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2015 QUALIFYING SCHOOL FINAL STAGE (PGA CATALUNYA RESORT) Saturday 14 th – Thursday 19 th November REGISTRATION DEADLINE 15.00 hrs Thursday 12 th November
2015 QUALIFYING SCHOOL
FINAL STAGE (PGA CATALUNYA RESORT) Saturday 14th – Thursday 19th November
REGISTRATION DEADLINE 15.00 hrs Thursday 12th November
1. Venue
PGA Catalunya Resort Carretera Nacional II, Km 701 17455 Caldas de Malavella Girona Spain Tel: +34 972 472577 Fax: +34 972 470493 Email: [email protected] Website: www.pgacatalunya.com Contact: Miguel Girbes (Golf Manager)
Location: Junction 8 off motorway A7. 1 hour from Barcelona and 15 minutes from Girona. 10 minutes from Girona Airport.
2. Conditions of Play
The 2015 European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage shall be played over 108 holes (6 rounds) of stroke play. A field of 156 competitors will play 2 rounds on both the Stadium and Tour Courses at PGA Catalunya Resort. After 72 holes the field will be cut to the leading 70 players and ties who will play two further rounds over the Stadium Course.
The European Tour reserves the right to alter the schedule of play or courses at any time.
At the conclusion of 108 holes, the leading 25 players (and those players tied
on the final qualifying place score) will be ranked according to score. Tied scores will be ranked by card play-off as follows:
a. Best last 18 holes b. Best last 36 holes c. Best 3rd (or 4th) round over the Stadium Course d. Best last 72 holes e. Best 1st or 2nd round over the Stadium Course f. Best last 9, 6, 3, 2 and 1 holes (10 to 18)
All players who tie for 25th place or better shall be eligible for Category *16
membership of the European Tour (and Category 5 membership of the Challenge Tour) for the 2016 season and will be subject to the 2016 re-rank policy adopted by the Tournament Committee. The remainder of those making the cut will be eligible for Category *21 membership of the European Tour (and Category 9 membership of the Challenge Tour) for the 2016 season. Players failing to make the cut will be eligible for Category 15 membership of the Challenge Tour for the 2016 season.
Players who fail to make the cut will also be ranked according to score. Tied
scores will be ranked by card play-off as follows:
a. Best 3rd or 4th round over the Stadium Course.
b. Best combined 3rd and 4th rounds. c. Best 1st or 2nd round over the Stadium Course. d. Based on the 3rd or 4th round over the Stadium Course, the best last 9,
6, 3, 2 and 1 holes (10 to 18).
(For players who fail to complete 4 rounds, please refer to the relevant criteria listed under the Rules and Conditions of Entry and Participation as published on the Entry Form.) *The numbering of the Categories has recently been amended for the 2016 season and is not as originally published on the Entry Form.
3. Practice Rounds
The official practice days on both courses are Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th and Friday 13th November. On practice days, the tees on both courses will open as follows:
1st Tee - 09.00 to 15.00 10th Tee - 09.00 to 10.30 only No starting sheets will be in operation, however, play must be in 3 balls or
less. REMINDER – NO PRACTICE ON THE GOLF COURSES WILL BE
PERMITTED BEFORE 09.00 ON ANY DAY.
For practice outwith the three official practice days, players must contact PGA Catalunya Resort in advance by telephone and practice will be subject to availability. There will be a charge of 50% of the normal green fee – approx. €50. However, players will be given courtesy of the course (gratis) on Tuesday 10th November – subject to availability.
4. Practice Range
The opening times throughout the event, including practice days, are as follows: 07.45 – 17.00 (last balls). The balls for the range will be provided courtesy of Titleist. Any player found removing range balls from the practice facilities will be subject to disciplinary action under the European Tour Code of Behaviour (see 10. below).
5. Registration
All competitors are required to register with the European Tour by 15.00 (local time) on Thursday 12th November.
This may be done as follows:
(i) In person at (or by telephone to) the European Tour Tournament Office on site at PGA Catalunya. Tel: +34 972 471 419
(ii) By telephone to the European Tour Entries Department at Wentworth, telephone + 44 (0) 1344 840 471 or + 44 (0) 1344 840 448.
(iii) By email to [email protected]
Note: Those competitors registering by telephone of email are required to visit the Tournament Office prior to the commencement of the tournament in order to confirm personal details, provide bank account/passport details (if necessary) and collect any relevant information. Players who fail to meet the 15.00 hrs local time deadline may be removed from the draw and replaced with the first available reserve in order of eligibility.
Amateur competitors who wish to retain their amateur status must
indicate their intention in writing and this can be done by completing a Final Stage Amateur Registration Form available at registration.
6. Withdrawals
If a player who is exempt for the Final withdraws after the closing date without competing, he will be refunded €1,670 or the Sterling equivalent of £1,250. If a player is absent on the tee without notification no refund will be given. (Players who participated at 1st or 2nd Stage are no longer eligible for any type of refund). Once an entrant has teed off, no refund of his entry fee will be made. A player may withdraw following the completion of any round providing notification is given to the European Tour office on site prior to the conclusion of that day’s play.
7. Bad Weather
All competitors should note that every effort will be made to complete 108 holes by Friday evening, but should bad weather cause disruption, which in the opinion of the Qualifying School Director may jeopardise the proper playing of the Final Stage, play may be continued or indeed scheduled on Friday 20th and if necessary on Saturday 21st November.
As a guideline, the following principles will apply:
a) It is crucial to compare like with like - this may mean declaring play completed at one course void if that round cannot subsequently be completed by all competitors.
a) - 6 stipulated rounds is the objective.
- If 6 rounds cannot be completed by the evening of the final bad weather day, 5 rounds is the objective.
- If 5 rounds cannot be completed by the evening of the final bad
weather day, 4 rounds is the objective.
- If 4 rounds cannot be completed by the evening of the final bad weather day, the Qualifying School may be rescheduled in whole or in part.
- Play will not be scheduled after the bad weather day but in
exceptional circumstances a round in progress may be completed.
8. European Tour Rules
The event will be played under the R&A Rules of Golf and the European Tour Conditions of Competition (Hard Card). A full list of competition Conditions, Rules and Regulations will be available from the European Tour Office and on the 1st tee. Competitors are specifically asked to note:
Limitation of balls used during Round
During a stipulated round the balls a player uses must be of the same brand and type as detailed by a single entry on the current list of Conforming Golf Balls.
Driving Clubs The driver the player carries must have a clubhead, identified by model and loft that is named on the current list of Conforming Driver Heads issued by R&A Rules Limited. Penalty for Breach of Condition: disqualification.
Dangerous Situation - Play Suspension If play is suspended due to a dangerous situation, play must be suspended immediately. Penalty for breach of rule: disqualification. Practice Putting Prohibited A player shall not play any practice stroke on or near the putting green of the hole last played.
Pace of Play Please refer to the attached policy.
Groove Regulations Please note that the 2010 R&A Groove Regulations as listed on the European Tour “Hard Card” will be in effect for the Final of the Qualifying School. Distance Measuring Devices The use of a distance measuring device or a device used to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect a player’s play (eg. temperature, gradient, wind speed, etc.) is not permitted. Penalty for breach of rule: disqualification. (Please refer to point 14. below.) Anti-Doping This policy will be in effect, please refer to point 19, below.
9. Prize Fund
The total prize money will be approximately €150,000 and will be distributed as follows: € € € 1 16,000 11 3,750 21 2,200 2 11,500 12 3,550 22 2,100 3 9,000 13 3,360 23 2,010 4 7,200 14 3,180 24 1,930 5 5,840 15 3,010 25 1,860 6 5,140 16 2,850 7 4,740 17 2,700 8 4,440 18 2,560 9 4,190 19 2,430 10 3,960 20 2,310 Ties on 25th place will receive €1,860 Players who complete all 6 rounds but finish below 25th position will receive €750 each or the equivalent in Sterling or US Dollars.
IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE! In order to satisfy the requirements of the Spanish Tax Authorities, payments will be made by bank transfer only (not cheque) and players who win prize money must supply their bank account details and a copy of the appropriate section of their passport in order to receive payment (unless their current details are already on file with the European Tour). For the convenience of competitors it is requested that this information is supplied at Registration.
For further information please contact Pete Lockett, QS Entries Administrator: Tel:+44 1344 840 448. Email: [email protected]
Amateur entrants are not eligible for prize money.
10. Conduct and Dress Regulations All competitors must abide by the European Tour Code of Behaviour as contained in the Members General Regulations Handbook – copies will be available from the Tournament Office on site at each venue. For a minor breach of the code a fine of not less than €120 (£100) nor greater than €4,800 (£4,000) will be applied. Please note that jeans, shorts and collarless shirts are not acceptable dress at any time or for any reason.
11. Yardage Books
Complimentary Yardage Books (produced by Dion Stevens) will be provided at for both courses and will be available from the European Tour tournament office.
12. Notice Board
Draws and any further information will be posted on the Notice Board at PGA
Catalunya Resort and competitors are advised to check the board regularly for new or updated information.
13. Caddies
There is no restriction on the use of caddies except that no competitor at the
Final Stage of the Qualifying School may caddie for any other player whilst still participating at the Final Stage. Therefore a player who has withdrawn, been disqualified or missed the cut will be permitted to caddie during any subsequent round
Caddies are not permitted to wear jeans, sandals or golf shoes (with spikes). Caddies may wear shorts provided they are tailored, solid coloured and knee length. Beach style shorts or shorts with cargo pockets are unacceptable. Please note that no local caddies will be available.
14. Trolleys Trolleys are available and will be provided free of charge on a first come first
served basis. NOTE: Use of a trolley with a distance measuring device or a device
used to gauge or measure other conditions (including temperature, wind speed, gradient, etc.) is not permitted unless the device is turned off or disabled.
The penalty for using a trolley with such a device attached and
operational is disqualification. 15. Locker Room
The locker room is available in the club – locker keys can be obtained from
the Pro-shop. 16. Clubhouse The Club will open at 07.15 each day and breakfast will be available from
07.15 until 11.00 in the upstairs bar area. Lunch (and snacks) will be available from 12.30 to 17.00 in the restaurant.
Please note that metal spikes are not permitted in the clubhouse. 17. Medical
There will be a medical service on site (Creu Roja/Red Cross) from Wednesday 11th November – Thursday 19th November from 08.00 – 17.00 each day. Please contact the European Tour Office for further information.
A European Tour Sports Medicine doctor (Dr Andrew Murray) will be on site and available. He can be contacted through the Physio Unit.
18. Physiotherapy - Tel: +34 972 472 225
The Race to Dubai Physiotherapy Unit will be located at the entrance to the clubhouse and will be operational from 11th November at the following times: Wednesday 11th Nov - 08.00 – 19.00 Thursday 12th Nov - 08.00 – 19.00 Friday13th Nov - 08.00 – 19.00 Saturday 14th Nov - 07.30 – 11.00 and 14.00 – 19.00 Sunday 15th Nov - 07.30 – 11.00 and 14.00 – 19.00 Monday 16th Nov - 07.30 – 11.00 and 14.00 – 19.00 Tuesday 17th Nov - 07.30 – 11.00 and 14.00 – 19.00 Wednesday 18th Nov - 07.30 – 11.00 and 14.00 – 19.00 Thursday 19th Nov - 07.30 – 11.00
19. European Tour Anti-Doping Policy The European Tour now operates an Anti-Doping Policy which has been developed to protect the integrity that is inherent in the sport, and to ensure the health and safety of all competitors. As a condition of participation all competitors must comply with and be bound by the terms of the policy. A handbook detailing information on the policy is available from the European Tour. Please note that the European Tour reserves the right to implement testing at any stage of the Qualifying School.
20. Membership and Entries
Lisa Collett and Pete Lockett from the European Tour Membership and Entries Department will be on site from Tuesday 17th – Thursday 19th November and will be available to discuss any issue relating to Challenge Tour and European Tour membership and tournament entries.
21. European Tour Staff Tournament Administration Tel: 00 34 972 471 419 Fax: 00 34 972 470 653 Mike Stewart - Qualifying School Director Stadium Course José Maria Zamora - Tournament Director Carmel Treacy - Tournament Secretary Simon Higginbottom - Referee Miguel Vidaor - Referee Thomas Waldenstedt - Referee Pascal Vincent - Referee
Ramón de Bastida - Referee (RFEG) Tour Course Kevin Feeney - Tournament Director Valeria Luna - Tournament Secretary Federico Paez - Referee Guy Hunt - Referee Derrick Cooper - Referee Paul Carrigill - Referee Margarita Salmerón - Referee (RFEG) Media Centre Tel: 00 34 972 472 867 Neil Ahern - Press Officer Tom Curran - Press Officer Edward Peters - Website Editor Steve Doughty - Statistician Other Tournament Services Scoreboard Tel: 00 34 972 471 398 Dean Bridges
Philippe Sibade Steve Sharples Richard Turner Mike Sharples
Physio Tel: 00 34 972 472 225 Daryl Coyne
James Mackie Nigel Tilley Patrick Smith
Agronomy Scott McLean - Greenkeeping Consultant Eugene Hennessy - Greenkeeping Consultant Doctor Dr Andrew Murray - Sports Medicine Doctor Mobile Weather Team Craig Mroczka - Weather Forecaster In Attendance Angel Gallardo - Vice Chairman, Board of Directors Alain de Soultrait - Challenge Tour Director Lisa Collett - Membership & Entries Manager Pete Lockett - Membership & Entries Administrator Andrew Lynch - Player Relations Executive
22. Directions
PGA Catalunya Resort is located in Caldes de Malavella (Girona), 60 minutes from Barcelona, 15 minutes from Girona city.
From Barcelona, leave the AP7 Motorway at exit 9, and travel 7km north towards Girona on road NII and the course is on the left (with the exit from the NII on the right).
From Girona city, take the NII towards Barcelona and the course is at KM701 on the right hand side. (Girona Airport is situated only 5 minutes from the course)
From France, leave the AP7 motorway at exit 6 (Girona Airport/Riudellots de la Selva), travel 5km South towards Barcelona on the NII and the course is on the right.
23. Accommodation
Apartments on site at PGA Catalunya are available to rent, information on the website, for reservations contact Sara Hernández [email protected] The Silken Park Hotel San Jorge is offering a special rate for Q School Final participants at 65€ per night, buffet breakfast included. [email protected] Information relating to both of the above can be found under event info on the European Tour website. http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/qualifying/season=2015/tournamentid=2015995/index.html#yoddaDlEGSVsYl41.9
QUALIFYING SCHOOL 2015 FINAL STAGE
PRACTICE REGULATIONS
1. Practice shall be permitted in designated practice areas only and at
designated times.
NOTE: If play is suspended for a dangerous situation or in the event that such a situation occurs outside the hours of play, players must cease from using all practice facilities immediately. Notification of all practice facilities re-opening after closure will be issued by either a member of the European Tour Field Staff or through the official notice board.
2. During practice rounds, only one ball shall be in play with the following exceptions:
a) If a player misses the green with his shot to the green, he may play
one additional stroke. b) Not more than three chip shots may be played from beside the green,
provided such practice does not damage the course.
c) Only one bunker shot may be played towards the green from a greenside bunker. All other practice bunker shots must be played away from the green. (This is to protect the putting surfaces from excessive sand).
d) Only three practice putts are permitted. In any case, notwithstanding the above regulations, no additional
practice strokes shall be played if the group behind is waiting to play. 3. Practice rounds must be played in 3s or less. 4. Practice times from the 1st tee are 09.00 to 15.00. Players may commence
from the 10th tee but only during the period 09.00 to 10.30. 5. The first tee on both courses will close at 15.00. 6. REMINDER – NO PRACTICE ON THE GOLF COURSES WILL BE
PERMITTED BEFORE 09.00 ON ANY DAY.
QUALIFYING SCHOOL 2015 FINAL STAGE
PACE OF PLAY POLICY
Players are advised to note carefully the provisions of the Tour’s Pace of Play policy printed on the Tour Hard Card. Under these regulations, referees are instructed to time any group which is both over their allotted time and out of position with the group in front. Players must recognise their obligation to keep tight up to the group in front (not ahead of the group behind). Please assist us to keep play moving for the benefit of everyone by:
a) being ready to play when it is your turn b) keeping within the per stroke limits c) playing provisional balls when necessary or advisable d) adopting Rule 3-3 (Doubt as to Procedure) if needed
Tour policy on pace of play is that we do not warn groups before we time them. All players are expected to know when their group is out of position and assume that they are being timed.
Please note that the Pace of Play penalties are amended as follows:-
One bad time - Verbal warning from Official.
Two bad times - One stroke penalty and €540 (£450) fine
Three bad times - Two stroke penalty and €1,000 (£900) fine
Four bad times - Disqualification
In addition, the following regulations apply for the duration of the Qualifying School (all stages):
a) A player who has been timed under the pace of play conditions in force at any Qualifying School Stage tournament will incur a fine of €540 (£450) on his 2nd bad time*. Each subsequent bad time* will incur a fine of €540 (£450) more than the previous fine.
b) The following fines for multiple occasions of timing throughout the Qualifying School are in addition to any fines incurred in (a) above.
o 3 occasions of timing, €180 or sterling equivalent of £150
o 6 occasions of timing, €540 or sterling equivalent of £450
o 9 occasions of timing, €1,080 or sterling equivalent of £900
*A player who incurs a fine under this regulation will not incur an additional fine under the Condition of Competition but any stroke penalties would still stand
Mike Stewart Qualifying School Director
