General Handicap Question

[OOB]

How seriously do golf clubs take this "Handicap certificates must be shown by visitors."

Let me explain, I am not a member of a club anywhere as I honestly cannot justify the expense as I only play once a month, however I would like to go around the local area and play most of the courses around. I am not averse to buying one of these online handicaps but TBH I smell a bit of a con job- Does anyone have any experience of these?

One or two people have suggested that as long as you turn up in the right gear, most places will let you play, but I hate the idea of setting aside time to play, driving there only to be told to "sling yer 'ook."

BTW, I play most rounds at between 90 and 95.

 

[Marko77]

I would guess most clubs would let you on as long as you look the part.

At the end of the day it is the £££ they all want.

 

[Golfer2112]

If you turn up with acceptable clothing, a golf bag, golf shoes and the necessary £££ to pay to play, I think only a very few clubs would turn you away.

 

[John_Findlay]

I'm up to nearly 100 different courses played now (including several Open courses) and the ONLY club which has EVER asked for my handicap certificate was Royal Dornoch. You should be safe everywhere else.

Lots of clubs say they are required but don't ask....so long as you don't take a fresh air on the first tee! Or a shank! Or hit the Clubhouse! Or a massive, big, huge divot! Or you're drunk ! Or a ....come to think of it, better take it just in case.

 

[John_Findlay]

P.S. Golfer 2112, I've just noticed your new location. What are the courses like?

Any atmosphere? .....sorry

 

[shanker]

I'm up to nearly 100 different courses played now (including several Open courses) and the ONLY club which has EVER asked for my handicap certificate was Royal Dornoch.

I've been racking my brains and can only come up with 33 courses. I've never been asked for my handicap certificate. The only Open venue I've played was Lytham and I didn't think much of it, to be honest. Of the ones you've played, which would you recommend?

 

[John_Findlay]

I played Lytham around 20 years ago and can't remember a thing about the round. Likewise Royal Liverpool. I think that speaks volumes.

Carnoustie was by far the best and most memorable. Lots of cracking holes that'll make you think. Turnberry very good too but as much for the views as the course itself. Been round Royal Troon, The Old Course and Muirfield as a spectator too and the Old Course is the best of those.

My advice. Get thee to Carnoustie, Shanker, and do battle with the monster. Check out my previous post "Carnoustie- Wow" where Atticus-Finch gives a lot of good info.

Cheers

 

[Atticus_Finch]

Thanks John,
I have taken many visitors on at Carnoustie and they have never once been asked for a certificate. I think they only put that in the small print so that they can have a valid reason to ask you to leave the course if you're going about hacking the place up.
I have played plenty courses in my time also and have never been asked for one.
On another note, I'm just back in from the golf and have decided that it's the worst game ever invented and I hate it.

 

[Atticus_Finch]

Sorry about the last statement.

 

[John_Findlay]

I loved it last Friday and again on Tuesday but had a tiff with it this Wednesday and we may be getting divorced by this time next week. I'll bet it was a woman who invented it.

 

[OOB]

Thanks for your thoughts, I suppose I will just have to bite the biscuit and turn up at a local venue.

 

[blindpete]

I am not a club member but get my handicap certificate from the English Golf Union. Check out the site at http://www.englishgolfunion.org/amp/

 

[MacMachattie]

The Old Course at St Andrews requires a handicap certificate. It doesn't stop bad golfers getting on though. I played it last month and the standard of golf on the course was abysmal. It's upsetting to see the home of golf being hacked up by people who really don't know how to play the game.