THE ROCCINGER CUP

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The Roccinger Cup is one of the most unique and prestigious golfing events in North America. The uniqueness is in the format of play. The prestige of winning the trophy lies in the fact that only a select few people are eligible to participate in this event whos format tests the individuals mental and physical ability as no other golf event can. Those who have played for the Roccinger Trophy are changed forever. Those who have tasted the flavor of victory from this cup can claim a special place in golf's storied history. Woods, Nicholas, Palmer; they have their PGA majors. They will never have the Roccinger!

The Roccinger Trophy began as a friendly wager between Gerard Rocchi and Bob Hellinger over a game of pool back in November of 2001. Gerard and Bob were known to have some late night pool games at the Woodside Drive tavern and it was at 2AM one such night that the idea of the Roccinger Trophy was hatched. After a marathon session of 8 ball, both Bob and Gerard were feeling no pain. The rules of 8 ball at the Woodside Drive tavern were such that the winner of any game was obligated to drink a shot of the alcoholic beverage of his or her choice after any win on the table. This rule was implemented to keep pool sharks at bay and level the playing field during the late night events that the bar was notorious for. So after 20 or more games of pool, one player started to boast (more than usual) about his pool shooting prowess and a wager was placed as to who was the better pool player. Well boys will be boys and after much debate, the chatter about who the best pool player was, evolved into a friendly disagreement on whom the best golfer was. In 2001, Gerard was clearly a better golfer and had the lower golf handicap but Bob challenged Gerard to a match none the less. But instead of using the USGA handicap system, to even the odds, it was agreed that they would use the WDTPR (Woodside Drive Tavern Pool Rules) handicap system and thus the format for the challenge golf match (later to be known as the Roccinger) was born.

The Roccinger Cup tournament is now an annual event between members of the Rocchi and Hellinger families who are at least 21 years old. This one day, 18 hole tournament, is match play format using the WDTPR handicap system.

It is traditional for the winner of the tournament to drink from the Roccinger Cup following the match. The winner of the Roccinger Cup tournament has his name engraved in the Roccinger trophy and takes possesion for one years time*.

* The Roccinger Cup may only be physically kept by a Roccinger particapant and that person must own (or have a mortgage on) the property in which the trophy is to be displayed. Proof of property ownership is required by the rules committee.

Rules of Play:

Rule #1: Match play with no strokes. The winner of the hole must drink a shot (1to 1.5 ounces) of tequila before teeing up the ball on the next hole.

Rule #2: The tequila shot must be poured by a competitor. A bite of lemon or lime is permitted and recommended. Salt is optional.

Rule #3: If a player wins a hole and goes up (leads) by more than two points; they must consume a double shot (2-3 ounces) of tequila before teeing the ball on the next hole. This double shot rule will stay in effect for as long as the player remains at least 2 points ahead. That is to say every time the player wins a subsequent hole. Once that player's lead is less than 2 points, the single shot rule will apply.

Rule #3a. for multiple player matches: The player or players with the lowest score on each hole recieve a point for that hole. For example, if three persons tie a hole, each receives a point. Each point winner of a hole must consume one shot of tequila  before teeing up the ball on the next hole. If a player leads the field by more than one point, that player must drink a double shot until his or her lead is 1 point or less.

 Rule #4:  Upon the completion of the ninth hole,  the player who is leading the match must drink a single tequila shot. This is in addition to any shot the player may have been assigned by winning the ninth hole. If there is no leader at the end of nine holes of play, all competitors must drink a single shot as a goodwill gesture to their fellow participants.

Rule #5: A birdie is worth two shots for the winner of the hole. (only for 3 or more competitor format)

Rule #5a: An eagle is worth two shots for the winner of the hole, in addition to a celebratory shot for all competitors.

Rule #6: A player is disqualified if they vomit at anytime during the match.

Rule #7: Excessive profanity is grounds for disqualification. A majority vote amongst the players will enforce this rule.

Rule #8: Whining and argumentative language are grounds for disqualification. A majority vote amongst the players will enforce this rule.

 Rule #9 (The Gerard Rule): Completing an outgoing call is worth a triple shot, in addition to a three shot penalty on that hole, and any additional holes that the call continues on to. Incoming calls can be received if the competitor first identifies the name of the caller. The call can then only consist of the competitor saying that they are participating in the most important golf tournament of the year, and that they must call back. 

Rule #10: If any competitor makes a hole in one, they must walk down the fairway with their pants below their knees.

Rule #11: In the 5 man format, when a competitor(s) is officially eliminated from match before the final hole, the said competitor will drink one final shot of tequila and then proceed to shake the hand of each competitor while wishing them the best of luck. (the final shot can be poured by any of the participants)