Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am having problems with BFRMC messages and notifications getting delivered to my email address?

A: Your email service provider is likely blocking (e.g., treating as spam) any emails sent by BFRMC because of the long distribution lists attached. You probably need to modify your web service email options and identify the club’s web domain (www.bfrmc.org) as a domain that is allowed to send messages to your email address.  If you are unsure how to do this yourself, please contact your email service provider (Yahoo, AOL, SBC, Cox, Comcast, etc.) for help.

Q: As a new member, can I call in a tee-time as a single for Sundays if its not an Individual tournament (ie. member/member)?
A: Single players can call in anytime for any event.  The pro shop will try to slot you in an opening closest to the time you desire.

Q:  Are Individual Tournaments counted towards the 5 needed to play in the Club Championship?
A:  Yes, any event you play in counts towards the 5 minimum events required to play in the Club Championship.

Q:  As a new member who does not know any current members, when signing up for a tournament will I be assigned to a foursome automatically, or do I need to seek out playing partners?
A:  If you sign up as "single", you will be assigned to a foursome as close as possible to the tee time you request.  It is not necessary to seek out playing partners.  Call (or got to) the pro shop to sign up.

Q:  What is the 4-Man Shamble Tournament?
A:  Similar to a Scramble event, this is a 4-man team event where all players tee off from every hole.  After all players tee off, the team or team "captain" decides which tee shot is the best -- this is the location where ALL players will play there next shot.  This is where the similarity to a Scramble ends -- all players will play out there own ball from this "best" tee shot location.  The 4 players then combine for a team best ball, both gross and net. 

Some members have played the Shamble format and found it to be enjoyable for all -- much better than a Scramble because everyone plays their own ball out on every hole.  It is a lot of fun -- even on very difficult courses!  It has been recommended to the Tournament committee for inclusion in the 2003 BFRMC schedule.  Let the Tournament Committee know what you think after you tried the Shamble.

Q:  Is there anything being done to curb the slow play situation?
A:  This is everyone's responsibility.  If your group is falling behind, you must make every effort to catch up to group in front of you.  As the golf course staffs up, rangers will be responsible for warnings for slow play and penalties WILL  be assessed to those who continue to be flagged for slow play.  Have courtesy for everyone else.  Keep play moving.  Four hour and fifteen minute rounds should be our goal.  

Q:  Do you have to putt out on each hole or can someone concede a putt when you are close to the hole?
A:  You MUST hole out every putt, regardless of the tournament.  Penalty for breach of this rule is disqualification.

Q:  I'm a new member, how will you figure my handicap?
A:  Unfortunately, we cannot just assign a handicap without prior playing history.  You must have 5 scores turned in and processed by USGA (GHIN) before you will have a valid handicap.  Until then, you can still play in any tournament, but unfortunately you will play in the gross division only.  Do yourself a favor and get five 18 hole scores submitted as soon as possible.

Q:  Do you have any update on the Internet Score Posting functionality offered on GHIN.com:
A:  It is not currently available at BFR.

Q:  How do the ABCD tournaments work?
A:  Sign up procedures are the same except you do not request a specific tee time nor can you sign up as a foursome.  Once the field is "full", players are divided up by handicap into 4 divisions:  A, B, C & D.  Then players are randomly assigned foursomes; each foursome will have an A,B, C and D player.  It is played as a team event.  Your foursome is your team.  You will play your own ball and the format will be a "2" or "3" best ball tournament. 

Q:  What is a member/member & member/guest bestball tournament?
A:  The various member/member tournaments are "2 man team events".  You both play your own ball and score.  However, the format for the tournament is that you use the better score on each hole for your team score.  Member guest is the same way, except your partner is from an outside club.  Your partner must have an official state handicap to play in the member guest.  Some member/members are a different format, such as scramble or alternate shot.  See the schedule.

Q:  I'm a new member.  How do I get a handicap and GHIN number?
A:  If you are a new member and you've had a handicap at a previous club, you will be able to carry that GHIN number over to BFR.  You should have filled that information out on the application and you will be all set.  If you did not have a previous handicap GHIN, you will be assigned one.  To find out your GHIN # and your scoring history, check the computer at the course or go to GHIN.COM.  You can search by State and Name.  To have a valid handicap, you must have five 18 hole scores entered.

Q:  How do I enter my scores?
A:  Your scores from each BFR men's club tournament will be entered for you.  For any non-men's club events and outside course scores, you may enter your scores on the computer at the club.  YOU MUST ENTER YOUR ADJUSTED SCORES.  You also must turn your score card in by placing it in the "score card" box in the locker room.  It must be attested and adjusted.  You cannot enter your scores through the internet.

Q:  What is the procedure for adjusting your scores?
A:  Before you turn in any scorecard, you must adjust your scores for equitable stroke control (ESC).  For information on how to adjust, exit this window and return to the News and Info page and scroll down.  For general information regarding handicaps, go to www.usga.com.  Also, you can go to www.ghin.com to view your up-to-date handicap..

Q:  Is there a minimum number of tournaments that you must play in to participate in the club championship?
A:  Yes.  You must play in any 5 tournaments prior to the club championship to participate.

Q:  What is the NEPL?
A:  The New England Public Links are 3 annual tournaments sponsored by the NEPGA (New England Public Golf Association).  The NEPGA has been in existence for over 60 years.  The 3 tournaments are:  The 10 Man NEPL Team Championship (all gross), The Senior NEPL Championship (all net, 4 players 50-59 years of age; 2 players  60-64 years of age and 2 players 65+) and the NEPL KANE/Net Championship (8 players).  Blue Fox Run Men's Club sends a team to each of these 3 tournaments.  See the tournament schedule for qualifying dates.