Important

Hope Valley Junior Invitational COVID-19 guidelines

During this time of heightened COVID-19 awareness, the Carolinas Golf Association and the Hope Valley Junior Invitational Tournament Committee would like to enforce the following protocols to keep our tournament safe for players, volunteers, staff and families.

We ask that all players and spectators review these protocols before competing in or attending the Hope Valley Junior Invitational.

All of these protocols are subject to change as restrictions are lifted or added, per state and regional governments and health officials.

The Carolinas Golf Association and the HVJI Tournament Committee will email updated protocols to each player in the field along with pairings when they are posted.

  • All players must maintain a minimum of six feet distance from all other people, including other players, spectators, club staff, association staff, etc. at all times. This includes all areas of the club, i.e. the parking lot, putting green, practice area, on the golf course, in the scoring area, restrooms, clubhouse, and golf shop.
  • Caddies are prohibited.
  • Spectators are allowed, but please limit the amount of spectators at this time. Spectators are asked to stay in their vehicle until their players tee time and refrain from congregating before and after the round. Spectators are not allowed in practice areas.
  • Players should not arrive at the golf course more than one hour before their starting time.
  • Practice areas will be for PLAYERS ONLY.  Practice and warm up will be limited.  Spectators are not allowed in practice areas.
  • Practice areas will not be open after tournament rounds.
  • Players should refrain from the traditional hug or handshake before or after rounds. A friendly nod, a tip of the cap, or a simple wave is recommended as a form of greeting or sportsmanship.
  • Players should bring their own tees, pencils, traditional golf supplies.
  • Water/hydration will be provided. 
  • Player Gifts will be handed out during registration.  Player Registration will be from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Monday, August 3rd. 
  • Optional paper scorecards will be provided to competitors. These scorecards are not official. Instructions on how to enter scores in the USGA TM app can be found here: If players do not wish to use the app, their marker may verbally relay their scores to Staff Members at the end of the round.
  • All Rules Sheets and Hole Locations Sheets will be available online and can be viewed on a smartphone. Limited copies will be available in the starting area.
  • After the round, players will verify scores that were entered in the USGA TM App in the scoring area with local staff. Scores are deemed returned once players and markers verbally verify scores. Optional paper scorecards will NOT be returned.
  • There will be no physical scoreboard. All scores will be posted online.
  • Players must leave the club facility after the round. Do not gather and congregate at the clubhouse, parking lot, or any other common areas. If players are waiting for prizes/merchandise on the final day, they can wait in their vehicle or at a safe social distance outside.
  • All provided food and beverage will be in the form of boxed lunches. All banquets and buffet lunches are suspended.
  • In the event play is suspended, players should evacuate the course and wait in their vehicle in the parking lot. In the event a player does not have a vehicle to wait in, please see a staff member. Updates about resumption of play will be sent via text to the tournament field.
  • Please make sure your player profile has your correct cell number so that you receive text message updates. Update your profile here:
    Before arriving, please take these precautions:

    • If you are sick or at risk (CDC’s list of high risk individuals) please stay home.
    • Any spectators that fall into the at-risk category should stay home.
    • Players should wash their hands frequently, where available. Hand sanitizer should be used frequently in the absence of a restroom. Players are responsible for providing their own hand
      sanitizer.
    • Players should avoid touching their face, including their mouth, nose, lips or eyes.

     

Rules of Golf Modifications:

  • WHEN THE SCORECARD IS RETURNED: A player’s scorecard is deemed returned (no changes allowed to scorecard) once the player verbally acknowledges the scores posted in the USGA TM software are correct and leaves the roped off scoring area.
  • BUNKERS: If a ball comes to rest in a bunker, the player may lift the ball, smooth the area they intend to place the ball, and place the ball in that area. This area must be in the bunker and within one club-length of the original lie of the ball. The ball may be cleaned when lifted.
  • FLAGSTICK: Under the Rules of Golf, players are permitted to leave the flagstick in the hole while putting. At this time, touching or removing the flagstick and replacing it before a stroke is deemed a CGA Code of Conduct violation at this time and is subject to penalty. If a player removes the flagstick and makes a stroke with the flagstick removed, the player will be subject to the general penalty for each offense.
  • HOLING OUT: A ball is considered ‘holed’ if it is resting on an object in place to prevent the ball from falling to the bottom of the cup even if the ball is not completely resting below the surface of the ground. However, all measures will be taken by setup staff to ensure that whatever object is in the hole will indeed allow the ball to come to rest completely below the surface of the ground.
  • Our top priority is the safety of our players, volunteers, spectators and staff.