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Group Overviews
All groups are modified stableford scoring system based. Stableford scoring systems are stroke-play formats in which the high total wins, not the low. That's because in Stableford, your final score is not your stroke total, but rather the total points you have earned for your scores on each individual hole.
Stableford Competitions are addressed in the Rules of Golf under Rule 32.
Stableford is a form of stroke play and, with few exceptions, the rules for stroke play apply. Each group has it's own set of rules and format so pay close attention to those. Keep in mind that you are playing under general stroke play rules and you'll be fine.
The Back Tee Group (BTG)
The BTG has evolved over the years but adopted its official group name in 2023. The group is made up of single to low double-digit handicaps and the requirement is that all players must play from the back tees, hence the name. The bet is typically a 1, 2, and 3-ball Nassau with a potential press on each side, along with a team medal known as the “40-game”. There is also an individual point medal each player is eligible to win. Point targets are established based on a running average of handicap, combined with actual recent results. The BTG focuses on the round, then gathers for camaraderie and settle-up on the CCC patio. Occasionally, members from the group have been known to return to the course for extras after the BTG bets have been settled.
Big Group Highlights
I certainly don't know who invented it, or when it was invented (please feel free to send that along and I will post it), but the big group stands as the longest running, most consistent, always find a game "group" at the Royal Triple C. They have tee'd off at 12:30 since... well probably the year 1230.
The competition can get a bit more enthusiastic in the big group which is for the most part made up of single digit - to low double digit handicappers - although everyone is welcome. The players are all gentlemen, who just happen to be golf enthusiasts - a lot of whom can teach you something. You might learn a new chipping technique and a new business strategy all in the same day. The big group plays 18 holes Thursday through Sunday and we play the ball down. Great shots are appreciated, and sportsmanship, honor and integrity are appreciated even more.
How it works
If you have not played in these groups before, here is a quick explanation of how it all works, what you can expect, and what is standard protocol.
You can call in or use the online system to sign up for the event. You will want to sign up about an hour or so before play begins. Get to the range in time to loosen up and make sure to factor in that the range can be very busy before the start of the events. Around 5 minutes before the start of the event, the pro shop will come out with a list and bring that too the practice putting green. You will need to find your name on that list - which will tell you who is on your team and what "player rank" you are in the team (Captain, 2 man, 3 man, 4 man, 5 man) and how many points you are shooting at. In the case of TNPA, it will also tell you which hole you will be starting on. At that point, identify your teammates (especially your captain if you are not one). Make sure to introduce yourself to your Captain if you don't know each other already. If you are riding, try to identify team members and see if they are riding as well and pair up if possible. If you are walking, you should then proceed to your teeing area. If you have any questions during the round especially where rules are concerned, check with your captain. If you are a captain, make sure you are familiar with typical rulings. If a team is unable to make a determination on a ruling, you will need to play 2 balls (the two different rulings ways in question). You will record both scores and the captain will determine the outcome and which score is used after the round. After the round is played, proceed to the Men's Grill where your competition is tallied. Your Captain will then pay you a visit to inform you of what you have won (or possibly what you have lost).
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