Proof Of Handicap To Play?

[EmperorPenguin]

I hear that to play some golf courses in UK, especially The Old Course at St. Andrews, before a golfer pays his greens fee he must prove a handicap of 18 or better. True? Which courses have this policy, and has anyone had issues with this policy?

[Alexblakk]

The Old Course @ St Andrews requires a handicap max of 24.

It's the only course I've played there where they have checked the handicaps in our group.

The others we've played and haven't been "checked":

 

Scotland:

Kingbarns, Carnoustie, The Duke's St Andrews, The Castle, The New, Fairmont St Andrews, Cruden Bay, Trump Aberdeen, Royal Aberdeen, Royal Dornoch, Skibo Castle, Castle Stuart, Nairn, Moray.

Ireland: Killeen Castle, The European Club, Druids Glen, Ballybunion, Lahinch, Waterville, Dooks.

 

It seems that most courses "requires" a handicap proof, but only the biggest ones(Old course, but surely Muirfield, Royal Birkdale, Sunningdale, etc.) are really checking it.

[Mudguard]

Your handicap may dictate which tee you can play at St Andrews too. I had a letter of introduction from my club which had my current handicap. It was checked by the starter. Carnoustie and a couple of others checked the letter of introduction, but weren't concerned with handicap, well, that I could tell.

[North Butte]

I have played about 30 or so courses in England, Scotland and Wales. Most of them do have that handicap requirement thing posted on their web page or in your booking confirmation but I think I've been asked once. Can't recall for sure where what course, it was several years ago. Seems more theoretical than actual at private club although I have not played any of the St. Andrews courses so I couldn't say.

[alfriday]

They will check your handicap at the Old Course. You will need to present proof of your handicap when you check in with the starter. I also had it checked at Muirfield and one other course, but I can't remember which course.

 

I printed out my current handicap from the USGA site and put one copy in my golf bag and one in my billfold.

 

I talked with the caddies at the Old Course about the handicap requirement and they thought it was a joke. Each caddy had a horror story of some golfer who was horrible, but insisted on playing each shot. If you watch much play at the Old Course, you will see some very bad golf. Nevertheless, you still need your card to play.

[VOX]

I have played the Old Course about 20 times and they have checked my handicap card twice. I can't recall ever being asked at other courses in the UK or Ireland. The problem is that while they probably won't check, it isn't worth the risk.

[North Butte]

I did have an English club ask to see it when I played in a walk-up Open Medal comp 10 years ago. Only makes sens as it was a handicapped tournament. Not that my scorecard was going to threaten for a prize...playing a course I'd never seen before in a 20-30mph wind!

[HoffTTM]

Only had mine checked at the old course outside of open competitions. Then again its a bit of common sense, I think Sunningdale put something to the degree of "The courses at Sunningdale are not suitable to novice or beginner golfers and we therefore require players to have a handicap of 18 or lower" which is a fair description imo.

[rk100]

Peeps,

 

I emailed the St, Andrews Trust to put to rest my concerns re:handicap to play the Old Course. Please see email exchange below.

MY EMAIL:

Hi St. Andrews Links Trust,

I'm inquiring about the handicap requirement to play the Old Course at St. Andrews for golfers with an USGA Handicap Index. The men's handicap minimum is 24 for the Old Course, would a 24.0 USGA Handicap Index be sufficient or would a player need a 24.0 CONGU handicap on the Old Course?

Thank you for the clarification!

Cheers,

R

RESPONSE:

 

Thanks for your email.

 

It should be but you can check with the slope ratings on the websitewww.standrews.com

 

I hope this is helpful but if you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to email me.

 

XXX

Reservations Assistant

[TerpFangolfer]

My experience in 2 trips:

 

Ireland 2014 - played Bally (old), Waterville, Dooks, Portmarnock & Royal County Down

UK 2016 - played Princes & Royal St. George's in England, N. Berwick & Levin in Scotland

 

I think every one of the above listed courses had some requirement listed on their visitor information (certainly all the "famous" ones did) - I had a printout of my card with me...it was never checked, not even 1 time

YMMV

[jwc9p]

Hey guys, going to Ireland next month and planning on playing the K Club and hoping to get a round in at Lahinch as well. Lahinch was mentioned above as not checking handicaps and I can't find anything mentioned on their site, but wanted to consult the experts and see if anyone has been recently and if they do or not. Thanks.

[shortstop20]

Hey guys, going to Ireland next month and planning on playing the K Club and hoping to get a round in at Lahinch as well. Lahinch was mentioned above as not checking handicaps and I can't find anything mentioned on their site, but wanted to consult the experts and see if anyone has been recently and if they do or not. Thanks.

 

I was there in 2014 and they did not check my handicap.

[mikedejong]

Last summer my wife and I played 8 rounds in Scotland (St. Andrews, Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Nairn). We were asked by the starter at most courses what our caps were. They didn't ask to actually see a card or anything (although we did have them with us), but they did ask. I think in our case it was more to recommend which tees to play, give us some course tips, and to perhaps group us with comparable players. But when we booked we were told to have cards ready just in case.

[andrue]

I've played a lot of courses all over the UK and never been asked what my HCP is. Until this year I didn't even have one. I imagine the 'posh', upmarket or tour venue courses might care but your every day 'local golf course' only cares that you give them money and don't go out looking like a scruffy old tramp.

 

Turn up with a set of clubs, sensibly dressed and offer them money and you can get in most places these days. I think you have to be something special to be in a position where you can be picky about who plays your course.