LEAGUE CHARTER

Mission Statement

Bush Golf exists to bring together mates for a fun, competitive, and social golf league played in the great outdoors. Our mission is to combine the spirit of traditional golf with a relaxed, inclusive, and team-driven atmosphere — celebrating good shots, great banter, and unforgettable rounds in the bush.

League Format

Competition Types:

  • Stableford (primary format) – points-based scoring system, using handicap-adjusted nett scores

  • Ambrose (one major tournament per season) – 3-person team scramble format

Teams: 3 players per team
Rounds: Played at various courses, including social and competitive events
Individual Awards: An MVP leaderboard will run alongside the team competition, recognising standout individual performances (MVP points not awarded in Ambrose events)

Season Structure

4 Major Tournaments per Season:

  • One tournament every 2 months

  • At least one will be an Ambrose event

  • Attendance is mandatory for all players

  • Tournaments count towards team standings and MVP leaderboard

Minor Tournaments:

  • Optional, social events during the season

  • Open to any league members

  • Individual prizes and side comps awarded

  • Results do not affect team standings or MVP points

Team Ladder:
Team rankings are determined by cumulative ladder points earned across the 4 major tournaments.

Basic Rules

  1. Golf Rules: Official rules with Stableford scoring.

  2. Stableford Scoring (Handicap-Adjusted Nett Scores):

    • Double Bogey or worse: 0 points

    • Bogey: 1 point

    • Par: 2 points

    • Birdie: 3 points

    • Eagle: 4 points

    • Albatross: 5 points

  3. Handicaps:

    • Players may submit their current Golf Australia (GA) handicap

    • Converted to a Bush Golf Handicap (locked in)

    • Updated only when a player competes in a Bush Golf event

    • New players must submit at least three 9-hole rounds (via 18Birdies or equivalent)

    • Players without enough rounds will play off scratch (0)

  4. Team Scoring:

    • Team score = total Stableford points of all 3 players

    • Ladder points awarded per tournament:

      • 1st place: 20 points

      • 2nd place: 16 points

      • 3rd place: 13 points

      • 4th place: 10 points

  5. MVP Leaderboard: Individual points tracked across the season

  6. Etiquette & Spirit: Mateship, honesty, respect

  7. Pace of Play: Keep up; pick up if no score possible

  8. Tiebreakers:

    • Team with highest individual Stableford score wins

    • If tied: countback on that player’s round (last 9 → last 6 → last 3 → final hole)

  9. Substitutions and Fill-Ins:

    • Fill-ins allowed for injuries

    • Must have 18Birdies handicap (or provisional)

    • No fill-in? Ghost score = average of other 2 team members minus 10

  10. Scoring & Integrity:

    • Pair with a player from another team

    • Mark each other’s scores

    • Cards must be physical and signed by the marker

    • No card = no score. No signature = no trust.

Ambrose Tournament Rules

  1. 3-person team scramble

  2. Team handicap = total of all players’ Bush Golf Handicaps ÷ number of players

  3. Stableford scoring on team nett score

  4. No MVP points awarded in Ambrose

League Fees

  • Player Registration Fee: $50 per player (covers admin, prizes, MVP tracking)

  • Team Registration Fee: $50 per team per season (paid by team captain)

  • Minor Tournament Fees: Entry/prize fees announced per event (optional)

Bush Golf League Teams

1. Redbacks GC

  • Patrick Roberts

  • Liam Gray

  • Jeremy Rutherford

2. Hellcats

  • Hugh Roberts

  • Owen Mitchell

  • Luke Palombi

3. Putt Buddies

  • Nick Rutherford

  • Tim Gay

  • Adam Chant

4. Blades

  • Leigh Gittoes

  • Aaron Randall

  • Chris Gittoes

Click here to download the League Charter