Candler Hills Golf Club
Resident Golf Membership
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide On Top of the World Communities residents, golf club members and guests with an enjoyable golf experience by providing the utmost in customer service; a professional staff skilled in merchandising, teaching and club fitting; and a tournament schedule that affords competition to golfers of all ability levels.
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the golf facilities at On Top of the World Communities. The golf staffs from both the On Top of the World Golf Club and the Candler Hills Golf Club look forward to serving you. The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint you with the many programs, events, rules and benefits available. As policies and procedures change, and as events are added to our monthly calendar, you will be informed via the World News monthly newspaper and the web sites www.CandlerHillsGolfClub.com and www.OtowInfo.com. Our goal is to extend the service that one would expect to enjoy and experience at a top 100 golf facility. It is our desire to enable our membership to be very proud of their golf courses and the activities that are offered at On Top of the World Communities.
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GOLF COMMITTEE DESCRIPTION
The General Manager, Director of Golf, Head Golf Professional and the Head Golf Course Superintendent will form the committee to review, update and amend the rules governing the operation of the On Top of the World golf courses and their facilities.
The Advisory Boards are made up of separate committees at On Top of the World and Candler Hills golf clubs of members and employees. The Board consists of the presidents of the Men’s Golf Association, the Ladies 18 Hole Golf Association, the Ladies 9 Hole Golf Association, and a member at large. The company is represented by the Director of Golf, Head Golf Course Superintendent, Head Golf Professional, Assistant Golf Professional and a Food and Beverage representative. The minutes are posted at the club for the membership to read. The Board meeting is held once a month: Candler Hills Golf Club meets the first Wednesday in the Candler Community Center at 2:00 P.M.; On Top of the World Golf Club meets the second Wednesday in the Members’ Lounge at 2:00 P.M.
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GOLF MEMBERSHIPS
The Annual Golf Memberships at On Top of the World and Candler Hills golf clubs are valid January 1 through December 31 of the calendar year. Memberships will be pro-rated only for new residents or residents who have not been golf members within the last three (3) years. Membership fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Members of On Top of the World Golf Club must be a resident of On Top of the World Communities and, if a resident of the Indigo East neighborhood, be a Gateway of Services pass holder. A Single Golf Membership is defined as one adult; a Couple Golf Membership is defined as two adults sharing the same address and residing in the same household. Dependent children whose parents have purchased an Annual Couple Membership, meet the age restriction of the rules of the Association, have not reached the age of 24, and are full time students will qualify to be included in their parents’ membership as a golf member.
In order to receive resident golf privileges and rates, one must be personally identified as an On Top of the World Communities resident or tenant resident by a current resident identification card.
In the event of a member’s violation of the golf course rules, regulations and procedures outlined in the member handbook, the following course of action will occur:
- First violation: Letter of reprimand
- Second violation: One month membership suspension
- Third violation: Termination of membership privileges
In the event of a membership suspension or termination, there will be no refund of unused membership,trail or food and beverage fees.
On Top of the World Golf Club*
The On Top of the World golf courses, The Links and The Tortoise & The Hare, are both private golf courses. Residents of On Top of the World Communities may opt for either an annual or six month membership.
Six Month Memberships are only available at the On Top of the World Golf Club and are not pro-rated. The Six Month Membership is available either November 1 to April 30 or May 1 to October 31. Membership fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Candler Hills Golf Club*
Candler Hills Golf Club is a semi-private golf course. Annual Membership packages are available to On Top of the World and Stone Creek residents, as well as to area golfers. Corporate Memberships are also available.
World Golf Membership*
The World Golf Membership affords the On Top of the World resident golf privileges at the On Top of the World Golf Club and the Candler Hills Golf Club. Both single and couple memberships and trail fee packages are options offered to residents. Indigo residents must be a Gateway of Services pass holder in order to purchase this membership. As with all annual memberships, this will be valid from January 1 through December 31 of the current year.
*Please refer to Golf Rate Brochure or the rates web page for applicable fees.
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GOLF CART PROGRAM
Cart Rental:
A daily cart rental fee is charged to a non-member golfer or a golf member who does not own a private cart nor chooses the annual Cart Lease Program. This fee applies if they are riding in a private cart or company cart.
On Top of the World residents who own a private cart but are not golf members pay a resident rate which includes a cart fee.
An annual Trail Fee is available for resident members who own a private golf cart. Annual fees are a yearly contract and are not refundable or transferable.
Cart Lease:
An annual Cart Lease Program is available at Candler Hills Golf Club only. Annual fees are a yearly contract and are not refundable or transferable.
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SPECIAL NEEDS
Residents requiring a disabled person parking sticker must show proof of sticker requirement in the owner’s name, as provided by section 320.0848, Florida Statutes, to the Customer Service Department of On Top of the World Communities. A handicap sticker will then be applied to your golf cart. If two players with special needs are in the same foursome, both players will ride in the same cart. Once a handicap sticker has been issued and applied to your cart, when playing golf, you can ask for a flag that will be placed on your cart for that round of golf. These flags are to be returned to the Golf Shop after play.
Handicap Flag Rules and Regulations
- Golfer may drive no closer than 10 yards from the green. Golfer must not drive between
a bunker and the putting surface at any time.
- Golfer may park on the side of an elevated tee box. Carts must be kept 10 yards from tee
boxes. (Please do not drive on the surface of any tee boxes.)
- Golfer may cross the fairways on the par 3’s.
- When the “Carts on Cart Path Only” rule is in effect for the entire golf course due to
extreme weather conditions, no golfer will be permitted to drive on or across fairways.
- Golfer may not take a cart into a bunker or waste area.
- Golfer is requested to stay on cart paths whenever possible.
MEMBERSHIP MEDICAL
SUSPENSION REQUEST
Should a current annual golf member of one of the On Top of the World golf courses become incapacitated during that year, there are several conditions that must be met before receiving consideration to obtain credit for this time period towards the following year’s membership fees:
- Within two (2) weeks of sustaining an accident or a medical condition, the member must submit paperwork describing the condition which prohibits golf activity to the Director of Golf.
- The severity of the accident or medical condition must prohibit play for a minimum period of ninety (90) days.
- A physician’s statement must be submitted stating the nature of the accident or medical condition including when the treatment began and when the patient was released.
- The Director of Golf will notify the member if the condition warrants a credit of membership fees towards next year’s membership dues.
- No golf or driving range use may be played during the time of membership suspension.
- The Golf Membership Director must be notified before the member returns to any golf participation.
All requests for credit will be reviewed by the golf department and must be approved by this department before any credit for the following year will be issued.
No refunds will be issued for a membership suspension, except in the event of death for a current golf member. If there is a Couple Membership, the remaining member will receive a credit towards their following year’s membership fees.
Elite and Preferred Food & Beverage Members
Annual Fees will not be suspended for medical reasons. All food and beverage dollars will expire December 31st of the membership year. Any unused balance may not be redeemed for cash, gift certificates or cash cards.
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- While gas powered golf carts are permitted to be used within the On Top of the World residential communities, they are not allowed to be used on any of the On Top of the World golf courses.
- All privately-owned golf carts must be permitted by the Customer Service Department of On Top of the World Communities. If they are not permitted, they will not be allowed on any golf course property.
- Golf carts must remain on the paths on all par 3’s on all of the courses.
- The 90 degree rule applies to all par 4’s and par 5’s. (The 90 degree rule is a method that will minimize the amount of time the golf cart will be driven on the turf. Only when the player is directly across from their ball will they leave the cart path and proceed to their ball. After the shot is taken the player will return directly to the cart path. If it is not practical to do this in order to get to your partners ball then proceed to his/her ball directly.)
- ONE CART FOR A SINGLE OR TWOSOME, AND TWO CARTS FOR A THREESOME OR A FOURSOME WILL BE PERMITTED. A maximum of two bags and two riders are allowed per golf cart, regardless of the number of seats available. Any play outside of this would be at the discretion of the golf professional. To operate a golf cart on any of the three courses, the driver must be at least 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license.
- Private carts must observe golf course cart restrictions which may be in effect due to abnormal ground conditions.
- Should a private cart become disabled on the golf course, the golf staff is not permitted to tow the cart back to the clubhouse. Carts can sustain damage if improperly towed.
Candler Hills Golf Club
- Golf rental carts are not allowed in the parking lot of Candler Hills Golf Club.
- No private carts that require being towed or the use of a trailer may be used to play golf.
Indigo East Residents
- Privately owned golf carts (excluding street registered vehicles) are not permitted due to Marion County Ordinance No. 05 - 27 which prohibits golf cart crossing of SW 80th Avenue. (This is under review by the County and if the ordinance is amended to allow cart crossing, this paragraph will become void.)
- Residents have the option to participate in the Annual Cart Lease Program or pay the daily cart fee.
GOLF SHOP HOURS OF OPERATION
On Top of the World Golf Club:
Year Round: Open 7:00 A.M. and Close 5:00 P.M.
Candler Hills Golf Club:
Year Round: Open 7:00 A.M. on weekdays and 6:30 A.M. on weekends.
November 1 – April 30: Close weekdays and weekends at 5:00 P.M.
May 1 - October 31: Close weekdays and weekends at 6:00 P.M.
Special Holiday Hours:
New Year’s Eve – 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
New Year’s Day – 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Thanksgiving Day – 7:00 A.M. to Noon (Club owned carts to be returned by 2:00 P.M.)
Christmas Eve – 7:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Christmas Day – Closed all day
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DINING FACILITIES & CATERING
The Pub:
The Pub Restaurant is located in the Health & Recreation building adjacent to the On Top of the World Golf Shop. For hours of operation, menu and daily specials, call 352-854-0761. The Pub is private and for residents who are Gateway of Service pass holders.
Candler Hills Restaurant:
Candler Hills Restaurant is located adjacent to the Candler Hills Golf Shop. For hours of operation and menu, call 352-861-9720.
Friendship Catering:
Friendship Catering is available to cater food and beverage needs of larger golf groups. Contact the Hospitality Department at 352-861-9130 to arrange a professionally catered food and beverage event.
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PRACTICE FACILITIES & RANGE PROGRAM
Tokens can be purchased individually in both golf shops.
A Single or Couple Annual Program is available. Memberships will be pro-rated only for new residents or residents who have not been a golf range member within the last three (3) years. Any range member requesting a medical suspension for range privileges will follow the same procedure as the golf membership suspension process.
The club at which you join the range is the only facility that will honor the membership. This does not entitle the use of practice facilities at both clubs.
The range may close early on certain days in order to have the range picked clean. The Golf Shop will have the scheduled times posted. This is necessary to accommodate mowing of the range the following morning.
Please leave all baskets and range balls that are not hit on the range. The baskets, balls and tokens are not to leave the Practice Facility and travel home with you. Thank you for your cooperation.
On Top of the World Golf Club:
Range Members receive a “key” to use at the ball machine, located at the range. Should the member lose or damage this key a replacement charge of $20 will be paid by the member. All Range Members are asked to return the key, if not renewing, at year’s end to avoid a $20 key fee.
Candler Hills Golf Club:
All Candler Hills residents receive a Candler Hills Range Membership as part of their Community Service Fee.
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GIFT CERTIFICATES & SHOP CREDIT
Gift Certificates and Cash Cards:
Gift certificates/cash cards are available to all who wish to purchase them in the Golf Shop. Gift certificates have no expiration date. The Golf Shop staff is ready to assist any member that might need personal attention for special orders.
Golf Shop Credit:
Golf Shop credit is awarded to sporting event winners. This credit is derived from the entry fee.
The shop credit expires on the last day of February of each year.
Shop credit may only be used for merchandise. It is not valid for Greens Fees, Cart Fees, Membership Fees, Range Balls, Golf Lessons or Food and Beverage.
Shop credit will be issued in the form of chits for all amateurs playing in the weekly sporting events of the MGA League, the LGA Leagues, as well as special sporting events. The chits will be added to the golf member’s account until he/she decides to redeem them in the golf shops. For those players who are not On Top of the World residents, the chits will be distributed the day of the sporting event.
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DRESS CODE POLICY
The dress code policy for the On Top of the World Golf Club and Candler Hills Golf Club includes the golf course, the short game practice facility, the putting greens and the driving ranges. This dress code is for golfers and spectators at either facility.
Men:
Shirts with sleeves and collars.
Slacks, or mid-length shorts (not more than 3” above the knee).
Ladies:
Blouses with a collar (not required to have sleeves).
Blouses without a collar must have sleeves.
Mid length shorts may not be more than 3” above the knee.
The Following Attire is Prohibited:
Denim of any kind, sweat pants, jams, swim suits, cut offs, flip flops, soccer or football shoes, and boots.
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STARTING TIME POLICY
All residents and their guests are welcome!
On Top of the World Golf Club:
The general rule for the On Top of the World golf courses is “first come, first served.”
Golfers must have all four fellow competitors present before registering in Golf Shop. Golf Shop personnel will assign starting order based on designated golf course.
On occasion the Golf Shop staff will have the need to regulate starting times to hold a special event. When some type of golf course maintenance is scheduled, it may also be necessary to regulate starting times.
Please reference the monthly calendar and notification signs in the Golf Shop and on the bulletin boards.
Candler Hills Golf Club:
Tee times begin at 7:32 A.M. Monday through Friday and at 7:00 A.M. on Saturday and Sunday. Scheduled tournaments or leagues may alter starting time availability.
The Golf Shop staff will accept starting time reservations beginning at 7:20 A.M. weekday mornings and 6:50 A.M. on weekend mornings. Each person may enter time requests for up to two foursomes. The staff will alternate one person, then one phone call and continue until requests are completed.
Daily fee nine hole rates are offered at Candler Hills Golf Club after 2:00 PM. The nine hole rate may be offered at an earlier time to golfers participating in a recognized golf league – Men’s Golf Association, Ladies 18 hole Golf Association or Ladies 9 hole Golf Association.
Candler Hills Golf Club members may reserve tee times with a seven (7) day advance. All On Top of the World Communities residents may reserve tee times five (5) days in advance. All other golfers may book four (4) days in advance.
Every person requesting a starting time must provide all players’ names in order to reserve the starting time.
PACE OF PLAY
Pace of play is expected to be four (4) hours or less at The Links or The Tortoise & The Hare. Candler Hills Golf Club has a pace of four (4) hours and twelve (12) minutes. All golfers are expected to keep up with the group ahead.
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GHIN HANDICAPS
All golfers who play in any golf event must have a verifiable handicap. All golfers who play in a Club event must join the GHIN Handicap System and pay applicable fees.
The GHIN Membership term runs January 1 through December 31. Joining the GHIN Handicap System allows the golfer to post scores at either On Top of the World Golf Club or Candler Hills Golf Club.
Only an 18 hole handicap is available for the men. A 9 hole or 18 hole handicap is available to the ladies. Please indicate whether you want a 9 or 18 hole handicap when you register.
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HANDICAP COMMITTEE
The Handicap Committee of On Top of the World and Candler Hills golf clubs ensures compliance with the USGA Handicap System. Members of all men’s and ladies’ golf associations as well as members at large make up this committee.
The Handicap Committee will handle any disciplinary matters concerning golfers score posting and handicap issues.
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- If a golfer plays less than 4 golf holes he/she will receive an 18 hole rain check.
- If a golfer plays 4 to 13 golf holes he/she will receive a 9 hole rain check
- If a golfer plays more than 14 golf holes he/she will receive no rain check.
- Should a golfer need a rain check, it will be issued at the respective golf shop.
ON TOP OF THE WORLD
MEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Men’s Golf Association’s (MGA) fiscal year shall be from January 1 to December 31. The MGA annual dues are payable by December 1 for the following year. The MGA is a registered club in the State of Florida and is a tax exempt organization.
Weekly Events: Tournaments are held every Wednesday.
Eligibility: Limited to those players who have an established GHIN handicap and are paid members of the MGA.
Sign-Up: (A) Members must sign up in the Golf Shop by 5:00 P.M. on Sunday to be eligible for Wednesday play. If you sign up and decide not to play, call the Golf Shop no later than 7:30 A.M. on Wednesday morning. (B) Scheduled Chicken Day Scrambles: Sign up in the Golf Shop by Sunday 5:00 P.M. and remit $6 in envelope provided in the Members’ Lounge.
Start Times: Shotgun start times for all players; rally at 8:00 A.M.; on the tee box at 8:30 A.M. Tee times are assigned for designated tournaments. Start times and team assignments are posted on Wednesday morning.
Score Cards: Signed, witnessed, and dated score cards must be turned in to the Computer Room following play. Do not enter event scores in the computer. Only gross scores should be recorded on the score card. Incomplete score cards will be grounds for disqualification. Events results are posted on the bulletin boards in the Computer Room and outside. Golf Shop credits are issued to the event winners.
Captain’s Duties:
- Collect and pay fees for all team members and pick up score card at Golf Shop.
- Keep score for all team members.
- Ensure rules for the day’s event are understood and enforced.
- Ensure completed score card is signed and attested prior to turning it in.
Errors in Announced Winners: If an error is made in determining winners on a league day, the golfer must notify a member of the tournament committee by 4:00 P.M. Thursday of that week.
GPS devices are approved for play in MGA events.
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ON TOP OF THE WORLD LADIES GOLF ASSOCIATIONS
18 Hole Ladies Golf Association:
The On Top of the World 18 Hole Ladies Golf Association (LGA) was organized to:
- Promote interest and good sportsmanship in the game of golf.
- Provide opportunities for friendly golf competition and improvement of golf skills.
- Provide opportunities for women to get together with others who share their enthusiasm for golf.
The ladies play weekly tournaments on Tuesdays. Starting time varies by season. There is a general meeting once a month which is sometimes combined with a luncheon.
9 Hole Ladies Golf Association:
The 9 Hole Ladies League (LGA) plays on Tuesdays. There is an annual membership fee to join the league. In order to join the ladies on their play day you must have entered five (5) scores in the GHIN computer to acquire a handicap. A fee for joining the GHIN system is also charged annually. Members are to sign up for play day in the Golf Shop by 5:00 P.M. on Sunday. For cancellations after 5:00 P.M on Sunday members are requested to call the Tournament Committee. For cancellations on Tuesday, members should call the Golf Shop at 7:30 A.M.
The official uniform for first Tuesday meeting days, special invitationals and away invitationals is a blue shirt and white shorts, pants or skirt. The shirts which have the OTOW logo on them must be ordered by the 9 Hole LGA.
For those ladies who are no longer able to play with us, we have a social membership. Social members are welcome to attend meetings and special events. They do not pay dues nor can they vote. To sign up to become a social member, please notify the membership chairperson.
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CANDLER HILLS MEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Candler Hills Men’s Golf Association (CHMGA) is a non-profit corporation existing under the laws of the State of Florida. Its objective is to conduct golfing events and tournaments for the league members in an environment that promotes good fellowship, sportsmanship and a deeper appreciation for the game itself.
The CHMGA is your opportunity to meet other members in a spirit of friendly competition and to support development and growth of the club. All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to participate. As a way to give back to the community, the CHMGA annually awards a scholarship to a deserving Westport High School senior scholar/athlete.
All CHMGA members will pay the annual GHIN fees through the Golf Shop. The weekly tournaments are
held every Tuesday. Play will be a shotgun start at 8:30 A.M.; however, there may be variation by season and commitments by the golf course. All players should be at the Golf Shop by 7:30 A.M. Players who have an established GHIN handicap and are paid members of the CHMGA are eligible to play. Members must sign up in the Golf Shop by 12:00 P.M. on Monday to be eligible for Tuesday play. If a member signs up and decides not to play, he must call the Golf Shop no later than 7:15 A.M. on Tuesday morning. If a player does not call in and cancel, they will be ineligible for the next two weekly events.
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CANDLER HILLS LADIES GOLF ASSOCIATIONS
18 Hole Ladies Golf Association:
The Candler Hills 18 Hole Ladies Golf Association (LGA) provides an opportunity for women to play 18 holes of friendly, competitive golf while enjoying the friendship of other lady golfers.
Various tournament formats are played every Thursday morning. Some of the events are individual and some are team. Winter tee times start at 9:00 A.M. and summer tee times are at 8:00 A.M. Players must sign up at the Candler Hills Golf Shop by the Tuesday prior to each Thursday game. Each player must have an established handicap and GHIN number.
There is an annual membership fee for a full year and also a membership fee for our resident snow birds. For more information please contact the membership chairperson.
9 Hole Ladies Golf Association:
The Candler Hills 9 Hole Ladies Golf Association (LGA) was formed because of the many women who want to play golf. This league began November 1, 2008 and had 44 paid members.
The ladies play on Thursdays, with tee times starting at 1:00 P.M. Any member wishing to play must sign up in the Golf Shop by 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday in order to play on Thursday. Each player must have a handicap and a GHIN number.
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TWO FREE ROUNDS OF GOLF
Residents who are an On Top of the World Golf Club or a Candler Hills Golf Club Member receive two complimentary rounds of golf per calendar year at the other golf club*. These rounds may only be used by the member for his or her personal use. These rounds may not be used towards participation in golf tournaments and outside events, but rather only for individual daily play. Once these rounds have been used, a golf club member does receive a preferred daily rate at the other golf club.
*Indigo East residents must be a Gateway of Services pass holder in order to golf at the On Top of the World Golf Club and/or dine at The Pub.
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ELITE AND PREFERRED MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
The Elite and Preferred Membership Programs are social programs which may be combined with golf whereby members receive 5% discount on all food and beverage items and 10% on additional sides, desserts and appetizers purchased at Candler Hills Restaurant and The Pub. Members also receive VIP reservations for restaurant seating and admission to special member-only events. ‘Preferred’ membership is for restaurant participation only. ‘Elite’ membership is for golf and restaurant participation combined. To participate in these member programs, an annual membership fee and agreement signed by the member(s) are required. The Pub is private and for residents who are Gateway of Service pass holders.
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LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP CARD
Should the membership card for Golf, Elite or Preferred members be lost or misplaced, the golf department must be notified immediately. After notification, the member card will be deactivated until either the card is found or a replacement card is issued, in which case any unused balance for the dining program will be transferred to the new member card. On Top of the World Communities is not responsible for any member dollars that were spent after the card(s) was lost or misplaced.
The membership card must be replaced for an Elite or Preferred member in order for the member to spend the remaining member dollars on the account and receive the VIP discount on food and beverage purchases. A Golf member will need to replace the card for golf privilege identification. The cost for either card replacement is $20.
*Indigo East residents must be a Gateway of Services pass holder in order to golf at the On Top of the World Golf Club and/or dine at The Pub.
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