How often does the Club play? We typically play every other Sunday from late March/early April to mid-October. We never play on Mother’s Day, we usually play on Father’s Day, and we try to avoid playing on holiday weekends. So, sometimes we may skip a week and other times we may play on two or three consecutive Sundays. It all depends on each year’s calendar.
Where does the Club play? We are a travel league entering our 39th season and we play at many of the public courses in Bucks and Montgomery counties. Occasionally we venture out to Berks, Chester, and Lehigh Counties and once in a while to New Jersey.
How is the competition structured? Players of similar ability are grouped into one of 4 flights. Players can win points at each event based on net score (gross minus handicap) … 3pts for 1st, 2pts for 2nd, 1pt for 3rd. We do have 2 majors each year where the points awarded are doubled. Players with the most points at season’s end win their flight. The 4 flight winners play for the Five Points Golf Club championship at the end of the year.
Do I have to play every event? You can play as many or as few events as you want. But, you can improve your chances of scoring points by playing often.
Do I need to have a USGA GHIN handicap? No. We use an internal handicap software system instead of USGA GHIN to help keep the annual membership fees a bit lower. Only club rounds are tracked so you don’t need to do anything to update your FPGC handicap.
Is there a membership fee? Yes. For 2024, our annual Club membership fee is $125. The annual membership fee has not increased in over 10 years.
How is the membership fee used? The membership fee covers two closest-to-the-pin competitions each round during the regular season that pay $30 if you birdie the hole, $20 if you par the hole, or $10 if you bogey (or more) the hole. It also covers prize money awarded at the end of season to the flight winners and the Club champion. Also, the membership fee covers everyone’s greens/cart fee for the championship round and additional contests that occur that round … four closest to the pins and low net for each flight … and a round or two of post-championship beverages.
What’s the cost of the greens fees? Each member is responsible for paying their own greens/cart fee and range balls for each round during the regular season and the Ryder Cup. Greens/cart fees are generally the going rate for a Sunday morning round at that course. Sometimes, the Club is able to negotiate a little lower rate with a course and/or get range balls included but normally the rate is the normal rate that the course charges. There are no markups or surcharges charged by the FPGC.
Is it highly competitive? While we do have a structured competition and we generally follow the USGA rules of golf, we are a loose knit and fun group who enjoy playing the game of golf and the camaraderie that the Club offers. We have also adopted some local rules to help to improve the pace of play and to reduce player frustration. If you are looking for super competitive play that is strictly by the USGA rules book, we may not be the right group for you.
Will I play with the same people? You would be paired with a playing/cart partner for the season so there will always be a familiar face for each event. You and your playing partner will be paired for each event with other Club members on a rotating basis.
How and when will I know my tee times? Tee times and pairings are normally communicated via email to the members on the Wednesday or Thursday before each event. Tee times are normally between 9 am and 10:30 am depending upon start time, how many players are playing, and your assigned pairing for each event.
What is the FPGC Ryder Cup? For the end of season Ryder Cup event, we split the club into two teams (Whackers and Hookers) and play a mixed format that typically includes 6 holes of alternate shot, 6 holes scramble, and 6 holes combined score. Each player puts $20 into the pot and the winning team members take home their $20 and another $20. Participation in the Ryder Cup is optional.
Can I bring a friend? Absolutely! Adult guests are welcome to play up to three regular season events per year. Just communicate your intention to bring a guest when signing up for any regular season event. Guests are not eligible to win closest-to-the-pin competitions or play in the Championship round.
Do the members socialize? There is usually a group of members that will hang out for a bit after the round in the clubhouse for beverages and/or lunch and conversation and laughs. Participation is optional.
Will I have fun? We sure hope so!
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FIVE POINTS GOLF CLUB 