Rules & Conditions

Terms of Competition

These Terms of Competition (the ‘Terms’) comprise the following sections:

A. General terms of the competition 1
B. Entering into, withdrawal from and placing for the Competition 5
C. Local Rules (including a Code of Conduct) 9
D. Pace of Play Policy 11

A. General terms of the competition

A.1. Applicable terms

A.1.1. Applicable rules and policies

These Terms, together with any other applicable Local Rules, Policies, additions or amendments published by the Championship Committee (the ‘Committee’) on the website and at the golf course, will apply to The Dutch Junior Open (the ‘Championship’). The Championship will be played in accordance with the applicable Rules of Golf, as laid down by the R&A. In the event of any discrepancy between the original wording and any translation of the Rules of Golf, the original English wording shall prevail.

A.1.2. Force majeure

In the event of a round being declared null and void due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the Committee reserves the right to derogate from these Terms, in order to reach a result within the time available.

A.2. Format, tee

A.2.1. Format

The Championship is 72 holes (4 rounds) stroke play competition, played over 4 consecutive days. Girls and boys each compete in a separate Championship. The maximum number of players in the Championship is 120.

A.2.2. Tee

Girls will be playing from the blue tee and boys from the white tee.

A.3. Eligibility

The Championship is open to amateur girls and boys of all nationalities, who are born on or after 1 January 2004 and have a maximum World Handicap System Handicap (‘Handicap’) of 5.0 for girls and 3.0 for boys. For Handicap exemptions, see section B.1.2. The entering into, withdrawal from and placing for the Competition is governed by section B below.

A.4. Practice round

All players in the Championship have the right to play a practice round in the course prior to the first day of the Championship. Players must contact the caddiemaster to book a tee time. Due to the limited available tee times on the Monday and Tuesday in the week of the Championship, the Committee urges Dutch competitors to play their practice round in the week before the Championship.

A.5. Starting of round

Starting times will be published on the website. The Committee is authorized to rearrange starting times. In such case, players involved will be notified thereof. Players must report to the 1st tee 10 minutes before their starting time. Scorecards will be handed out on the first tee.

A.6. Cut

There is a cut after 54 holes (3 rounds). Only the leading 50% of the competing girls and all those tying, and the leading 50% of the competing boys and all those tying, will play the last 18 holes on the fourth and final day of the Championship.

A.7. Returning of scorecard

The caravan next to the green of the 18th hole is designated as the scoring area. Scorecards must be returned to the Committee in the scoring area, promptly after completion of each round. A scorecard is considered returned (Rule 3.3b) when a player has physically left the scoring area.

A.8. Winner and ties

A.8.1. Winner

The girl and boy competitor with the lowest aggregate score over 72 holes will each be declared the winner.

A.8.2. Ties

1. In the event of a tie for first place, a hole-by-hole sudden death stroke play play-off on the 18th hole, immediately following the end of the last round, will determine the winner.
2. For all other places in the Championship, ties will be decided by the method of matching scorecards, based on (1) the last round, (2) the last 9 holes (3) the last 6 holes, (4) the last 3 holes, and (5) the last hole, in that order. If there is still a tie, then the last 6 holes, 3 holes and final hole of the first 9 holes will be considered in turn. Should that still result in a tie, such tie will be decided by chance: by tossing a coin.
3. In the event of a multiple tee start, the “last 9 holes, last 6x holes, etc” are holes 10-18, 13-18, etc.

A.8.3. Nation Cup

See section A.9.2 below.

A.9. Prizes, ceremony

A.9.1. Winners

Both Championship winners (girl and boy) will be awarded a trophy. The original trophy will remain with the Committee in the Netherlands; both winners will be given a replica.

A.9.2. Nation Cup

A Nation Cup will be awarded to the each of the best three individuals with the same gender and nationality (girls and boys).

A.9.3. Ceremony

The prize giving ceremony will take place shortly after the end of the final round, on, weather permitting, the fairway of the 18th hole.

A.10. Close of competition

The Championship is closed when the winners have been announced at the prize giving ceremony (section A.9.3), and in the absence of such ceremony, when all results have been posted on the scoreboard and approved by the Committee.

A.11. Insurance and liability

Each player is responsible and liable for their own actions at all times. Both Toxandria Golf Club and the Committee cannot be held liable for actions or behavior which results in insurance claims, prosecution or any other liability claim.

A.12. Privacy matters: photography

Each player agrees to the use of their likeness and image, including their name, photograph, image, audio and/or video recording, by the Committee in all forms and manner, including but not limited to publication on the Championship website (junioropen.nl), in broadcasts or any other publication.

A.13. Miscellaneous

A.13.1. Smoking

Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the grounds of the course. Penalty is disqualification.

A.13.2. Keep your distance

All spectators are to maintain a reasonable distance (at least 20 meters), from competitors during a round and they must refrain from giving advice or influencing play. A player may incur a penalty if spectators do not comply (see section C.5).

A.14. Disputes and points not covered

A.14.1. Ruling by a referee (Rule 20.2a)

All available referees at the Championship are officials named by the Committee to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules. A referee’s ruling is final.

A.14.2. Other disputes

All disputes regarding these Terms, will be settled by the Committee (three to form a quorum), whose decision is final. In all cases not covered by the Terms, the Committee decides by final ruling.

 

B. Entering into, withdrawal from and placing for the Competition

B.1. Entering into the competition

B.1.1. Entry form, close

All competitors must fill out the entry form in full, accessible through the Championship website (junioropen.nl) as from around 1 May 2025 until entry closes at 17:00 hours CET on 30 June 2025. Facsimiles, e-mails, letters, print screens or the like are not accepted as proof of registration.

B.1.2. Handicap exemption

As listed in section A.3 above, there is a maximum Handicap criterion in place. However, Championship invites (section B.3) and Monday Qualifiers (section B.4) are not subject to this maximum Handicap criterion. Also, when a National Federation enters three players that meet the Handicap criterion, any fourth player is not subject to that Handicap criterion.

B.1.3. Proof of Handicap

On or before the first day of the Championship all competitors must provide the Committee with written proof of the competitor’s exact handicap on that date. Proof may be given by means of a valid handicap certificate or letter stating the correct handicap from the competitor’s home course.

B.1.4. Rejection, full discretion

All entries are subject to the approval of the Committee, which reserves the right to accept or refuse, or having accepted an entry: subsequently reject any entry, all at its full discretion and without having to give reason therefore. The Committee also reserves the right to reject an entry, or disqualify any competitor making a false statement on their entry form. Competitors who are (indefinitely or temporarily) excluded from competition by their National Federation will be rejected.

B.1.5. Entry fee

Each player must pay an entry fee of 300,- Euros, payable by bank transfer on the date of registration. The registration is not complete until the entry fee has been paid in full.

B.1.6. Refund entry fee

An entry fee will be refunded if:

• All requirements mentioned in section section B.2.1 are met and a written notification of withdrawal is received on or before 17:00 hours CET on 30 June 2025.
• The player is not selected to compete in the Championship (directly or at a later date).

B.2. Withdrawals, no show

B.2.1. Withdrawals

A player who wishes to withdrawal from the Championship must inform the Committee thereof in writing. A player who has been allotted a place in the Championship and subsequently wants to withdrawal, must inform the Committee as soon as possible and must promptly confirm their withdrawal in writing, stating the reason for their withdrawal.

B.2.2. Exclusion from (future) Championship(s)

The Committee may exclude from this current Championship and any future competition organized by it, any player who’s actions are considered a serious misconduct, or who has willfully misled the Committee on the entry form, or who has been allotted a place in the Championship but who:

1. fails to timely meet the requirements in section B.2.1; or
2. withdrawals less than 3 working days (in the Netherlands) before the start of the Championship; and/or
3. fails to show on the tee ready to play on their scheduled starting time in any round.

The Committee will inform the relevant National Federation of any such event and of, if applicable, any exclusion.

B.3. Championship invites

At its full discretion, the Committee may invite players to the Championship, it being:

1. members of the Toxandria Golf Club;
2. previous winners of the De Haenen Jeugd Open; and/or
3. any (other) players representing a friendly National Federation.

B.4. Monday Qualifier

B.4.1. Purpose and applicable terms

Two positions on the list of competitors in the Championship will be filled by the two winners (girl and boy) of the Monday Qualifier tournament.
For the sake of clarity, the Terms also apply to the Monday Qualifier tournament.

B.4.2. Eligibility

Eligible for the Monday Qualifier tournament are players whose entries into the Championship have been accepted, but who have subsequently been balloted out (section B.6), as well as players who have been invited to this Monday Qualifier tournament by the Committee, at its full discretion.

B.4.3. Date, format, list of competitors

The Monday Qualifier tournament will take place on Monday 14 July 2025.
This tournament will be an 18 hole (1 round) stroke play event.
The list of competitors in the Monday Qualifier tournament will be made available on the Championship website.

B.4.4. Winner

The girl and boy with the lowest aggregate score will each be declared the winner of the Monday Qualifier tournament and will each be added to the list of competitors in the Championship.

B.4.5. Ties

Any ties in the Monday Qualifier tournament will be decided by the method of matching scorecards. Should that still result in a tie, such tie will be decided by lot.

B.5. Placing for the Championship

B.5.1. Timing, publication

Placing for the Championship will take place after the close of entry at 17:00 hours CET on 30 June 2025. Every player will be notified on or around 7 July 202 5whether they have been placed, have been placed on a reserve list or have been balloted out. The list of competitors in the Championship will subsequently be made available on the Championship website (junioropen.nl/players/participants).

B.5.2. Placing

Players will be placed on the list of competitors in the following order:

1. previous Championship winners;
2. the two winners of the Monday Qualifier tournament (see section B.4.4);
3. Championship invites (see section B.3);
4. WAGR ranked competitors as per the first Sunday in July, in order of their rank;
5. EGR ranked competitors (girls < 900 and boys < 1.000 / Category Open / Age Group All) as per the first Sunday in July, in order of their rank;
6. players with an approved entry, in order of their Handicap (lowest Handicap first). In the event players have the same Handicap, places will be decided by chance: by tossing a coin.

B.6. Ballots, reserve, withdrawals

B.6.1. Ballots, reserve

If the number of approved entries exceeds the number of places available, a number balloted out will be placed on a reserves list, in order of their Handicap (lowest first).

B.6.2. Withdrawals

In the event a player withdrawals:

1. up to 17:00 hours CET on 10 July 2025, the Committee will contact the first player on the reserve list as a replacement (see section B.6.1);
2. after such time, or in the event the reserves list is exhausted, any vacant position on the list of competitors will be filled by a Monday Qualifier, in order of their score in the Monday Qualifier tournament (highest score first).

The Committee strives to replace a withdrawn player by a player of the same gender. For general terms on withdrawals, please refer to section B.2.

B.7. Practice round

Each player on the list of competitors is entitled to play a practice round prior to the Championship. It is mandatory to contact the caddie master to book a tee time. Due to the limited availability of tee times on the Monday and Tuesday before the Championship, the Committee urges Dutch competitors to play their practice round in the week before the Championship. As per Rule 5.2b, competitors are not permitted to practice on the championship course before or between rounds. See section C.4, for the Local Rule regarding practice).

C. Local Rules (including a Code of Conduct) – Check always final version of Local Rules!

Unless otherwise noted, the penalty for breach of a Local Rule is the general penalty (two penalty strokes).

C.1. Out of bounds (Rule 18.2)

Out of bounds is defined by the fence surrounding the course or by white stakes or lines.

C.2. Abnormal course conditions (including immovable obstructions) (Rule 16)

1. (Ground under repair (GUR) includes areas that are marked with blue stakes (with or without a green top) and/or blue or white lines. GUR defined by blue stakes with a green top is considered to be a No Play Zone, from which relief must be taken under Rule 16.1f. In all other cases relief from GUR may be taken under rule 16.1b.
2. Roads and paths are integral parts of the course, except for the road on the right side of the 3rd and 7th fairway, left of the 2nd green, in front of the 4th green and behind the 6th green, which are immovable obstructions, from which relief may be taken under Rule 16.1b.
3. Temporary Immovable Obstructions (TIO): The grandstand behind the 9th and 18th green, the caravan and the tv screen at the 18th green, the mobile bar behind the 16th green, all advertising boards, banners and hole number boards around the tee, and all groups of flagpoles are a TIO. Relief may be taken under Model Local Rule F-23. When a TIO is interfering with the line of sight, a ball may be dropped on either side, as described in this Model Local Rule. In case of physical interference by a TIO (ball, intended swing or stance) the nearest dropping zone (if available) may also be used.
4. Immovable obstructions close to putting green: Model Local Rule F-5 (relief for line-of-play) is applicable, but only applies when both the ball and the obstruction are in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, and the obstruction is on or within two club-lengths of the putting green and within two club-lengths of the ball.
5. Animal damage caused by birds, boars or badgers is considered to be GUR, from which relief is allowed under Rule 16.1. Big ant hills on the course are, at the player’s option, loose impediments that may be removed under Rule 15.1 or GUR, from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1. But interference from animal damage or big ant hills does not exist (and free relief is not available) if the animal damage or ant hill only interferes with the player’s stance. However, when ant hills are marked as a No Play Zone relief must be taken under Rule 16.1f.
6. Animal hole: Interference by a hole, cast or runway made by an animal does not exist (and free relief is not available) if it only interferes with the player’s stance.
7. Painted lines and dots in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less may be treated as an abnormal course condition, from which relief is allowed under Rule 16.1b, but interference does not exist if these lines/dots only interfere with the player’s stance.

C.3. Embedded ball

Rule 16.3 is modified in this way: Free relief is not allowed when a ball is embedded in stacked turf faces or soil faces above bunkers.

C.4. Dropping zones

If a dropping zone has been established for any abnormal course condition and if the player is entitled to relief, the player may continue play in accordance with the applicable Rule or drop the ball in the nearest dropping zone, even if this is closer to the hole. A dropping zone is a relief area under Rule 14.3.

C.5. Advice (Rule 10.2)

A player is not allowed to communicate with any person, excluding players in their group and each of their caddies, the Committee and referees. If a player gets advice from someone other than their caddie without asking for it, the player must try to stop that person from giving advice. If the player does not do so, or if a coach, a parent or any other person communicates with a player or if they do not keep a minimal distance of 20 meters from the player, the player is treated as asking for advice and – after one warning only – gets the penalty under Rule 10.2a (general penalty).

C.6. Caddies (Rule 10.3)

A player must not have a person older than 21 as a caddie during the round. Penalty for Breach of this Local Rule: The player gets the general penalty for each hole during which there is a breach of this Local Rule. If the breach occurs between the play of two holes, it applies to the next hole.

C.7. Practice (Rule 5.2)

Rule 5.2b is modified in this way: A player must not practice on the competition course before or between rounds. Exception: All recognized practice areas within the bounds of the course may be used by players for practice on any day of the competition.

C.8. Transportation (Rule 4.3)

During a round, a player or caddie must not ride on any form of motorized transportation. A player who will play, or has played, under penalty of stroke and distance is always authorized to ride on motorized transportation. Penalty for Breach of this Local Rule: The player gets the general penalty for each hole during which there is a breach of this Local Rule. If the breach occurs between the play of two holes, it applies to the next hole.

C.9. Suspension of Play (Rule 5.7)

The following signals will be used to suspend and resume play:

• Immediate stop for imminent danger – one prolonged note of a siren
• Stop for a non-dangerous situation – three consecutive notes of a siren
• Resumption of play – two consecutive notes of a siren

If a player does not discontinue play immediately after one long continuous tone, they are disqualified (Rule 5.7a). When play is stopped for imminent danger, all practice areas will be immediately closed until the Committee declares otherwise.

C.10. Anti-doping

A competitor must refrain from using any drug that may enhance or otherwise influence their performance. A breach of this condition or, if asked to do so, refusing to take a drug-test, is considered a serious misconduct, for which a player will be disqualified under Rule 1.2. See section C.8 (Code of Conduct).

C.11. Alcohol

Under Dutch law, minors, that is: persons under the age of 18, are prohibited from purchasing, possessing and consuming alcoholic drinks and it is prohibited to sell or provide alcoholic drinks to a minor. A breach of this condition, or, if asked to do so, refusing to take an alcohol-test, is considered a serious misconduct, for which a player will be disqualified under Rule 1.2. See section C.8 (Code of Conduct).

C.12. Code of Conduct (Rule 1.2b), zero tolerance

All players must behave in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times. The following is considered unacceptable behavior that a player may be penalized for during a round:

• failure to care for the course, such as not raking bunkers, not repairing pitchmarks or not replacing or filling divots;
• the use of foul or abusive language such as swearing, or any other unacceptable language;
• the use of any (other) form of violence;
• expressing any form of discrimination, harassment or intimidation;
• abuse of clubs or the course;
• smoking or the use of e-cigarettes;
• failing to show proper consideration for other players, members of the Committee, referees or spectators.

Penalty for a breach of the Code of Conduct:
First breach of the Code of Conduct – warning
Second breach – one penalty stroke.
Third breach – general penalty.
Fourth breach or any serious misconduct – disqualification.
If a breach happens between two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.

C.13. Provisional ball and unreasonable delay (Rules 18.3 and 5.6)

If a ball might be lost outside a penalty area or might be out of bounds, the player must play another ball provisionally (see Rule 18.3). Not adhering to this Rule is considered Slow Play, for which a penalty may be imposed under Rule 5.6a (Unreasonable delay of play).

C.14. Pace of Play Policy (Rule 5.6)

To encourage and enforce prompt play, a Local Rule setting a Pace of Play Policy is in force. See section D. Play ready golf and keep the connection with the group in front of you.

Final note

• Shelters: see scorecard (green 4, tee 6, tee 7, green 8, green 11, hole 13, green 16, tee 17)
• Toilet: see scorecard (green 4, green 11, clubhouse)
• Water: tee 5, tee 10, green 11
• Referees: Referees are there to help you with questions of fact and applying the Rules.
• Volunteers: Volunteers will be situated throughout the course to assist you. If you happen to miss the fairway, please indicate clearly which direction the ball is going, in order to increase the chance of somebody spotting your ball. The volunteer will raise their arm (or flag) to indicate that they have spotted your ball. If the volunteer does not raise an arm (or flag) you must play a provisional ball.

D. Pace of Play Policy

The following Pace of Play Policy applies as a Local Rule.
R&A Amateur Championships Pace of Play Policy – Rule 5.6b

D.1. Time Allowed:

Each hole has been given a maximum completion time based upon the length and difficulty of the hole. The maximum time allotted for the completion of 18 holes will be available prior to play.

Definition of “Out of Position”: The first group and any group after a starter’s gap will be considered to be “out of position” if, at any time during the round, the group’s cumulative time exceeds the time allowed for the number of holes completed. Any following group will be considered “out of position” if it is more than the starting interval behind the group in front.

Note: In making a decision on whether to time a “following group” that is out of position, leniency may be shown to a group that has not exceeded the time allotted for the number of holes completed.

D.2. Procedure When Group is Out of Position:

1. If a group is out of position it will be given an official warning to speed up play.

2. If the group does not get back into position and a decision is taken to time the group, each player in the group will be subject to individual timing by a referee. Each player in the group will be advised that they are “out of position” and are being timed.

3. The maximum time allocated per shot is 40 seconds. 10 extra seconds are allowed for the first player to play:

• a stroke on a par three hole;
• a second stroke on a par 4 or par 5 hole;
• a third stroke on a par 5 hole;
• a stroke from around the putting green; and
• a stroke from on the putting green.

The timing will start when a player has had sufficient time to reach their ball, it is their turn to play and they are able to play without interference or distraction.

On the putting green, timing will start when the player has had a reasonable amount of time to lift, clean and replace their ball, repair damage and move loose impediments on their line of play. Time spent looking at the line from beyond the hole and/or behind the ball and aligning the ball will count as part of the time taken for the next stroke.

4. Timing ceases when a group is back in position and players will be advised accordingly.

D.3. PENALTY FOR BREACH OF POLICY:

“Bad times” are carried through an entire stroke play championship. For example, a player who gets a bad time in Round 1 (a warning) will get one penalty stroke if they get a second bad time either later in Round 1 or during any subsequent round of the championship.

1 Bad Time Player will be warned by the referee and told that if they have a further bad time they will be penalized
2 Bad Times One stroke penalty
3 Bad Times Additional two penalty strokes
4 Bad Times Disqualification

D.4. Excessive Shot Time:

At any time, if any player is observed by a referee taking more than 120 seconds to play a shot, they will be notified of the excessive shot time and given an official warning to speed up play. The player will also be advised that the Committee may start individual timing at any time, even if the group is not out of position.