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The basics
QUICK LINK - A SHORT GUIDE FOR GOLFERS
QUICK LINK - A SHORT GUIDE FOR CLUB HANDICAP COMMITTEES
As with the Rules of Golf, handicapping relies on the integrity of every individual. The purpose of the handicapping system is to give golfers of differing abilities a level playing field. Old and young compete alike, the same way a former international could be paired with a novice campaigner on the weekend timesheet.
WHY DO WE NEED HANDICAPS?
Golf’s unique handicapping system provides a means for every player to compete on an equal footing, making the game as inclusive as possible. Not only does it level the playing field, the handicap system makes allowance for beginners, juniors and adults alike, players of declining ability and golfers with disabilities. It is because of the handicapping system that parents get to compete side-by-side with their children or grandparents get the chance to tee it up alongside a grandchild.
WHAT IS A HANDICAP?
A handicap is a numerical measure of your playing ability. Your exact handicap is calculated to one decimal place and your playing handicap is rounded to a whole number (0.5 is rounded up). The lower the handicap, the better the player. There are four (five for women) different handicap categories; Category 1 (up to 5.4); Category 2 (6-12); Category 3 (13-20); Category 4 (21-28); Category 5 (women only) 29 - 36. The maximum CONGU handicap for men is 28 and 36 for women.
WHAT IS CONGU?
The Council of National Golf Unions is made up of representatives from each of the following: Golfing Union of Ireland, Irish Ladies Golf Union, England Golf, Scottish Golf, Golf Union of Wales and The R&A as well as an elected Chairperson. CONGU sets out the rules and regulations of the unified handicapping system (UHS) including the responsibilities of each involved party and guidance on how to administer the system.
WHAT IS UHS?
The ‘UHS’ is the Unified Handicapping System developed by CONGU which applies to men and women who are Members of Affiliated Clubs within Ireland. Clubs affiliated to the Golfing Union of Ireland receive copies of the CONGU UHS manual. You can also access the manual for free online by clicking here
Allocating handicaps is a relatively straightforward process and there are a number of guidelines that clubs must follow in order to allocate an appropriate handicap for a new member.
OBTAINING YOUR HANDICAP
In order to be allocated an official handicap, first you must become a member of a golf club that is affiliated to the GUI or ILGU. It is a requirement that you play a minimum of 54 holes at your home club and submit your scorecards to the club’s Handicap Committee for review.
SUBMITTING YOUR CARDS
Generally, new members play three full rounds and submit those cards for handicapping purposes. However the scorecards submitted can be 9-hole rounds as well or a mixture of both. The important thing is that the total number of holes played is at least 54. Each scorecard must be marked and signed by someone who is acceptable to the handicap committee – usually another member of the golf club, who already has a handicap allocated.
THE HANDICAP COMMITTEE
Once your scorecards, signed and marked, have been submitted, your club’s Handicap Committee will review them. The Handicap Committee must also take other information about your playing or sporting history into account. After they have completed their assessment, the Handicap Committee will then allocate you a handicap appropriate to your skill level.
QUICK LINK - A SHORT GUIDE FOR CLUB HANDICAP COMMITTEES
As with the Rules of Golf, handicapping relies on the integrity of every individual. The purpose of the handicapping system is to give golfers of differing abilities a level playing field. Old and young compete alike, the same way a former international could be paired with a novice campaigner on the weekend timesheet.
WHY DO WE NEED HANDICAPS?
Golf’s unique handicapping system provides a means for every player to compete on an equal footing, making the game as inclusive as possible. Not only does it level the playing field, the handicap system makes allowance for beginners, juniors and adults alike, players of declining ability and golfers with disabilities. It is because of the handicapping system that parents get to compete side-by-side with their children or grandparents get the chance to tee it up alongside a grandchild.
WHAT IS A HANDICAP?
A handicap is a numerical measure of your playing ability. Your exact handicap is calculated to one decimal place and your playing handicap is rounded to a whole number (0.5 is rounded up). The lower the handicap, the better the player. There are four (five for women) different handicap categories; Category 1 (up to 5.4); Category 2 (6-12); Category 3 (13-20); Category 4 (21-28); Category 5 (women only) 29 - 36. The maximum CONGU handicap for men is 28 and 36 for women.
WHAT IS CONGU?
The Council of National Golf Unions is made up of representatives from each of the following: Golfing Union of Ireland, Irish Ladies Golf Union, England Golf, Scottish Golf, Golf Union of Wales and The R&A as well as an elected Chairperson. CONGU sets out the rules and regulations of the unified handicapping system (UHS) including the responsibilities of each involved party and guidance on how to administer the system.
WHAT IS UHS?
The ‘UHS’ is the Unified Handicapping System developed by CONGU which applies to men and women who are Members of Affiliated Clubs within Ireland. Clubs affiliated to the Golfing Union of Ireland receive copies of the CONGU UHS manual. You can also access the manual for free online by clicking here
Allocating handicaps is a relatively straightforward process and there are a number of guidelines that clubs must follow in order to allocate an appropriate handicap for a new member.
OBTAINING YOUR HANDICAP
In order to be allocated an official handicap, first you must become a member of a golf club that is affiliated to the GUI or ILGU. It is a requirement that you play a minimum of 54 holes at your home club and submit your scorecards to the club’s Handicap Committee for review.
SUBMITTING YOUR CARDS
Generally, new members play three full rounds and submit those cards for handicapping purposes. However the scorecards submitted can be 9-hole rounds as well or a mixture of both. The important thing is that the total number of holes played is at least 54. Each scorecard must be marked and signed by someone who is acceptable to the handicap committee – usually another member of the golf club, who already has a handicap allocated.
THE HANDICAP COMMITTEE
Once your scorecards, signed and marked, have been submitted, your club’s Handicap Committee will review them. The Handicap Committee must also take other information about your playing or sporting history into account. After they have completed their assessment, the Handicap Committee will then allocate you a handicap appropriate to your skill level.
