G.L.MELLIN TOURNAMENT
RULES
DESCRIPTION
The G L Mellin Tournament consists of the following events and is played each year on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in late June, early July at West Hill Golf Club.
The G.L Mellin Salver – the main event – is the challenge trophy for a knock-out tournament between
the 16 Mellin Schools. Players must be 55 or over on the Thursday of the event. Built into this event is a Plate, competed for by schools beaten in the first round of the Salver.
The Peter Burles Salver is for players of the same 16 Mellin Schools who are aged 65 or over on the Wednesday of the event. There is also a Plate, competed for by Schools beaten in the first round of the Salver.
The Bunny Millard Salver is for players of the same 16 Mellin Schools who are aged 75 or over on the Wednesday of the event.
FORMAT
The G L Mellin Salver and Plate: three pairs from each school will play foursomes match-play over 18 holes or to a finish on a Scratch basis.
The Peter Burles Salver and Plate: two pairs from each school will play foursomes match-play over 18 holes on a Scratch basis. Should the result be one all, each school will nominate one of the two pairs to play sudden death on the next available hole, eg. If one match finishes on the thirteenth and the other match finishes on the fifteenth (one match each), then sudden death will take place on the sixteenth onwards until a result is reached. Should one match be all- square after eighteen holes, this will be deemed a half, and the school that has won the other match will be the winners. Only if both matches finish all-square after 18 holes will a pair from each school go down the eighteenth and onwards until a result is reached. In any play of extra holes, both schools must be ready to start within 5 mins of the need to play the extra holes becoming clear. Once the play of extra holes has started, it must be completed without undue delay. Penalty for breach of rule : Disqualification.
The Bunny Millard Salver: schools may provide one or two pairs for a scratch Stableford round, with the four best scores qualifying for the semi-finals. Schools that enter two pairs will only be allowed one place (the pair with the best score) in the semi-finals even if both pairs come in the best four pairs. The semi-finals and final will be scratch foursomes match-play over 18 holes to a finish.
VENUE AND DATES
In conjunction with West Hill the Tournament will normally be played in the last part of June, early July, on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The G.L.Mellin and Plate will take place on the Thursday and Friday with the times of matches as per the draw card for the year.
The Peter Burles Salver and Plate will take place on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with the times of matches as per the draw card for the year.
The Bunny Millard Salver will start with the qualifying Stableford competition on the Wednesday, the order of play being as near as possible to the order of play as per the first round of the Salver on the draw card. The semi-finals will take place on the Thursday and the final on the Friday. The pair having the highest qualifying score will be presented with the John Beer Salver.
SUBSTITUTIONS
An individual, providing he is eligible by age, may play in any competition.
TEES
The G.L.Mellin Salver and Plate will be played off the back tees, recognised by white markers.
The Peter Burles Salver and Plate will be played off the yellow markers.
The Bunny Millard Salver will be played off the red markers. The Stableford qualifying round will be scored against the LGU card (in red on the card).
THE DRAW AND DRAW CARDS
The draw will take place immediately after the close of the AGM (usually held on the third Thursday in January). Draw cards will be circulated to representatives at least three months before the tournament.
The order of play on the Wednesday for The Bunny Millard competition is explained under “Venue and Dates”. One semi-final will be the top qualifying school playing the fourth and the other being the second against the third qualifiers.
TEAM PAIRINGS
Team pairings in order of play must be handed to the organisers at least half an hour before a School’s starting time for each round. It is essential that full initials of players are submitted.
RECORDING OF MATCHES
It is the responsibility of each Team Captain to ensure that match results, and margin of victory, are recorded promptly on the match cards on the Mellin and Burles Results Boards.
PRACTICE DAY
With the agreement of West Hill, players representing Schools in the Salver may practice on Wednesday after the Burles and Millard competitions have finished. Practice rounds are available after 3pm at a Member’s guest rate. Players should confirm with the Secretary’s office or the Pro’s shop on arrival.
BUGGIES
Buggies (subject to a medical certificate) may be used by competitors who would not otherwise be able
to play. Any such competitor must inform his School’s representative in advance of the Tournament, who should, in turn, inform the organisers so that agreement may be secured for the player. Should that agreement be given, the buggy must be for the sole use of that player. His playing partner may not use the buggy for carrying either himself or his clubs at any time.
PUNCTUALITY AND SLOW PLAY
The tee times, particularly on the Thursday, are very tight. It is imperative that players are on the tee in good time to start their respective matches. Player’s co-operation on this matter, and the avoidance of slow play, will be appreciated by all.
The Mellin Committee
January 2012 - updated July 2021