England Golf Independent Golfers – Update 25 May 2021
The latest update from England Golf states that they have finalised their offer to Independent golfers (non-members of golf clubs) of the opportunity to join a new digital community of golfers aligned to England Golf. This means:
Firstly, the scheme will be open to all golfers, with a home address in England, regardless of age.
Any golfer who has left a golf club within the last six months will not be eligible to join.
However, once outside this six-month period, any lapsed golf club members may be allocated a handicap index based on scores in the system dating back to January 2018.
The provisional launch date and opening for registration is early July.
Secondly, following online registration for an annual subscription of £40, golfers will receive:
- A World Handicap System handicap index
- Personal liability insurance
- Access to the ‘My England Golf’ app to post scores, track progress and engage with friends.
Thirdly, Independent Golfers will not be allowed to compete in County and National events, these remaining open to golf club members only.
If clubs wish to create an independent golfer-only competition or, alternatively, integrate them into some or all the existing club competitions; this would be at their discretion.
Fourthly, England Golf will carry out all administration duties so there will not be any extra work for clubs or counties.
They will ensure that the integrity of the handicap system will be maintained through a robust system of checks and balances. These include:
- Processes on the app
- Setting up of a national independent golfer handicap committee
- Educating on rules of handicapping, rules of golf and etiquette
- Opportunity for peer review
Fifthly, for any clubs which choose to actively engage with Independent Golfers who have joined the scheme, a process will be put in place for them to notify England Golf of opportunities they wish to promote to these golfers. This may, for example, include the following:
- Green fee promotions
- Competition and event entry, or
- Club membership offers.
England Golf will communicate directly with golfers interested in exploring these offers and provide a platform to share details.
Further guidance will follow around what this could mean for clubs, points to consider and how the programme will work.
Sixthly, England Golf have said that any surplus revenue generated from this scheme will be re-invested back into our game and the areas of investment may include:
- Special projects funding for golf clubs
- Women and girls’ participation
- Junior development
- Support for disability and minority groups
Lastly, England Golf will publish further updates during June 2021.
You can read a full version of this update by Clicking Here or download a full copy of this update by clicking on the Download Button below:
You can also keep in touch with any new updates by following them on: