US visitor need permit to play in Europe?

[BombinJim]

I’m from the US on business travel in the Netherlands and hear they require a permit to play certain courses. Is there a means for  a visitor to play and what is required? I have a handicap index and a home course in the US which can be contacted if need be.

 

One of my Netherlands business colleagues will be available to play with me if that helps the situation.

 

Thanks,

 

Jim

[Socrates]

In many places in Europe, you need to prove you have an acceptable handicap to play.  Better pack your Hcp Card.

[smashdn]

[BombinJim]

1 hour ago, smashdn said:

Hmmm not sure I understand the joke or how this helps.

[mjtoal]

Dunno about the Netherlands but in the UK and Ireland if you look like you have half a clue about playing you won't be asked for any proof of handicap.

 

Call the club or course you fancy playing, the people at the pro shop will speak excellent English and decent American, and just ask them about getting a game. There may be a "rule" in place but the pro shop may not be too bothered. The Dutch are quite pragmatic people. 

[Socrates]

4 minutes ago, mjtoal said:

Dunno about the Netherlands but in the UK and Ireland if you look like you have half a clue about playing you won't be asked for any proof of handicap.

 

Call the club or course you fancy playing, the people at the pro shop will speak excellent English and decent American, and just ask them about getting a game. There may be a "rule" in place but the pro shop may not be too bothered. The Dutch are quite pragmatic people. 

That's funny.

 

Germany you will need a card.  My parents did.

[Murphy76]

5 hours ago, Socrates said:

In many places in Europe, you need to prove you have an acceptable handicap to play.  Better pack your Hcp Card.

 

I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this, or maybe I'm not understanding requirements.  You have to prove how good you are just to play a round?  What if you are a beginner?

[jvincent]

13 minutes ago, Murphy76 said:

 

I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this, or maybe I'm not understanding requirements.  You have to prove how good you are just to play a round?  What if you are a beginner?

 

There are a few countries in Europe where you have to pass a test to be able to play.

 

Presumably the assumption is that a visitor with a valid handicap knows enough about the rules/etiquette to be OK.

[Ferguson]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdCc-IEKaD0

 

 

[Abh159]

29 minutes ago, Murphy76 said:

 

I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this, or maybe I'm not understanding requirements.  You have to prove how good you are just to play a round?  What if you are a beginner?

 

It's less about skill level and more about rules/etiquette. Generally speaking, people who have an established handicap (regardless of what it is) have at least a basic understanding of how to conduct themselves on a golf course. 

 

If you're still confused, head over to your local muni and follow that group of "bros" in the cargo shorts and backwards hats for a few holes. You'll then understand the reason for not wanting those people on their golf course.

[golfortennis]

4 hours ago, mjtoal said:

Dunno about the Netherlands but in the UK and Ireland if you look like you have half a clue about playing you won't be asked for any proof of handicap.

 

Call the club or course you fancy playing, the people at the pro shop will speak excellent English and decent American, and just ask them about getting a game. There may be a "rule" in place but the pro shop may not be too bothered. The Dutch are quite pragmatic people. 

 

John McEnroe has entered the chat.

[DaveMc82]

On 8/5/2021 at 5:38 PM, Murphy76 said:

 

I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this, or maybe I'm not understanding requirements.  You have to prove how good you are just to play a round?  What if you are a beginner?

A lot of it comes down to pace of play and damage to the course. Etiquette and rules adherence does come into it too. Where I am in the UK I can think of 5 courses within 90 minutes drive that require a valid handicap 18 or below to get on the course. On one of them you are only allowed to play foursomes!

 

The types of places that require proof of handicap here are not places you’d want to venture out as a beginner. Even as a single figure index I can feel pressured in pace of play during busy periods. All it takes is a ball search in the (ridiculous/brutal) rough we currently have and you’re being watched from behind on every shot. 

[Soloman1]

I know that in Germany, people do need to have a "license" from taking a course on rules and etiquette in order to play.

[elwhippy]

German clubs are very strict. One of our ex assistants went for a job interview in Hamburg. They told him members had to take a course of lessons and a rules exam before being allowed anywhere near the course. 

 

On the other hand the Dutch are wonderful people and a polite call ahead should suffice. 

[ezpz]

In The Netherlands this is more relaxed than germany (used to be the same). You should be OK by being able to show that you have an established handicap. If you are anxious, just call them ahead of time.