Why are Active/Inactive handicaps being introduced?
We have all heard of the so-called ‘Bandit’ who wins competitions with very low scores. They generally avoid playing in qualifying competitions in order to keep their handicap artificially high.
This new system will help to ensure that players have accurate handicaps.
When does the new system start?
The Active/Inactive system starts from January 2010 and will require all members to have returned at least three qualifying scores each year to ensure they have an active handicap.
It follows therefore that three qualifying scores will be required during 2009 to avoid your handicap becoming inactive at the start of 2010.
In which Competitions will players with Inactive handicaps be allowed to play?
This matter is under discussion, by Competitions Committee, but it is likely that you will only be able to play in the Monthly Medals and other selected competitions. All Trophy Competitions (run by Competitions Committee) and Opens will most likely require Active Handicaps. You can of course still continue to play Social Golf.
(It is likely that all Golf Clubs will only allow players with active handicaps to play in their Opens and possibly Inter- Club Matches).
What can I do if I have not submitted 3 cards this year?
You can submit Supplementary Cards, if eligible, or play in monthly medals .
Who can submit Supplementary Cards?
If you have submitted less than 6 cards last year you are eligible to submit up to 10 supplementary cards but not more than one per week.
You must sign the book in the Golf Shop prior to starting your round. Supplementary cards may be Medal or Stableford and must show whether the round was played from yellow or white tees.
I played more than six qualifiers in the previous year but less than three this year. Can I put in supplementary cards this year?
No but you can next year. You can, of course, still play Monthly Medals this year.
What happens if a player with an Inactive handicap plays in a Trophy Competition?
The computer system will not allow that person to either “sign in” or “enter” their score.
How will I know that a handicap is Active?
A player with an Inactive Handicap will have an (i) next to their handicap on both their Handicap Record and their Handicap Certificate.
How quickly will my handicap be changed to active after I have submitted three cards
Immediately after the last card it is entered on to the computer system.
Is it likely that the numbers of cards required could be increased in the future?
The English Golf Union (EGU) and English Women’s Golf Association (EWGU) will review the number of scores required to maintain an active handicap at the end of 2010. The number of cards required during 2012 may increase.
Will handicaps be allowed to lapse?
Handicaps will not be allowed to lapse.
Will I ever loose my Handicap?
An Inactive Handicap is not lost. The only time you can loose your handicap is when you cease to be a member of a club affiliated to the EGU or EWGU (i.e. if you resigned from Newark Golf Club and did not join another club).
For any queries contact (kengibson@ntlworld.com)
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