CONGU Club Handicaps

[Fyldewhite]

I believe the reasoning was less about attracting new players but more about keeping old players. I understand there was significant evidence of numbers leaving clubs (and the game) because they couldn't keep up with their handicaps.

I think in practice this will mostly be the benefit. Currently, new players tend to improve quickly, they tend to want to get a handicap and then lower it, and nearly all the time they manage to do this. Those who can't improve enough to get to 28 (36) will tend to give up, drift away and decide golf isn't for them. That's not a bad thing, good that they tried but it's not for everyone. But for those that have maybe been active and competitive members of clubs for possibly decades I can really see the benefit of drifting up from 28 as their ability declines and still being able to meaningfully participate. That can surely only be a good thing.

As for the "rest of the world" system? Can people enjoy golf playing off a 50 handicap? The same could be asked about 25 handicap from a single figure golfer......but they do enjoy the sport and why shouldn't they? Yes, there has to be some limit and it has to be good to have the same system globally. Big wrench but I'm sure this will come in sooner or later and we maybe capture some of those above who currently drift away due to a lack of ability who nevertheless love playing.

 

[FairwayDodger]

Because whilst I believe Handicaps are good for golf there does need to be a sensible limit

28 for me was a sensible limit - I really hope we don't go anywhere near people getting HC of 54

When it was discussed I asked why higher HC would enoucrage new players to join - they couldn't answer really.

In any discussion about why people don't play golf - how many times has the answer been about HC - is it not normally cost , attitude to the game even dress code but can't recall it ever being about HC being too low a level.

For me, either you believe that handicaps should be there to allow anyone to compete regardless of ability or you don't. Anything else, whether it be max 18, 28, 36 or 54, is just arbitrary.

 

[Old Skier]

Sorry but I believe that to be false - no surveys of clubs were carried out so not sure how they would find that out and we have had over 200 people leave the club over the last 3 years - none because of HC issues

I presume you surveyed all these people to establish their reasons for leaving then.

Would be good to see a break down.

I on the other hand I can give you factual information that we lost 9 older members to another club as they couldn't play to their handicap at ours.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

I presume you surveyed all these people to establish their reasons for leaving then.

Would be good to see a break down.

I on the other hand can give you factual information that we lost 9 older members to another club as they couldn't play to their handicap at ours.

Every single person was asked a gave a reason none were for HC reasons

 

[rulefan]

Sorry but I believe that to be false - no surveys of clubs were carried out so not sure how they would find that out and we have had over 200 people leave the club over the last 3 years - none because of HC issues

[h=1]Golf Club Membership Questionnaire[/h]

As part of England Golf's research strategy, the Golf Club Membership Questionnaire is distributed to all affiliated golf clubs every two years.
This biennial study was completed by SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC. on behalf of England Golf in 2014 and is designed to help England Golf understand the membership situation nationwide and within each county. Copies of the questionnaire were distributed to every affiliated golf club in the country in February 2014.

 

[rulefan]

we have had over 200 people leave the club over the last 3 years - none because of HC issues

If I were a member, I would be very concerned.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

[h=1]Golf Club Membership Questionnaire[/h]

As part of England Golf's research strategy, the Golf Club Membership Questionnaire is distributed to all affiliated golf clubs every two years.
This biennial study was completed by SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC. on behalf of England Golf in 2014 and is designed to help England Golf understand the membership situation nationwide and within each county. Copies of the questionnaire were distributed to every affiliated golf club in the country in February 2014.

And the report has very little if any focus on Handicaps and indeed the increase of them and them being barriers as that would come from Congu not EGU

 

[Deleted member 15344]

If I were a member, I would be very concerned.

Why is that ?

 

[CheltenhamHacker]

Why is that ?

66(.66) people leaving a year, is clearly why rulefan said that. And you know that is what he meant, so you could easily answer why it isn't an issue instead of asking him to spell it out?

 

[Deleted member 15344]

66(.66) people leaving a year, is clearly why rulefan said that. And you know that is what he meant, so you could easily answer why it isn't an issue instead of asking him to spell it out?

Been club closures in the area , in commuter town , finances , and a couple of poor committee decisions 5 years ago plus youngsters moving

But membership been full for 2 years with a waiting list

A good number of clubs in the area have the same

 

[bluewolf]

For me, either you believe that handicaps should be there to allow anyone to compete regardless of ability or you don't. Anything else, whether it be max 18, 28, 36 or 54, is just arbitrary.

Which goes straight back to my "diversionary" question of "why have a limit at all?"

If you're going to implement this, then either do it properly, or not at all. Imagine being in the group that still can't play to the newer, higher Club handicap. You now know that the governing body has highlighted a problem and devised a solution that ignores you. Fantastic......

 

[rulefan]

Which goes straight back to my "diversionary" question of "why have a limit at all?"

If you're going to implement this, then either do it properly, or not at all. Imagine being in the group that still can't play to the newer, higher Club handicap. You now know that the governing body has highlighted a problem and devised a solution that ignores you. Fantastic......

I doubt it will become an issue.

 

[bluewolf]

I doubt it will become an issue.

It's exactly the issue that this policy was implemented to overcome. So why won't it become an issue now?

 

[rulefan]

Other countries have found that 54 is perfectly adequate to cover their needs. As I said, that is where we will end up.

 

[Colin L]

Which goes straight back to my "diversionary" question of "why have a limit at all?"

If you're going to implement this, then either do it properly, or not at all. Imagine being in the group that still can't play to the newer, higher Club handicap. You now know that the governing body has highlighted a problem and devised a solution that ignores you. Fantastic......

Since you are now apparently advocating extending the handicap range indefinitely, do I take it that you’ve changed your mind and see the extension of handicaps beyond 28/36 as a good thing?

 

[bluewolf]

Since you are now apparently advocating extending the handicap range indefinitely, do I take it that you’ve changed your mind and see the extension of handicaps beyond 28/36 as a good thing?

No, if you actually read what I've posted you'll see that I don't 100% agree with it. I'm more in favour of keeping the limit at 28. However, if we are going to implement a policy, I'd rather it not be half cooked and not fit for purpose. My opinion is that it should be 28, or there shouldn't be a limit to official CONGU handicaps.

 

[Colin L]

Thought not, but couldn’t stop myself being cheeky.

You must have noted that the limit for a competition CONGU Handicap remains at 28 and 36. This new category which has no validity outside a club need have no impact whatsoever on those of you who hold one. On what grounds do you justify denying other people an opportunity to play competitive golf at their own level?

 

[bluewolf]

Thought not, but couldn’t stop myself being cheeky.

You must have noted that the limit for a competition CONGU Handicap remains at 28 and 36. This new category which has no validity outside a club need have no impact whatsoever on those of you who hold one. On what grounds do you justify denying other people an opportunity to play competitive golf at their own level?

Whats stopping them playing competitive golf? Every roll up, swindle, society etc that I've ever experienced has run their own handicap formula. Every club comp I've played in allows almost all players to play.

What you're actually asking for is to make every player competitive. In which case have no limit. Or accept that not everyone can be competitive and that we should all prioritise playing for fun rather than purely to win. I have never entered any competition with the sole intention of winning. I play to improve my handicap, enjoy my golf and have fun with old and new friends.

Also, by moving this group up the leaderboard, you're pushing me closer to the bottom

 

[rulefan]

. I'm more in favour of keeping the limit at 28.
My opinion is that it should be 28,

What is special about 28? Once upon a time it was 18, then 24, then 28. Why not some other number?

 

[bluewolf]

What is special about 28? Once upon a time it was 18, then 24, then 28. Why not some other number?

Because I believe that changing the handicap limit, especially in such a half assed way, is the wrong way to go.