joining a course a getting first handicap

[MrC]

Hi allAbout to join a course and wanting to get my handicap. Joining with a friend.I understand that we need to play 3 rounds and have our cards marked and signed. we are limited as to when I can play because of work etc. what is the etiquette/done thing to do. Is it to say when we can play and see if there is someone there to accompany us? we will try an be as flexible as we can be and don't want to be seen as difficult (although I get that we are being a little difficult).thanks for any guidance C

 

[Sidsidgwick]

Having recently done the same I may be able to provide some guidance.

Speak to the manager/secretary/pro at the club and discuss your requirements with them. I did this and was given a great deal in membership. The pro arranged for a welcome practice session for new starters so I could meet other people who had joined recently.

A gentle social knock was arranged with pre-existing members so we could get to know the course and again socialise with members.

From this arrangements were made for future games and within 4 weeks I had 3 cards in and a handicap sorted.

Looking forward to continuing to socialise within the club and play much more golf over the coming months.

Hopefully your club will arrange similar and you will be very quickly out playing with a handicap in place. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Hosel Fade]

You will need to put in cards that together make 54 holes, normally you would just play 3x 18 hole rounds. You need to put "For initial handicap" or similar on them and they need to marked by someone acceptable to the committee (in normal language this means any member with a handicap). Best way to arrange it is speak with the pro/secretary and they should let you know about any bounce games or if you can just play with a competition group.

 

[rob_golf1]

I've just joined a club and today did my third round. I've just turned up and gone round with whoever has space in their group. I've met some top characters and very good golfers so far!

Last week I even paired up with two guys who were in the club comp matchplay semi final, so there was a lot at stake. It was a joy to watch them (both single figures) go toe to toe with each other. Unfortunately one of them had to lose and it went all the way to the 18th. Fantastic golf as a neutral!

 

[xcore]

Currently putting my cards in myself, played a social round with a member mid week, got my second card done today in the roll up and playing another tomorrow for my final one

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Currently putting my cards in myself, played a social round with a member mid week, got my second card done today in the roll up and playing another tomorrow for my final one

Good luck. How were the first two cards?

 

[jim8flog]

Personally I always advise newcomers to get used to the course before putting in the 3 cards. Better way of getting a handicap true to your ability.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Personally I always advise newcomers to get used to the course before putting in the 3 cards. Better way of getting a handicap true to your ability.

A valuable point but some just want to get the handicap, get into comps and get meeting new people and playing. I do think you could be right and learning where the misses are, the general contours on the green and where you can attack could lead to a better opening handicap but it depends what sort of player you are and whether a perhaps slightly higher starting point isn't going to worry you

 

[Chokeahontas]

A valuable point but some just want to get the handicap, get into comps and get meeting new people and playing. I do think you could be right and learning where the misses are, the general contours on the green and where you can attack could lead to a better opening handicap but it depends what sort of player you are and whether a perhaps slightly higher starting point isn't going to worry you

Yeah, this is what I did. I didn't know anyone and (following advice on this very forum) just put my name down on competition days with two balls.

Everyone was very accommodating and friendly, and made new golf pals.

I had only played the course once before doing my first card!

 

[ScienceBoy]

Personally I always advise newcomers to get used to the course before putting in the 3 cards. Better way of getting a handicap true to your ability.

Spoilsport!

That does help a little but I wouldn't say a HUGE amount. Maybe 2-3 shots at a stretch. I have shot some of my best rounds on courses I have never played before as I play with no fear or pre-conception.

Also didn't help me, I was a member for 3 months and still won 2 of my first 3 competitions. I think in the end it took me until my second year to be used to the course, it played different as the seasons changed and the tees moved etc.

I have no issues with new members putting cards in soon after joining.

 

[MrC]

thanks all - really appreciate the advice

I understand about waiting and learning the course but to be honest I just want to get started. I expect my handicap will be between 20-24 so I don't think learning the course is my biggest challenge.

I think I am pretty good at course management anyways as I can work yardages to know where my ball should go. and generally I aim for centre of the green but my consistency is the trouble and I am not good enough yet to control where my misses go if that makes sense. I am still very much aim straight, try to hit required yardage and hope for the best. sometimes it works, more often it doesn't.

Just want to get started and so I can enter a few of the comps and track my progress but a little nervous about the whole process.

In theory, could I do 2 x 18 holes in the same day? thinking I could take a day off when the course is quieter

thanks again

 

[rosecott]

thanks all - really appreciate the advice

I understand about waiting and learning the course but to be honest I just want to get started. I expect my handicap will be between 20-24 so I don't think learning the course is my biggest challenge.

I think I am pretty good at course management anyways as I can work yardages to know where my ball should go. and generally I aim for centre of the green but my consistency is the trouble and I am not good enough yet to control where my misses go if that makes sense. I am still very much aim straight, try to hit required yardage and hope for the best. sometimes it works, more often it doesn't.

Just want to get started and so I can enter a few of the comps and track my progress but a little nervous about the whole process.

In theory, could I do 2 x 18 holes in the same day? thinking I could take a day off when the course is quieter

thanks again

Yes, you could do 2 cards on the same day - I had a player do just that last week for his second and third cards. You will, of course, have to find a card marker for both rounds.