UK & Ireland Handicaps

pmadden86 · January 13, 2017

Not sure I am in the right section, perhaps should be over in the rules/handicap section but it really only applies to UK & Ireland,

I have been a member of a club for 18 years (since i was 11) with a CONGU handicap of 5.6. Wife had a baby over Christmas, I have decided to take a year out of joining to spend more time with the family.

Reading CONGU rules, my handicap will be lost if I do not play three qualifying competitions this year. I am unable to play any qualifying competitions if I am not a member of a club.

I know the rules are what they are - but does anyone else see this as being a bit odd -and stopping non club members of playing competitive golf?

Should CONGU not allow people to pay a sub to them, have a handicap, play qualifying competitions on any course (paying course fee + competition entry fee) and handicap adjust accordingly?

My guess is that the down side is that it will hit the courses memberships as it allows people to pick and choose where and when they play rather than being tied to a "home" club. From what I have read it seems in the United States golfers do not need to pay into a home club just to have a handicap.

Any input welcome, anyone else share my frustration?

DeeSee · January 20, 2017

See if you club has a retained membership option, which may allow you a certain number of rounds, or payment of a green fee, or find a club that does a £30 type membership with green fees, your handicap should have a lifetime id now so its transportable.

My Wife and I had our first child a couple of years ago, I carried on playing, and now the little one comes to the club house, wanders the putting green with me chasing the balls! & has also ventured on to the course in a buggy, and also in the pram (when the course is nice and empty).

Between us :) you'll need a bit of me time (as will your wife), but the great thing about this game is you can always come back, Congrats on the baby!