INTRODUCTION

The PGA Scramble presented by BMW is the largest grassroots amateur golf program in Canada. Open to the Canadian golfing community, over 175 events and counting, are hosted at various golf courses annually. Over 12,000 amateur golfers of all skill levels play alongside their friends or family members for the chance to win a trip-of-a-lifetime experience to the National Final hosted at Cabot Cape Breton.

Accurate handicap indexes are a crucial aspect of the PGA Scramble presented by BMW, helping to ensure the integrity of the program. The PGA of Canada works closely with Golf Canada as its Official Handicap Partner to review each player’s handicap. The PGA of Canada reserves the right to investigate the Handicap Index of ALL amateur participants. Action will be taken against those that have been found to misrepresent their Handicap Index. Please click HERE to learn more by reading the PGA Scramble presented by BMW Handicapping Guide.

The PGA of Canada will determine all Rules and Regulations associated with the PGA Scramble presented by BMW and will administer these in conjunction with the Golf Canada Rules of Golf, PGA of Canada Code of Conduct, Players’ Code of Conduct, specific PGA Scramble presented by BMW Tournament Rules and any Local Rules applicable on the day of the event. By entering the event all participants of the PGA Scramble presented by BMW agree to abide by the Rules and Regulations established and accept the PGA of Canada’s jurisdiction over the Scramble. The PGA of Canada reserves the sole and exclusive right to alter dates, venues, and rules regarding the management and conduct of all PGA Scramble presented by BMW events.

It is the responsibility of each amateur to ensure they are aware of the PGA Scramble presented by BMW Rules and Regulations, including the PGA of Canada’s policies. The submission of a team’s entry to participate in the PGA Scramble presented by BMW by way of an online form indicates the acceptance and acknowledgement of these conditions for every member of a team.

 

AMATEUR ELIGIBILITY AND HANDICAP REQUIREMENTS

The PGA Scramble presented by BMW is open to all amateur golfers, 19 years of age or older, with an active Golf Canada Membership and Golf Canada Handicap Index. Amateurs must also be in good standing with Golf Canada, their Provincial Golf Association, and home club. Each team will be required to identify a ‘Team Captain’ during the registration process, who will act as the primary liaison between their team and the PGA of Canada.

A team’s aggregate Golf Canada Handicap Index (i.e., sum of the four players’ Handicap Indexes) MUST fall between 32.0 and 112.0 AND only two (2) players may have a Golf Canada Handicap Index of 9.9 or less within a 7 to 10 day window for their registered Local Qualifier. The PGA of Canada reserves the right to adjust any individual or team’s playing handicap at any stage of the competition (Local Qualifiers, Regional Final, National Final). This may be based on any reasonable information available to the PGA, including evidence of past playing performance or from an examination of an amateur player’s scoring history on the Golf Canada Score Centre.

Any team of three (3) or more of the same players that have qualified for a Regional Final three (3) times within a five (5) year period will be required to replace a minimum of two (2) players (i.e., 50% of the team) for the following five (5) years from the last qualification during that period. All teams who have qualified for the PGA Scramble presented by BMW National Final will also be required to replace a minimum of two (2) players (i.e., 50% of the team) for three (3) subsequent years after attending the National Final.

If a team’s aggregate handicap drops below the minimum of 32.0 after qualifying at a Local Qualifier, the reduced handicaps will apply at the Regional or National Final when determining the team’s Playing Handicap. If three (3) team members’ Golf Canada Handicap Index drop to better than 9.9 during this same period, and they qualify for the Regional or National Finals, they will play with the lower handicaps. Any team that has satisfied the handicap requirements for a Local Qualifier will remain eligible throughout the competition within the same year.

During the current PGA Scramble presented by BMW season, if an amateur golfer plays in another PGA Scramble presented by BMW event, and in order to play, accepts a handicap adjustment which is lower than their established handicap, they will be subject to the same handicap adjustment for all PGA Scramble presented by BMW events in the current season. It is the player’s responsibility to inform the coordinator of this PGA Scramble presented by BMW event of this adjustment.

If an amateur player’s tournament playing privileges are suspended by a facility, they shall be considered ineligible until the suspension has been lifted OR until they have ceased to play at the facility for a period of one (1) year – whichever comes first. In either situation, a new handicap index MUST be established through a method approved by Golf Canada.

An amateur player who is found to have misrepresented their Golf Canada Handicap Index OR violates any Rule in place at an PGA Scramble presented by BMW event will be DISQUALIFIED from further play. The PGA of Canada reserves the right to suspend this amateur player from current or future participation in the program and also reserves the right to DISQUALIFY the player’s entire team from the PGA Scramble presented by BMW. All infractions will be reported to Golf Canada, the respective Provincial Golf Association, and the amateur player’s home club.

If a team is disqualified for a violation of the Golf Canada Rules of Golf OR any other PGA Scramble presented by BMW rule and/or policy, NO entry fees will be refunded.

 

PGA PROFESSIONALS’ ELIGIBILITY

The PGA Scramble presented by BMW Regional and National Finals are open to all PGA of Canada members who are in good standing with the National and respective Zone Offices. They must also be an employee (or contractor) of the Local Qualifier host facility on the date of the Local Qualifier AND Regional Final. PGA Professionals are only permitted to play in one (1) Regional Final during the current season. If a Local Qualifier host facility wishes to conduct multiple Local Qualifiers, they MUST have enough eligible PGA of Canada members to accompany each qualifying team to the Regional Final.

If the PGA Professional(s) from the Local Qualifier host facility are unable to accompany the qualified team(s) to the next stage of the competition, the PGA of Canada will be responsible for determining the PGA Professional substitution if another PGA Professional from the host facility is not available. Teams are NEVER allowed to pick a PGA Professional of their choosing at any stage of the competition.

All PGA Professionals’ play off a course handicap of zero and are reminded that whilst playing in the PGA Scramble presented by BMW, they are participating under the PGA of Canada Code of Professional Conduct.

The PGA of Canada reserves the right to suspend from current or future participation, any PGA of Canada Professional who mispresents the handicap of any of their club’s members OR who knowingly violates the Golf Canada Rules of Golf OR any other PGA Scramble presented by BMW rule and/or policy. These violations may be reported to the PGA Professional’s respective PGA Zone Office and to the PGA of Canada National Office, if they are found to be in violation of the PGA of Canada Code of Professional Conduct.

 

LOCAL QUALIFIERS

Registration

Amateur players will not be eligible for a Local Qualifier until their FULL team has submitted the online entry application and their payment has been processed. Late, incomplete, or inaccurate entries (includes entering false or incorrect Golf Canada Membership ID’s) will not be accepted and are not the responsibility of the PGA of Canada. In the case where there is a capacity limit on the number of teams in a Local Qualifier, a team who has completed the online entry application with accurate and complete information will take precedence over a team with incomplete and/or inaccurate information.

A team is NOT eligible to compete for prizes or Regional Final qualification at a Local Qualifier with only three (3) players, as they have not met the requirements to enter the PGA Scramble presented by BMW. A team with less than four (4) amateur players may still participate in the Local Qualifier, but only the handicaps of those participating players will count towards the team’s handicap. The aggregate team Playing Handicap is still divided by the applicable allowance and will still be adjusted by 75% (see Local Qualifiers – Handicapping).

Format

Each PGA Scramble presented by BMW Local Qualifier will be operated under the standard Scramble format. All team members may play from the teeing area of each hole. The team then chooses the shot that gives them the best chance for the next shot and all players play the next stroke from that spot. This process continues until the ball is on the green. For Local Qualifiers ONLY, each player on the team will attempt the first putt, and if it is not made, the next putt is conceded (i.e., maximum of two (2) putts per hole).

A minimum of three (3) tee shots per team member MUST be used during the 18-hole round. With electronic scoring, it will NOT be required for the team captain to note which player’s drive was chosen on the scorecard. This rule must still be followed, and team captains may be asked to verify whose tee shots were used on each hole.

Female amateurs will play from a yardage approximately 86-88% of the yardage selected for male amateurs at each Local Qualifier. Each host facility should make all reasonable attempts to set up the golf course under this requirement, understanding that some holes will be shorter or longer than the 86-88%.

All “open” Local Qualifiers MUST be conducted with eight-somes, unless the host facility agrees to send each foursome with volunteer scorers. This MUST be approved in advance of the event by the PGA of Canada.

Each Local Qualifier is comprised of two (2) consecutive 9-hole rounds. A team’s score is calculated after eighteen (18) holes have been completed. In the case of inclement weather, if all competitors complete the same nine (9) holes, and further play is no longer possible, the competition will be shortened to nine (9) holes.

The current Golf Canada Rules of Golf will govern all Local Qualifiers, except for those specialized Scramble Rules in placed for the PGA Scramble presented by BMW. Any Local Rules in effect at a host facility MUST be approved in writing by the PGA of Canada prior to the event and may not supersede an PGA Scramble presented by BMW Rule.

Handicapping

Each player’s Golf Canada Handicap Index as of the registration deadline for the respective Local Qualifier will be used during this stage of the competition. The Golf Canada Handicap Index that a player uses during the Local Qualifier will act as the ceiling if that player’s team advances through the subsequent stages of the PGA Scramble presented by BMW. Any player whose Golf Canada Handicap Index decreases between stages of the PGA Scramble presented by BMW will play off of the most up to date Handicap Index established in their Golf Canada Score Centre. To determine the net score on the day of the Local Qualifier, each team member’s Golf Canada Handicap Index is converted to a Playing Handicap. Under the current Golf Canada Rules of Handicapping, these are calculated by converting each player’s individual Golf Canada Handicap Index to a Course Handicap, using the following formula:

Course Handicap = Handicap Index x (Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating - Par)

The team’s Playing Handicap will consist of 25% of the lowest player’s Course Handicap, 20% of the second-lowest, 15% of the third-lowest, and 10% of the highest player’s Course Handicap. Each team’s playing handicap will be adjusted by 75% (e.g., a team playing handicap of 10 will be adjusted to 7.5). This Playing Handicap is subtracted from the team’s gross score to determine their net score.

Regional Final Qualification

Each Local Qualifier MUST have a minimum of 10 teams (40 players) in the field to be eligible for Regional Final qualification. Sponsor teams do not count towards this minimum. The PGA of Canada reserves the right to alter this requirement at an event should it see fit.

For Local Qualifiers with less than 20 teams in the field, one (1) qualifying spot will be awarded to the respective Regional Final. This spot will be awarded to the team with the lowest net score.

For Local Qualifiers with 20 or more teams in the field, two (2) qualifying spots will be awarded to the respective Regional Final. One (1) spot will be awarded to the team with the lowest net score, and one (1) spot will be awarded to the team with the lowest gross score. If the same team qualifies for both the low net score and gross score, that team will be awarded the low net spot, the next low gross scoring team will then be awarded the low gross qualifying spot.

All teams that qualify from the same host facility, whether from one or multiple events, MUST play in the same Regional Final. Any exception to this rule will be at the sole discretion of the PGA of Canada.

Each Regional Final MUST have a minimum of 18 teams in the field. If there are less than 18 teams that qualify through Local Qualifiers in a region, an alternate list will be created, and teams will be ranked within that region by their score differentials (net Score – field average net score). The field average net score comes from the average net score at each team’s respective Local Qualifier. This allows the PGA of Canada to assess how well each team played relative to the rest of the field (see example below) . The teams with the lowest net score comparison in that region will be invited to compete at the respective Regional Final, until the minimum field size has been reached. The PGA of Canada reserves the right to alter the number of teams participating in each Regional Final and may direct teams to the next closest Regional Final based on field restrictions.

One (1) spot will be guaranteed for an all-female team at each Regional Final (excluding those that qualify through the normal methods). Each all-female team’s net score in a region will be compared to the ‘field average net score’ at their respective Local Qualifier, allowing the PGA of Canada to assess how well they played relative to the rest of the field (see example below). The all-female team with the lowest net score comparison in their region will earn a spot in the respective Regional Final. In the event of a tie for the qualifying spot, the qualifying team will be determined by a random draw.

An amateur player and their team may attempt to qualify for a Regional Final by playing in multiple Local Qualifiers. Once an amateur player and / or their team has qualified for a Regional Final, they are no longer eligible to participate in another Local Qualifier. Participating in another Local Qualifier will result in DISQUALIFICATION for that team AND the original qualified team.

Event results are finalized, and the competition will be considered closed as of the entry closing date of the following stage of the program. Until this point, the PGA of Canada reserves the right to alter results of an event.

Playoffs

In the event of a tie for the final NET qualifying spot at a Local Qualifier, the final spot will be determined by matching scorecards. Each team’s Playing Handicap and net scores WILL be used when matching scorecards. The team with the lowest score on holes 10-18 will be the winner. If there is still a tie, holes 13-18, 16-18, and finally, single hole matching beginning with the 18th hole and working in reverse hole order, will be used to break the tie. If this process does not result in a winner, the PGA of Canada will decide the winner by way of a random draw.

In the event of a tie for the final GROSS qualifying spot at a Local Qualifier, the final spot will be determined by matching scorecards. Each team’s Playing Handicap and net scores will NOT be used when matching scorecards. The team with the lowest score on holes 10-18 will be the winner. If there is still a tie, holes 13-18, 16-18, and finally, single hole matching beginning with the 18th hole and working in reverse hole order, will be used to break the tie. If this process does not result in a winner, the PGA of Canada will decide the winner by way of a random draw.

 

REGIONAL FINALS

Registration

Amateur players will not be eligible for a Regional Final until their FULL team has submitted the online entry application and their payment has been processed. Late, incomplete, or inaccurate entries (includes entering false or incorrect Golf Canada Membership ID’s) will not be accepted and are not the responsibility of the PGA of Canada.

Each PGA Scramble presented by BMW Regional Final host facility will receive one (1) exemption for a team of their choice to compete in the event. These teams MUST satisfy the handicap requirements outlined under Amateur Eligibility and Handicap Requirements and are eligible to qualify for the National Final. Exempt teams are still required to register online and pay the applicable entry fee.

Substitutions

A team member may be substituted if they are unable to play in the next stage of the competition (i.e., Regional or National Final). Prior to the next stage of the competition, the team MUST submit their request in writing (via email) to the PGA of Canada. This request MUST also reference whether the substitute will accompany the team to the following stage of the PGA Scramble presented by BMW (should they be successful), or the original member from their Local Qualifier team. If this is NOT included in the team’s request, the substitute player will continue through the next stage of the PGA Scramble presented by BMW.

The current Golf Canada Handicap Index of the substituted player MUST be equal to or up to a maximum of five (5) strokes higher than the approved Golf Canada Handicap Index (i.e., the handicap that was in effect when the team played at the Local Qualifier) of the original team member. Substituting a player with a lower Golf Canada Handicap Index is NOT permitted. Each team is allowed to make a maximum of two (2) substitutions during the PGA Scramble presented by BMW, and these substitutions cannot be made at the same stage of the program. If a team is unable to abide by this rule, the next team in position to advance from the Local Qualifier or Regional Final will advance in their place, this would apply to the all-female team qualification process as well.

The PGA of Canada reserves the right at its sole discretion to disallow a substitution of a team member when it is apparent that the substitution is being made to improve the team’s chances of winning and not to replace a team member who is unable to play in the next stage of the program.

Volunteer Scorers

Each team competing at a Regional Final will be required to supply a volunteer scorer for the event. This individual will be assigned to ride along with the PGA Professional from another team, usually in the group immediately in front of or behind the team they came with to the Regional Final. Each volunteer scorer MUST have knowledge of how golf is played and be a minimum of 15 years old. Volunteer identification will be required during on-site registration at each Regional Final and everyone MUST adhere to the host facility’s dress code policy.

It is each team’s responsibility to identify their volunteer scorer on the online entry form at the time of entry into their respective Regional Final. Any substitutions to the volunteer scorer must be provided in writing to the PGA of Canada.

Any team that does not bring a volunteer scorer will receive a 2-stroke penalty, assessed immediately upon discovery of the breach, and applied to the 1^st hole the team plays during the round. A team is considered to have not supplied a volunteer scorer under the following circumstances:

• The registered volunteer is not present during the on-site registration period on the day of the Regional Final.
• The team obtains a volunteer from the host facility within 24 hours of the Regional Final. Extenuating circumstances will be considered at the sole discretion of the PGA of Canada.

Each volunteer scorer will be required to submit their volunteer scoring sheet of the team they witnessed, immediately following the round.

Format

Each PGA Scramble presented by BMW Regional Final will be operated under the Ambrose Scramble format. All team members may play from the teeing area of each hole. The team then chooses the shot that gives them the best chance for the next shot. The player whose shot is selected is then eliminated from participating in that next shot. A player is only eliminated for the shot following their selected shot (excluding tee shots and putts). This process continues, with one (1) player being eliminated for each shot until the ball is on the putting green, where all players will have the opportunity to make a putt from each location until the ball is holed. All five (5) players then play from the next teeing area and the elimination process begins again. The eliminated player MUST NOT make a practice stroke or practice putt during the time they are eliminated. Should a player make a stroke during the time they are eliminated, the general penalty (2-strokes) will be applied to the hole on which it occurred.

A minimum of three (3) tee shots per team member (including the PGA Professional) MUST be used during the 18-hole round. With electronic scoring, it will NOT be required for the team captain to note which player’s drive was chosen on the scorecard. This rule must still be followed, and team captains may be asked to verify whose tee shots were used on each hole.

 Female amateurs and professionals will play from a yardage approximately 86-88% of the yardage selected for male amateurs and professionals at each Regional Final. Each host facility should make all reasonable attempts to set up the golf course under this requirement, understanding that some holes will be shorter or longer than the 86-88%.

Each Regional Final is comprised of two (2) consecutive 9-hole rounds. A team’s score is calculated after eighteen (18) holes have been completed. In the case of inclement weather, if all competitors complete the same nine (9) holes, and further play is no longer possible, the competition will be shortened to nine (9) holes.

If all competitors cannot complete the same nine (9) holes, and further play is no longer possible, the qualifying team(s) will be determined by comparing each team’s Local Qualifier net score to the ‘average net field score’ at their respective Local Qualifier (the same process used in determining all-female teams at each Regional Final). The team(s) with the lowest net score comparison in their region will earn a spot in the National Final. If there is still a tie for the qualifying spot, the qualifying team(s) will be determined by a random draw.

The current Golf Canada Rules of Golf will govern all Regional Finals, except for those specialized Scramble Rules in place for the PGA Scramble presented by BMW. Any Local Rules in effect at a host facility MUST be approved in writing by the PGA of Canada prior to the event and may not supersede any PGA Scramble presented by BMW Rule.

Handicapping

The same process that is used to determine a team’s Playing Handicap at a Local Qualifier will be used at each Regional Final.

Course Handicap = Handicap Index x (Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating – Par)

National Final Qualification

The number of qualifying teams from each Regional Final to the National Final is determined through a quota system. This system takes into consideration the number of past/current Local Qualifiers per region and the number of past/current participants within each region. A maximum of 18 teams can qualify through the quota system for the National Final. The quota system will determine which Regional Finals will qualify one (1) team or two (2) teams, this information can be found on the PGA Scramble presented by BMW website.

Two (2) qualifying spots for the National Final will be awarded to all- female teams via the same process that is used for Regional Final qualification. Each all-female team’s net score will be compared to the ‘average net field score’ at their respective Regional Final, allowing the PGA of Canada to assess how well they played relative to the rest of the field. The two (2) all-female teams with the lowest net score comparisons will earn a spot at the National Final.

The PGA of Canada reserves the right to alter the number of teams participating in the National Final at its sole discretion.

Playoffs

In the event of a tie for the final NET qualifying spot at a Regional Qualifier, the final spot will be determined by matching scorecards. Each team’s Playing Handicap and net scores WILL be used when matching scorecards. The team with the lowest score on holes 10-18 will be the winner. If there is still a tie, holes 13-18, 16-18, and finally, single hole matching beginning with the 18^th hole and working in reverse hole order, will be used to break the tie. If this process does not result in a winner, the PGA of Canada will decide the winner by way of a random draw.

In the event of a tie for the final GROSS qualifying spot at a Regional Qualifier, the final spot will be determined by matching scorecards. Each team’s Playing Handicap and net scores will NOT be used when matching scorecards. The team with the lowest score on holes 10 -18 will be the winner. If there is still a tie, holes 13-18, 16-18, and finally, single hole matching beginning with the 18^th hole and working in reverse hole order, will be used to break the tie. If this process does not result in a winner, the PGA of Canada will decide the winner by way of a random draw.

 

NATIONAL FINALS

Registration

Amateur players will not be eligible for the National Final until their FULL team has submitted the online entry application and their payment has been processed. Late, incomplete, or inaccurate entries (includes entering false or incorrect Golf Canada Membership ID’s) will not be accepted and are not the responsibility of the PGA of Canada.

Format

The PGA Scramble presented by BMW Regional Final will be operated under the Ambrose Scramble format. All team members may play from the teeing area of each hole. The team then chooses the shot that gives them the best chance for the next shot. The player whose shot is selected is then eliminated from participating in that next shot. A player is only eliminated for the shot following their selected shot (excluding tee shots and putts). This process continues, with one (1) player being eliminated for each shot until the ball is on the putting green, where all players will have the opportunity to make a putt from each location until the ball is holed. All five (5) players then play from the next teeing area and the elimination process begins again. The eliminated player MUST NOT make a practice stroke or practice putt during the time they are eliminated. Should a player make a stroke during the time they are eliminated, the general penalty (2-strokes) will be applied to the hole on which it occurred.

A minimum of three (3) tee shots per team member (including the PGA Professional) MUST be used during the 18-hole round. With electronic scoring, it will NOT be required for the team captain to note which player’s drive was chosen on the scorecard. This rule must still be followed, and team captains may be asked to verify whose tee shots were used on each hole.

Female amateurs and professionals will play from a yardage approximately 86-88% of the yardage selected for male amateurs and professionals at each Regional Final. The PGA of Canada will make all reasonable attempts to set up the golf course under this requirement, understanding that some holes will be shorter or longer than the 86-88%.

The current Golf Canada Rules of Golf will govern the National Final, except for those specialized Scramble Rules in placed for the PGA Scramble presented by BMW.

Handicapping

The same process that is used to determine a team’s Playing Handicap at a Local Qualifier will be used at the PGA Scramble presented by BMW National Final.

Course Handicap = Handicap Index x (Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating – Par)

Playoffs

In the event of a tie at the PGA Scramble presented by BMW National Final, there will be at NET hole-by-hole playoff to determine the NET champion (i.e., winning team). The playoff holes will be designated on the ‘Notice to Players’.

If no result has been achieved and play is suspended due to darkness, the champion will be decided by matching scorecards from the final round of the PGA Scramble presented by BMW National Final, the same playoff procedure used during the Regional Finals. If a tie still exists, the champion will be determined by matching scorecards from the first round of the PGA Scramble presented by BMW National Final. If a champion is still not determined, both teams will be deemed “co-champions”.