings do not match their score cards. The tour views this as an improvement over the USGA™ hole-by-hole handicap system as it is backed by objective data rather than a subjective rating during a walk of the course.
  2. Liability Waiver
    1. By downloading, reading, or viewing this document or by participating in a Black Swamp Golf Tour, LLC event, you agree to unconditionally release the Black Swamp Golf Tour, LLC, its affiliates, associated entities, its agents, its employees, and its representatives from any claims, demands, causes of action, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses of any kind, whether known or unknown, arising out of or relating to any event held by the Black Swamp Golf Tour, LLC. This includes but is not limited to claims based on negligence, breach of contract, strict liability, or the inherent dangers of the sport of golf and you agree to hold Black Swamp Golf Tour, LLC harmless from any such claims. You also agree that while participating in events hosted by the Black Swamp Golf Tour, LLC, you are personally liable for any damages you cause to individuals or to property and thereby agree to hold harmless and release of all liability Black Swamp Golf Tour, LLC and its affiliates.
  3. Default Rules
    1. All play will be governed by the current edition of the Rules of Golf© as published by the USGA™ except where explicitly stated within these rules. The tournament committee may, at any time, make a ruling that deviates and/or clarifies these rules. All rulings made by the committee are final and will be subject to follow-up review after the event has concluded. All players are encouraged to download the most recent copy of the Rules of Golf© to their mobile device or otherwise have a copy of the Rules of Golf© available for reference during play.
    2. Players should note that this document will format itself for printing. Players are encouraged to print a copy of this document to PDF, download a copy to their mobile device, and/or otherwise keep a copy of this document available for reference during play.
  4. Conduct
    1. All players are required to maintain good conduct in accordance with Rule 1 of the Rules of Golf©. Any conduct violation will be subject to review and, if the tournament committee deems appropriate, will result in immediate disqualification without refund of any funds paid and possible suspension from the tour.
  5. Eligibility
    1. In order to be eligible to play on the Black Swamp Golf Tour, players must meet all of the following criteria:
      1. Players must be eighteen (18) years of age or older as of the day of the event.
      2. Players must not have had professional exempt status on any professional tour within the last five (5) years.
      3. Players must not have qualified for any professional-level tournament within the last five (5) years.
      4. Players must not have played in any professional-level tournament within the last five (5) years.
    2. Additionally, players must meet at least one of the following playing ability requirements:
      1. Player has an established USGA™ GHIN handicap of 20 or less. (Not used during play and will be translated into an estimated TPI).
      2. Player has an established Black Swamp Golf Tour TPI (Tournament Player Index).
      3. Player is an established player (at least two (2) tournaments) on the Black Swamp Golf Tour over the previous two (2) years.
      4. Player has submitted scores for review to the Black Swamp Golf Tour and has been officially approved for play.
      5. Player has has been administratively approved by the Black Swamp Golf Tour based on tournament history, exhibition play history, league play history, or other verifiable means.
    3. In order to preserve the integrity of tournaments, players must submit some sort of verifiable playing history so a valid TPI can be generated for play. Under no circumstances will a player without verifiable history that does't meet the aforementioned criteria be allowed to play in a Black Swamp Golf Tour event. If you have questions regarding how to submit certifiable scores, please contact the Black Swamp Golf Tour directly.
  6. Dress Code
    1. All players are required to wear attire that aligns with the spirit of Rule 1 of the Rules of Golf©. Players will be notified at registration of dress code restrictions in addition to items described within this rule.
    2. Acceptable Dress Examples
      1. Dress slacks with belt, dress shorts with belt, skirts, collared polo shirts, vests, sweaters, baseball/golf caps, golf shoes.
    3. Prohibited Dress Examples
      1. Jogging shorts, sweat pants, jeans, tee-shirts with no collar, tennis shoes, excessively short skirts, yoga pants.
      2. Metal spikes are strictly prohibited during play unless consent is explicitly granted by the host course and the tournament committee has been notified.
    4. Players will be permitted to wear gear appropriate for extreme weather conditions. For example, all-weather rain gear, cold-weather gear, and other attire as appropriate.
  7. Competition
    1. All primary event competitions will be 18-hole, net stroke play, 48-person events unless otherwise noted by the committee. Optional gross entries will be collected at registration for most events.
  8. Registration
    1. Event Registration Window
      1. All events will be published online via Facebook and the Black Swamp Golf Tour official web site at http://www.blackswampgolftour.com/tournaments.html as close to be beginning of the calendar year as possible.
      2. Event registration will open eight (8) weeks prior to the scheduled event date.
      3. Event registration will close two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled event date.
      4. Event registration may be extended or limited depending on the volume of registrations. In an effort to maintain a great relationship with host courses, the Black Swamp Golf Tour employs an early-notice policy to give courses time to sell unused tee-times. In the spirit of this good-faith relationship, the Black Swamp Golf Tour will not accept late registrations unless explicitly stated otherwise.
    2. Registration Process
      1. When the registration window opens for an event, the Black Swamp Golf Tour will provide links available on Facebook and its official web site to register for the event.
      2. During the registration process, each player will provide at minimum a full name, valid contact method, GHIN/handicap/score adjustment information and/or score history.
      3. During the registration process, each player will select additional games/pots they would like to participate in. For example, optional gross pot, skins pot, brackets, and other competitions as they are made available.
      4. After submitting the registration form, the Black Swamp Golf Tour will review the entry information and generate an invoice that will be sent via the provided contact method to the player. Upon invoice generation, the player will be considered officially "registered" in the event. If the player is rejected during the review process, the player will be notified of the reason and possibly asked to provide additional information prior to invoice generation.
      5. Once payment has been received for the registration invoice, the player will be added to the roster and all approved competitions for which they have registered.
      6. Players should understand that ALL money for side-games and additional competitions will be collected during the registration invoicing process. No payments will be accepted the day of the tournament unless explicitly discussed with the Board of Directors and approved prior to the registration window close.
      7. If a player elects to pay for registration by check, all checks should be made out to the following:
        1. Black Swamp Golf Tour, LLC
          2001 S Defiance St. Lot 137
          Archbold, OH 43502
    3. 2025 Fee Schedule
      1. Event Entry Fee (net) - $55 per player
      2. (Optional) Event Gross Pot - $10
      3. (Optional) Bracket Entry (max of 8 brackets) - $5 per bracket
      4. (Optional) Skins Pot - $10
    4. Refund Policy
      1. The Black Swamp Golf Tour has a strict "No Refund" policy. However, the tour has reviewed options for extenuating circumstances and will work with players to roll entry fees over into future events, migrate registrations to replacement players, and will otherwise work with players if circumstances outside of their control prevents them from attending a tournament. If a player is unable to attend an event for which they have already registered, the player should contact the Board of Directors at the contact information provided on the Black Swamp Golf Tour official web site and discuss possible options. Maintaining open communications with the tour is the responsibility of the player. Failure to maintain communication regarding a player's intention to not play an event will result in forfeiture of fees paid and possibly suspension from the tour upon review.
      2. If you call to discuss migration of your registration, please remember the conduct policy is in full effect while you are discussing your issue on the phone. DO NOT call and scream at the person because you want a refund. Doing so will only get you banned from future tour events.
  9. Tournament Play
    1. All players must arrive and check in at least twenty (20) minutes prior to their scheduled tee time. Failure to check in on time will result in a two stroke penalty for players that check in late. Players who "no show" will receive an immediate disqualification and will not be refunded any paid fees or entries.
    2. Players are responsible for paying their own cart fees and greens fees prior to check in. At check in, the committee member taking registrations will verify that each player has paid their greens fees. Players will not receive their official scoring strip and score card until they have checked in and paid the required course fees. Failure to pay cart fees and/or greens fees will result in immediate disqualification without refund of any fees paid. Players caught not paying will then be referred to the course for further disciplinary action possibly including, but not limited to, legal action to recover losses. Players should understand that the Black Swamp Golf Tour takes its relationship with event hosts very seriously and will do everything in its power to maintain the integrity of the relationship between the tour and host sites.
    3. All players will receive a score card and an official scoring strip at check in prior to beginning play.
    4. Players must arrive at the tee box no less then five (5) minutes prior to their required tee time. Players late to the tee box will receive a two (2) stroke penalty if they arrive before the entire group tees off. Any player that "no shows" will receive an immediate disqualification without refund of any fees paid.
    5. Pace of Play
      1. Players will be allotted a maximum of fourteen (14) minutes per hole or a maximum of two (2) hours and eight (8) minutes per nine holes. Groups that exceed the maximum amount of time for play will be considered "Out of Position" and subject to review.
      2. As part of scheduling, the Black Swamp Golf Tour has discussed with host sites the tee-time gappings they would like to have in effect for their respective events. The first notification of tee-time gappings will be received by players when they see the tee sheet. The second notification of tee-time gappings will be reiterated at the first tee. Players should make a best-effort to play within the times allotted by the host site.
      3. Groups that are "Out of Position" will be reviewed by the event committee. If it is found to be the fault of the group that they are "Out of Position", the group will receive one (1) warning. At that point the group will be given roughly three (3) holes to speed up play. If the group is found to be "Out of Position" and has already received a warning, the subsequent occurrence will result in a two (2) stroke penalty for all players in the group.
    6. All groups shall remain in the same order with respect to other groups during tournament play. Players should not allow other tournament groups to "play through". Groups arriving at the final hole that are "Out of Teeing Order" will receive a two (2) stroke penalty.
    7. Caddies & Guests
      1. Caddies will not be permitted during tournament play.
      2. Players with physical disabilities are welcome and encouraged to play on the Black Swamp Golf Tour. Players that require on-course assistance should contact the Black Swamp Golf Tour Board of Directors prior to registration to discuss their individual needs. However, a player that is permitted assistance on the course will be prohibited from gaining advice outside of overcoming their physical disability. If a player receives advice above and beyond what is necessary for their physical handicap, the player will receive a two (2) stroke penalty.
      3. Players should consult with the host course regarding guests prior to arriving at the event. Some courses require a trail fee for guests. All guest behavior and guest fees are the responsibility of the guest and the player. While the Black Swamp Golf Tour welcomes guests, the decision to allow or prohibit guests will be deferred to the host course.
      4. By being present on the course, all individuals agree to the Black Swamp Golf Tour Release of Liability and agree to release the Black Swamp Golf Tour of any and all responsibility for injuries, mishaps, or any other circumstance that may arise from being present on the golf course.
      5. Minors under the age of fourteen (14) are strictly prohibited from being on the course as a guest during an event.
      6. Players that elect to invite guests should make their guests fully aware of the expectations of behavior while on the golf course. This include, but is not limited to, obnoxious behavior, talking while players are taking or preparing to take a stroke, running around, or other behavior unbecoming a golfer.
    8. Tee Markers
      1. Players will be notified at registration and on the first tee which set of tees will be played for the tournament round.
    9. Measuring Devices
      1. Players are permitted to use distance measuring devices during their round. Note this also includes measuring devices that adjust for slope and elevation changes.
      2. Devices that assist in measuring green slope, display green overlays, or otherwise assist in reading greens are strictly prohibited. The only exception to this rule is a player purchasing a greens book from the host site or online. Any greens books should be approved by the event committee member at check in to verify whether or not the book or digital content is acceptable for play.
      3. Failure to abide by measuring device rules will result in immediate disqualification without refund of any fees paid.
    10. Scoring
      1. Players may not keep their own score during the round. On the first tee, players should exchange their regular scorecard with another player in the group. That player will be known as the "scorer". If possible, the scorer should be a player that is not riding in the same cart as the player.
      2. Players should only exchange their scorecard with other players. The official scoring strip should remain with the player.
      3. The scorer should record the gross score for their respective player on the scorecard.
      4. Each player may also make a note on the score card for which they are a scorer to record their own scores. Typically, this is done on the last line of the score card and should be clearly noted as such.
      5. After play has completed, any disputes should be reconciled and scores should be recorded on each score card in the group. Once the scorer and the player agree that the scores are correct, each player should then transfer each hole score to the official scoring strip. Both the player and the scorer must print their name, sign, and date the scoring strip. The group's scoring strips should then be handed to the event committee member for recording on the official score sheet. Failure to return a completed scoring strip to the event committee member recording scores will result in immediate disqualification without refund of any fees paid.
    11. Close of Play
      1. After all player grouping have completed play, the tournament director or committee member will tally all scores and declare the player with the lower score to be the winner.
      2. If two or more players submit identical, winning scores, the tournament director will declare a tie and tie-breaker procedures will commence.
      3. Players should note that tie breakers may not be permitted by all host sites. In that case, multiple winners will be declared and the prize fund will be split appropriately.
      4. Each player eligible for monetary winnings will receive a written check from the Black Swamp Golf Tour for their respective winnings amount. The amount of the check will be the sum of all tournament winnings, side-game winnings, and any refund due for un-fillable bracket entries.
      5. If there are ties for paid spots, the sum of the amounts for the number of players paid will be split between the players involved in the tie.
      6. Example Payout Scenario - six (6) paid spots (amounts are for example only)
        1. Payout Amounts per Place
          1st Place - $700
          2nd Place - $400
          3rd Place - $300
          4th Place - $200
          5th Place - $100
          6th Place - $50
        2. Player Scores
          Player A - 75
          Player B - 76
          Player C - 76
          Player D - 76
          Player E - 77
          Player F - 78
        3. Actual Payouts
          Player A - $700 (1st)
          Players B,C, and D - $300 (2nd) (($400 + $300 + $200) / 3)
          Player E - $100 (5th)
          Player F - $50 (6th)
    12. Tie Breaker
      1. If players are permitted to resolve a tie on-course, players will play match play to resolve the tie.
      2. Players will play tie-breaker holes in the following order: 18, 17, 18, 16, 17, 18
      3. If, after six (6) tie-breaker holes, a winner still has not been declared, the tournament will officially end with a tie.
      4. Players that participate in a tie-break that do not end up winning will tie for second place. Other player placements will begin at the next available placing.
  10. Amateur Status and Payouts
    1. The Black Swamp Golf Tour does not take responsibility for maintenance of USGA™ amateur status for players. It is the player’s responsibility to maintain their own amateur status, and as such, should notify the tour of waiver of prize funds due if the player wishes not to receive a tournament prize in excess of a specific amount. Any amount earned and waived by a player will be retained by the Black Swamp Golf Tour. If a player wishes to waive their prize, they must declare that they wish to do so at registration when signing up for the tournament.
  11. 1099 Information Requests
    1. At the end of the year, the Black Swamp Golf Tour is required to send specific tax forms (1099-MISC) to players earning amounts exceeding certain sums during the year. At the time of this writing, the amount is $600 or more in earnings during the year. By playing on the Black Swamp Golf Tour, players agree to submit any requested information for mailing and generation of tax documents. Failure to submit the requested information will result in suspension of the player from the tour pending review and remittance of the requested data. This information shall include the player’s full legal name, address, and their taxpayer identification number or social security number.
    2. Please note that failure to supply the requested information does not exempt a player from receiving a 1099. The player is encouraged to comply with 1099 requirements as failure to supply the requested information may result in fines and/or other repercussions when filing their taxes.
  12. Weather Delays
    1. As a general rule, all tournaments should be expected to commence without interruption unless severe weather restricts play. The Black Swamp Golf Tour shall consult with the tournament host site regarding whether it is feasible for play to commence. In the event that play is delayed, a limit of a two (2) hour tee time adjustment will be imposed. If an adjustment of more than two (2) hours is required to avoid inclement weather, the tournament will be cancelled for that day and rescheduled if the host site is able to accommodate.
    2. Inclement weather does not nullify the "No Refund" policy. In the event of cancellation, players will be asked to contact the Black Swamp Golf Tour with notification of which tournament they would like to transfer their registration to if no make-up date is scheduled. If a make-up date is scheduled but the player cannot attend the tournament on the make-up day, it will be the responsibility of the player to notify the tour of their circumstances. Failure to notify the tour of a player's intentions will result in forfeiture of entry fees paid. Please see the "Refund Policy" section of this document for details and options for your registration.
    3. Note that the prior rule was created to reduce the amount of fees paid to external services for monetary exchanges, refunds, etc. The Black Swamp Golf Tour will make every attempt to hold the credit for the player as long as the player maintains open lines of communication with the tour with regards to their intentions. While this is somewhat of a gray area, players should expect that their credit will be honored in a future event as long as they communicate with the tour regarding their intentions for use of the credit. If the player cannot be reached and communication is not maintained, the player will forfeit their entry and all fees paid.
  13. Drug, Alcohol, & Refreshment Policy
    1. Use of illegal drugs and narcotics on host premises is strictly prohibited.
    2. Use of marijuana while on host premises is strictly prohibited.
    3. Consumption of alcohol beginning one (1) hour before the first tee-time until the final payout check is awarded is prohibited.
    4. Playing while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. Note that players who are suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be punished for violating this policy, possibly including but not limited to disqualification and suspension from the tour.
    5. The Black Swamp Golf Tour understands that golfers often like to enjoy a drink or two after their rounds. However, we ask that all participants and guests refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages for the duration of our events to reinforce the integrity of our organization. After the conclusion of the tournament, we encourage our participants to show their support for host sites by staying after, dining, enjoying a few drinks, and expressing their appreciation for hosting the event.
    6. Violation of the Drug, Alcohol, and Refreshment Policy will result in immediate disqualification, suspension from the tour, and possible referral to law enforcement for any action in violation of local, state, and federal laws. No exceptions.