Another golf club manager has criticised England Golf’s ‘inactive handicap’ system, stating that confusion about it is preventing golfers from spending money at golf clubs.
Under the system, golfers that fail to return three qualifying scores in the same calendar year are given an ‘inactive handicap’ status for the following year, preventing them from entering events that require an active handicap to participate until they submit the three cards in.
In February, David O’Sullivan, manager of China Fleet Country Club in Cornwall, caused a stir when he accused the scheme of being administered by the ‘Woodhall Stasi’ and added that it ‘upsets members, causes more administration and takes up valuable tee times at clubs’.
Several golf club managers agreed with him, with one stating: ‘If members want to pay £1,000 a year to play a handful of times and perhaps enter a knockout and the odd Stableford, then let them! They pay and it is our job to serve. Yet we provide them with a draconian set of rules and obstacles to hurdle.’
However, many club managers also disagreed, for example, Bob Carrick, secretary of Hunstanton Golf Club, stated: “It does not seem unreasonable to expect players to play in three counting competitions every year before they can play in competitive competitions. To imply that this part of the CONGU system affects membership is not borne out at my club nor have I seen any evidence to support the statement.”
Now Martin Bennet, general manager of Mid-Herts Golf Club, has joined the debate, stating that the system does damage golf clubs’ ability to make money at a time when many are going out of business.
He said that several golfers and golf clubs do not understand the system, meaning that golf club members with inactive handicaps are being excluded from attending golf events that they are allowed to play in. Furthermore, he disagrees that they should not be allowed to participate in opens that provide revenue for golf clubs.
“We receive invitations from local clubs to seniors’ opens saying only those with active handicaps need apply,” he said. “And several clubs in my area have even told our seniors’ section that they will only play their social matches against teams provided they all have active handicaps. This beggars belief!
“What business in their right minds stops customers from spending money with them and makes some members feel like second-class citizens?
“I am sure this was not the intention of the scheme but it shows that what we need are fewer rules, not more. More time needs to be given to the unintended consequences of changes.”
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