plan for next season.

[mrwoo]

I am based in Swindon and looking to join a club next season.
Currently I am playing off 26 with my local society and am scoring about that. (48 on par 35 nine hole last weekend), I am taking lessons and feel may game is improving, so would hope to be able to play on a few less within 12 months.
I can also mainly only play at weekends.
Question: If I join a club and want to take part in their monthly medals to obtain an official handicap, how would they handicap me in order to compete initially?

Is anyone a member of any of my local clubs and got any recommendations? I am looking at quite a low budget £500 as would probably purchase memberships for myself and Mrs Woo. Looking for a nice sociable club.

Local clubs:
Broome Manor (too busy)
Basset Down (within budget (9 hole))
Woodbridge Park (within Budget)
Shrivenham Park (current favourite)
Wragg Barn (Over Budget)
Twelve Oaks (9 hole, new course)

 

[chrisd]

Question: If I join a club and want to take part in their monthly medals to obtain an official handicap, how would they handicap me in order to compete initially?

They wouldn't let you play competitively in any competition until you have submitted three properly signed cards and then been given a handicap based on those cards. Many clubs will allow you to take part in the competition with the sole intention of getting the cards done but you wouldn't have a handicap and couldn't win the competition. You could, of course submit three signed cards but you normally need to sign in the pro shop before going out for the card.

Good luck, hope this helps


Chris

 

[bobmac]

You wouldnt be able to compete initially.
You would play on the day with a member who would mark a card for you. When you have 3 cards completed, give them to your club who will then give you an official handicap.
Then you can compete
HTH

 

[funkyfred]

I joined my first club in March last year. I submitted three cards after going out with members for three consecutive weeks, although there is no time limit, I just wanted to get going.

I found this a good way to meet the other members of the club and luckily for me almost all of them are decent guys to play golf with.

From my cards, and speaking to some of the players I played with the handicap secretary was able to give me my handicap certificate which allowed me to enter competitions.

I believe joining a golf club is one of the best decision I have made in the last 20 years or so, and wish I had taken my father's advice and joined a club 35 years ago.

Go for it!!!

 

[Robobum]

Mr Woo, I'm based near near Swindon too, I'm a member @ Cirencester GC. I will be moving to Marlborough soon and will then join Ogbourne.

I'm afraid your budget won't get you a decent golf course in the area (therer aren't any!) . If you can stretch a bit more, then ogbourne is £750 I think. There may also be a deal to be done if you are taking out a joint membership.

Of you other options:

Broome Manor - Agreed, very busy. It is decent if you can get on though, very wet (closed a lot) for winter.
Basset Down - Never played it, might be worthwhile if you & your wife are learning as it has a range too.
Woodbridge Park - Never played it, used to have astro turf greens!! We have had people leave there to join us, they say it is all up & down.
Shrivenham Park - Try to play there on a Saturday and you'll get the same prob as Broome Manor. It's ok, very wet in the bottom of the valley
Wrag Barn - Agreed, well over priced. Not great either
Twelve Oaks - I saw the sign for this last week and didn't know a new course had sprung up?


Just like any club, you'll need to put in 3 cards unless you have a signed handicap record from a previous club (near past).

 

[mrwoo]

Thanks for your comments. As myself and the wife plan to play throughout the winter we will probably take out a winter membership at Bassett Down and if we enjoy it, renew end of April at a reasonable £800 for a couple. The course is only 5 miles from home.

 

[moonraker]

Mr woo would say my club Upavon, probally bit to far for you, memership is £595 think they do a joint memership, a very friendly club,downside not the best of practice areas

 

[mrwoo]

It is a bit far, but would agree nice friendly club. Our society played there in the Summer and enjoyed it.