Nomads to get official handicaps

[DanFST]

The cheap clubs + green fee model clubs will suffer.

Good for the consumer. They made money doing very little, because for there was no other option.

 

[KenL]

I think EG realise this but were really left with little option.

As to treating Independent Golfers as 2nd class citizen that will be up to clubs to decide as they will have to balance it against where there may be a marketing opportunity and not reducing the benefit for being a member.

Is this just an EG thing or are other authorities like SG doing this I wonder?

 

[Deleted member 17920]

Is this just an EG thing or are other authorities like SG doing this I wonder?

They are all doing it.

 

[howbow88]

How do 'nomads' update their handicaps? Via the app? If so, can't they just put in whatever score they want?

 

[KenL]

How do 'nomads' update their handicaps? Via the app? If so, can't they just put in whatever score they want?

We can all do that.

 

[Old Skier]

Is this just an EG thing or are other authorities like SG doing this I wonder?

SG took up the option before EG

 

[Old Skier]

How do 'nomads' update their handicaps? Via the app? If so, can't they just put in whatever score they want?

EG are working on several “safety “ features, GPS location, time delays before score entry, verification by outside source etc, an ongoing project.
Remember, it was just a meeting, I no nothing more than what was outlined in meeting, I have not had sight of the letter sent to clubs.

 

[moogie]

Surely if there's a market for this
Then clubs only have themselves to blame
For not being forward thinking enough to dream up some form of membership that may have drawn this particular type of player into a new type of membership category that made it attractive enough to attach themself to a club

Golf clubs are notoriously averse to change and moving with the times
This possibly being another case in question

 

[fundy]

Not really.
We have to pre-register either on the App, which obviously has time data, or in the shop/office prior to playing.
We then have to either
A. return a completed scorecard signed by player and "marker" (witness is more exact) or,
B. upload score, electronically sign to say it's true AND upload scorecard signed by player and marker/witness.

Option B is exactly the same as comps have been running since June.

There is no question of "putting in any score you want" if it's run properly.

There doesnt have to be for nomads handicaps either, the risk of both should be almost exactly the same

 

[hovis]

exactly - do people really think that people hold memberships at hundreds of £££ per year just to have an official handicap?

Well, I do. I can't play in open comps and work competitions without one.

 

[D-S]

Here in the South West I know of one Club that charges £1 per annum membership plus the County and EG affiliation fees. For that you get a handicap, entry to their competitions (on paying a green fee), the County Card which gives you discounted golf nationwide, insurance from EG etc.. There is also one in my county that charges £36 per annum including county and EG affiliation fees. Neither of these Clubs, which anyone can join from anywhere in the UK, are overwhelmed by nomadic golfers despite the attractiveness of the offering.This new EG scheme will have to go some to beat these deals and I am sure there are equivalent ones elsewhere in the country.

 

[Old Skier]

Here in the South West I know of one Club that charges £1 per annum membership plus the County and EG affiliation fees. For that you get a handicap, entry to their competitions (on paying a green fee), the County Card which gives you discounted golf nationwide, insurance from EG etc.. There is also one in my county that charges £36 per annum including county and EG affiliation fees. Neither of these Clubs, which anyone can join from anywhere in the UK, are overwhelmed by nomadic golfers despite the attractiveness of the offering.This new EG scheme will have to go some to beat these deals and I am sure there are equivalent ones elsewhere in the country.

Offering county cards at those prices is IMO not on and I would love to know the clubs.

 

[apj0524]

R&A strategy is sensible, get the admin right, and no problem.



Opens are already "balloting" out players based on handicap level. Ok - in scratch Opens its been that way for years. If you run an open that isn't "selling out" you'll be glad of the extra bodies. If it is one that sells out every year, will clubs give priority to "members?" They might.

The "Fun" will happen after this has run for a little while. If lots of "nomads" cry foul if they are getting bounced from Opens, it will be interesting to see what happens.

I have little confidence they can handle this professionally based on my experience, I had an EG account before WHS switch 2nd week of November I could not log to date that can not solve the issue, very busy I'm told, doing what I ask there's no golf, the problem is Dot.Golf in NZ and there is a time difference, and so it goes on. Shambolic

 

[IanM]

Well, I do. I can't play in open comps and work competitions without one.

How often do you play your home club?

 

[D-S]

Offering county cards at those prices is IMO not on and I would love to know the clubs.

It is not a secret it is on their websites - OrchardLeigh GC in Somerset and Westonbirt GC in Gloucestershir.

 

[hovis]

How often do you play your home club?

Twice a week now to ensure I get my moneys worth.

 

[IanM]

exactly - do people really think that people hold memberships at hundreds of £££ per year just to have an official handicap?

Well, I do. I can't play in open comps and work competitions without one.

Twice a week now to ensure I get my moneys worth.

...indeed, so it isnt just about access to Opens and Other comps...

 

[hovis]

The sole reason I am a member of my club is to have an official handicap. I'd be much happier to frequent teetimes.com or play as a guest.

 

[Old Skier]

Anyone that thinks that the membership fee is just about getting a handicap doesn't understand what goes into running a club.

 

[KenL]

Not really.
We have to pre-register either on the App, which obviously has time data, or in the shop/office prior to playing.
We then have to either
A. return a completed scorecard signed by player and "marker" (witness is more exact) or,
B. upload score, electronically sign to say it's true AND upload scorecard signed by player and marker/witness.

Option B is exactly the same as comps have been running since June.

There is no question of "putting in any score you want" if it's run properly.

We need a score verified by another person who played with you.
But, nothing to stop people cheating if they have a mind to do that.

We are not to swap scorecards as that is considered a covid risk.