I have met a few players without official or non-active handicaps that have won prizes in comps I have played in.
Recently I believe at Camberley Heath
Yes. The entry conditions will state that inactive h'caps can play.
The prizes aren't of a value that would merit any tossing about with h'caps anyway. As you say, "fun" comps - it's one of the things being at a members club is about
We don't have winter fun comps. Ineligible to win any club comp while inactive but the card can be used as a qualifier. We do have social golf events in the summer and to be honest the club prefer an active handicap for all events