In case you missed it: SBIC & COVID email 5.4.2020
Golf courses in Massachusetts have re-opened, but there are stipulations. The SBIC is adapting to the ever-changing situation, and here is how SBIC will adapt to the “new normal”.
CONTENTS (these are links, click to go to a particular section)
SIGNING UP FOR TOURNAMENTS
SIGNING UP FOR TOURNAMENTS
We will no longer post sign up sheets in the back room. Signing up for tournaments will be conducted through the SBIC website here: Tournament Signup
Brief instructions: go to the webpage using your computer, tablet, or phone and click on either the Title of the tournament or “View & sign up”. Click on “Sign up” wherever there are remaining spots and fill out the form that appears. Key information:
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- Online sign up closes at 10 AM on the Monday prior to the weekend for which the signups are available.
- The Tournament Chairman will schedule all Groups.
- The ‘Add a note here’ box is mandatory: add your SBIC #, your partner’s name (if you have one), and anything else David needs to know. Examples:
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- “My partner will be Larry” is crystal clear.
- “I want to play with Therese, Betsy, & Maryanne” is also clear that Tom wants to play with these 3 people.
- A note similar to “any group is fine” indicates that you will play with anyone at any time.
- “Early please” is a request to go out early. Note that these requests are not always possible.
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- Naming your partner in the note box does not “technically” sign them up for the tournament. We’d like everyone to sign up (you can sign another person up) so that we can see how many players we might have without scrolling through the entire list of notes.
- If signing up a Guest, make sure your name is in the Note as their partner. If reqiured, put their GHIN # in the note box as well. You cannot edit a sign up once it is completed, so sign up your guest once you know the GHIN #. It’s OK if they are not on the very next line as long as you are noted as their partner.
More detailed instructions (with some pictures!) are available here: Sign up directions
This is a new system for us and testing has been somewhat limited. If you experience difficulties with the online signup, please email Dave Aucoin at sandyburric@comcast.net. If something isn’t meeting our needs, we will tinker with the system or, if necessary, find a different system.
CHECKING IN ON TOURNAMENT DAY
UPDATED 6/11: the Clubhouse is now open, we have revised the Check-In procedure.
Given the restriction on the number of people in the Clubhouse and to limit person-to-person contact, we have altered the check-in process:
- Please enter the Clubhouse through the main door that faces the parking lot.
- If less than 2 people are checking in, proceed toward the Collector’s table.
- If you are using cash, there will be a box to deposit your $10. If there are Skins and if you are entering Skins, deposit $30 into the box.
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- Do not hand money to the Collector, don’t touch the box, and exact amounts are preferred!
- It is preferred that the money is in an envelope with your name and amount written on the outside.
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- If you used Venmo to pay, please inform the Collector that you have paid, and indicate if you have entered Skins.
- See the section on Payment Options for more information.
- If you are using cash, there will be a box to deposit your $10. If there are Skins and if you are entering Skins, deposit $30 into the box.
- Read the white board for that day’s rules and notes.
- Exit through the door opposite the bar and exit the building through the door nearest the patio.
A few notes:
- Check in 15 minutes before your scheduled tee time.
- Please abide by the 6 feet of social distancing guideline.
- Please move through the check-in process as quick as reasonably possible, there may be others behind you that need to check-in as well.
- If weather and Sandy Burr allows, we will prop open the doors.
TOURNAMENT PAYMENT OPTIONS
There are two methods for payment, cash and Venmo. Cash will be deposited into a box near the Collector (see the Check-In process). The cash box option will work, but the box will sit untouched for at least 3 days before money is taken out. Be aware that there is some risk to the recipient when money is received.
We are encouraging the use of Venmo to reduce contact and help speed payments. Venmo is easy to use once you’ve done it once or twice (all the kids use it!), plus you can use it to pay off your Nassau (bet you didn’t think of that!).
Venmo (https://venmo.com), a company owned by PayPal, Inc., provides a mobile app that allows the transfer of money from one person to another. Essentially, you link your bank account or debit card to the Venmo app, look up the person that you want to pay, and send money. This is a free service when using your Venmo balance, bank account, or debit card. There is a 3% fee if you use a credit card. Receiving money and making purchases in other apps is always free. Basic instructions:
To sign up for Venmo:
- Download one of our mobile apps: click here for iOS or click here for Android (Venmo does not have a Windows app)
- Open the Venmo app
- Choose your sign up method and create a secure password (between 8 and 32 characters long).
- Verify your phone number and email address: more info here
- Add and verify your bank account: more info here
To pay:
Find the Pay or Request button on the home screen—it will either say “Pay or Request,” or it will look like a pencil and a square, or a pencil and…something. On my phone it’s a blue circle with a pencil at the bottom of the screen
Next, find David Aucoin by searching for either @sbicgolf , sandyburric@comcast.net, or by tapping “Scan Code” and scanning this QR code with your phone:
Enter the amount ($10 or $30), enter a note in the “What’s it for?” (Entry fee, Entry fee + skins, or thanks for mowing my lawn Dave) box and tap “Pay”. That should take care of it.
You do not need to add money to Venmo to pay someone.
There is more info on payment here.
And everything you would want to know about Venmo here.
SCORING AND SCORECARDS
UPDATED 6/11: We are experimenting with accepting scores at the course.
- One player in the group needs to keep score and turn in the scorecard.
- While maintaining social distancing, the player keeping score will review front 9, back 9 and total score with each player in the group. There will not be an opportunity to revise scores.
- Enter the Clubhouse though the main door and locate the Scorer’s table.
- Take a seat in the chair, 6 feet from the Scorer, relay scores for each player, exit the Scorer’s area.
- Verify scores with the Scorer before leaving the Scoring area.
- Drop scorecard into designated box.
- All scores will be reviewed later that day. Standings will not be known until the tournament is finalized.
Winners that used Venmo will be paid via Venmo, winners that used cash will be paid in cash by the Tournament Director when he sees you.
NEW SCORING SOFTWARE
This is not related to COVID-19, but it is a major change for 2020.
For the 2020 season, the SBIC will start using the Golf Genius/USGA Tournament Management (TM) Program for tournament scoring. The Tournament Chairman has spent several months reviewing and validating the TM program to make sure that it meets our specific needs to ensure a smooth transition from one scoring platform to another.
Because of this change, only those Members that have paid SBIC dues and have been activated in the MGA system will be able to participate in our tournaments.
Key changes:
- Handicaps are now calculated daily: you will have a new handicap the day after you post a score. We will use the handicap indices that are available on the Friday just prior to the weekend, and we will not update handicaps over the weekend.
- Playing Handicap is your handicap for that day/weekend. Everyone should understand what a Playing Handicap is.
- There are new definitions for “Handicap for 9 Holes” and “Tie Breaks”.
More information related to the software change can be found in this document: SBIC & WHS 2020.PDF
