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Craigg

Craigg

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I will shortly be taking a weeks holiday on the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors, just outside of Whitby. I will of course be taking the clubs with me with a view to having a couple of rounds at Whitby Golf Club. Or at least I was until I read their T & C's. I am not currently a club member so am without a handicap certificate, which is required to be presented at Whitby. I don't consider myself a hacker, mid to low 90's is average for me, with a bad round touching 100. I am always impeccably presented on the golf course and my etiquette is second to none. Yet I still won't get a game without that certificate. Is this the norm in clubs up and down the country? Do you guys think this is the way forward for golf? I have been a member of several clubs in years gone by but prefer now to play different courses for some variety.
Please discuss.
 
As Homer says

I've only shown mine at Wentworth and Sunningdale other then when the competition requires it to be shown. I certainly wouldn't let it cloud your judgement of a club
 
It irks we somewhat when clubs state they require a handicap certificate when in reality they don't.
Are they trying to scare off the riff-raff that is the non club member?
Seems strange, unless Whitby has so much traffic they don't need visitors, as having this bogus requirement will mean many potential visitors who are not club members will not consider going there.
Elitism, in a way, is alive and well in some places.....
 
The only places I have been asked to produce confirmation of handicap by way of certificate were Woodhall Spa and Vilamoura.
As long as you "look the part" when you enter the pro shop, chances are you won't be asked for one.
 
Craigg said:
I will shortly be taking a weeks holiday on the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors, just outside of Whitby. I will of course be taking the clubs with me with a view to having a couple of rounds at Whitby Golf Club. Or at least I was until I read their T & C's. I am not currently a club member so am without a handicap certificate, which is required to be presented at Whitby. I don't consider myself a hacker, mid to low 90's is average for me, with a bad round touching 100. I am always impeccably presented on the golf course and my etiquette is second to none. Yet I still won't get a game without that certificate. Is this the norm in clubs up and down the country? Do you guys think this is the way forward for golf? I have been a member of several clubs in years gone by but prefer now to play different courses for some variety.
Please discuss.
Click to expand...
Why not pick up the phone and make your case - I'd be very surprised if they wouldn't welcome you.
I suppose that the requirement for a h/cap certificate is intended to weed out the " non golfer" who has just decided to hack a ball around. Have had personal experience of this in Spain with groups who have never swung a club in their lives before - it is not funny.
 
It's not that sort of club. Give 'em a courtesy call and explain you're a long time golfer between clubs...
 
Craigg said:
I will shortly be taking a weeks holiday on the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors, just outside of Whitby. I will of course be taking the clubs with me with a view to having a couple of rounds at Whitby Golf Club. Or at least I was until I read their T & C's. I am not currently a club member so am without a handicap certificate, which is required to be presented at Whitby. I don't consider myself a hacker, mid to low 90's is average for me, with a bad round touching 100. I am always impeccably presented on the golf course and my etiquette is second to none. Yet I still won't get a game without that certificate. Is this the norm in clubs up and down the country? Do you guys think this is the way forward for golf? I have been a member of several clubs in years gone by but prefer now to play different courses for some variety.
Please discuss.
Click to expand...

I'd say I am exactly the same as you in terms of standard and I am not a member. I can understand why some clubs do it I suppose, but in today's financial climate it is a brave club that is turning away revenue. And in some cases it is the club just giving themselves a lot of side.

As already started a phone call to explain the situation normally works. And if you are playing on your own in the vast majority of cases they never ask.
 
Hobbit said:
It's not that sort of club. Give 'em a courtesy call and explain you're a long time golfer between clubs...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the replies all. I have e mailed the secretary and made my case. I will post the reply when it comes. I must say I am of the opinion that I wouldn't even be challenged on the day, but how embarrassing it could be if I were.
 
Well, here's the answer to my question. The e mail response from Whitby Golf Club. Looks like the clubs are going with me after all :whoo:

Hi
This club rule is never enforced, so youwill be very welcome at Whitby.Just ring the pro shop on 01947 228892 to make a reservation.
Regards

Tony Mason
Manager
Whitby Golf Club
Sandsend Road
Whitby
North Yorkshire
YO21 3SR
 
So........

1. Why is it still a club rule..?
2. Why is it still on their website..?

You shouldn't have to get in touch to find out if club rules are enforced or not.
If its a club rule, enforce it or dump it.
 
Imurg said:
So........

1. Why is it still a club rule..?
2. Why is it still on their website..?

You shouldn't have to get in touch to find out if club rules are enforced or not.
If its a club rule, enforce it or dump it.
Click to expand...

Absolutely agree. I guess they keep it there should they ever need to call on it to prohibit someone playing. This keeps them clear of a discrimination case maybe.
 
I'm on holiday in Whitby from the 1st to the 5th, I'm also playing the course one day between Monday and Thursday.

I tweeted the club last year but wasnt able to play, they seemed very welcoming to visitors!

I also have no club and shoot mid 90s, I have heard nothing from them that would say I could not play.

If this is still an issue I shall check again!

EDIT: Just seen the comment in the dress code section:

"All visitors will be expected to be current golf club members with official handicaps. Handicap certificates should be available from all players on request. Alternatively, the party organiser may supply the Secretary with a list of players indicating their clubs and handicaps."

Ive tweeted them saying Im between clubs to see what they say.

EDIT #2: I saw you got a response, good to know I can get in too. I will ring them up on Sunday or when I get there to see if I can get in.
 
Last edited:
I been a member at my current club since it opened but since I play for fun I don't have an official handicap so I've fallen into this silly trap.

We often wonder why the number taking up the game continues to decline. At a time when more and more young golfers are becoming nomads you can see why these apparent barriers do not help.

If a Club has this rules then enforce it, if the rule is not to be enforced then remove it from the website and all publicity material.
 
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