The English Golf Union (EGU) in conjunction with the English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) are to launch a system of handicapping that will identify the competitive nature of all those golfers in England with a CONGU handicap.
The system, which has the full support of CONGU will come into effect on the 1st January 2010 and will require all members with CONGU handicaps to return at least three (3) qualifying scores (including Supplementary Scores and 9 Hole Qualifying Competitions) per year in order to retain an Active handicap. Those failing to return the stipulated number of scores will have Inactive handicaps that may prevent them competing in club competitions. The initiative will be particularly attractive to clubs running Open Days who wish to monitor the playing ability of those taking part.
Golfers in possession of Inactive handicaps will be encouraged to return the required number of scores both to activate their handicap and to give Handicapping Committees more information on their playing ability. Inactive handicaps may still be used for social golf and events in which an Active handicap is not an entry requirement.
The EGU and EWGA are keen to launch the system now in order to give all club members the opportunity of returning the stipulated number of qualifying scores during 2009 in order to have an Active handicap in 2010. The system is currently being launched at the EGU “…at the Heart of Golf Conferences” and more information can be found on the EGU website, www.englishgolfunion.org