Heron Lakes Men’s Club – 2025/26 Winter Match Play
Tournament Rules & Information

Entry Fee: $25 (100% to prizes)

Tournament Format:

• Round Robin Group Play:

• Players will be divided into groups of 4 based on handicap index.
• Each player will play 3 matches, one against each group member.
• A schedule includes a 3-week playing window; however, matches may be played outside the scheduled window to meet players' needs.
• All Round Robin matches must be completed by February 1st.
• Each hole is worth 1 point (0.5 points for a tie).
• A match win earns the player an additional 3-point bonus.
• Round Robin matches can end in a tie; NO EXTRA HOLES.

• Advancement to Bracket Play:

• Winners from each group, and one Wild Card, will advance to the bracket.
• In the case of a tie in Round Robin play, both group winners will advance to the bracket, eliminating the Wild Card.
• The Wild Card is the player with the most points, regardless of group.
• In the case of a tie for Wild Cards, players will play off for the position.

• Bracket Play (Single Elimination):

• Bracket rounds begin February 2nd, with a 3-week window per match.
• The final match completion is targeted for late March.
• If a match is tied after 18 holes, sudden-death play begins on the first hole (dependent upon the course), with handicap strokes applied.

General Rules:

• Match Format: 

• 18-hole net match play.
• The higher handicapper receives the full handicap differential.
• Players' handicaps are locked in for the entire tournament.

• Course and Tees:

• Default Course: Greenback Course
• Default Tees: Default Men’s Club Tees
• It is best practice for players to play the same tees and should do so when possible.
• Course Alterations: By mutual agreement, players may choose to play their match at any course of their choice.

• Scoring/Reporting:

• When playing on the Greenback at Heron Lakes, use the GolfGenius app to log scores. This will automatically update points and brackets.
• If playing the Great Blue, inform Aaron Blackwelder (aaronblackwelder@mac.com) so the course can be set up in GolfGenius.
• When playing an alternate course, use the GHIN app or a paper scorecard to keep score and email results to Aaron Blackwelder (aaronblackwelder@mac.com).

• Scheduling:

• Players contact each other (view member info in the GolfGenius app or portal).
• Matches can be played at any agreed-upon time, including club rounds.
• During club rounds, players may participate in scheduled games (putt everything out).

• Reschedules:

• Each player may request one reschedule after a match is confirmed.
• Reschedule requests must be made at least 48 hours before the match time.

• No-Shows and Forfeits:

• If an opponent fails to appear at the tee time, the present player begins play and wins any hole played.
• The match is forfeited if the opponent does not join by the start of the 4th hole.
• During Round Robin, a forfeited match results in 12 points awarded to the winner. In bracket play, the winner advances.

• Unplayed Matches:

• Round Robin: Matches not completed by February 1st result in zero points for both players.
• Bracket Play: Matches not completed by deadlines are decided by a coin toss, simulating 18 holes.

• Posting to GHIN

• When tournament play is outside the posting window, players are not required to post scores to GHIN.
• When the posting window resumes, `
• For guidance on how to post unplayed, conceded, and given putts, check here on the USGA website.

Prizes: 

• All group winners earn $50; Bracket Bonuses 1st - $150 | 2nd - $100 | T3 - $50 (2 players)

Round Robin Groups, Brackets, and Results will all be posted on the Club’s GolfGenius portal:

2025hlmc.golfgenius.com

Good Luck to everyone!