Pull Carts

Pull carts are permitted only in the Boys 10-11, Boys 12-13, Girls 10-12 and Girls 13-14 divisions, however golfers in these divisions who choose to use a pull cart must use a pull cart provided by Optimist International.  See below for details.  Pull carts are not permitted in the Boys 14-15, Boys 16-18 and  Girls 15-18 divisions.  No exceptions.

Statement from the Optimist Junior Golf Committee Regarding Pull Carts at the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships

The Optimist Junior Golf Committee is aware of several other golf organizations’ rules on pull cart usage at their junior tournaments.  Due to the size and scope of our championship tournament, pull carts are only allowed for the Boys 10-11, Boys 12-13, Girls 10-12 and Girls 13-14 divisions at the 2012 Optimist International Junior Golf Championships.  Golfers in the Boys 14-15, Boys 16-18 and Girls 15-18 divisions are required to carry their golf bags.  This policy is a condition of the competition and there are no exceptions. 

During the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships, tournament administrators are faced with the task of coordinating play for up to 400 golfers on as many as four golf courses per day.  Optimist International staff and volunteers provide extensive transportation during the championships including shuttling golfers to and from the driving ranges & practice greens, rental van transportation for golfers & spectators involved in a shotgun start, and immediate & effective course evacuations during dangerous weather situations.  The logistics involved in transporting this many people are extremely challenging, even under the best circumstance.  The priority is—and always will be—on the safety of the young participants and spectators.  The Committee feels that the current policy best ensures this outcome. 

The Optimist Junior Golf Committee reviews all Optimist Junior Golf policies and procedures (including pull cart usage) on an annual basis.  The Committee is aware of other organizations’ rules regarding pull carts and will make future policy changes that are in the best interest of the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships and its participants.

 

Sincerely,

 

The Optimist Junior Golf Committee

PLEASE NOTE: Players in the Boys 10-11, Boys 12-13, Girls 10-12 and Girls 13-14 age divisions ONLY may use pull carts during the championships. However, golfers who choose to use a pull cart at the championships MUST use a pull cart provided by Optimist International. Optimist International will rent pull carts for $25 US total for the week of the tournament. The pull cart that will be provided is a basic adult size pull cart. Please see the photo to the right for details.  Golfers in the Boys 10-11, Boys 12-13, Girls 10-12 and Girls 13-14 divisions only will be given the opportunity to reserve a pull cart during the registration process. Golfers may not use their own pull cart, no exceptions.

Caddies

Caddies are prohibited in all age divisions for all tournament rounds.  No exceptions.

Spectator Carts
Due to the size and scope of the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships, electric carts are strictly prohibited for spectators during tournament rounds. No exceptions. Spectators who need on-course transportation may utilize an electric mobility scooter. Scooters are available from several local rental vendors. The rental fee for a scooter is the responsibility of the individual. Please contact Family Rentals at www.familyrentals.com or 561-279-9355 for a rental quote and to make a reservation.  Family Rentals will deliver directly to PGA National.

Distance Measuring Devices

Players may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient, wind speed, temperature, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3 for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional function is actually used.

A Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council funded project supported by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission