2026 League Expansion Proposal
Why We Are Expanding
Our league continues to grow. Interest from new teams has increased, and we now have the ability to utilize both sides of the course effectively. In order to provide more opportunities for additional teams to join — while preserving the culture that has made this league successful — we are proposing an expansion beginning in 2026.
- Open additional team spots.
- Reduce waitlists and turnover pressure.
- Maintain the relaxed atmosphere many members value.
- Provide a competitive pathway for teams seeking a higher-level format.
- Align more closely with GHIN and USGA scoring standards so members can confidently post scores.
In recent seasons, questions have arisen regarding score posting because certain local rules prevented scores from being GHIN-compliant. By incorporating Maximum Net Double Bogey and aligning more closely with USGA structure in the Premiere League, players will be able to post scores properly, eliminating outside confusion and ensuring handicap integrity.
Structure: Two Leagues, One Club
- Up to 16 total teams.
- Retains traditional “Jungle Rules.”
- Lift, clean, and place allowed in the fairway.
- Relaxed pace and culture remain intact.
- Traditional final-week position round.
- 12 teams maximum in Year 1.
- Strict USGA rules framework.
- Structured 4-week playoff bracket (A / B / C Flights).
- More competitive scoring format.
- Administration
- Weekly culture
- End-of-year banquet
Unified Handicap System
Each player will carry one unified league handicap calculated using the lowest 4 of their most recent 6 league scores.
For players with fewer than 6 scores, 60% of available rounds (rounded up) will be used. Handicaps will be fully recalculated each week.
| Rounds Played | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest Scores Used | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
18-Week Schedule Structure
- 18 playable weeks available.
- 15 official scoring weeks required.
- If 16 teams: round-robin (each team plays every other team once).
- If a 16th week is played: one-week playoff or championship round.
Premiere League Deep Dive
Rules, Financials & Commitment Form
- 15 scoring weeks total: 11-week regular season + 4-week playoffs
- Regular-season seeding: aggregate points earned over Weeks 1–11 determine playoff seeds
- Playoffs: Weeks 12–15 (bracket format with A / B / C flights)
Financial Commitment
- League Pool: $300 per player
- Greens & Cart (Non-Members): Approximately $300 for the season
- South Hills Members: Approximately $150 for the season (cart only)
Estimated Total Commitment:
Non-Members: ~ $600
South Hills Members: ~ $450
Rules Framework
- USGA Rules apply.
- Out of Bounds follows USGA Local Rule E-5 (two-stroke penalty, fairway drop).
- Preferred Lies (Winter Rules) will be adopted in closely mown fairway areas.
- Scores will remain GHIN-compliant and postable.
Grace & Pace Rule
- 56Once a hole is mathematically decided, the losing player may pick up and proceed.
- The player who picks up records a Maximum Net Double Bogey (GHIN/USGA definition).
- A hole cannot be won by a Maximum Net Double Bogey; it must be won outright.
- Maximum Net Double Bogey counts toward total net score for match points.
Playoff Format
- A-Flight Champion: $350
- A-Flight Runner-Up: $150
- B-Flight Champion: $140
- C-Flight Champion: $80
- Week 12 – Wildcard Round
- Week 13 – Quarterfinals
- Week 14 – Semifinals
- Week 15 – Championship Week
- Win: A-Flight Champion
- Place: A-Flight Runner-Up
- Show: B-Flight Champion
$300 Upfront Structure
Based on 12 teams (24 players):
- $6 – Net Skins → $144/week / $2,160 season
- $6 – Gross Skins → $144/week / $2,160 season
- $2 – Closest to Pin → $48/week / $720 season
- $2 – Net Low Round → $48/week / $720 season
- $2 – Gross Low Round → $48/week / $720 season
- $2 – End-of-Season Bank → $48/week / $720 season