Welcome to the IGA! The IGA is an authorised E-3A Component club established in accordance with E-3A Component Directive 10-103. The aim of the club is to promote the game of golf by conducting activities for all those who either want to play or learn to play the game.

Openbare Golf Brunssummerheide Membership 

The primary attraction of the IGA is the group membership agreement at the "Openbare Golf Brunssummerheide B.V.", further called the "golf course". This agreement includes 20 memberships, which are available for use by all IGA members. Basically the IGA pays an agreed upon fee for each of these memberships. A fully paid member of the IGA, when using one of these memberships has access to all facilities, including the driving range at no extra charge. The cost for IGA membership is much less than paying either full Golf Brunssummerheide membership or regular green fees.

Green Fees are €45 Mon-Thu, €55 Fri & weekend, par 3 course €17,50 Mon-Thu, €20 Fri & weekend. Buggy/Electric cart rental is €25. On the Par 3 members children have to pay €10 green fee.

Dress and Etiquette 

Although the Golf Course does not strictly enforce a dress code, sleeveless shirts and short-shorts are forbidden. Collarless shirts & denim as well as the wearing of headgear in the clubhouse though not strictly forbidden are strongly discouraged. IGA members are encouraged to wear, at all times, appropriate attire which reflects well on themselves, the Component, and the IGA.

The IGA holds tournaments at courses that have strict dress & etiquette codes, including no mobile phones and no alcohol on the course. All members must abide by the rules of golf, good golf etiquette, and all the rules/restrictions applied at all of the golf courses we play.

The IGA expects its members to set the standard for Dress and Etiquette.

IGA Memberships

Membership is composed of Full Members, Associate Members, Par 3 Members and Honorary Members. The IGA Committee, upon application, grants memberships to eligible personnel. By submitting the application, the prospective member states that he/she will adhere to the rules of golf, the IGA Constitution, the guidelines laid out in this booklet, and the local rules of the Brunssummerheide Golf Course.

Membership will be for the duration of 1 year, starting 01 April and ending 31 March. Membership renewal is mandatory each year. 

Types of Memberships 

• Full Membership is granted to all military and civilian personnel assigned to/employed by the NATO E-3A Component and at units in direct support of or co-located with the E-3A Component, as well as their dependants and retired persons/dependants previously eligible for full membership (see IGA Constitution). Any eligible person may be refused if sufficient grounds exist. Only full members may vote at the AGM. The President, Vice President, and Treasurer must be full members of the IGA.
• Junior Membership is granted to anyone under 18, as of 1 April of the current year, qualifying for full membership.
• Associate Membership is granted to military and civilian personnel from the surrounding areas that are members of the Brunssummerheide Golf Club and are sponsored by a Full Member of the IGA. The IGA committee will review each application annually and approve or disapprove on a case-by-case basis. The number of Associate members (excluding Junior Associate members) is limited to 10% of the total membership.
• Junior Associate Membership is granted to anyone under 18 as of 1 April of the current year, who is a member of the Brunssummerheide Golf Club and is the dependent of a Full Member of the IGA.
• Par 3 Membership is granted to anyone qualifying for full membership to play only the Par 3 golf course.
• Honorary Memberships may be granted by the IGA Committee under special circumstances as identified in the IGA Constitution.  

Membership Fees

The annual fees stated in the chart below apply to all Full and Honorary Members. The Junior Membership is 50% of the appropriate amount within this chart. The membership fees for 2010-2011 are pro-rated for new members joining after April or members leaving the E-3A Component before the end of the season. In other words, new first time members apply the amount in the Month Joined row based on the month joined. Members departing apply the amount in the Last Month row based on the month they depart. Members renewing their memberships will apply the April joining fee, regardless of the time of renewal.

Again this year we are offering a discount for ‘Early Birds’  

Pay before 1 st April 2010 €250

Chart – IGA Membership & Prorated Fee’s 2010 – 2011. All figures are in Euros

 Associate Membership: Fee 2010 – 2011 is €50.

Junior Associate Membership: Fee 2010 – 2011 is €25.

Par 3 Membership: Fee 2010 – 2011 is €120.

All new Full, Associate, Par 3 and Honorary members are charged an additional €5 for their bag tag.

All IGA members are issued an Annual label for their bag tag. Bag tags must be visibly attached to the golf bag. New attachment strips can be provided.

Membership Rules

All IGA members, with exception of those who opt for the Associate membership, are provided an IGA membership card. The IGA membership card entitles IGA members unrestricted access to the Brunssummerheide golf course, including the driving range and practice areas. The IGA Committee urges members to monitor their own skill level. Members should be able to break 45 consistently on the par-3 course before proceeding to the regular course. They should be able to break 120, consistently on 18 holes of regulation play. Members are requested to follow the spirit of this rule as well as the rules of golf, i.e. etiquette and rules of play. If rules are abused and complaints registered with the Brunssummerheide golf course staff, the IGA committee can and will revoke the membership of those members violating the rules (IGA Constitution).

Membership Lists

 The IGA Treasurer & Membership chairman maintains a membership list. In the interest of privacy, the IGA does not publish or distribute the membership list to the public. If you have a change to your personal data please advise the Treasurer & Membership chairman so the records may be updated and we can continue to provide you information on IGA events.

Handicaps

Handicaps will be updated based on the score cards submitted either directly to the handicap chairman or placed in the IGA scorecard box at the golf course. The handicap chairman will keep handicaps current and published bi-weekly on our notice board at Brunssum. Handicaps will also be posted on www.eHandicap.net. Our club identifier is ‘IGA’ together with your IGA membership number.

As a new feature this year we will be introducing a method to allow individual members to enter their own scores for handicap calculations. Watch for further news on how this scheme will be implemented on the Web page and bulletin board, mails etc.

It is part of the Etiquette of Golf to record all rounds (9/18 holes) of golf towards the establishment of a handicap except those played on courses with more than three temporary tees and/or greens. This includes rounds played on courses other than Brunssum. Associate members should regularly provide their Brunssum handicap to the IGA. Scorecards, after being entered in the database, will be retained. Each member is issued a Membership Card containing name and USPGA handicap index, which identifies you as a member of the IGA and should be sufficient to allow play on most courses.

It is your responsibility to ensure your handicap is kept current. You accomplish this by turning in all scorecards and ensuring you have turned in at least four cards during the last 12 months. Failure to do this will result in your handicap going lapse. If your handicap has lapsed you will play from scratch until you have established a new handicap. For new members joining the IGA, you must declare your previous handicap held at any club or association. If you did not have an established handicap, you will play from scratch until you have turned in five scorecards to establish a handicap here. From then on it will be an average of your lowest ten of your last twenty scores. To keep the handicap system fair for all, the handicap chairman in conjunction with either the committee president or vice-president may make adjustments to your handicap. This will result from your playing ability as well as your scorecards.

Tournaments - Matches - Competitions 

Tournaments

There is a full slate of tournaments planned for this season. Our golf course allows 6 tournaments per year. In addition 18 tournaments will be held at other courses in Germany, Belgium, and Netherlands. The IGA will again subsidize green fees allowing the Full/Junior member participants to pay a discounted green fee of only €30 for all away tournaments. The full tournament schedule is listed on the back of this guide and on the IGA website. We have 4 new courses, 2 double header Thu/Fri holiday tournament format, 1 with accomadation, a ‘TGIF’ event including a 3-course meal and a venue to be chosen by you the members. For the upcoming golfers regardless of skill or handicap there will be Par 3 Clinics.

Tournament information will be posted on the IGA bulletin board at the Sentry Club, the IGA Web Site and via E-mail. You must sign up for tournaments before the published deadline, usually two or three days prior to the actual tournament date. Sign up can be done on the Website or at the Sentry Club usually from 11:30 to 12:30 two/three days prior to the event (except for holidays and special events). Entry fees should be paid in advance. If not, have the correct change available on the day. Fees must be paid before the tournament begins. No-shows will have to be paid in full.

Tournament Show Time is 20 minutes before Start time. It is your responsibility to check in prior to the tournament Show Time in order to receive T times, news/briefing on local rules and conditions. Failure to make the Show Time can result in disqualification from the tournament. You are encouraged to stay to receive any prizes you may have won

Tournaments are usually played using the Stableford format.

Stableford is a point-based system. Points are awarded for each hole:

1 pt for Bogie, 2 pts for Par, 3 pts for Birdie, and so on.

E.g. a 26 handicapper will receive 2 strokes on the 8 hardest holes and 1 stroke on the other 10 holes. If he took a double bogie on the hardest hole, his net score is Par and he gets 2 points. We strongly emphasise, if you can no longer score any points pick up your ball and go to the next hole. Doing this ensures the game moves quicker, the reason for playing this format.

Prizes are awarded usually to the first three positions in every flight. If a tie occurs, the best last nine, last six, last three will be used to determine the winner. To be eligible to compete for prizes you must have a valid handicap. Guest players may be invited numbers permitted.

Tournament Player of the Year

This award is for the best player in the year’s tournaments. The total Stableford points awarded to each player based on their best 9 tournament results determines the award. The points are posted on the IGA bulletin board and website after each tournament. Come out and play in this year’s tournaments to compete for Tournament Player of the Year. Brunssum tournaments do not count for this award. 

Weekly Club Night 

The IGA has tee times every Wednesday, 16:30 till 17:15, from 28 April till 20 October. This is a good opportunity to mix with IGA members and an excellent excuse to get out on the course. If you are interested call the Club Night chairpersons or show up Wednesdays before 16:30 and check in with one of the Club Night organizers upstairs in the lounge/terrace. Each week features a different format and the focus is on team play and having fun. A small contribution is requested which goes towards prizes for players present in the club house after the round and also an end of season “Club Night Bash” with prizes, food and drink.

Members will not play regular rounds on Wednesdays during the Club Night season 28 April through 20 October. 

Knockout Competition

Singles and Doubles Knockout Matchplay Competitions begin in April and continue until 2 weeks prior to the Club Banquet (usually end October) when all matches must be completed. Sign up between the AGM and 12 April 2010 with draw results published around 19 April 2010 on the Web site and by E-mail marking the start of the competition. Cost to enter is €10 per person.

Matches are arranged between the players/teams competing within the time period prescribed by the competition organizer for each match. Specific formats and rules of play will be given to each member upon entry. We know that TDY, etc. can make it difficult to get together on time. However the organizer does have the right to manually assign results so try to play your games within the given time. Contact the Vice-President for more information or sign-up via email.

This is a fun competition, so join in and get in the prizes.

Most Improved Player of the Year

This award will be given to the player who best demonstrates an improvement throughout the year. A player’s improvement will be based primarily upon lowering their handicap but will include an improvement in etiquette and attitude. This will be judged by the committee, in conjunction with data gathered from the Handicap program.

IGA Club Championship

The IGA organizes under the auspices of the Club Championship committee each year a full, two 18 hole round championship played over 2 days at our home course of Brunssummerheide to determine both the IGA Mens and Ladies Club Champion.

The club championship is awarded based on modified stroke play w/o handicap. Prizes are also awarded for both Mens and Ladies Club Champion Net (with handicap) and top placing in each category.

To reduce the sometimes excessive time required for normal Strokeplay, we use a modification to the Strokeplay rules. This allows a maximum of double the par plus 2 (e.g. Par 4 is limited to10 strokes) to the number of strokes per hole.

This event is very special. It draws a lot of interest in the club and participation is high. Competition for both categories is tight but everybody enjoys a really good weekend of golf. The winners may truly call themselves the Club Champions. So reserve this date on your golfing calendar: 14/15 August 2010.

IGA Ryder Cup

As our club has both North American and European members we imitate the professionals with our own version of the Ryder Cup. Every year a European and North American captain recruit 12 able bodied players to form two teams to compete over 2 days for the IGA Ryder Cup. This year it will be the weekend of the 4/5 September.

Both days are matchplay format with the first day played as doubles and the second day as singles. The trophy is awarded on Sunday afternoon to the weary but proud winning team. All of the participants receive a medal to commemorate a challenging, hard fought weekend of golf but above all to remember the friendly atmosphere and the comradeship enjoyed by all.

Other IGA Tournaments

The IGA plays once a year an invitational Matchplay tournament against the NATO JFC Golf Society for the ‘Brunssum Bucket’.

Non IGA Tournaments

The IGA is aware of the following tournaments:

22 May US vs UK 36 holes Open to all US/UK ID holders Woodlawn GC

24–27 June Woodlawn Open 54 holes (base access reqd.) Woodlawn GC

28 Aug International Players Open 18 holes (base access reqd.) Woodlawn GC

1-3 Oct Ryder Cup 2010 ‘2010’ course, The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales

2 Oct Euro/US Ryder cup 36 holes (base access reqd.) Woodlawn GC

11 September NPC/Rotary Charity Competition Flanders Nippon, Hasselt, Be.

25 September 16th International Liberation Cup 2010 Clervaux GC, Luxembourg.

IGA BANQUET

At the end of every golfing season the IGA organizes a banquet. This usually takes the form of a meal at the on base Frisbee Club after the final IGA Tournament played at Brunssum. This event is for all IGA members and their spouses to honour the IGA awards winners including the Club Champions and winners of the various other competitions.

Brunssummerheide Golf Course

Arranging a Game

To play at Brunssum on the 27-hole course you must first reserve a tee time by calling the Caddy Master 0031-45-5270968. During the winter period (Nov to mid March, weather dependant) it is usually not necessary to reserve a tee time. The par 3 course does not require reservations; however you may want to call ahead since restrictions often apply. When reserving tee times, ensure you identify yourself as an IGA member and give your name as well as the other names in your group. Reservations can be made 28 days in advance but for a maximum 2 per week. (This may change, check with the Caddy Master). Tee times can be very difficult to get on weekends so call early. Prior to playing, always check in with the Caddy Master, present your IGA membership card and pick up a scorecard. Check in is also required when playing the Par-3 course. Single players will normally be put with other people in a flight, especially on weekends. Normally no reservations are required after 16:00, but still check in with the Caddy Master. When finished with your round don't forget to drop off your scorecard in the IGA box to keep your handicap current. Please always be courteous to the Marshals and obey their instructions although they may not always seem logical. Your children are not allowed to play for free. Beware that these rules may change.

Check the Notice/Electronic Board at the Hotel Entrance/Caddy Master or Web Page for latest Local Rules and information before playing.

The IGA contract with Brunssummerheide limits the number of IGA members on the course to 20 per day (1 round of 18 holes on any course). Therefore we request that Members do not play on a Wednesday, during IGA Club Night season.Members may not book 2 tee times for the same day because of the limited memberships. However, if at the end of your first round there are still unreserved times you are free to book another time for the same day. Check with the Caddy Master to see if times are available. It is important that if you book a tee-time you either show up or contact the Caddy Master to cancel, enabling other IGA members to play.

Brunssummerheide Golf Course Regulations

a. Play according to the official rules of golf. Appropriate and sportive behavior is necessary. The player with the lowest handicap in each flight is responsible for ensuring that the rules and etiquette of golf are observed at all times

b. Directions from the Marshal and/or course official must be followed immediately without comment.

c. A round may be only started at the first hole.

d. The ball shall not be played if there may be danger for others.

e. Exercise care when playing the golf course, don’t damage it.

• No practice swings are allowed on the tee box. The use of wooden tees is recommended.
• Replace and repair all divots, including those on the teeing area. Ensure you have a pitch fork handy at all times. On the green repair your own pitch mark and additional ones as appropriate.
• Carts/trolleys with narrow tyres are not allowed on the course. Do not take or place your golf cart/trolley on the teeing area, between the bunkers and the greens or on the fore green or fringe of the greens.
• Rake bunkers and replace the rake in the holder. Enter and leave bunkers on the lowest side.

f. Play without delay:

• Slow players invite faster players, irrespective of the number of players, to pass when the hole in front is clear.
• Invite the following waiting flight to pass if you have to search for a ball (even if your 5 minutes are not up), don’t search for more than 5 minutes.
• Fill in your scorecard at the next tee.

g. Players will follow the directional signs/notices on the course.

h. The marked practice balls are property of the golf course and are only allowed for use on the driving range.

i. Users of the golf course are liable for all damage, of any kind, which is caused by own negligence or negligence of those for whom they are responsible (i.e. guests). Users will not hold the Golf Company (Openbare Brunssummerheide B.V.) or a third party responsible for such damage.

j. Unless you are playing the course, searching for golf balls on the course or the water parts is prohibited.

k. It is prohibited to walk on the course with unleashed dogs.

l. Visitors and spectators are only allowed to walk on the available cycle and walk paths.

m. During official operating hours the golf course may be partly or totally closed due to competitions, special events, weather or construction under work.

n. Allowed footwear consists of normal shoes, boots without sharp profile and golf spikes. Football shoes, penny shoes (stiletto heels) and similar are forbidden. Metal spikes and socks alone may not be worn in the club house/ restaurant.

o. Turn off your mobile phone while playing. It should only be used in an emergency.

Brunssummerheide Golf Course Local Rules  

a. Out of Bounds is marked by white stakes or by terrain fencing.

b. GUR is that part of the course that is marked by blue stakes and/or white lines on the ground. If obstruction occurs as described in Rule 25-1a, the player is obligated to avoid GUR according to the procedure described by Rule 25-1b.

c. All fixed obstacles as marked:

• Coloured stakes, distance markers as well as staked trees
• Horse riders trails

when causing obstruction as stated in Rule 24=2a, the player may take relief under Rule 24-2b,d.

d. If a ball hits an electricity cable, the player must abandon the ball and without penalty play a ball as close as possible to the place from where the last shot was played, according to Rule 20-5.

e. If a ball played from hole 8 red lands with a reasonable amount of certainty in the pond (Kranenpool), the player is entitled to use the dropping zone on the side of the green with one penalty stroke.

f. If the net on the right side of the green on hole 6-blue forms an obstruction as stated in Rule 24-2 (Fixed obstacle) the ball may be dropped in the dropping zone provided.

Penalty for breaking a Local Rule:

Matchplay - loss of the hole

Strokeplay – 2 penalty strokes

Local Rules are also published on the Score Card.

Extensions to Local Rules (see Brunssummerheide Web Page)

• Stones in bunkers are loose obstacles (Rule 24-1)
• On the green, a ball resting on a bald area may be placed on the nearest point providing relief from this condition, not closer to the pin.
• Drainage trenches are considered G.U.R. and must be avoided as stated in Rule 25-1b
• All suitable marked areas are considered G.U.R. and must be avoided as stated in Rule 25-1b

Temporary Local Rules are posted on the board at the downstairs entrance to the Club House and in the entrance to the Hotel.

Fairway markers indicate:

100M (Stake with one orange ring),

150M (Marker board),

200M (Stake with two orange rings)

Distance measured to the center of the green.

Tee box distances are also to the center of the green.

Note: The golf course may undergo changes. Please check with the Caddy Master Notice/Electronic Board and downstairs under the terrace for any changes to the local rules prior to playing.

Additional Information 

Openbare Golf Brunssummerheide B.V. Rimburgerweg 50 6445 PA Brunssum.

Brunssummerheide Caddy Master (tee times) 0031-45-5270968

Brunssummerheide Driving Range 0031-45-5272157

BrunssummerheideWebPage www.golfbrunssummerheide.nl

IGA Web Page www.igagolf.net

Handicap www.eHandicap.net

Golf Course Parking Keys 

Parking at Brunssummerheide golf course is €2,-. You may purchase a golf key at the hotel reception (caddy master) for €20,-. If you return the key, you will receive a €15,- refund.