How do amateur opens work?

[turkish]

So just been looking at a few opens on golf empire as fancy entering more competitions when my own club doesn't have any running but a few questions;

How does the draw work- I'm gathering if me and a few mates signed up we wouldn't be put together- are we drawn with other non members or is it mixed? Also it's not on how did I do so do we just get tee off times from club?

How does it affect handicap? Part of the reason I'm looking is to hopefully reduce my handicap now I'm playing better

 

[patricks148]

So just been looking at a few opens on golf empire as fancy entering more competitions when my own club doesn't have any running but a few questions;

How does the draw work- I'm gathering if me and a few mates signed up we wouldn't be put together- are we drawn with other non members or is it mixed? Also it's not on how did I do so do we just get tee off times from club?

How does it affect handicap? Part of the reason I'm looking is to hopefully reduce my handicap now I'm playing better

Most would be drawn i suspect, so you enter with you club name and CDH and results will be posted back to your Home club.

 

[pbrown7582]

most will be qualifiers same as your home club comps and a CSS calculated on the day so chances for up and down movement.

Most are drawn although if you apply together the organising clubs try and get you times closely grouped so to aid travel.

 

[Val]

The bonus is you get a Visitors CSS which can be higher than the normal CSS.

Fill the form, pay your fee and get the draw, turn up and play and hand your card in, easy as that. Played Ladybank last week and playing Dunbar this week.

It can be a cheap way to play some very good courses for cheap, Dunbar this week is £15 from memory.

Remember to ensure the score is recorded at your home club though :thup:

 

[buggerlugs]

I have entered many comps from golf empire. Usually I call the club first and ask what tee times are available and book myself in over the phone. Sometimes you can pay on the day or they may ask for a cheque through the post or you can pay by card over the phone. If you have a friend you want to play with enter the pairs comps, there are more of them than singles. A lot of the singles comps are for single figure golfers and although you can choose your preferred tee time you will still be drawn with someone from a different home club.

 

[IanG]

It can be a cheap way to play some very good courses for cheap, Dunbar this week is £15 from memory.

When are you teeing off at Dunbar? - I'm off at 10.20.

 

[Val]

When are you teeing off at Dunbar? - I'm off at 10.20.

10.00am Ian, hopefully a chance to get a chat

 

[IanG]

10.00am Ian, hopefully a chance to get a chat

Bring your diary and we might get your visit to NB arranged.

 

[Val]

Bring your diary and we might get your visit to NB arranged.

Will do, thanks Ian :thup:

 

[ger147]

So just been looking at a few opens on golf empire as fancy entering more competitions when my own club doesn't have any running but a few questions;

How does the draw work- I'm gathering if me and a few mates signed up we wouldn't be put together- are we drawn with other non members or is it mixed? Also it's not on how did I do so do we just get tee off times from club?

How does it affect handicap? Part of the reason I'm looking is to hopefully reduce my handicap now I'm playing better

Some clubs have online booking for their open competitions e.g. I'm playing at Longniddry GC next weekend in their open comp and I booked my tee time and paid online. I prefer that to printing out forms, a trip to the post office and then waiting to find out what my tee time is as I like to get out early morning.

 

[Smiffy]

I've entered a few opens this year via Golf Empire.... I'm playing in one next Weds at Orsett GC in Essex. Lovely course, really looking forward to it.
As others have said, a great way to get to play some decent courses for little money. Entry fee is £30.00 which includes coffee/bacon roll, 18 holes of competitive golf and a two course buffet meal afterwards. Normal mid-week visitors green fee is £47.50 so you can see what good value it is.
It's an individual stableford, but the entry form indicated that I could select to play with a mate so Ray Taylor has entered with me and we are in the same four ball. But this is very unusual, I guess to avoid any accusations of "collusion".
I have also entered opens at Tyrrells Wood and Mannings Heath, two courses that I have played before, and good tracks. Both of these offer the same sort of savings over the "normal" green fees and include lunch as well.
I love playing in opens and Golf Empire is the best way to do it.