GOLF DERBY

Congratulations to the Crow Canyon

2023 Derby Queen - JENNIFER MIKSCH!

It’s almost time to start the Derby. We’ve changed Derby day to Thursdays.  We won’t get cheated out of as many dates. Here are some FAQ’s…

When does it start?

Thursday, May 4.  

How do I sign up?

Come to The Vintage between 4:00 & 5:00 pm. If you’re running late, you can text me at (925) 367-4417. 

What happens if I try to sign up after 5:00 pm?

The teams will already have been formed.  You will not be able to play that week. 

Do I have to commit to playing every?

No, come whenever you can. However, the more you play, the better chance of becoming the ‘Derby Queen’ at the end of the season. 

How long is the Derby season?

September 7 will end the season. 

How much is the entry fee?

$10 in cash, per player, per night. 

Do I have to have an established handicap?

Yes. 

How are the teams made up?

Players are divided into “higher” and “lower” handicap groups. Players are randomly paired from each group into two-player teams. 

Do we all start on the same hole at the same time?

Yes.  Each team hits their drive on #1 starting at 5:30 pm. When all teams have hit their drives, we’ll all go to the fairway (hopefully) to hit the next shot. 

How does the alternate shot format work?

Each team will decide who hits the drive on #1. Their playing partner will hit the second shot, then alternate until the putt is made. The partner of the player who made the putt will hit the drive on the next hole.

Do we get strokes on certain holes?

It depends on the combined handicap of the two-player team. It will be likely that teams will get strokes on multiple holes?

How many holes will we play?

The maximum is six…the minimum is two. 

How are teams eliminated?

Every team will play at least two holes. We’ll take the total of the scores for numbers one and two and eliminate the highest score(s). Then we’ll eliminate the teams with the highest score(s) on numbers 3, 4, and 5, ending up with three teams on #6 (or the “money hole”). 

How many teams are eliminated before getting to #6?

It depends on how many teams participate.  For instance, if there were ten teams, that means that we would have to eliminate seven teams before #6. In this case, we would eliminated one team on #2, and two teams each on numbers 3, 4, & 5. 

What happens if there is a tie for the highest score?

We’ll have either a “putt off” or a “chip off” to determine which team(s) are eliminated. Closest to the hole moves on to the next hole. We “putt off” on 3 & 5. We “chip off” on 2 & 4. Why?  I don’t know…that’s the way we’ve always done it. 

Who hits the chip or putt in case of a tie?

Who’s ever turn it is in the alternate shot format. There is never a case when we deviate from the alternate shot format. 

Does everyone watch the chip or putt to break a tie?

When the teams are ready to chip or putt, the event organizer will ask those participating in the shot to turn around so they cannot see their opponent’s shot, until they have made their own shot. And, once the first shot is made, players involved cannot talk to their partner until they’ve hit their shot. We also avoid reacting to the shot. The reason will become obvious when you start playing. One other thing…the shot has to stay on the green in order to count and be measured. 

What happens if no one stays on the green?

Then those players’ partners will take a shot. 

How does putting work with all those balls on the green?

 Once all balls are on the green (not the fringe), the event organizer will call for “balls down”.  Contrary to a regular round, putting is from closest to, to furthest away. That way, you don’t have to worry about marking balls that would have otherwise been in the way. Once that team putts, it’s continuous alternate putting by that team until the putt is holed. However, on #6, putting starts from the furthest away on the green, with continuous putting until the ball is holed. 

Are there gimmes?

 Absolutely not. You hit a putt that stays on the edge of the hole, your partner must knock the putt in.

Won’t we be stepping on each other’s line?

Yep.  It’s going to happen a lot. Avoid it if you can, but don’t worry too much about it, and don’t complain too much about it. 

How much can we win?

It depends on how many players sign up. All of the money in the pot will be paid out each Derby, except $10, which will be accumulated each week and split among the top three players for the season, as follows:

First place = 60%

Second place = 25%

Third place = 15%

What happens if someone “whiffs” (misses) the ball?

It is considered and counted as a stroke. Their playing partner takes the next shot. 

What happens if there is a dispute?

We’ll follow the normal rules of golf. The event organizer will resolve any disputes. 

Can we bring guests to play?

If the guest played at CCCC that day as a guest, they are allowed to play in the Derby.

In addition, if you are playing in the Invitational, your playing partner is also invited to the Derby prior to the Invitational. They may or may not be your playing partner that evening. It will depend on their handicap and the random draw for teams. 

How will we be notified of the weekly results and standings?

I will send an email out every week, a day or two after the Derby. 

Who made up the guidelines for the Derby?

I’m not sure. But Shannon, our Board President, showed me the guidelines that her dad (Gary Clark) used about 40 years ago. Nothing has changed in 40 years. The Club runs the event in our Invitational, Member/Member, and The Tradition Cup the same way. 

The point of the Derby is to have fun, meet new people, and sharpen your game. Trust me, you’re going to be a little nervous at first. But the butterflies go away after a few holes. Of course, they come back on #6.  Just have fun!