First Citizens Junior Golf Tour

General Tour Information

Purpose

  1. To provide well-run, fun and competitive golf tournaments for junior golfers of all ages and skill levels in Central Virginia
  2. To develop character, respect and sportsmanship
  3. To foster and encourage positive friendships and community commaraderie
  4. Organize and run high-quality junior golf tournaments throughout Central Virginia.

Age Groups and Yardages

Boys and girls will compete together in five age groups:

6 - 8 Age Group (Parent or responsible adult MUST caddie)

Boys and Girls 9 Holes: ~ 1400 Yards. Age Appropriate Tees will be set-up for each course as follows:

Par 3’s 60 – 90 yards
Par 4’s 150 – 200 yards
Par 5’s 250 – 300 yards

9 - 11* Age Group (Parent or responsible adult MAY caddie)

Boys and Girls 9 Holes: 2,350 - 2,550 Yards

Age Appropriate Tees to be set-up for each course
Par 3’s 100 – 140 yards
Par 4’s 250 – 300 yards
Par 5’s 380 – 420 yards

12 - 14 Age Group

Boys: 18 Holes: 5,400 - 5,800 Yards Golf Course Appropriate Tee Box
Girls: 18 Holes: 4,800 - 5,200 Yards Golf Course Appropriate Tee Box (Normally red/women's)

15 - 18 Age Group

Boys: 18 Holes: 6,000 - 6,500 Yards Golf Course’s White or Blue Tees
Girls: 18 Holes: 5,400 - 5,800 Yards Golf Course Appropriate Tee Box (Normally red/women's)

* By request and approval from the Tour Director, kids may play up one age division. Playing up is only encouraged for the most advanced/skilled players. 

Tournament/Event Play

  1. Players will be paired in threesomes and Tee times and will start at the posting starting time. (normally around 9:00am)
  2. Play will be 18 holes stroke play, except for ages 6 - 11 who will play 9 holes.
  3. All 1st place ties will be determined by a "sudden-death" playoff; all other ties will be broken by a match of scorecards.
  4. Awards will be presented to the top 3 finishers in each age group at each tournament.
  5. The "Player of the Year" will be the player who accumulates the most points throughout the season for his/her age group. Click here for point system information.

Rules

  1. USGA rules will govern play, except for local rule changes. All question on rules will be decided by the tournament director.
  2. The highest score allowed on any hole is double par. At that point, you must pick up your ball.  (This rule does not apply to 36 hole events) 
  3. Appropriate attire is required. Shirts must have collars - no athletic shorts.
  4. All contestants (playing 18 holes or more) will walk and carry their own bag or use a pull cart.
  5. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend tournaments. Rules for spectators are as follows:

    • Cellular phones, pagers and other similar electronic devices must be turned off while on the competition course.
    • Spectators must stay in the rough or on the cart path and at least 30 yards away from the players.
    • Spectators are allowed to carry water, umbrellas, jackets, towels, and food for the players.
    • The player is responsible for the actions of his/her spectators.
    • Spectators may not carry a player’s golf bag and/or clubs.
    • Spectators are not allowed to give ADVICE to the players. The player may be penalized for a violation. ADVICE is any counsel or suggestion, which could influence a player in determining his/her play, the choice of club or the method of making a stroke.
    • Spectators shall not carry on conversations with players. This action could be construed as ADVICE. Players may be penalized.

                  Examples of advice: "You should hit a 6-iron here"; "Take an unplayable lie"; "Keep your head down"; "Relax, take it one shot at a time"

                  Penalties for violation of advice policy or cell phone policy is as follows:
                         > 1st offense: Verbal warning 
                         > 2nd offense: Two-stroke penalty 
                         > 3rd offense: Disqualification of player 

   6.  Starting times for each event will be posted on the web site. Players should check this website (see Pairings/Tee Times page) to obtain their starting times. 

   7.  Non-metal spikes are required.

Awards

  1. Sportsmanship Award - an award will be presented to a player who has demonstrated true sportsmanship and upheld the high standards of the game of golf during the course of the association's season.
  2. Individual Tournament Champions / Top Finishers - the top 3 finishers in each age division for each tournament / event will receive an award.
  3. Age Group Champions / Player of the Year Awards - the top 2 finishers in each age group for the entire TOUR will receive special recognition after the TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP event.

Conduct

How one should behave on a golf course comes down to simple courtesy and common sense. Safety, stewardship, and consideration of others are the three areas covered in the following basics of etiquette.

  1. Safety

    Prior to playing a stroke or making a practice swing, the player should make sure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, ball, or any objects that may be moved by the stroke of swing.
     
  2. Stewardship

    All players have the responsibility of taking care of the course. Some common acts that will make the game more pleasurable for others include:

    1. Before leaving a bunker, full up and smooth over all holes and footprints.
    2. Through the green, a player should ensure that any turf cut or displaced by him is replaced at once and pressed down and that any damage to the putting green made by a ball (not necessarily just his) is carefully repaired. Damage to the putting green caused by golf shoe spikes should be repaired on completion of the hole.
    3. Players should ensure that, when putting down bags or the flag stick, no damage is done to the putting green. To avoid this possibility, place these items off the green. Make sure the flag stick is removed and replaced properly in the hole. Players should not damage the putting green by leaning on their putters, particularly when removing the ball from the hole. If you are wearing golf spikes, make sure you lift your feet on the green.
    4. In take practice swings, players should avoid causing damage to the course, particularly the tees, by removing divots.
    5. Use trash receptacles for all waste. If you see litter, pick it up and deposit it in the next trash receptacle.

  3. Golf Course Behavior

    Golf is a game of concentration and flow. To provide your fellow competitors the courtesy they deserve, follow these simple rules:

    1. No one should move, talk, or stand close to or directly behind the player, ball, or the hole when a player is addressing the ball or making a stroke.
    2. The player who has the honor should be allowed to play before his opponent or fellow competitor tees the ball.
    3. No player should play until the players in front are out of range.
    4. Players searching for a ball should signal the players behind them to pass as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not be easily found.
    5. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.
    6. Swearing, club throwing , and similar behavior will not be tolerated.
       
  4. Proper Ball Mark Repair

    1. Many golfers are unaware of the proper method for repairing ball marks on the green. Not repairing a ball mark in the correct manner can cause harm to the green. When repairing a ball mark on the green, insert your tool at the outer circumference of the mark and gently press the tool in toward the center of the mark. Repeat this motion around the perimeter of the mark then gently press down on the mark with your foot or flat bottom of putter.
    2. Repair all marks on the green even if they are not yours. Do this only if you are not holding up play or interfering with a playing partner's putting stroke.

FCJGT Caddie Policy

All players six through eight years old must be accompanied by an adult sixteen years or older to serve as their caddie. Players in the nine through eleven age division may have a caddie sixteen years of age or older.

The purpose of the caddie is to assist the golfer and make his or her golf experience more pleasurable and enjoyable. Caddies should be helpful, encouraging, supportive and assist the junior golfer in moving along at a good pace.  Caddies should familiarize themselves with the following caddie related rules: 

Important USGA Caddie Related Rules

  1. Rule 14-2b states that in "making a stroke," a player shall not allow his caddie to position himself on or close to an extension of the line of play or the line of putt behind the ball. A caddie may position himself in this manner before the player commits to beginning his swing but must move away once the player is set to begin his swing. Failure to do so will result in a two-stroke penalty.
  2. Rule 8-2b states that when a player's ball is on the putting green, the player or his caddie may before, but not during, the stroke, point out a line for putting, but in doing so the putting green shall not be touched. No mark shall be placed anywhere to indicate a line for putting. Violation of this rule will result in a two-stroke penalty.
  3. Rule 8-1 states that a Caddie is one who carries or handles a player's clubs during play and otherwise assists him in accordance with the rules. A player may only have one caddie at any given time. A caddie may be replaced or eliminated at any time by the player. No other person may offer advice or help to a player other than his caddie.

REMEMBER that a rules violation by the caddie is the same as if the player violated the rule. A caddie must be aware of the rules and assist his player in accordance with the rules. Always play two balls and check with the Tour Director if in doubt about a rule.

All caddies should be supportive and encouraging to all players in the group at all times. Caddies must remember that they are setting an example for the junior players and must maintain proper etiquette, focus and perspective at all times. Caddies violating this policy may be asked to leave and/or prohibited from participating in future FCJGT events.

The "Player of the Year" will be the player who accumulates the most points throughout the season for his/her age group!

Point System

Players accumulate points at each event based on their place. Points are awarded as follows:

1st    =   20 points
2nd   =   15 points
3rd   =   10 points
4th    =    9 points
5th    =    8 points
6th    =    7 points
7th    =    6 points 
8th    =    5 points 
9th    =    4 points
10th  =    3 points
11th and on = 1 point for participation

        NOTE:

  • 36 Hole tournaments will be worth double points.  If players are only able to play one of the days, they will be eligible for normal event points. The end of the year tournament, the "TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP" will be worth double points.