Competitions/Medals etc....

[drew83]

As a newbie & a nomad is it possible to join in competitions/medals etc?

Would I need a certified HC?
Are they normally restricted to members?


(I am in Essex)

 

[fundy]

2 types really, normal club competitions which are open to members and open competitions which are open to anyone, albeit to play in either you will need a handicap for

 

[drew83]

Ok, so the next question is....how to get a handicap without a membership.

Are there "official" non-official that you have to use that will be allowed or any of these sites offering a handicap cert?

 

[fundy]

Ok, so the next question is....how to get a handicap without a membership.

Are there "official" non-official that you have to use that will be allowed or any of these sites offering a handicap cert?

The short answer sadly for you is no

There are some courses mainly municipal that allow you to pay a much smaller membership fee to enable you to get a handicap and then you pay a greenfee on top when you play the course, but other than that only way to get a recognised handicap is to be a club member

 

[drew83]

Yeah there is a course I have been playing recently that offer a flexi membership for £325...looks like the new sticks will wait a little longer....

Maybe I will sort this out for next year then. Focus on getting to a more consistent standard 1st. Cheers Fundy

 

[duncan mackie]

Yeah there is a course I have been playing recently that offer a flexi membership for £325...looks like the new sticks will wait a little longer....

Maybe I will sort this out for next year then. Focus on getting to a more consistent standard 1st. Cheers Fundy

this will still include some playing 'rights'; you should be able to get membership of a club attached to a course (ie you pay to play still) for closer to £70

edit - example Belfairs Membership + green fee subscription £165

http://www.belfairsgolfclub.co.uk/membership

 

[drew83]

They have http://www.ballardsgore.com/membership/

I would guess the social (non-playing) is as it says? No "playing" benefits?

 

[drew83]

this will still include some playing 'rights'; you should be able to get membership of a club attached to a course (ie you pay to play still) for closer to £70

edit - example Belfairs Membership + green fee subscription £165

http://www.belfairsgolfclub.co.uk/membership

So I pay £165 for the year, then £25 each time I play?

 

[duncan mackie]

So I pay £165 for the year, then £25 each time I play?

That is how I would interpret this.

They will have administration costs plus golf union fees, probably some form of insurance for you; all the things you don't normally think about! In this instance they will also have booking rights that may work well for you and provide the platform for you to both get a CONGU handicap and play their competitions. Im aure thwy will explain all the benwfira.

Once you have the handicap you will be able to compete in Open comps around the country ie you can pay, play and compete as works for you.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I assume you'd have to play three competition rounds once you get a handicap in a rolling twelve month window to keep that handicap active, especially if you want to enter opens

 

[drew83]

ok cheers all.

I will give them a call & see how it all works at each club, then go for the cheapest easiest option.

As I say, I am not sure I am "there" yet but as many others on here have said, got to have goals.....

 

[Smiffy]

I will give them a call & see how it all works at each club, then go for the cheapest easiest option.

Personally, I wouldn't go for the "cheapest, easiest" option.
I would substitute "cheapest" for "not too expensive"
The cheapest option is likely to see you playing on a right goat track of a course, and this will most probably put you off of golf quicker than not getting a handicap straight away.

 

[drew83]

Personally, I wouldn't go for the "cheapest, easiest" option.
I would substitute "cheapest" for "not too expensive"
The cheapest option is likely to see you playing on a right goat track of a course, and this will most probably put you off of golf quicker than not getting a handicap straight away.

I take your point smiffy, but the course in question is a very nice course in great condition. I have had a chat with the pro & greenkeeper in my last couple of trips there.

The extra facilities (practice area, driving range etc) are not all that. But to be honest I'm not going for those. The club house is good & pro shop well stocked (considering it's size.)

Some of the courses near me are as you say are a goat track that are not enjoyable at all. But the prices for the not so good clubs are higher, mostly because they are easier to get to.

The nice course is tucked out the way, 2 miles down a country lane away from the beaten track. The members have all been very friendly & chatty unlike some of the other courses I have played recently.

I have not decided yet to go there for definite, but so far it is the nicest around. A few more to sample, but so far so good.