What would you do?

I'd ask them to justify why they are asking for that information. The Data Protection Act is pretty clear that you are only allow to hold data on a person that is required and necessary for your purpose.

So a golf club is likely to need to know your name, address, age/DOB, bank details and handicap. They could make a case for knowing your car make and registration if you park on their land. But, what possible justification can they given for needing to know what job you do, whether you have a criminal record and what school you went to - it is not necessary for their purposes.

Personally, I'd either ask them what they want it for or simply decline to answer the question and point out that they have no right to ask it.
 
Unless your conviction was for smashing the captains car headlights with a 8 iron because he stood on the line of your putt, i think a spent conviction from a past life is none of their business.
 
The problem is, if you don't tell them about your conviction, and they somehow find out about it, this could harm you more. If it were me, I'd tell them. You don't say how long ago this "stretch" was but if it was quite some time ago, i.e. you're in your 40's now, they would probably think that it was a "teenage angst" issue, obviously, if you're only 20 years old now then it could be seen a bit differently, if you know what I mean.

As others have said above, if you get turned down then it's probably not the club for you, I'm sure somewhere else will be more than happy to take your hard earned dosh from you.

Don't hide your past, if you have turned a corner and people can't see that, then they aren't worth worrying about.
 
Tell them, You dont want to start at a club on a lie, AND after spending a few hundred quid on membership and they found out a month or 2 later, I'm not sure if they would be able to terminate your membership without a refund.


:putt:
 
Is this the sort of club that asks for references? If so, could that be a way of letting them know whilst defusing the issue by your referee stating what a good chap you are
 
Absolutely none of their business but if you refuse to answer or say no then they'll probably decline it. Maybe write N/A as it is not applicable, sometimes this is taken as a no. If you're quizzed just say it's not applicable. Personally I'd say no if I had to, how are they likely to ever find out?
 
You've done the time, and I see no reason why you should be punished for it twice. If the question was on an application form for a job, word correctly under the Rehab Act, that would be seen and handled correctly by a HR dept I'd say be open about it. Unfortunately some golf club committee men are not so discrete... answer "no."
 
I'd just not answer that question & see what occurs from there.
I definitely wouldn't lie about it ............... I'd just not answer it!

Slime.
 
North Mimms said:
I think the N/A answer is a good one
Click to expand...

I'd disagree; not answering it is as good as answering yes. Actually it is worse than answering yes because rather than actually knowing what you've done, they'll know you've done something but not what, so will have to guess what it is that you have done that you aren't going to tell them about. And human nature being what it is, their conclusion will be much worse than whatever it is you are trying to keep from them.

My advice would be to disclose it, explain it and see what happens. That way it can never come back to haunt you, and as others have said, if they can't see you for what you are now, rather than what you were then, are you an asset that they deserve to have at their club?
 
I am Spartacus said:
Hi all,

I have a bit of a dilemma.

I took up golf only last year and have been hooked ever since. I'm not great but I enjoy it enough to have made the commitment to join a club if I can. I have made enquiries at a couple of local courses after paying on and playing them.

I have just got an application form through from one of them and one of the questions that it asks is have you ever had a criminal conviction. I make no secret of the fact that I have had a checkered past which resulted in my having an eight month stretch when I was 17 years of age.

I have worked extremely hard to get where I am today and am proud of what I do and what I have achieved.

I have discussed this with my mates who all tell me to just so "NO" as they will never check or find out however that goes against the grain with me as I have always been upfront with this and despite being ashamed of it, I can't change it.

The thing is, I'm guessing that golf clubs would probably barr me without even knowing me if I revealed this and I know a lot of people would possibly be uncomfortable being drawn with me in a competition if they knew my past.

Your views would be helpful in making up my mind and I accept that all may not be positive but I've had to overcome that since I was 18.
Click to expand...



I have not read all the replies but if I was you I would be honest and tell them about youre past.


I am sure you have changed your ways and they should respect you for being honest with them so better to let them know now.

Now this part is a joke so please no one take it the wrong way, remember to tell them if you have been warned or if you have any infractions from GM.........
 
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