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How does this tournament work ?
It's a 3 step tournament
1) In local qualifiers you have to end up ahead of 4 other teams to advance to semifinals.
2) In the local area semifinals you need to end up ahead of 4 other teams and you're in the finals.
3) The finals will use the 4 4 format to determine the winners.
What are the playing rules of the "
4 4 Doubles event"
?
(complete rules)
1. Both players will hit a tee shot. Choose the preferred ball to play for the second shot.
The player who's ball is not chosen to be played, must drop a ball within one club length (no closer to
the hole) and both players hit their next shot. Continue this sequence until ball is holed out. Once a ball is
on the green it is to be marked and played from the same spot. A ball on the fringe (not on the green)
may not be placed on the green, and a ball in a hazard must be played from the hazard if that is the
ball chosen to play.
2. No player's shot may be chosen (used) for three (3) successive shots. In other words, if your drive and your next shot are chosen, the next shot (the 3rd
shot) must be played from your teammate's lie.
3. Team members shall alternate taking the first shot from each tee.
If a ball is on the green (in a gimme position) mark your ball, don't
tap it in until the other member of the team has putted. If you have holed out you will have to use that score even if your teammate makes the longer shot. 4. The lowest
handicapped player of the team shall be the team captain. He shall be responsible for recording the drives used and scoring for each hole.
Where do I golf the qualifier step of the " 4 4 Doubles event" ?
The local squad leader will choose the course he or she thinks is best suited for the first round.
Qualifier squads can play at almost any course that can accommodate a small squad of golfers.
You can play at your home course if someone wants to put together a squad of 5 or more teams to play there.
Check with your local course, call 800 722 5763, or visit the squad leader page.
What about time on the chain gang ?
At the conclusion of the money finals the two golfers of the team coming in 2nd will be taken into custody and
spend a day on the Orange county Fl chain gang. The golfers will remain in custody for up to one day and be
required to perform what ever duties the sheriff's office shall deem just. Those duties may include hard labor,
community service, public humiliation, or the promotion of any programs of their choice. The duties may or may
not include those duties previously listed or other duties not listed.
When do I golf it ?
The local squad leader can set a date that works for the course and the golfers.
There will be various qualifiers around the country.
How will playing in this tournament affect my AMATEUR STATUS ?
Playing the qualifier and semifinal rounds of the tournament
will not affect a golfers amateur status.
Only the golfers in the final prize round of the finals will be affected and will have to apply for reinstatement.
These rulings have been issued by the USGA Amateur board after reviewing the tournament.
What's different about the "
4 4 Doubles Event"
?
A team (2 golfers) only plays against 4 other teams. A team only plays against golfers in your own small squad. There is no leader board.
Competing teams are chosen by chance. (pulling team names out of a hat when there are more than 5 teams)
How do I only compete with 4 other teams ? One team out of each 5 teams in a squad will advance to the semifinals.* If a squad has a number of teams
that is a multiple of 5 (ex. 5, 10, 15, etc) all teams before the round begins will put their names in a hat. The
names will be drawn out in groups of 5. Any team will only play against the other 4 teams in their "Group of 5".
*When a squad has a number of teams not a multiple of 5.
The teams left over at the end of "Group of 5 selection" will be the start of the "Extra Group o 5"
At that time, all other teams will put their names back in the hat, and 1, 2, 3, or 4 teams will be will pulled
out of the hat to complete the compliment of 5 for the "Extra Group of 5".
These "place holder" teams cannot win in the "Extra Group of 5", only in their original "Group of 5".
The "Live Teams" in the "Extra Group of 5" must beat the place holders to win. The winning team must beat the 4 other teams in their "Group of 5".
How can golfers compete at different courses ? A team only competes with 4 other teams.
Those teams are playing on the same course, and at the same time, under the same conditions. There is no
leader board, of the 5 teams competing the winner advances.
At a different course on a different day 5 other teams can play under totally different weather conditions
on a course that is much easier or much more difficult. The 5 teams are only competing with each other and
the winner advances. The teams that advance meet in the semifinal round and play at the same course, at
the same time under the same conditions.
What can I win ? The prize money is paid to teams in finals round. Winning teams from each "Group of 5" advance to the
semifinals, and get a 44 Doubles Winner's hat. The runner up team of each "Group of 5" gets 44 doubles "Not
a Winner" hats. There are other potential prizes from sponsors but that is in negotiation at this time.
Prize money in national finals is based on the number of golfers in the finals. For examples, if
there are 40 teams in the finals prize money would be $24,000.00, if there are 160 teams, the prize fund will be $96000.00. (see rules for details)
Can a golfer enter this tournament more than once ?
Yes a golfer may enter the tournament more than once, in the same team or as a member of another team.
A golfer may play on two advancing teams in the semifinals but may only play on one team in the finals.
What about the reality TV program ?
The finals are to be made into a reality TV program about everyday golfers all going after a big prize.
The program will follow the contestants, their families and friends as they advance
to the big prize, or as they get beaten out What about sandbaggers and pros entering this tournament ?
The tournament reserves the right to disqualify any golfer at any stage of the tournament at it's sole discretion
to preserve the fairness and reputation of the tournament. The tournament is taking extreme measures to
maintain the integrity of the averages and handicap system in the tournament.
What handicap is used in this tournament ? Handicap Calculation;
The team Handicap will equal 50% of the lower index player's handicap + 20% of the higher index player's
handicap. Team handicap cannot exceed the lower Index player's handicap.
If one player does not have a GHIN index, the team handicap will be 20% of the other team member.
The tournament will use the USGA Handicap System. For verification all players advancing to the finals rounds
will be required to submit a copy of their handicap history dating back to Jan 15, 2007. Each player's current
handicap card will have be turned in to the tournament desk at sign in time.
Is there a scratch division ?
Yes, there is a scratch division.
How do I enter the
"4 4 Doubles Event
"? You can save a spot on a squad, one of several ways. 1) Check to see if there is a 44 squad leader at one of your local courses.
2) Call (800-722-5763) or email the tournament office to get information on squads in your area.
3) You can sign up as a squad leader and run a squad yourself, it's easy. You only need 10 golfers.
4) You can sign up on the tournament web site. (More info, and Enter the 4-4 Doubles Event)
Are there different age divisions in the tournament ?
Yes there are 3 for men and 2 for women. *
1, Men 49 and under
2, Men 50 to 59
3, Men 60 and over
4, Women 49 and under
5, Women 50 and over
There is also a scratch division.
*Any golfer can play in a division younger than their actual age.
How do I get entry forms and the things I need if I want to host a squad ? 1) You can print out any forms or rules you will need from the "44 squad leader forms page" on this site.
(you must be a registered squad leader to access the "squad leader forms page")
2) You can
E-mail us to request a package.
3) You can fax us at 616-374-8686 and ask for a package. 4) You can call 800-722-5763 to get your package.
How much is the entry fee ?
Entry fee is $40.00 for each golfer. (80.00 per team) The tournament entry does not include greens fees. Due
to the wide variance of greens fees across the country the total entry fee must be calculated induvualally.
What is the entry fee break down ?
The entry fee is $40.00 for each golfer ($80.00 per team), The $40.00 entry fee Does NOT include Greens
fees, due the wide variation of greens fees across the US (world) it is not feasible to include greens fees in the
tournament entry. As greens vary from 0 at private clubs to hundreds at some golf clubs that part of the entry
must be calculated for each course.
The break down for each $40.00 golfers entry fee is as follows. Paid to squad leader for managing and filing
records and signing up golfers - $7.50, Local qualifier squad winner hats - $2.50, National prize fund -
$10.00, National tournament expense - $9.50. Local squad tournament promotion expense - $10.50. The
breakdown when a team advances to the semifinals round is the same as the qualifier, that entry fee is $40.00
per golfer. Finals no cost.
How do I pay the enty fee ?
1) You can pay on the Tournament web site (on line entry form) and you will get a receipt to give to
your local squad leader.
2) Pay your local squad leader when you enter. Only by check made to "4-4 Doubles Event"
3) You can mail your entry form and fee to the tournament office. (allow time for mail) The tournament takes extreme measures to protect and control entry fees.
Why should I host a squad ?
(YOU should be a squad leader)
It's easy, you can make money,
it can be fun, and be part of something big. If you sign up 30 teams to play in the tournament you will get a free pass into the finals.
Who can be a squad leader (or host) for this tournament ?
A
squad leader
can be an individual golf enthusiast, a golf course, an employee, or an organization.
How is this tournament a business tool ? Companies can run squads
that for example put customers and salespeople on the same squad to
build relationships. Or offer entries as incentives or rewards for goals achieved. The event can be
used to spice up company outings.
How many golfers on a team ? The "4-4 Doubles Event" is a doubles tournament, the answer to this question is 2.
How is this tournament great for Golf Courses ?
It is something new, excitement, good for outings, more greens fees, and more golf to talk about.
Is this tournament limited to golfers in the US only ?
No, there are no limits as to location of qualifiers. Semifinals may also be held outside the US.
Semifinals require 15 teams to play which means golfers outside the US may have to
travel to join a semifinal flight with 15 other teams. The tournament office will assist all
semifinalists in locating semifinal matches. The tournament office will make an effort to
accommodate golfers speaking languages other than English. All golfers will have to submit handicap
records and verification that is acceptable to the tournament and USGA.
Where will I golf the semifinals ?
The location and first 2 dates for the semifinal rounds in a given area will be set when the firsrt
local squad leader is ready to start filling his squad. In most cases this will allow the squad
leader to post the dates and courses on his qualifier entry forms. The dates will typically be
approximately 60, 90 days out from first qualifier date. Winners can play in semifinals in other
areas when they desire.
When approximately 15 semifinalist teams have qualified within an area a semifinal squad will be scheduled. The courses will be chosen for proximity to the most golfers.
Where and when are the finals ?
The finals will be played at the Grande Pines Golf Club in Orlando Florida. The dates of the finals are
June 5th and 6th and or June 13th and 14th. The exact times and dates will be posted as the tournament
gets underway and TV production considerations are addressed.
What if I can't attend on the date set for the semifinal ?
There will be numerous semifinal squads, a team may golf in another squad.
If you can't make the first or closest semifinal you can sign up for any other squad.
This information will be available on the web site, or you can call the tournament office for help.
How did this tournament start ? It started with a group of friends talking about reality TV, first bowling tournaments and then golfing events including the the 9-19 Biggest Dream tournament and the 44 Doubles Event.
How many teams can play in a qualifier squad ? Five (5) or more teams are required to play in a qualifier squad.
Have other questions ? Send us an e-mail we'll get back to you. I have a Question !
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