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Golf Licence

Obviously not as " most don't have a clue about rules and etiquette"..... :unsure:

Yes - the ones that have been playing for years , the ones that “hand down” incorrect rules , the ones that are unable to follow any sort of general etiquette because it’s the way they have played for years


We play this sport for fun , it’s a pastime , none of us are relying on it for a living -

People talk about barriers in the sport and then there is talk about tests before being allowed to play
 
No other sport I can think where you need to pass a test to play it - didn’t need it to play cricket , football , hockey etc

Ignoring just having a kick about or knock around in the park, the difference with all the other sports mentioned is that during a match/game there is usually some kind of umpire/referee and possibly even some kind of coach present to ensure rules are followed and if necessary educate. Even casual events like a local park run at least have a pre event briefing.
 
If you change the terminology to something less authoritarian than a license, and consider the education might focus on just the basics like where you can tee off from, where to stand when things are going on, fixing divots and repairing pitch marks, you suddenly start to see it's not such a wild idea, and probably is a positive.

I'm not convinced of the argument that it would discourage people either. I've seen many articles or social posts typically from women (who are under represented in golf) who were initially unsure about stepping on a course. Some kind of pathway that gives people the confidence to feel like they know what they are doing and belong would seem like it would help with this.
 
Probably one for @Oops! as they are based in Germany :)

Just watched a clip on Instagram of a German visiting CashForeClubs to get his first set of clubs and he said he had done some lessons as part of his licence (something beginning with P) and he said you had to do this to become a member at most clubs in Germany. Was wondering what this licence involved and whether people on here thinks it would be a good idea for new golfers in this country.
Not unusual in a number of European countries including Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg and I think France

The GVB was introduced because there are few golf courses in relation to the number of golfers. Because there was no requirement previous to the GVB, anyone could play on a public course. This led to situations which were hazardous or undesirable to other players. In the 1980s the GVB was introduced in Belgium in 1988 to remedy this problem. The GVB is basically a pre-handicap. It guarantees a certain level of ability and knowledge of the rules and etiquette. The GVB is required for entrance into a golfing association or to play on an official golfing association course although most clubs have their own admittance policy.

Some clubs and courses (like in a lot of other countries) demand a handicap certificate or certifiable level of play (i.e. handicap 24) for guests.
 
I don’t think this should be necessary to play golf.

However, I strongly believe that players should have a proven basic knowledge of the rules of the sport when the sport allows them the opportunity to win my money.
 
I've been saying that we need something like this for more than 25 years....
Would you go and play any other game/sport without knowing the basic rules or how to behave whilst playing it?
In simple terms...No you wouldn't
If only for the last line of LT'S quote... ensures players have the necessary skills, etiquette and knowledge of safety to play without being a danger or disruption to others.
I'm indebted to the older guys who taught me when I first started....

How right you are 😁 were you paying attention all those years ago?
 
I think it’s excessive to require someone to pass a rules and etiquette test to give a license to play.

I’d rather see every club outside their shop or on first tee have their own little Ten Commandments of how to play and keep it moving. The game takes itself far to seriously anyway with some people being rules and etiquette nazis taking the enjoyment out of it for the weekend golfer which is what most of us are. Even a quick google AI gives something simple for people to follow and then as they play more and develop they can expand their knowledge of the rules. Perhaps even clubs can do bi monthly rules nights with food and beer to bring in some cash.


  1. Thou shalt not cheat: Be honest about your score and play by the rules, even when playing alone.

  2. Thou shalt not dither: Be ready to play when it's your turn to keep the game moving at a reasonable pace.

  3. Thou shalt not be needlessly negative: A bad shot is just that—a bad shot. Don't let one mistake ruin the entire round for yourself or your playing partners.

  4. Thou shalt not disrespect the course: Avoid damaging the turf or greens with your clubs and repair any ball marks.

  5. Thou shalt play the ball as it lies: Don't move your ball unless the rules specifically allow for it, such as dropping after a penalty.

  6. Thou shalt not distract others: Be quiet and stay still when other players are hitting their shots.

  7. Thou shalt know and follow the rules: You don't need to be a rule book expert, but familiarize yourself with the basics, like the 14-club limit, out-of-bounds penalties, and where to play from on the tee.

  8. Thou shalt pick up your ball: If you're out of the hole and have taken a high number of strokes, pick up your ball to keep play moving.

  9. Thou shalt not take the game for granted: Show appreciation for the opportunity to play and enjoy the experience.

  10. Thou shalt have fun: Remember that the main goal is to enjoy the game, the course, and the company
 
I think it’s excessive to require someone to pass a rules and etiquette test to give a license to play.

I’d rather see every club outside their shop or on first tee have their own little Ten Commandments of how to play and keep it moving. The game takes itself far to seriously anyway with some people being rules and etiquette nazis taking the enjoyment out of it for the weekend golfer which is what most of us are. Even a quick google AI gives something simple for people to follow and then as they play more and develop they can expand their knowledge of the rules. Perhaps even clubs can do bi monthly rules nights with food and beer to bring in some cash.


  1. Thou shalt not cheat: Be honest about your score and play by the rules, even when playing alone.

  2. Thou shalt not dither: Be ready to play when it's your turn to keep the game moving at a reasonable pace.

  3. Thou shalt not be needlessly negative: A bad shot is just that—a bad shot. Don't let one mistake ruin the entire round for yourself or your playing partners.

  4. Thou shalt not disrespect the course: Avoid damaging the turf or greens with your clubs and repair any ball marks.

  5. Thou shalt play the ball as it lies: Don't move your ball unless the rules specifically allow for it, such as dropping after a penalty.

  6. Thou shalt not distract others: Be quiet and stay still when other players are hitting their shots.

  7. Thou shalt know and follow the rules: You don't need to be a rule book expert, but familiarize yourself with the basics, like the 14-club limit, out-of-bounds penalties, and where to play from on the tee.

  8. Thou shalt pick up your ball: If you're out of the hole and have taken a high number of strokes, pick up your ball to keep play moving.

  9. Thou shalt not take the game for granted: Show appreciation for the opportunity to play and enjoy the experience.

  10. Thou shalt have fun: Remember that the main goal is to enjoy the game, the course, and the company
11. Thou shalt realise not everyone plays stableford: so you may ignore the eighth commandment…
 
Nailed it 🤣
To be fair mine was a quick google search but that’s the gist isn’t it. Clubs can tailor a quick something similar to make it easier for people and then expand on rules as they go.
Or just have a sign that says “OI, Don’t be a dick”…

Simple but to the point.
 
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