Winter handicapping

[Pgreenha]

As a member of a handicap committee we have attempted to follow England Golf guidelines in allowing handicap qualifying when the course is compliant. Course length is acceptable off winter tees (yellows & reds) mlr local rules for winter mats are followed, mlr lift clean and replace through the green. As a parkland course the only challenge is temporary greens so this does exclude occasional days from qualifying.
We are challenged why we “count” for handicapping in winter, it is my understanding committees cannot choose to exclude competition if the course & format is compliant but not many clubs seem to follow the guidelines. Curious if this is the case nationally for parkland courses and thoughts on continuing handicapping through winter

 

[D-S]

As a member of a handicap committee we have attempted to follow England Golf guidelines in allowing handicap qualifying when the course is compliant. Course length is acceptable off winter tees (yellows & reds) mlr local rules for winter mats are followed, mlr lift clean and replace through the green. As a parkland course the only challenge is temporary greens so this does exclude occasional days from qualifying.
We are challenged why we “count” for handicapping in winter, it is my understanding committees cannot choose to exclude competition if the course & format is compliant but not many clubs seem to follow the guidelines. Curious if this is the case nationally for parkland courses and thoughts on continuing handicapping through winter

Below are extracts from the summary and detailed Adverse Weather Guidance from EG (the two versions are contradictory in a couple of places but that is a gripe for another time).

It is acceptable for clubs to make scores not acceptable by 'turning off the tees' off if, in the opinion of the committee, the conditions of the course are such that acceptable scoring is not possible. This is the advice clubs are following when they stop 'qualifying' golf in the winter.

Clubs MUST switch off courses and tee sets when:

• conditions mean acceptable scoring is not possible, even
  
  with the Model Local Rules in place

Competitions can still be played when the tee set is switched off but the scores will not be returned for handicap purposes.

Example of course conditions where acceptable scoring may not be possible:

• Frozen ground
• Extensive areas of temporary water or abnormal course conditions where complete relief is not possible
• Excessively soft ground – minimal to no roll

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Our course was effectively bullied into making comps count this winter. Historically we stopped them counting from October to march. Members have made their own choice, we play but don't enter the comps now when previously we would have done. No need for EG to get involved, well done folks

In answer to the question, have you asked your members what they want? I know that sounds glib, it isn't meant to be. We've walked with our feet, so to speak, and if you can avoid that I'd recommend it.

 

[Pgreenha]

Our course was effectively bullied into making comps count this winter. Historically we stopped them counting from October to march. Members have made their own choice, we play but don't enter the comps now when previously we would have done. No need for EG to get involved, well done folks

In answer to the question, have you asked your members what they want? I know that sounds glib, it isn't meant to be. We've walked with our feet, so to speak, and if you can avoid that I'd recommend it.

The reply you have made is the concern that people don’t play in comps. We have as best we can asked as the software doesn’t allow a survey, but a group of 150 returned 62% in favour of handicapping. I understand some newer members can get cards in so are in favour and we mix the formats so only one in three do count so try to balance this. I agree EG causing an issue when the off season worked for parklands

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I think mixing counting and non counting is a very fair compromise. The question is whether you can continue without getting your wrists slapped by the county.

You've gone further than most clubs, by asking members, well done

 

[KenL]

Are counting scores allowed when lift, clean and replace through the green is in use?

 

[D-S]

Are counting scores allowed when lift, clean and replace through the green is in use?

Yes, although the wording used is the General Area. It is also recommended that this MLR is only used in distinct named areas not across the entire course.

 

[IanM]

Two local clubs suspend qualifying all winter, even though they don't need to/shouldn’t!