The Division I Men's Golf Committee has proposed implementing a cut for the 2004 championships.

The committee, which met June 23-26 in New York City, is proposing that a cut be made after 54 holes of play, advancing the top 15 teams and top six individuals not on an advancing team. The committee evaluated several scenarios during its meeting but agreed that instituting a 54-hole cut was in the best interests of the championship.

The committee also is recommending a date formula change to the first Wednesday to Saturday after Memorial Day. However, the proposed effective date for the change would not be until 2005. The committee believes the change will enhance attendance and provide the greatest opportunity for a televised event in the future.

In another championship change, the committee reversed pairings for the third round of the finals so the leaders will go off first.

The group also modified its unsportsmanlike conduct policy. The first unsportsmanlike conduct violation will result in a warning to the student-athlete and coach and a letter of reprimand will be sent from the NCAA to the athletics director of the offending institution. A second violation will result in a two-stroke penalty to the student-athlete without an appeal. A third will result in disqualification of the student-athlete for that round. A fourth results in disqualification of the student-athlete from the tournament.

Any unsportsmanlike conduct warnings or penalties that a student-athlete incurs will be carried over from round to round and from the regionals to the finals. However, the committee shall have the right, without warning, to impose a two-stroke penalty for any flagrant act of unsportsmanlike conduct.

In other action, the committee developed several core values to serve as guiding principles for future committee decisions. The core values include: identify and protect the top 15 teams; continue to enhance and provide the best student-athlete experience; maintain the integrity of the championships; understand that the team championship is a priority over the individual medalist; follow traditional pairings for the final day by allowing leaders to tee off last; and to determine a national champion.

In addition, the committee:

Recommended an increase in the number of rules officials for the regionals from eight to 12 and recommended paying for the officials' lodging at the finals.

Asked institutions to properly submit their tournament results to Golfstat within 14 days after the end of the tournament, or the institution may be assessed a $100 fine.

Recommended Val Hale, athletics director at Brigham Young University, as the new chair.

Voted to continue to allow two coaches in the scoring tent.

Voted to modify driving range hours for the championships. The range will open one hour before the first tee time and close one hour before sunset each day.