Ballot System

 Below are the answers to the most common questions regarding the system

UNDERSTANDING THE NEW SYSTEM

HOW TO CREATE A TEST BALLOT

Creating a test ballot

1. Log in to your account and select "Tee Times Plus."
2. Once in Tee Times Plus, select "Ballot Request"
3. Fill out your date, time and course preferences, remembering that only two courses are available during testing.
4. Click "Submit Request"
5. A test ballot confirmation email will be sent to you.

What is the main reason for moving to this system?

Our primary goal is to ensure equal and fair access to the tee sheet for all Members. In the previous system, access was determined by who accessed the system first. A weighted ballot removes that stress and prioritizes fairness by looking at recent ballot history to determine who gets what time. We are also prioritizing the Member booking experience. This process will be more technologically reliable

Will I get less access to tee times?

For most Members, access will feel about the same or slightly better because we are taking ballot history into account when assigning tee times.

Will further changes be made to the system?

Yes. Our primary goal is to continually enhance the Member booking experience. We will be closely monitoring the ballot system and gathering feedback throughout the season. If adjustments are needed to improve fairness or streamline the process, we will not hesitate to make updates. We are committed to constantly reviewing and refining the system to ensure it works as effectively as possible for all Members.

 
THE USAGE POINTS SYSTEM

How is the ballot "weighted"? (The Points System)

To ensure fairness, the ballot uses a usage points system. Every time you are awarded a tee time in the ballot, points may be applied to your profile. In future draws, priority is given to Members with fewer points. If a tee time is booked outside of the ballot window (within five days of play), no points will be awarded.

How are points calculated?

Points are assigned based on how closely the system matched your request. The better the match, the more points are assigned.

How are groups prioritized?

Priority is determined by the average points of the entire group. The system takes the points of every Member listed on your ballot, adds them up, and divides them by the number of Members.

How long do points stay on my profile?

Your priority score is based on a rolling 30-day window. The system calculates the total points you've earned over the past 30 days before the current ballot draw. Points older than 30 days are automatically removed from your profile. This ensures that your usage points are up to date and reflect your recent activity.

Why don't you show my exact points?

Our tee-time ballot uses a dynamic weighting model rather than a static point balance. Your priority is recalculated before every draw, factoring in recent access and demand for selected times. We keep exact numerical totals private to ensure fairness and prevent "gaming" behaviours, such as submitting artificial requests to boost priority. This approach provides full transparency on the principles driving the system, allowing Members to understand what affects their priority without needing to track complex calculations.

Do I get my points back if the course closes due to weather or unplayable conditions?

No. Usage Points are assigned based entirely on the success of the ballot itself, not on whether the round is ultimately played. If a course closes due to weather or unplayable conditions, the points applied for that successful ballot will remain on your profile.

Will I accumulate points for playing in Member events?

No. Usage points are only assigned through the daily ballot process. Participation in organized Member events does not affect your rolling points average.

SUBMITTING A BALLOT

How do I submit a ballot?

Submitting a ballot is a simple process. You can do so through Tee Times Plus. Within Tee Times Plus, there is a "Submit a Ballot" button that will guide you step-by-step through submitting your request. If you need assistance, contact us at memberservices@clublink.ca or 800-273-5113.

What details do I need to know before submitting the ballot?

To complete your ballot, and to have the best chance of success, you will need to know the names of all the Members in your group, your preferred Club locations, and your preferred time windows (including your earliest and latest acceptable times).

When do I submit my request?

The ballot operates on a 10-day cycle. You can submit your request within the following window:

Action	Timing	Example: Playing on a Saturday
Ballot Opens	10 days prior at 12 a.m.	Previous Wednesday at 12 a.m.
Ballot Closes	Seven days prior at 8 p.m.	Previous Saturday at 8 p.m.

 

Why does the ballot operate every day instead of just on weekend mornings?

We run the system daily to maintain a consistent, predictable routine. Demand is high throughout the week, including weekdays. By holding the ballot on all days, we ensure that fairness isn't restricted to just Saturday and Sunday.

Why do I have to provide names for all players on my ballot?

We require all names to be listed at the time of request to ensure every entry is representative of who will be playing. . This helps to ensure fairness and maximizes availability to all Members. The more Member names that are entered in the ballot, the more likely the ballot is to succeed.

Can I enter the ballot as a single?

Yes. To maximize course utilization, the system will auto-pair you with an existing group.

Can I submit a request for multiple courses to increase my chances?

Yes. You are limited ballot per play date, selecting up to four courses, ranked in priority order.

You may also select whether to prioritize course or time, and the system will process your ballot accordingly, starting with your top priority. Including multiple courses on a single ballot will improve your chances on busy days when priorities are set clearly.

Can I enter more than one foursome in the ballot?

No. To maintain fairness, a Member can only be submitted on one ballot (representing a single foursome or smaller group) for each day of play.

What if I want to bring a guest?

Please note that including a guest will restrict your ballot to times on the tee sheet where guest play is permitted.

How many ballots can I submit for each day of play?

The system guarantees that each name on every ballot represents a unique golfer. It actively prevents a Member ID from appearing on more than one ballot per day. If a ballot contains a Member who is already listed on another ballot (at any ClubLink property), the system will block the ballot, and you will be notified immediately at the time of submission. This prevents duplicate bookings and ensures that 100 per cent of the tee sheet inventory is available.

Will I be notified when another Member submits a ballot with my name?

Yes. To ensure transparency, you will receive an automatic confirmation email the moment your name is entered onto a ballot by another Member.

Who can edit the ballot?

Any Member in the ballot can edit or cancel the ballot in Tee Times Plus before the ballot is closed for processing. But once that ballot is submitted, and a tee time is assigned, only the tee time captain (the first name in the time) can edit the tee time. If you need assistance, contact us at memberservices@clublink.ca or 800-273-5113.

 
AFTER THE DRAW & MODIFICATIONS

Why didn't I get a tee time?

While the ballot system is designed to distribute tee times fairly, it is possible your request may not be successful. The most common reason is high demand, but your ballot could miss out due to any of the following factors:

• High Usage Points: Based on recent ballot success, the weighted average of your group was too high compared to other Members requesting the same window.
• Incomplete Player Names: As an example, if you request a foursome but only provide two Member names, your ballot is restricted only to tee times that allow for guests or open spots. Entering all Member names maximizes the number of tee times your group is eligible for.
• Eligibility Restrictions: The names entered on the ballot were not eligible for the requested time due to their Membership tier or "Home Club Only" coding restrictions.
• Guest Restrictions: You included a guest, which restricts your ballot to times where guest play is permitted.
• Course Events: An organized event or tournament is booked for that period. Be sure to check your Club calendar before submitting your ballot.

Limited Preferences: You only selected one specific course and a narrow time window. Expanding your ballot to include second, third, and fourth choices significantly increases your chances of success.

When will I know if I got a time?

Once the ballot closes, the system processes the requests. You will receive a confirmation email, and awarded tee times will be visible in your Tee Times Plus itinerary according to the following schedule:

Action	Timing	Example: Playing on a Saturday
Ballot Closes	Seven days prior at 8 p.m.	Previous Saturday at 8 p.m.
Results Published	Six days prior at 4 p.m.	Sunday at 4 p.m.

Is it possible that I won't get a tee time?

Yes, it’s possible. However, the tee sheet will be open five days in advance at 8 a.m., providing an opportunity to find another tee time as the tee sheet changes at your Home Club, or at another Club.

What if I want to change my time or book a time that wasn't taken?

The tee sheet opens for modifications, and new LinkLine and LinkLine Online reservations may begin five days prior at 8 a.m. At this time, any unassigned spots become available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What happens if I cancel or substitute a player after winning a time?

Once the ballot runs, points are immediately applied. If a Member cancels after the draw, their points will not be removed even if they exit the tee time for any reason.

I want to play 36 holes. How do I book a second round?

A successful ballot guarantees one primary round. You may book a second round starting five days in advance (at 8 a.m.) when the tee sheet becomes available in Tee Times Plus.

Will walk-ups still be available at my Club? How will that affect my points?

Walk‑up availability varies by club. Please speak with your Club or LinkLine to confirm whether walk‑up tee times are offered at your location.

Walk‑up tee times do not count toward ballot weighting and do not impact your usage points.

COURSE ACCESS & MEMBERSHIP TYPES

How does this affect my Home Club priority?

The ballot respects all "Home Club Only" coding. If a specific time is coded for Home Club Members, a ballot containing reciprocal Members will not be eligible to win that spot.

When are tee sheet restrictions removed?

Tee sheet restrictions (coding) are removed two days prior to the date of play. At this point, the sheet becomes open to all eligible ClubLink Members.

How do I book at another Club?

You can request a tee time at another Club the same way you would for your Home Club. Simply select the desired ClubLink property and your preferred time range when building your ballot.

Are daily fee courses included?

Yes. All daily fee courses are included in the ballot system except Hidden Lake. Ballot inventory at Rolling Hills is limited for non‑home club members.

Outside of the shoulder season, tee times at Hidden Lake and Rolling Hills may only be booked through the Club’s Director of Operations for approved requests (guest entertainment, travel, or celebration bookings).

How does my Membership tier play a role in the new system?

Your Member tier determines what tee times are available to you as the ballot process is run. The system respects all existing tier access rules and Home Club priorities when assigning successful ballots.

Do all Member types participate in the ballot system (twilight, junior, etc.)? How does Member type impact their access to the tee sheet in the draw?

Yes, all Member categories will use the ballot system. When the draw is processed, the system will automatically ensure that Members are only awarded tee times that align with the specific access rules and time restrictions of their Membership type.

SUPPORT

Who do I contact if I’m having problems with the ballot process or have questions after the draw?

If you experience any difficulties or have questions, you can contact Member Services. As of April 7, 2026 we have temporarily extended our Member Services hours of operation, and our team is fully trained on the new system and ready to assist you. 
You can reach us at 1-800-273-5113 or by email at memberservices@clublink.ca.