How do I (as a non-member) obtain a handicap?

[rhubarbtheatregolf]

Can anyone advise me please how I get an official handicap? I am currently not a member at any golf club - partly because it just wouldn't be cost effective, as I don't play often enough... yet. So I pay green fees whenever I play a round. However, some courses require proof of an official handicap before they will allow me on, even though I play to a reasonable standard (I play to about 12 handicap). Membership at my favourite courses are way out of my price range and/or have long waiting lists. My nearest (affordable) 9-hole course is not affiliated with the EGU, so I am doubtful I could obtain one from being a member there. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Phil M.

 

[bobmac]

Phil, have you tried here?

http://www.sudbrookmoor.co.uk/membership

 

[rhubarbtheatregolf]

Thanks very much for this Bobmac. I'll check it out, plus its not too far from me either. Cheers. Phil M.

 

[backwoodsman]

Worthwhile getting in touch with the EGU to see how they're getting on with their proposed Introductory Membership Programme - don't know if it's off the ground yet. Basic proposal is that for a modest fee, you sort of become an "affiliate" of a participating golf club, play some rounds & hand in the cards, & they manage a handicap for you. If it gets off the ground, it will enable people to get a congu handicap

 

[Whereditgo]

Hi Phil,

There are also a number of internet based sites that you can register with and get a handicap certificate that is accepted at most courses. My brother uses this method so he can play when over here or in Europe. Will get the details of the one he uses when I speak later in the week.

Will get back to you in next day or so about our knock once I've sorted my week (and head) out post Castle Stuart trip.

Cheers,

 

[CrapHacker]

Phil, have you tried here?

http://www.sudbrookmoor.co.uk/membership

Anywhere like that in deepest sussex?

 

[Fyldewhite]

Short answer is "you can't". An official handicap can only be obtained from a CONGU affiliated club administering the CONGU Unified Handicap System. Yes there are places you can get a handicap from but these are not official and although may allow you to get on a course that requires a certificate will not be acceptable for competition play.

 

[HRC99]

I have never been asked for a handicap certificate anywhere and I've played a lot of courses that tell you they are going to ask for it before allowing you on.

 

[Whereditgo]

Don't think the OP was meaning so that he could play in comps, simply so he can get on courses. Could be wrong of course!

 

[Smiffy]

I have never been asked for a handicap certificate anywhere and I've played a lot of courses that tell you they are going to ask for it before allowing you on.

Is the correct answer.....


The only place I have ever been asked to show mine was the Old Course at Vilamoura.
The woman who asked for it was a right old hag as well. She even rang Quinta do Lago to check up on my mate who had told her he left his there the day before.
Some 90 year old knob who's got a piece of paper that says he plays to 28 can go and hack the bloody course to pieces but a 9 handicapper can't set foot on the course 'cos he hasn't got his certificate with him???
I told her to watch my mate hit a tee shot off the first, and then tell me that he couldn't play golf. She wouldn't have that would she, the Chorizo eating surrender monkeyette....

 

[Fyldewhite]

Don't think the OP was meaning so that he could play in comps, simply so he can get on courses. Could be wrong of course!

Yeah, sorry didn't read OP properly. I was really just saying you can't get an official handicap without joining a club. Having said that you don't really need one as you can get a dodgy certificate from all sorts of organisations. Agree with others though that it's very rare to be asked for one in this country. turn up looking like a golfer with some reasonable clubs etc and you should have no problems.

 

[DCB]

Agree with others though that it's very rare to be asked for one in this country. turn up looking like a golfer with some reasonable clubs etc and you should have no problems.

However, if you're asked for one and you cant furnish a current handicap certificate & playing record, then don't be surprised if you are politely declined when you try it on at one of the big courses.

Virtually every forum in the land has this question asked, at least once a month. Don't you think the course operators are aware of the problem with hookey certificates.

Carnoustie is the only place I've had to provide one this side of the border. That said, there are probably one or two others that would ask....

 

[Parmo]

Tbh, why should people have to cough up fees for membership which one being a benefit of getting a cert be pushed aside because of nomad golfers.

As a non member of a club you can not get a legal cert anymore, the EGU stopped theirs for new members about 2 years ago.

Why not join a local pay and play as a member, you know some clubs allow people to join the club for about £50 and get a cert and enter comps but have to pay green fees.

 

[HRC99]

I played Carnoustie and they never asked me. Nor at Sunningdale, Turnberry, Dalmahoy, Forest of Arden and Wentworth.

If you turn up with the proper attire, looking smart and a polite attitude, I'd be amazed if you have a problem.

I played all of those course when I was not a member anywhere and I certainly wouldn't join a club to get a handicap to try and play such courses.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I have found that it tends to be the smaller "member" clubs that have the problem. I played a course last year in Reading and there was no mention of needing a certificate. We had a tee time booked and no mention at the time. Went into the pro shop and was asked for our handicap certs. We told them we didn't have them and they said we couldn't play. I told them to phone RA and check our names and handicaps but they were insistant on a certificate. Not a big club by any stretch. To be fair on the pro he was happy but it was the jobsworth secretary that kicked off. In the end we went elsewhere and told the secretary we would be putting it about that his course were dishonourable to visitors and couldn't get the correct info when booking. He didn't seemed fussed. One of lifes great tin pot jobsworths who thinks a title gives him so much power and control

 

[HRC99]

I have found that it tends to be the smaller "member" clubs that have the problem. I played a course last year in Reading and there was no mention of needing a certificate. We had a tee time booked and no mention at the time. Went into the pro shop and was asked for our handicap certs. We told them we didn't have them and they said we couldn't play. I told them to phone RA and check our names and handicaps but they were insistant on a certificate. Not a big club by any stretch. To be fair on the pro he was happy but it was the jobsworth secretary that kicked off. In the end we went elsewhere and told the secretary we would be putting it about that his course were dishonourable to visitors and couldn't get the correct info when booking. He didn't seemed fussed. One of lifes great tin pot jobsworths who thinks a title gives him so much power and control

Want to improve membership numbers and increase the numbers of people playing golf?

Get rid on knobs like him.

 

[rhubarbtheatregolf]

Thanks Phil, will chat later this week sometime. RHUBARB.

 

[rhubarbtheatregolf]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Sudbrook Moor GC seems to be my best option. Even though it isn't the most challenging or interesting of courses, it is very reasonably priced. It certainly seems to be friendlier than an experience I had recently at another Lincolnshire course. I was invited to play a round with a group of members I had become acquainted with on their home course. Nice course, challenging, v. fast & responsive greens etc etc. However, after the round, I made the fatal, cardinal mistake of popping my head round the door of the clubhouse bar to say goodbye to my playing partners (and to thank them for the game) whilst WEARING A PAIR OF TRAINERS!! I chose to wear the trainers as they are more comfortable for my long drive home. If I remember rightly, I placed my left foot onto the bar carpet whilst holding the door ajar. It enabled me to attract my partner's attention by leaning around the door. I had no intention of walking into the room, as I was fully aware of the rules of clubhouse attire (I have been a member of several courses over the years) So I am well versed and respect the 'rules'. Within a few seconds, an older gentleman (not one of my partners, I hasten to add) walked up to me at the door, leaned towards me and suggested in future that if I wanted to visit 'his' course again, then I would need to wear appropriate shoes inside the clubhouse. Am I being too sensitive about this? Needless to say I was rather flabbergasted. I felt as if I had been caught defecating on the 18th green or something! The thing is that my playing colleagues were willing to propose me for membership if I wanted to join. After that experience, I'm not sure I want to frequent 'his' course again. Anyway, sorry about the rant, although it is having a therapeutic effect on me. Aah, that's better. Thanks for listening. RHUBARB.

 

[RichardC]

Unfortunately there are members of all courses that are like the person mentioned above.

Change for some is very hard to take and they will resist it as much as possible.