Niitvälja Karikas

DATE AND PLACE: Niitvälja Golf, Park Course, July 5-7, 2023.

FORMAT: Stroke play – 54 holes.

PARTICIPATION: Entries will be accepted from any professional players, amateur and non-amateur players. For men HCPI should be 18 or better and for women HCPI should be 28 or better.

WAGR (The World Amateur Golf Rankings) points will be awarded in this competition.

ENTRY FEE

• 170 euros (Player of Niitvälja Golf 100 euros).
• Entry fee with accommodation starts from 340 euros. More information about accommodation can be found HERE.
• Practice round green fee 49 euros
• Entry fee bank account details: Beneficiary: AS Eesti Golfikeskus; Bank account no: SEB Bank, IBAN: EE901010002019833007, SWIFT: EEUHEE2X.

Entry fee includes:

• unlimited amount of driving range balls (05.-07.07.2023);
• competition rounds from Friday to Sunday
• lunches, fruits, snacks and drinking water during competition
• trollies
• locker-rooms and saunas

CLASSES AND TEES 

• Men (professional players, amateur and non-amateur players) – white tees (6411m).
• Senior men (at least 50 years old on the first day of the competition) – yellow tees (5854m).
• Ladies – blue tees (5402m).
• Senior ladies (at least 50 years old on the first day of the competition) – red tees (5100m).

REGISTRATION

• Registration deadline is July 2nd at 23:55.
• You can registrite through Niitvälja Golf homepage or by e-mail: info@niitvaljagolf.ee Needed information: your name, date of birth, home club, nationality, HCPI, phone, class, accommodation yes/no.
• The final list of players and the start list will be sent to all participants via e-mail and will be available on the website niitvaljagolf.ee on July 3rd, 2023.
• Maximum number of participants is 144. Minimum size of the classes is 9 registered players. The main selection criteria for getting into the tournament is lower HCPI. The competition committee leaves itself a right to decide on the final list of the players.

PROGRAM
Wednesday, July 5

• 7:00 Opening of the tournament Office and practice facilities. Registration,
• 8:00 Starts for the first competition round.
• 11:00 Lunch for all participants at the club house (after finishing your round).
• 21:00 Tee times for the next round will be available on the website.

Thursday, July 6

• 7:00 Opening of practice facilities.
• 8:00 Starts for the second competition round
• 11:00 Lunch for all participants at the club house (after finishing your round)
• 21:00 Tee times for the final round will be available on the website.

Friday, July 7

• 7:00 Opening of practice facilities.
• 8:00 Starts for the final competition round
• 11:00 Lunch for all participants at the club house (after finishing your round)
• 17:00 Award ceremony, closure of the tournament

RULES: The official R&A Rules, local golf rules and conditions of competition apply. Exceptionally, the Competition Committee has right to make changes to the conditions of competition.

TIMES OF STARTING AND GROUPS

• On the first day of the competition players tee off in flights of three in the following order: senior ladies, ladies, seenior men and men.
• On the second day, the groups of three will be assembled using the players’ 18 holes scores from the first day. The starting order of the competition classes is the same as on the first day. Within the competition class, the players with the best results will start later.
• On the third day, the groups of three will be assembled using the players’ 36 holes aggregate scores (from the first two days). The starting order of the competition classes is the same as in the first two days. Within the competition class, the players with the best results will start later. Up to the top two groups in each competition class will start last.

CUT

• On the third day 3/5 of the top players in each competition group (+ tied results) will tee off, starting from the highest total scratch score. If there are 9 or less players in the competition class, there is no cut and everyone will advance to the last day.
• If there are 72 or less competitors in the competition, there will be no cut and all competitors will advance to the last day.

DECISION OF TIES:

• In the event that the first place is dividend by two or more players, the winner shall be decided in a sudden-death format play-off immediately after the competition on holes decided by the committee. Winner will be a player with the lowest score after the play-off hole. If the lowest score is achived by two or more players, then the play-off will continue on the holes decided by the committee until the winner is identified.If two ore more will players drop out with the same score, then their rankings will be determined by the result of the stroke play on the course last 36, 18, 9, 6, 3 and 1 holes. If there is still a tie, then the better score is decided by lot.
• If the rest of the medals (exept for the first place) and Mementos remain dividend by two or more competitors, then their rankings will be explained by the best course last 36, 18, 9, 6, 3 and 1 holes. If there is still a tie, then the better score is decided by lot.
• In the case of a tie result of places outside the medals, the players will recive a shared place in the protocol

LIVESCORING

AWARD CEREMONY:

• The prizes will be given our to the best players and runner-ups of each class.
• In addition, the best amateur men and the 35+ amateur men (at least 35 years old on the first day of the competition) will be awarded.
• The name of the best professional player, amateur men and women will be engraved on the oldest golf cup in Estonia.

PRIZE MONEY: 10000 EUR.

• Prize money will be distributed between Men (including professionals), Senior men and Ladies class players.
• In addition to the prize money listed in the table, a total of 3,500 euros will be paid to the professionals. The best professional will receive an additional 2,000 euros, the second best professional 1,000 euros and the third best professional 500 euros.

CANCELLATION: Cancellation of participation after the competition registration deadline (June 26th at 23:55) entry fee is not refunded. To cancel the participation, you must notify us in writing by e-mail info@niitvaljagolf.ee.

INFORMATION: info@niitvaljagolf.ee, +372 678 0454

Out of bounds (Rule 18.2) – out of bounds is defined with white stakes and/or white line, fence posts are used on the left side of hole 4 and right side of hole 13. When both stakes and line is used, marking line applies.

Penalty Areas (Rule 17) – penalty area is marked with yellow or with red markers /or line. When both stakes and line is used, marking line applies.

Playing Ball From Outside Relief Area When Taking Back-On-the-Line Relief (Local Rule E-12) – When taking Back-On-the-Line relief, there is no additional penalty if a player plays a ball that was dropped in the relief area (Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b or 19.3b) but came to rest outside the relief area within one club-length of where it first touched the ground when dropped. This exemption from additional penalty applies even if the ball came to rest nearer the hole than the reference point. However, this exemption from additional penalty doesn’t apply, if the ball came to rest nearer the hole than the spot of the original ball or the estimated point where the ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area.

Movable obstructions (Rule 15.2) – next tee signs, distance markers to the centre of the green (red 100m, yellow 150m, blue 200m).

Immovable obstructions (Rule 16.1) – built roads, wells, benches, tee markers, tee signs, ball washers, penalty area markers, sprinkler heads, wooden perimeter of the island green of hole 15 and the wire net fence surrounding the perimeter (excluding from fence posts), 10th tee snack bar, toilets, advertising banners and flags.

Ground under repair (Rule 16.1) – a) Ground under repair is marked with blue stakes or blue line. When both stakes and line is used, marking line applies.; b) Ground under repair from which playing is prohibited, is marked with blue-white stakes; c) The latter ground under repair includes ants nests, flower beds and marked (with planting stick) planted trees and it is not allowed to play the ball from there.

ADDITIONAL LOCAL RULES AND CONDITIONS OF COMPETITION

• When playing hole no 9, all closely mown areas (fairway height or less) of holes 10, 11 and 12 are out of bounds.

PREFERRED LIES

• When a player’s ball lies in a part of the general areacut to fairway height or less, the player may take free relief by once placing a ball one scorecard length from its original spot, not nearer the hole. Player must mark the spot before lifting the ball.

IN CASE OF THUNDERSTORM

• In the event of a thunderstorm one prolonged note of siren indicates suspension of play.
• The player must discontinue play immediately, mark his/her ball (e.g. with tee/tees) and leave the course. If a player fails to discontinue play immediately, he/she is disqualified, unless circumstances warrant waiving the penalty as provided in Rule 5-7b.
• Resumption of play is indicated by two short notes of siren, repeated.

Penalty for breach of local rule – general penalty.

HEAD REFEREE: 

REFEREE: 

Wednesday, July 05

• SALAD: German Potato Salad
• MAIN COURSE: Baked Chicken Fillet with Bulgur, Creamy Tomato Sauce and Fresh Salad
• bread/butter and coffee/tea/water

Thursday, July 06

• SALAD: Fresh Salad with Caesar dressing and baked Chicken fillet
• MAIN COURSE: Pork with Creamy Mushroom, Early Potatoes and Fresh Salad
• bread/butter and coffee/tea/water

Friday, July 07

• SALAD: Tomato Salad with Herb-Peanut Pesto and Buffalo Mozzarella
• MAIN COURSE: Pike cutlet with tartar sauce, vegetable mash and tomato salad
• DESSERT: Chocolate-Coconut cake with Strawberry Coulis
• bread/butter and coffee/tea/water

Accommodation during XXXI Niitvälja Karikas (04.-07.07.2023) is offered at Tallink Hotels (three different hotels located in the centre of Tallinn) and at LaSpa hotel (located on a sandy beach, only 7 minutes drive from the course).

TALLINK HOTELS

All three Tallink hotels are located in the heart of the city and next to the old town. Choose the one you like best and make a booking through Tallink Hotels online booking system. 

Niitvälja Karikas accommodation choices:

1. Tallink City Hotel**** – this hotel has an exclusive location in the heart of Tallinn. In their recently renovated modern rooms, you will find everything you need to relax. The exquisite tastes of the grill restaurant and lobby bar equally loved by both locals and foreign guests await you. You will also find a relaxation area where time stands still, and a children’s area where little guests can have fun and the joy of discovery.

2. Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel**** – the versatile spa hotel is located next to the old town of fairytale appearance. In addition to flexible accommodation options, a restaurant that takes you on a journey around the world of flavours, a relaxing water centre, a beauty and wellness centre designed for pampering and a conference centre with state-of-the-art technology await you there.

3. Tallink Express Hotel*** – the hotel with friendly rates and cheerfully coloured rooms is located between the passenger port and the Old Town. It combines affordability with an excellent location, appreciated by leisure and business travellers alike. Best of all, the Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel is located next door, with a water centre and a beauty and wellness centre that add even more value to the hotel.

LASPA HOTEL

Nestled between the long, sandy beach and the pine trees, LaSpa is a place for enjoying, relaxing and feeling and being well – both in body and soul. The LaSpa hotel consists of two separate buildings: LaSpa main house and LaSpa beach house.

1. Niitvälja Karikas entry fee package with accommodation at LaSpa main house.

• Entry fee package with accommodation for 3 nights in a twin room (shared by two) costs 340 €.
• Entry fee package with accommodation for 3 nights in a single room costs 470 €.

Entry fee package includes:

• accommodation in a chosen room for 3 nights, 04.-07.07.2023;
• buffet breakfast;
• unlimited use of water and sauna centre and gym;
• entry fee of  Niitvälja Karikas;
• unlimited amount of driving range balls during competition (05.-07.07.2023);
• lunches, fruits, snacks and drinking water during competition;
• trolleys;
• locker-rooms and saunas.

2. Niitvälja Karikas entry fee package with accommodation at recently renovated LaSpa beach house.

• Entry fee package with accommodation for 3 nights in a twin room (shared by two) costs 415 €.
• Entry fee package with accommodation for 3 nights in a single room costs 620 €.

Entry fee package includes:

• accommodation in a chosen room for 3 nights, 04.-07.07.2023;
• buffet breakfast;
• unlimited use of water and sauna centre and gym;
• entry fee of  Niitvälja Karikas;
• unlimited amount of driving range balls during competition (05.-07.07.2023);
• lunches, fruits, snacks and drinking water during competition;
• trolleys;
• locker-rooms and saunas.

For bookings, please contact our caddiemaster, info@niitvaljagolf.ee, ph. +372 678 0454.

AS Infortar is one of the largest investment companies in Estonia and its three main areas of activity include shipping, energy, and real estate.

As a responsible company, Infortar actively contributes to society. Its sponsorship strategy is focused on long-term partnerships in the fields of education, culture, the environment, and sports in equal parts.

In 2011–2015, Infortar organised the charity tournament Smile Charity Golf, which was attended by about fifty athletes from Estonia, Latvia, Finland, and Sweden. As a result, more than 60,000 euros were raised to support various projects related to children and young people.

Infortar supports the oldest golf centre in the Baltics – Niitvälja Golf, with whom it shares many common values, especially in terms of new generations and the development of the entire discipline in general. Niitvälja Karikas by Infortar is a competition where professionalism, commitment, and quality meet.