Handicap Certs

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backwoodsman

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In the post about Celtic Manor v Carnoustie, DCB (I think it was) said something to the effect that Carnoustie was one of the few Championship courses that sometimes (?) asked for handicap certs.

Having just organised our base for this years trip to be just outside Inverness - anyone know if Royal Dornoch always/usually/sometimes/never ask for them? Would be a shame to miss it but not all of us have a certificate (although them who don't are generally off mid teens)
 
Why don't you give them a ring and ask them? My advice would be to always carry a handicap certificate in your bag when visiting other clubs. I learned that lesson when I arrived at Villamura Old Course and my Handicap Cert was in my hotel room.
If your trip is in the summer your friends should have plenty of time to get an official handicap.
 
In all my years of playing golf I have only ever been asked for my handicap certificate once.....funnily enough, also at Vilamoura "Old". That includes many Championship courses over here.
Most golf clubs say that handicap certificates are required, but I personally think that is just to stop the out and out hackers tipping up for a game wearing jeans and trainers!!
 
In all my years of playing golf I have only ever been asked for my handicap certificate once.....funnily enough, also at Vilamoura "Old". That includes many Championship courses over here.
Most golf clubs say that handicap certificates are required, but I personally think that is just to stop the out and out hackers tipping up for a game wearing jeans and trainers!!
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I agree with this, if you look the part then no worries.

The problem with phoning is that they will say yes you do need one, but when you get there none will be checked, just to cover their asses.
 
I played St Augustines near Sandwich recently and there is a sign up saying that you must present a certificate to be cleared to play, and I wasn't asked.

I think like above its more of a failsafe to keep out the jeans and trainers hackers.
 
This is my experience too. If the club doesn't like the look of you (say, your bag is actually a pair of jeans with one hem sewn up. I've seen this!), that's when they'll ask for certs. Basically they just want to see the colour of your money.
 
The only course I have been asked for a Cert was Vila de Lobo - Ocean last September. The Villamoura - Laguna & Millenium did not ask for Cert.

As others have said it may be to stop "hackers" but then they haven't seen me play!!
 
Played Dornoch this year and wasn't asked,only places I have been asked is St Andrews Old and Santa Maria in Spain.
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Cheers all for your answers - Dodger's was the sort I was hoping for.

I realise I could always ring (but their web site says "required" so I suspect I know the reply) or even just turn up, as one has at a course or two in the past. But it's handy to have an idea of the likely reception - wouldn't want to travel there and find there was never a chance of getting on the course.
 
Really you need to be prepared for them asking,we were not asked but had them incase,it would be a bit of a *** if they turned you away!

A couple of guys with us dont have hcps but play to mid teens so all we do is get a few certs from our club of mates that arnt going on the trip and pass them of as the guys that dont have actual hcp certs,its an easy way around it.My old man has had some trips in the past I can tell you!!
 
THe Oxfordshire are becoming more vigilant. A couple of guys from my club played there a few weeks before Christmas, all pre-booked, and when they went to pay the green fee they were asked for their certificates. They said they weren't told they needed them. Much arguing and then a phone call the secretary at Ascot to verify name, handicap AND address. I have a voucher for a midweek freebie (4 ball) to use by the end of February and have been told all the players must present their certificates upon arrival.
 
In the post about Celtic Manor v Carnoustie, DCB (I think it was) said something to the effect that Carnoustie was one of the few Championship courses that sometimes (?) asked for handicap certs.

Having just organised our base for this years trip to be just outside Inverness - anyone know if Royal Dornoch always/usually/sometimes/never ask for them? Would be a shame to miss it but not all of us have a certificate (although them who don't are generally off mid teens)
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Played there last summer in their 36 hole open, and they were very strict, the only place I've ever had to show my certificate.

One guy who'd come all the way from Wishaw in a group of about 15 had gone up to 13 (12.5) the week before and they wouldn't let him play as a 12 as it was 12 max tourney, even though he'd entered months before. He had to head off elsewhere for the day.

Now turning up for a bounce game they may be more lenient, but I would go prepared if I were you.
 
The Oxfordshire are becoming more vigilant.
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They would!! I went there to watch a pro event in 1995 (?) and got the feeling they rated themselves in every way....I enquired about membership....

Not a problem for me....a) I always carry my card and b) I wouldn't even care to play there for £40 let alone £70.

Big car-park of a course.....nice bunkering and some class design features, but oh, what a bleak and soulless place. :D
 
You're right Dave, its pretty bleak and that's on a good day.

I've played it twice and its a good test but its hard going and some of the bunkers - well if you can't play a fairway wood from sand you're gonna take 5 to get out!

I found the 1st to be a bit strange. In the tourney you went to (I was there too!) Sandy Lyle hit a 1 iron to about 40 yards on the 1st - it's about 420 yards long! Mind you it was downhill with the wind behind..

I'm glad a lot of clubs don't check handicap certificates. I've said before that in theory they are great but in reality all they prove is you've joined a club and put 3 cards in. They could be 140, 150 and 160. To join my club all you need to do is fill in a simple form, pay the money and you're away - you can play in the next compy to start getting your cards in.

They are no proof of ability (we all know Bandits and having a 28 means you could go round in 150), they don't prove that you know the rules or that you understand ettiquette. Fortunately, most people with certificates have some sort of ability and know the rules and ettiquette but its not guaranteed.
 
I have a voucher for a midweek freebie (4 ball) to use by the end of February and have been told all the players must present their certificates upon arrival.
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Need someone to make up the numbers Homer??? :p :p :p :p
 
I'm not sure what is happening regarding who and when. I was supposedly playing it with my regular Saturday 4 ball over Christmas but they were on temps etc and so we didn't book hoping for better weather. Only downside is it is only a midweek voucher so will mean taking a day off work.

I'll text the boys in the next few days and see if and when they can make it and sort something out from there.
 
Only going on what the lady told me when I booked. She said "some flags are not positioned on the main green". We too that as temps and we got the same story from the pro shop. Never been so I can't comment.
 
Only played it in the summer Homer so I can't either. I know they've got great drainage there so unless the greens were frozen I'm suprised. They are advertising a 4 ball for £280 inour local rag at the moment. £70 is a bit steep, but when it first opened you could only get on with a member.
 
I'm guessing the greens were frozen. It was booked for the 31st and having already played Temple that week the greens were frozen solid. I'm not sure they would risk damaging the green on a championship course. I may be wrong but you can only go with the information given.
 
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