Handicaps in Scotland? Ireland?

[ddbleek685]

Just wondering how strict courses are in terms of having handicap cards. Thinking of St Andrews, Carnoustine, RCD, Kingsbairns, etc. Someone told me they took their online handicap there and this was allowed. Is this true?

 

Thanks for the help.

[puttnforthe8]

Just a myth...They however, will recommend the tee box you should play...some recommend more strongly than others.

[johnnylongball]

I've played all these courses you mentioned. The Old Course was the only one that asked to see a handicap card. And several of the guys in our group of 8 didn't have one and it was no problem. Don't worry about it.

[Daniel Eason]

This is a really old way of scaring off hackers IMHO.

never been asked for a card though and I AM A HACKER LOL

[grant7]

I don't think you'll get on the Old without a handicap certificate, unless you have the expensive 'old course experience' tour operator tee times.

[puttnforthe8]

[quote name='grant7' timestamp='1409250260' post='10026075']
I don't think you'll get on the Old without a handicap certificate, unless you have the expensive 'old course experience' tour operator tee times.
[/quote]

errmmmm, so not true!!! Not once was I or anyone I played with asked for a certificate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sabram]

[quote name='puttnforthe8' timestamp='1409258886' post='10026853']
[quote name='grant7' timestamp='1409250260' post='10026075']
I don't think you'll get on the Old without a handicap certificate, unless you have the expensive 'old course experience' tour operator tee times.
[/quote]

errmmmm, so not true!!! Not once was I or anyone I played with asked for a certificate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[/quote]


My group was asked for our handicap certificates at the Old Course. We all had them except for one guy. After a 30 second discussion they let him play.

[bk52]

[quote name='sabram' timestamp='1409405053' post='10035671']
My group was asked for our handicap certificates at the Old Course. We all had them except for one guy. After a 30 second discussion they let him play.
[/quote]

My experience is similar to sabram's. In July, 2013, the starter requested my handicap card at the Old Course. I do not know what would have happened if I did not have a card. I suspect unless I showed signs of a complete inability to hit the ball, they would have let me play. Still, it made me feel better having something to hand to the starter. One has enough nervous energy already without worrying about that little detail. I printed off my latest handicap data and laminated it with a "do it yourself" kit from Target.

Other than the Old Course, the issue was never raised at places like Carnoustie, Gleneagles, Kingsbarns, etc... An acquaintance told me they are tougher about handicap cards at some of the English clubs in the "Open" rota that allow play by non-members. I do not have direct experience on that.

[puttnforthe8]

Interesting, I have not seen anyone asked at the Old Course...one of the rounds I played was with a woman who teed it up one from the tips and she was not asked(she was pretty good though). The other times no one said a word to anyone in my group/s. Carnoustie and Musselburgh both "recommended" the tees to play, but that was the extent.

[mizguy]

No problems in Ireland, never asked at any course for handicap card.

[buckI]

I was asked at The Old Course last year and so were others. Maybe it depends on who is working the starter shack that day since they rotate. I think the other course that wanted verification was Muirfield.

[Cwing]

I was asked to show my card one week ago today at the Old Course in St Andrews as were all members of our group. Four of us on Thurs and the other four on Sat. It was my understanding that one must below a 24 to play.

[hgb]

In Ireland (Ballybunion and Lahinch) when I signed in there was a spot to put one's handicap. But no one questioned its accuracy.