1. How do I top up my BRS competition purse account?

It can be topped up securely online using a debit/credit card through your BRS account. Alternatively, you can pay in the pro shop and we will top up your competition purse account.

2. Why is it being introduced?

         + Convenient for Members.

         + Saves time at competition check-in.

         + Will reduce competition no-shows.

         + Use of timesheet is optimised for members.

         + Account is managed by member.

         + Full transaction history available online.

         + Top-up facility online.

3. When will the payment be deducted?

The deadline for removing your name from weekend competitions timesheets is the day prior to the competition at noon. Players removing their name after this time will incur the competition fee.

4. Is my swipe card account balance used to pay entry fees?

No your swipe card account and BRS account are 2 separate accounts, you can use your swipe card account to top up your BRS account but this can only be done through the pro shop.

5. How do you know what your BRS account balance is?

Log into your BRS account like you would if you were booking a tee-time and select competition purse which will reveal your current balance.

6. Will the person making the online booking be charged the entry fee for all those being booked at that time?

No the person making the booking will only be liable for their own fee, all others on the line will be charged if their name appears on the line.

7. If an unavoidable reason occurs for withdrawing from the timesheet, will I get a refund of my entry fee returned to my BRS account?

The same procedure that currently exists for No-Shows will apply, an email will be sent out to said party and they can appeal the no-show to the Competitions Committee. If the Committee deems the excuse acceptable, the entry fee will be refunded.

8. Will BRS give me an alert when my balance is below a certain amount?

Yes, once the balance (after pending transactions are accounted for) drops below €20, you will receive an email notification.

9. Do I need funds on my BRS account to book a casual game of golf?

The competition purse facility will be active for weekend competition tee times, for the midweek 9 hole competition, and other once-off competitions (eg Bronze Captain’s Prize). Booking a casual game of golf outside of these times will be the same as it has always been. Please note, all tee times from 6.30 am until 12.30 pm on a Saturday and 6.30 am until 2.00 pm on a Sunday are member competition tee times.

10. What is the minimum balance required on the BRS account?

To book into a competition where the BRS purse is in use, the member must have the competition fee on their account in order to be added to the timesheet.

11. Is there an actual card for the BRS account?

No, your current login details for BRS are your account details, there will be no cards issued or required.

12. What data is kept on the BRS account?

Nothing new will be stored just the information which is currently there. Name, address, email, contact number, and Golf Ireland number.

13. Does my BRS account work when booking a tee time at other clubs?

No, it will only work for St. Margaret’s Golf Club competitions.

14. Do I have to sign into the computer in the pro shop to enter a competition?

Yes, it remains the same process to get your sticker on your scorecard & to be signed in.

15. Can I top up another member’s BRS online through my own account?

No, this is not possible.

16. Can I move my tee time before payment is deducted from my account?

Yes, you can make an unlimited amount of changes to your tee time before the time of deduction without incurring any extra charge.

17. If a competition is cancelled, do I get my money back?

Yes in the case of a competition being cancelled, your fee will be returned to you.

18. I don’t use BRS, another member books me in for weekend competitions. What do I need to do?

Your BRS purse account will still be active, and you will need to top it up through the shop.

19. Can I top up through the BRS app?

Yes, BRS have enabled this facility. It was previously only available through the website but is now available on both.

If you have any questions which are not covered here, please contact a member of the team who will be happy to assist.

In accordance with R&A guidelines, the Competitions Committee has established the following terms of entry into club competitions & for recording general play scores. Any player who fails to enter a competition or does not pre-register an intent to submit a general play score for handicap purposes in the required manner is deemed to have neither a score for the competition nor a score for handicap purposes and will be excluded from the competition, and have their handicap record updated.

RULES OF GOLF

• The Rules of Golf as approved by the R&A and the USGA shall apply to all competitions. Any additional local rules not on the scorecard will be posted on the Members’ notice boards in the locker rooms.

GOLF BUGGIES

• Motorised Golf Buggies may only be used in Club competitions once a medical cert has been presented and approved by the Competitions Committee.

ELIGIBILITY

• All members are eligible to play in competitions subject to their membership category. Entry into competitions is also subject to no-show/non-return sanction status.

ENTRY TO COMPETITION & GENERAL PLAY SCORES

• Members must electronically enter the competition using their Golf Ireland number or by selecting their name from the index on the terminal.
• Members must pay the competition entry fee prior to entering the Competition and this fee is non-refundable.
• Member details will be printed on a label and your scorecard will be presented to you.
• It is the player’s responsibility to complete their scorecard correctly. Your scorecard must have your Name, Date, and Competition Name clearly displayed. Illegible cards may not be considered.
• Members must play off the correct tees of the day.
• Please take note of any specific competition rules or special conditions applicable on the day.
• For general play score pre-registration, a player must choose one of the following methods of entry:

1. Golf Ireland app.
2. Pre-registration form for general play scores in the pro shop.
3. Computer terminal in pro-shop. (if available)

RETURNING YOUR SCORE (COMPETITION & GENERAL PLAY)

• On completion of your round, you must enter your score into the computer, checking that it is correct and matches your scorecard.
• Your scorecard must have your Name, Date, Competition Name, Markers Signature, Players Signature, and Score of Each Hole clearly displayed. Illegible scorecards may not be considered.
• After checking your scorecard, you must put it in the ‘Competitions Scorecard Box’.
• Scorecards must be entered within 15 minutes of completing your round.
• For general play rounds, scores must be submitted and verified before midnight on the day of play.

Please Note: It is a ruling of the World Handicapping System that all scorecards must be returned electronically for all qualifying competitions.  Failure to return all Qualifying Scores, as required by the WHS, could lead to disciplinary action. Please see the rules governing non-returns of scorecards.

DISPUTES AND RULES

• Any dispute or doubtful point on the rules shall be referred to the competitions committee, as soon as possible, whose decision shall be final. (Rule 20.2-b)

DECISION OF TIES

• Ties are decided by matching the tied scorecards to determine the winner based on count-back, as approved by R&A Rules.
• In an 18-hole competition, the breaking of ties will be decided on last 9, last 6, last 3 & last hole of back 9 and if still tied, it will be decided on last 6, last 3 and last hole of first 9 according to the scorecard. If still tied, the winner will be decided by the drawing of lots.
• In a 12 hole competition (Hole 10-18 & 1-3), the breaking of ties will be decided on last 9 of 18 hole scorecard (ie holes 10-18), last 6 (holes 13-18), last 3 (holes 16-18) and last hole (hole 18). If still tied, the winner will be decided by the drawing of lots.
• In a 9 hole competition, the breaking of ties will be decided on last 6, last 3 & last hole. If still tied, the winner will be decided by the drawing of lots.

THE COMPETITION COMMITTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT

• To correct any mistakes made in the checking of scorecards.
• To alter the published competition or terms of competition if it is deemed necessary.
• To cancel a competition due to insufficient entries or to postpone or abandon it at any stage in exceptional circumstances, if the committee so decides.
• In Case of Dispute, The Committee’s Decision is FINAL.

NO SHOWS

A “no show” is when you fail to turn up for a pre-booked tee-time and do not notify a member of staff or if you cancel a tee time after 12 noon on the day preceding the competition. No shows deprive fellow members of the opportunity to play and are not acceptable. Players are solely responsible for their own name being added to the timesheets. The sanctions for breach of this rule have been outlined below.

NON-RETURNS

It is each player’s responsibility to ensure that ALL competition cards whether complete or incomplete are returned to the scorecard box and entered onto the competition computer. The Competitions Committee following advice from Golf Ireland have decided to implement the following sanctions in order to reduce the number of “non-returns” and improve the accuracy of the playing conditions calculation.

SANCTIONS

Players who fail to show up for a tee time or do not return a card or enter their scores on the computer may face the following sanctions:

1st Breach – First email reminder of breach and future penalties.

2nd Breach – Final Email reminder of breach and future penalties.

3rd Breach – 1 week suspension from club competitions and club competition tee-times, to be served the next weekend.

4th Breach – 2 week suspension from club competitions and club competition tee-times, to be served the next 2 weekends.

5th Breach – 3 week suspension from club competitions and club competition tee-times, to be served the next 3 weekends.

6th Breach – Suspension of WHS handicap for 1 month.

7th Breach – Referral to the Disciplinary Committee for sanction.

Following the competition, if you have failed to show up or return your scorecard, you will receive an email from the Competitions or Handicap Committee outlining that you have breached a club competition rule and you will be required to respond within 48 hours to prevent further sanction. Players who have a valid reason for not showing up for their tee time should email competitions@stmargaretsgolf.com within 48 hours of the competition outlining their reason. Players who have a valid reason for not returning their scorecard should email handicaps@stmargaretsgolf.com within 48 hours of the competition outlining their reason.

In Case of Dispute, The Committee’s Decision is FINAL.

RULES FOR 2 DAY COMPETITIONS

• 1. The Monthly Medals for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, the Tom Craddock Trophy, the PGA Tankard, and the Captain’s Prize Qualifiers will all be played as 2 Day Competitions over both Saturday and Sunday on their respective weekend dates in the annual calendar.

   

  2. All the Monthly Medals will be Strokeplay Events. Rounds 1 & 2 of the Captain’s Prize, the Tom Craddock Trophy, & the PGA Tankard will be Stableford.

   

  3. Members are only permitted to play 1 competitive round in the 2 Day Competition. If a member’s name appears on the timesheet for both days of the competition, it is compulsory that the Saturday round counts towards the 2 Day Competition.

   

  4. Any player who elects to play on the second day of the 2 Day Competition is permitted to play on the competition course on the first day of the competition, providing they do not play from the Competition Tee Markers and they must play outside the allotted Members Competition times.

   

  5. If a Member’s name appears on the timesheet for both Saturday and Sunday, and they withdraw their Saturday tee time after the competition closing time of 12 noon on the Friday, they will not be permitted to win the 2 Day Competition or register points for the GOY. They may win all other category prizes.

   

   

  6. The Winner of the 2 Day Competition will be the player who records the best score over the weekend of the 2 Day Competition. All division prizes will be the players who record the best scores over the weekend of the 2 Day Competition.
  7. To be eligible to win, you must have 20 Qualifying Golf Ireland rounds, returned 3 cards in qualifying competitions in 2024 and have been part of the 2023 Annual Handicap Review. If you are a first-year member, you must have played in 20 qualifying competitions in St Margaret’s.

   

  In Case of Dispute, The Committee’s Decision is FINAL

In Case of Dispute, The Committee’s Decision is FINAL

1. Entry Fee Of €2 Must Be Paid Prior To Commencing Play and entry is mandatory for members weekend competitions.
2. Competition Is Open To Both Men And Ladies.
3. A 2 May Be Recorded At Any Hole.
4. 90% Of The Total Pot Will Be Divided Equally Between The Amount Of 2’s Recorded. If A Member Has Two 2’s they receive Two Shares Of The Pot (Three 2’s, 3 shares etc.)
5. 10% Of The Total Pot Will Be Given To The Captains’ Charity.
6. In The Case Of A Hole-In-One, The Player Who Records The Hole-In-One Takes The Entire Pot. If There Are Multiple Hole-In-Ones, The Pot Is Divided Equally Between The Players Who Record Them.
7. In The Case Of An Albatross, The Player Who Records The Albatross Takes The Entire Pot.
8. It Is Your Responsibility To Sign Your Card Correctly And Enter Your Score Into The Club Computer.
9. If A Player is Disqualified From a Competition, The Two No Longer Stands
10. In Case of Dispute, The Competitions Committee’s Decision is FINAL.

PLEASE NOTE THE PRIZE TOTAL WILL BE PAID ONTO YOUR GOLF IRELAND CARD

Captain’s Prize

In order to be eligible to win the Captain’s Prize, you must have 20 Qualifying Golf Ireland rounds, returned 3 cards in qualifying competitions in 2025 and have been part of the 2024 Annual Handicap Review. If you are a first-year member, you must have played in 20 qualifying competitions in St Margaret’s.

President’s Prize

The President’s Prize is a 36 hole stableford event. The player with the best 36 hole stableford total will be deemed the President’s Prize Winner.

In order to be eligible to win the President’s Prize, you must have 20 Qualifying Golf Ireland rounds, returned 3 cards in qualifying competitions in 2025 and have been part of the 2024 Annual Handicap Review. If you are a first-year member, you must have played in 20 qualifying competitions in St Margaret’s.

The Competitions that have been included for the Golfer of the Year are as follows:

• Monthly Medals
• Tom Craddock Perpetual Trophy
• The Captain’s Prize
• The President’s Prize
• PGA Tankard
• Singles Matchplay (Points: Winner – 500; Runner-Up – 250)

Points Allocation for GOY Competitions (excluding Singles Matchplay) as Follows:

1^st – 1000                                            21^st – 380

2^nd – 875                                             22^nd – 360

3^rd – 775                                              23^rd – 340

4^th – 725                                              24^th – 320

5^th – 700                                              25^th – 300

6^th – 675                                              26^th – 280

7^th – 650                                              27^th – 260

8^th – 630                                              28^th – 240

9^th – 610                                              29^th – 220

10^th – 600                                            30^th – 200

11^th – 580                                            31^st – 190

12^th – 560                                            32^nd – 180

13^th – 540                                            33^rd – 170

14^th – 520                                            34^th – 160

15^th – 500                                            35^th – 150

16^th – 480                                            36^th – 140

17^th – 460                                            37^th – 130

18^th – 440                                            38^th – 120

19^th – 420                                            39^th – 110

20^th – 400                                            40^th – 100

Every Player that plays in a Monthly Medal or The Tom Craddock, PGA Tankard, & Captains or Presidents Prize will receive 50 Order of Merit Points just for playing in a GOY Competition.

 
To win a GOY event, a player must have at least 20 Golf Ireland Qualifying cards.

Should a Player with less than 20 Golf Ireland Qualifying cards win GOY Competition, they will share 1st prize points with whoever is awarded Overall Winner.

For updated Order of Merit please check masterscoreboard.co.uk

In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by way of an 18-hole strokeplay playoff. If after 18 holes, there is still a tie, there will be a sudden death play-off commencing on the 1^st hole and continuing until there is a winner.

In Case of Dispute, The Committee’s Decision is FINAL.

1. R & A Rules Apply.

2. The Competition Fee Of €5 Must Be Paid Prior To Entering Each 9 Hole Competition.

3. The Wednesday 9 Hole Will Be Played Over 24 Weeks Commencing on 16^th April 2025.

4. The Overall Midweek Golfer of the Year Will Be Decided By The Highest Cumulative Stableford Score Over Your 13 Best Rounds.

5. Prizes will be awarded to the Top-5 Golfers in the 9-Hole Order of Merit.

6. The Wednesday Competition will be played over 9 Holes.

7. You Must Play Off Your Up To Date Handicap Index On The Day Of Play.

8. In The Event Of A Tie Break, The Winner Will Be Decided On A Count Back Best 13, Best 12, Best 11, etc… If Still A Tie, There Will Be A Draw Of Lots.

9. In Case of Dispute, The Committee’s Decision is FINAL.

R & A Rules Apply

The Competition Fee Of €5 Must Be Paid Upon Entering the Singles Matchplay.

A minimum of 16 players must enter the Singles Matchplay in order for the competition to proceed, entries less than 16 will result in the cancelation of the competition.

The Handicap Allowance is 100% of the difference between the course handicaps of the two players.

Shots to be conceded are done so on the lowest stroke indices. (For Example) If the difference in course handicap is 4 Strokes – Shots are given on holes of stroke index 1-4.

All matches must start on the first unless otherwise instructed.

In the event of a tie after 18 holes, a sudden death play-off will occur. Playoff holes must play the holes in the correct order starting on the first. Any shots given on the original 18 will be given again on the same holes.

You MUST play off your up-to-date Handicap Index on the Day of Play.

All Matches MUST Be Played from the BLACK STONES

If a RESULT has not been returned to the Competition Computer before the Deadline Date BOTH PLAYERS MAY BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE COMPETITION. There will be no extensions granted to the deadline date.

All Match scores are to be inputted to the Pro-Shop computer after completion of the match.

Semi-Finalists and Finalists will be awarded prizes.

Singles Matchplay entry available to Male 7-Day Members only.

In Case of Dispute, The Committee’s Decision is FINAL.

*BOTH PLAYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ARRANGEMENT OF THEIR MATCH*

1. R & A Rules Apply
2. The Competition Fee Of €5 Must Be Paid Upon Entering the Club Singles Matchplay.
3. A minimum of 16 players must enter the Club Singles Matchplay in order for the competition to proceed, entries less than 16 will result in the cancelation of the competition.
4. Both players shall play off scratch.
5. All matches must start on the first unless otherwise instructed.
6. In the event of a tie after 18 holes, a sudden death play-off will occur. Playoff holes must play the holes in the correct order starting on the first. Any shots given on the original 18 will be given again on the same holes.
7. You MUST play off your up-to-date Handicap on the Day of Play.
8. All Matches MUST Be Played from within 1 club length of the BLACK STONES
9. If a RESULT has not been returned to the Competition Computer before the Deadline Date BOTH PLAYERS MAY BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE COMPETITION. There will be no extensions granted to the deadline date.
10. All Match scores are to be inputted to Pro-Shop computer after completion of the match.
11. Semi-Finalists and Finalists will be awarded prizes.
12. Club Singles Matchplay entry available to Male 7-Day Members only. Minimum 16 entries are required.
13. In Case of Dispute, The Committee’s Decision is FINAL.

*BOTH PLAYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ARRANGEMENT OF THEIR MATCH*

1. R & A Rules Apply.
2. Competition Entry Fee of €5 Must Be Paid Upon Entering the Fourball Matchplay
3. The Handicap Allowance is as follows:

• Each player calculates their course handicap (rounded number).
• Each player then calculates 90% of this rounded number and is rounded again to the nearest whole number.
• The lowest player goes to scratch. The other three players receive the full difference in shots on the lowest index holes

Example

In the above example, player A plays off zero (0) strokes, player B receives 18 strokes, player C receives 10                                                                 strokes and player D receives 27 strokes

4. All Matches MUST Be Played from BLUE TEE MARKERS
5. All matches must start on the first unless otherwise instructed.
6. In the event of a tie after 18 holes, a sudden death play-off will occur. Playoff holes must play the holes in the correct order starting on the first. Any shots given on the original 18 will be given again on the same holes.
7. You MUST play off your up-to-date Handicap Index on the Day of Play.
8. If a RESULT has not been returned to the Competition Computer before the Deadline Date BOTH PAIRS MAY BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE COMPETITION. There will be no extensions granted to the deadline date.
9. Finalists will be awarded prizes.
10. Fourball Matchplay entry available to 7-Day Male Members only. Minimum of 16 pairs are required to enter for the competition to proceed.
11. In Case of Dispute, The Committee’s Decision is FINAL.

           *BOTH PAIRS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ARRANGEMENT OF THEIR MATCH*

1. R & A Rules Apply
2. The Competition Fee Of €5 Must Be Paid Upon Entering the Bronze Members Singles Matchplay.
3. The Handicap Allowance is 100% of the difference between the course handicaps of the two players.
4. Shots to be conceded are done so on the lowest stroke indices. (For Example) If the FULL difference in handicap is 4 Strokes – Shots are given on holes of stroke index 1-4.
5. All matches must start on the first unless otherwise instructed.
6. In the event of a tie after 18 holes, a sudden death playoff will occur. Playoff holes must play the holes in the correct order starting on the first. Any shots given on the original 18 will be given again on the same holes.
7. You MUST play off your up-to-date Handicap on the Day of Play.
8. All Matches MUST Be Played from the BLUE TEE MARKERS
9. If a RESULT has not been returned to the Competition Computer before the Deadline Date BOTH PLAYERS MAY BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE COMPETITION. There will be no extensions granted to the deadline date.
10. Finalists will be awarded prizes.
11. Bronze Members Singles Matchplay entry is available to Male 5-Day Members only. Minimum 16 players are required.
12. In Case of Dispute, The Committee’s Decision is FINAL.
13. All Match scores are to be input to the Pro Shop computer after the completion of the match.

*BOTH PLAYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ARRANGEMENT OF THEIR MATCH

1. R & A Rules Apply
2. The Competition Fee Of €5 Must Be Paid Upon Entering the Ladies Singles Matchplay.
3.  A minimum of 16 players must enter the Ladies Singles Matchplay in order for the competition to proceed, entries less than 16 will result in the cancelation of the competition.
4. Division 1/2
5. The Handicap Allowance is 100% of the difference between the course handicaps of the two players.
6. Shots to be conceded are done so on the lowest stroke indices. (For Example) If the difference in course handicap is 4 Strokes – Shots are given on holes of stroke index 1-4.
7. All matches must start on the first unless otherwise instructed.
8. In the event of a tie after 18 holes, a sudden death play-off will occur. Playoff holes must play the holes in the correct order starting on the first. Any shots given on the original 18 will be given again on the same holes.
9. You MUST play off your up-to-date Handicap Index on the Day of Play.
10. All Matches MUST Be Played from the RED TEES.
11. If a RESULT has not been returned to the Competition Computer before the Deadline Date BOTH PLAYERS MAY BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE COMPETITION. There will be no extensions granted to the deadline date.
12. All Match scores are to be inputted to the Pro-Shop computer after completion of the match.
13. Semi-Finalists and Finalists will be awarded prizes.
14. In Case of Dispute, The Committee’s Decision is FINAL.

*BOTH PLAYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ARRANGEMENT OF THEIR MATCH*

1. R & A Rules Apply

2. The Competition Fee Of €5 Must Be Paid Upon Entering the Foursomes Matchplay

3. The Handicap Allowance:

Each pair calculates their combined course handicap. This number is divided by 2 (rounded to the nearest whole number). The full difference is conceded in shots over the lowest indexes (using men’s scorecard).

Example:

Pair A Combined Course Handicaps: 10 + 12 = 22
22/2 = 11
Pair B Combined Course Handicaps: 17 + 18 = 35
35/2 = 17.5 (Rounded to 18)
18-11 = 7
The Handicap given to Pair B = 7
Pair A Play Off Scratch

4. Men play from Blue Tees & Ladies play from Red Tees

5. Men tee off on the odd numbered holes, & ladies tee off on even numbered holes.

6. All matches must start on the first unless otherwise instructed.

7. In the event of a tie after 18 holes, a sudden death play-off will occur. Play off holes must play the holes in the correct order starting on the first. Any shots given on the original 18 will be given again on the same holes.

8. You MUST play off your up to date Handicap on the Day of Play.

9. If a RESULT has not been returned to the Competition Computer before the Deadline Date BOTH PAIRS MAY BE SCRATCHED FROM THE COMPETITION.

10. Finalists To Get Prizes

11. Foursomes Matchplay entry available to 7-Day Members only.

12. In Case of Dispute, The Committee’s Decision is FINAL.

*BOTH PAIRS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ARRANGEMENT OF THEIR MATCH*

Prizes are per Team
* no 4th place awarded below 70

Prizes are per Team
* no 4th place awarded below 100

*Prizes are per Team

For updated Order of Merit please check masterscoreboard.co.uk

If you have any questions or queries about any of our Club Competitions, please contact the Competitions Committee by mail on competitions@stmargaretsgolf.com. Every effort is made to ensure that information displayed across the various mediums throughout the club is accurate and up to date, in case of dispute the committee’s decision will be final.