Nomads to get official handicaps

[Deleted member 15344]

https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/news/england-golf-non-members-handicap-plan/

“In a letter to affiliated clubs, the governing body’s chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson also revealed anyone signing up would not have “immediate access to county and national events, although there would be scope in the future to stage competitions purely for independent “golfers”.

Can see clubs opens doing the same

 

[Imurg]

And if they do it kind of makes the whole thing a bit strange until the Nomad only comps come out...

 

[ScienceBoy]

I can’t see me taking one up, flexible memberships are far more attractive.

From my perspective it’s a lot of fuss over nothing. Yes some people will leave clubs and a handful won’t join but those numbers will be lost in the normal ins and outs of memberships.

Clubs do need to use this as a reason to make better membership options, if they don’t then the numbers may become significant if a market opens up to take advantage of nomads with handicaps. I am sure some people are already eyeing up possible businesses based around it alone!

 

[Old Skier]

Good afternoon.

Welcome to the first in a regular series of club updates on the development of an independent golfer connectivity platform.

When launched, this platform will offer non-members of golf clubs an official handicap index and personal liability insurance.

The initial aim is to inspire golfers to play more often and to increase the connection between an avid, independent golfer and their local club/facility.

We will create a best-in-class platform with the ultimate goal of educating independent golfers on the value of golf club membership and inspiring them to follow this pathway to greater participation.​

Working Group Update
The England Golf working group on the independent golfer met on Thursday 4 February for the fourth time this year.

The group will continue to meet on a weekly basis.

There is now clear consensus among the working group that inclusivity must be at the heart of this project with the connectivity platform open to all regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or ability.

The platform will be designed to offer a value proposition for independent golfers different to that provided by clubs to existing members.

The working group recognises that clubs should remain in control of how and to what extent they engage with independent golfers who join the new scheme.

The group has discussed in depth a variety of naming options which have now been shortlisted for future meetings.

Other topics discussed in detail so far include focus and key messages, membership model, initial financial investment, club communications and a time lag consideration for membership which is discussed in more detail below.​

Club and County Engagement
The widespread consultation process on the independent golfer platform continued today (Friday) with an online meeting of all county representatives and key England Golf staff.

During two productive sessions chaired by England Golf Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Tomlinson, voting members were informed of the progress of the working group and invited to table further questions on behalf of their respective counties and golf clubs.

Both Jeremy and Chief Operating Officer Richard Flint recently attended an online club delegate meeting organised by Devon and will take part in similar conversations arranged by Hampshire, Norfolk, Wiltshire, Yorkshire and the Midlands region in the weeks ahead.

Sharing thinking and encouraging feedback remain crucial to the development of a best-fitting platform ahead of its intended launch later this year.​

Club Membership
A common question asked in relation to the independent golfer proposal is how it will impact existing club membership.

The working group has agreed the aim is to drive avid golfers towards golf club membership – or at the very least increase their spend on green fees, food and beverage and merchandise at local clubs where they feel a connection and develop a bond.

From analysis of similar platforms currently in use around the world, there is no evidence to suggest that significant numbers will make the journey in the opposite direction and leave a golf club to join an independent golfer scheme.

The benefits of remaining at a club which offers not only full playing rights, but also a good value proposition to members should outweigh those provided to golfers through an independent golfer platform.

The working group continue to discuss the suitability of a time lag between a member leaving a golf club and joining an independent golfer scheme.

The options being debated range from immediate entry up to a time lag period of 12 months.​

 

[BubbaP]

This bit made me smile -
"The group has discussed in depth a variety of naming options which have now been shortlisted for future meetings."

 

[Old Skier]

This bit made me smile -
"The group has discussed in depth a variety of naming options which have now been shortlisted for future meetings."

Knowing one of the working group I dreed to think what she will come up with.

 

[Swango1980]

I can’t see me taking one up, flexible memberships are far more attractive.

From my perspective it’s a lot of fuss over nothing. Yes some people will leave clubs and a handful won’t join but those numbers will be lost in the normal ins and outs of memberships.

Clubs do need to use this as a reason to make better membership options, if they don’t then the numbers may become significant if a market opens up to take advantage of nomads with handicaps. I am sure some people are already eyeing up possible businesses based around it alone!

Not sure if this sentence contradicts itself a little. The 2nd half of the sentence states membership is lost in the "normal ins and outs of membership", which presumable refers to the ins and outs associated with membership BEFORE nomads get their handicaps. The 1st half of the sentence seems to acknowledge that people will leave clubs / not join because of nomad handicaps are available. So, that is an additional factor that is not associated with our current normal ins and outs. So, if you combine both, then surely you are acknowledging that nomad handicaps will be an ADDITIONAL factor in clubs losing members, on top of the normal ins and outs we currently experience?

I'm not sure how this will impact clubs, my instinct is it could be very negative. Golf clubs had already been losing members, this is just another reason NOT to join a club if you can get a handicap much more cheaply. Yes, it is a much better option for individuals who like to play in Opens. However, if it is actually saving individuals money, then by default that means less money is being handed over to golf clubs overall. So, I can only see that hurting golf clubs rather than helping them. If I was being cynical, I might be inclined to think England Golf are more interested in getting the money directly in their pocket rather than in the pocket of golf clubs (I assume once costs are accounted for, England Golf would get more money from a nomad player than they get from an affiliation fee from a member).

I'll caveat the above by saying this is just my instinctive reaction, I've not delved into all the opinions on this thread. The only reason my thinking was triggered is that a fellow member messaged me this morning about it, and was very concerned it could be the death of the golf club (I believe he said a nomad handicap would cost £40 annually). Will golf clubs be happy to have Nomad golfers play in their opens? Will players generally trust their handicaps are fair and have been properly reviewed? Will clubs ultimately loose money and have poorer facilities, or even worse shut down completely?

 

[ScienceBoy]

Not sure if this sentence contradicts itself a little.

It was supposed to, the whole thing is a storm in a teacup if governed right.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Looking at various Opens I am entering this year they are consistently stating that 'to win a prize you must have a CDH number'. I don't remember seeing this before, although it would be required it just was not advertised. There is no addition to that though. No extra comment about being a club member or not. This could be added next year if they see it as an issue but the ship has sailed for 2021 it would seem.

 

[2blue]

Looking at various Opens I am entering this year they are consistently stating that 'to win a prize you must have a CDH number'. I don't remember seeing this before, although it would be required it just was not advertised. There is no addition to that though. No extra comment about being a club member or not. This could be added next year if they see it as an issue but the ship has sailed for 2021 it would seem.

In my experience, for a number of years,,,, 2 or 3 at least, Clubs have been requesting CDH when you enter using their BRS booking system.
I also see now for this year the Yorkshire Union are wanting confirmation that you've played at least 3 Q rounds in the last 12 months since with WHS, the 'Active H/cap' status is no more.

 

[Old Skier]

Latest from EG

Good afternoon.

Welcome to the latest club update on the development of an independent golfer connectivity platform.

When launched, this platform will offer non-members of golf clubs an official handicap index and personal liability insurance.

The initial aim is to inspire golfers to play more often and to increase the connection between an avid, independent golfer and their local club/facility.

We will create a best-in-class platform with the ultimate goal of educating independent golfers on the value of golf club membership and inspiring them to follow this pathway to greater participation.
​

Working Group Update
The latest weekly meeting of the independent golfer working group ended with clear agreement on key recommendations for certain terms and conditions.

Under the new scheme, it is the intention that golfers of all ages will be able to join on a 12-month rolling basis with the focus on keeping the process as simple as possible.

Once enrolled, members will be directed to educational tools which will help develop or sharpen their knowledge of rules, handicapping and golf course etiquette.

Safeguarding and adherence to relevant policies and procedures will, of course, be in place to ensure all golfers can enjoy the game in a secure environment.

In the weeks ahead, the working group agreed to address those outstanding areas relating to the terms and conditions of the platform such as fees, time lag for those joining the scheme from club membership, entitlements and handicap rules.​

Pathway To Membership
A key feature of the new connectivity platform is to encourage golfers currently operating outside of traditional membership to consider joining a local club/facility.

For those independent golfers who join the platform and then quickly decide to advance on the pathway to full golf club membership, there is a clear consensus that this should be a seamless journey.

Handicaps will be transferable and golfers free to move into golf club membership at any point in the yearly cycle.

The question of incentivising such a move was discussed by the working group and it was agreed that this was something worth exploring in more detail.​

Online Meetings – Questions On Competitions
On Tuesday 9 February members of the working group held productive online meetings with the Midlands Golf Union and representatives from golf clubs in Wiltshire.

At the Midlands region meeting it was asked if competitions would be arranged exclusively for independent golfers or would these also be open for golf club members. This is a recurring query.

At launch, county and national level competitions will be open for golf club members only. However, there would be scope to develop competitions purely for independent golfers if there was a demand and a desire to do so.

At golf club level, flexibility of choice is a cornerstone of the new platform. Clubs can choose exactly how and to what extent they connect with independent golfers.

Should a club wish to create an independent golfer-only competition or, alternatively, integrate them into some or all of the existing club competitions, this would be at their discretion.​

 

[Old Skier]

Lates from EG

Good afternoon.

Welcome to the latest club update on the development of an independent golfer connectivity platform.

When launched, this platform will offer non-members of golf clubs an official handicap index and personal liability insurance.

The initial aim is to inspire golfers to play more often and to increase the connection between an avid, independent golfer and their local club/facility.

We will create a best-in-class platform with the ultimate goal of educating independent golfers on the value of golf club membership and inspiring them to follow this pathway to greater participation.
​

Working Group Update
At the latest weekly meeting of the working group the issue of naming options for the platform was revisited.

It was agreed that any name must speak to the target audience, offer clarity, a sense of belonging and, hopefully, create a desire for independent golfers to join.

Supportive messaging and tag lines must naturally flow regarding a connectivity pathway to golf clubs.

Two names are now under final consideration.

The working group also started to discuss in detail what role counties will play once the platform is up and running and how they may be able to support the golf club connectivity process going forward.
​

Personal Liability Insurance
There is a clear consensus for personal liability insurance to be included as part of the independent golfer offer.

Since July 2019, golf club members paying affiliation fees to England Golf have enjoyed a member benefit of £10 million of personal liability insurance to cover incidents at any UK golf facility.

This insurance cover provides financial protection for golf club members and since launch the policy has been called upon to settle a number of claims.

It feels right and appropriate to extend the insurance cover and peace of mind to independent golfers who join the new platform.
​

Study of Independent Golfers
In devising the new platform, it is vital to understand the profile of an independent golfer.

The target market for this platform is typically a golfer who, in the last year, has played golf twice a month or more in peak season. There is a competitive edge to their games with family and friends which leads to an interest in gaining an official WHS handicap.

The demographic is different to golf club members in that there is a higher percentage of women as well as a larger number of players in the under 45 age group.

A proportion of lapsed members also form part of this group. They are not new to the game and bring existing knowledge of golf club membership, rules, etiquette and the club environment.

Our research shows that this group of golfers is interested in golf club membership if they can find a value proposition.
​

Ongoing Support for Golf Club Memberships
On Thursday 18 February, members of the working group held separate online forums with club delegates arranged by Hampshire and Norfolk county unions.

A question was posed concerning the promotional support potentially on offer from England Golf to direct independent golfers towards club membership.

It was confirmed that a fundamental aim of the new platform is to provide that clear pathway to club membership.

As well as building a new connectivity platform, there is also a strong commitment from England Golf to help clubs recruit and retain new members – many of whom have come on board in the last year.

The ‘Membership: Give It a Shot’ campaign launched in June 2020 is more pertinent now than ever.

Participation and a return for many to previously played sports will begin again over the next couple of months. Our Club Support Officer network will be advising and providing resources to clubs who request support in this area.

We will be contacting clubs ahead of the start of the season with exciting developments for 2021.

​

 

[Old Skier]

Good afternoon.

Welcome to the latest club update on the development of an independent golfer connectivity platform.

When launched, this platform will offer non-members of golf clubs an official handicap index and personal liability insurance.

The initial aim is to inspire golfers to play more often and to increase the connection between an avid, independent golfer and their local club/facility.

We will create a best-in-class platform with the ultimate goal of educating independent golfers on the value of golf club membership and inspiring them to follow this pathway to greater participation.​

Working Group Update
On Thursday, the working group considered the process through which an independent golfer will obtain and maintain a WHS index. Independent golfers will use the ‘My England Golf’ app to input scores and track their progress.

The process will be in line with the Rules of Handicapping and will have checks and balances in place to ensure the integrity of the handicap is maintained. Further information on this will follow in a future update.

In addition, the group started to explore the roles and responsibilities of a centralised England Golf Handicap Committee, again adhering to the Rules of Handicapping.​

Common club queries - your FAQs answered
Why will golfers join a club if they can obtain an official handicap through England Golf?
There is so much more to being a member of a good golf club than the provision of a handicap. The benefits of membership far outweigh those being offered to an independent golfer through the new connectivity platform. We will support clubs to focus on the many added positives of golf club membership. These include important playing rights, social opportunities, regular competition play and a sense of belonging. During 2021, the ‘Membership: Give it a shot’ campaign will once again be central to our promotion of the game.
Will introducing a handicap for independent golfers not have a detrimental knock-on effect for golf club membership numbers?
In other countries where a similar scheme has been rolled out there is no significant negative effect on membership numbers. In fact, by drawing avid, independent golfers closer to a local club it provides that club with the opportunity to showcase what it has on offer and to profit from an increased regular spend on food and beverage, tuition, green fees and merchandise.
Will there be an additional cost to clubs for administering the handicap for independent golfers?
No. There will be no additional costs incurred by clubs associated with the roll out of the new connectivity platform. All the administrative burden and running costs will lie with England Golf.
When is the connectivity platform going to be launched?
All golfers will be able to obtain an official handicap index by the end of June 2021. The exact date for launch has yet to be decided.​

 

[Old Skier]

Latest Update

Good afternoon.

Welcome to the latest club update on the development of an independent golfer connectivity platform.

When launched, this platform will offer non-members of golf clubs an official handicap index and personal liability insurance.

The initial aim is to inspire golfers to play more often and to increase the connection between an avid, independent golfer and their local club/facility.

We will create a best-in-class platform with the ultimate goal of educating independent golfers on the value of golf club membership and inspiring them to follow this pathway to greater participation.​

Common club queries - your FAQs answered
How will England Golf spend surplus funds generated by the new platform?
In line with England Golf’s role as a not-for-profit organisation supporting our affiliated golf clubs and golfers, surplus funds will be used to develop and grow the game.

Potential areas for investment discussed by the working group this week include:

• a special project fund for golf clubs
• further development of women’s golf
• increased funding for junior initiatives
• more inclusive competitive opportunities.

Inclusivity and accessibility will lie at the heart of any investment plan.​

How will independent golfers obtain a handicap index without being a member of, or assigned to, a particular club?
In effect, the national association becomes the independent golfer’s home club.

Currently, the following system is under consideration:

• General play scores will be submitted through the ‘My England Golf’ app.
• Scores will be accepted from play at courses rated under the WHS system.
• Digital scorecards for handicap purposes must be attested by another golfer who is registered on the WHS platform (a golf club member or independent golfer).

What mechanisms will be in place to help maintain the integrity of handicapping?
England Golf will administer and manage handicap indexes for independent golfers in line with the Rules of Handicapping.

In order to achieve this, some new innovations will be introduced.

• England Golf will establish a new national handicap committee specifically for independent golfers to oversee its responsibilities under the WHS and ensure all players are treated fairly and consistently.
• Peer review – as happens already with golf club members – will be implemented for independent golfers and will be overseen by the England Golf handicap committee.

Separate from the independent golfer platform, golf clubs will continue to be responsible for their members’ handicaps through their own long-established handicap committees.
​

 

[rosecott]

The Nottinghamshire Union has decided that Independent Golfers will not be eligible to enter any county competitions.

 

[Old Skier]

The Nottinghamshire Union has decided that Independent Golfers will not be eligible to enter any county competitions.

I suspect that will be the norm across England unless they are specifically for the Independent golfer.

 

[fundy]

The Nottinghamshire Union has decided that Independent Golfers will not be eligible to enter any county competitions.

why have they decided that?

 

[Old Skier]

why have they decided that?

Because, like clubs, county can state their specific terms and conditions of entry. Plus a doubt that a county affiliation fee will be incorporated into the EG fees.

 

[sweaty sock]

Makes sense to exclude from prestigious events especially as the new amatuer rules allow much bigger prizes to be won.

The handicap system has never been more open to abuse.

 

[Old Skier]

Makes sense to exclude from prestigious events especially as the new amatuer rules allow much bigger prizes to be won.

The handicap system has never been more open to abuse.

By whom