Rules using Modified Stableford Scoring

We will be stepping away from the traditional Ronin Ryder Cup format and changing the scoring rules in this competition.  Here is the synopsis of the rules.

The format of the tournament will be as follows:

Day 1: 2 Man Scramble

Day 2: 2 Man Better Ball (Four-Ball) 

Day 3: Individual Singles

Prior to all matches, we will split each team into an "A" Flight and a "B" Flight.  This division will evenly split in half the lower index players into the "A" Flight and the higher index players into the "B" Flight for Day 1 & 3.  For Day 2, we will split each flight into an even number of members with the "B" flight larger than the "A" flight members. (We did the opposite last year for Day 2) 

All matches this year will be scored under the Modified Stableford scoring system.  Modified Stableford scoring systems are stroke-play formats in which the high total wins, not the low. That's because in Modified Stableford, your final score is not your stroke total, but rather the total points you have earned for your scores on each individual hole.

Points will be awarded as follows for each NET hole score.

On Day 1, we will play with the true handicap system in a match play format under Modified Stableford scoring rules.  Each golfer will receive their designated handicap listed in the handicap attachment.  Each team will formulate 2 Man teams and pair them up in 9 matches.  Each Captain must pair an "A" Flight player with a "B" Flight player on each team. 

After each hole is played, each team will record their better net score only of their two members.  Each team's final total score after 18 holes will be compared to determine the winner of the match.     

On Day 2, the 2 Man Scramble will be played with a modified handicap system.  The captains must pair individuals from the same flight to formulate each team and must be paired against teams of the same flight.    Each team in the 9 matches will have the lower handicap player receive 35% of their index and the higher handicap player will receive 15% of their index.  The combined amount of index for each team will be used for the Modified Stableford scoring system.  Again after each hole is played, each team will record their net score.  Each team's final total score after 18 holes will be compared to determine the winner of the match.  During this match, a minimum of 5 shots off the tee must be used for each player excluding all Par 3 holes.  

Finally on Day 3, the individual matches will be played with the true handicap system.  Each golfer will receive their designated handicap listed in the handicap attachment.  The captains must pair opposing players from the same opposing flight only (i.e. An "A" flight player must play against an "A" flight player).  After each hole is played, each individual will record their net score.  The final total scores after 18 holes will be compared to determine the winner of the match.

Each day, the team format will require each of the Team Captains to provide a written pairing of their respective teams for each match.  These teams will be set in a pre-determined manner by each Captain and presented jointly to the other team.  Thus, the pairings and tee off order will be determined in a set draw by each Captain.  These selections must be provided no later than 6 hours before the tee off time.  As with Ronin Ryder Cup tradition, no team member may play with the same team member for the first two days of competition.  

All matches on Day 1 & 2 will be worth 2 points each with tied matches counting as 1 point for each squad.  Day 3 matches are worth 3 points each with tied matches counting for 1.5 points for each squad.  A total of 87 (We will only have 17 singles matches this year) points are possible during the competition.  Since this is the first match in the best of 3 series, either team scoring more than 43.5 points will win the Cup.        

Dinner will be wagered for the first two days of the competition.  The team that accumulated the most points on that day will be entitled to a free meal sponsored by the other team.  In case of a tie, the team with the greater number of closest to the pin winners on that day will be the tiebreaker.  If each team wins the same number of closest to the pin holes, then it will be deemed a tie and each team buys their own meal.    

USGA rules will apply during the competition and putts may only be conceded by the opposing team.  The Ronin Ryder Cup exception to the USGA rules apply of two consecutive shots hit out of bounds by the same player may be played at the point of entry to ensure speedy play.   All matches will be played from the indicated tees on the day of play.  

EXISTING RULE:  To ensure speedy play, each Ryder Cup player must be ready to hit his next shot at the first available opportunity.  Specifically, no Ryder cup player may assist another player locate an errant shot until he has hit his next shot.  (i.e. If a player hits his ball out of play or has to look for his ball, no other Ryder cup player may assist him until the other player has hit his next shot.  In other words, you must be ready and hit your ball at the first opportunity before assisting the other player.)