Wales Golf as urged to golfers to observe the new restrictions on playing which come into force from Monday. Travel must stay within five miles the Welsh Government has ruled.
Picture by ANY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR

WALES Golf has encouraged clubs and members to stick within the new rules of play announced by the Welsh Government – due to come into force from Monday.

The changes will allow members of two households to play together – at the discretion of the golf club.

Single players can still play, but also two, three and fourballs will be allowed, as long as they are from a maximum of two households, in any combination.

Physical distancing guidelines and industry guidelines must be adhered to before, during and after the round.

Wales Golf urge all golfers to stick to the Welsh Government travel guidelines, which require local travel only – up to five miles.

Players can travel from England to play on Welsh courses, as long as they obey the local travel rules on entering Wales – which allow unlimited travel for journeys related to exercising.

Coaches: Follow PGA COVID-19 rules

COACHING by a PGA professional will be allowed outdoors and with appropriate social distancing.

It is recommended PGA professionals complete a comprehensive risk assessment and refer to coaching guidelines on the PGA COVID-19 Resource Hub.

Some outdoor driving ranges may be able to open, but all such facilities will need to work with relevant authorities and conduct a full risk assessment.

Golf retail shops are currently not on the Welsh Government list of premises that can open for retail purposes.

Therefore, they must remain closed. Golf retailers are encouraged to prepare over the next three weeks ahead of the next review.

Essential access to a building such as a professional shop for clubs that operate a booking system to regulate tee times, registration, and take payment, is permissible – provided appropriate social distancing precautionary measures are put in place.

Further information from Wales Golf along with club guidance can be found clicking here.

More detailed information has been sent directly to clubs, who were told to close by Wales Golf on March 23 – when the UK Government introduced the lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Wales Golf’s Richard Dixon. Picture by
STEVE POPE / SPORTING WALES

Wales Golf chief thanks golfers for efforts

WALES Golf chief executive Richard Dixon said: “We would like to thank all those golfers, volunteers, club officials and staff who have worked so hard to ensure the return to play has gone smoothly so far.

“The Welsh Government rules have been loosened slightly to allow players from two households to play together, but all the R&A protocols of play and Welsh Government guidance still apply.

“We would urge golfers to check if they can play within the Welsh Government travel guidelines, to abide by the new rules when they come into practice on Monday and maintain a safe approach.”

WELSH CLUBS ASKED TO WAIT A WEEK BEFORE RE-OPENING

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The R&A will use the COVID-19 Support Fund to invest £7million through the national associations and affiliated bodies in the UK. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN/ AMG PICTURES

THE £7million R&A COVID-19 Support Fund has been launched by the game’s governing body to help golf deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The fund will be largely aimed at national associations and other affiliated bodies in Great Britain and Ireland.

With the global pandemic leading to widespread temporary course closures and drastic reductions in domestic and international travel, many golf clubs and facilities are facing serious financial difficulties.

The fund is being provided to help The R&A’s affiliated national associations to support those clubs and facilities – although some of the money may be used for other activities key to the future health of the sport.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said: “The pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on golf and many clubs are facing dire financial situations through no fault of their own.

“Golf is in our DNA and we want to see the sport continue to thrive from grassroots right through to the top level on the professional tours.

“We have a responsibility to do what we can to help in such a crisis.

“The R&A Covid-19 Support Fund will enable national associations and other key bodies to provide support to some of their members.

“We know many challenges lie ahead but club golf is the bedrock of our sport and hopefully this fund will help to begin the process of recovery.”

The R&A is working with its national associations – including England Golf, Wales Golf and Scottish Golf – and other selected organisations on communications.

Each body is responsible for controlling and allocating its share from the support fund.

Open’s profits fund development

•The R&A reinvests the proceeds from the success of The Open – golf’s oldest Major championship – to grow and support golf around the world.

It already provides financial support to a wide range of organisations in addition to national associations, including the European Tour, the Ladies European Tour (LET), the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland and the Golf Foundation charity.

The 149th Open Championship, which was due to be held at Royal St George’s, in July, was cancelled last month – it has been reported that the R&A was insured against such an eventuality,

There has been widespread speculation on how hard the COVID-19 crisis has hit the finances of the European Tour, which has been forced to postpone or cancel more than four months’ worth of tournaments so far in 2020.

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Golf’s governing body in Wales is urging caution before clubs consider reopening after the Welsh Government followed England in relaxing some lockdown restrictions on sport

WELSH golf clubs have been asked to wait until next week before considering opening for play for the first time in seven weeks.

They have been closed since the lockdown was introduced to combat the coronavirus pandemic, which has now killed some 32,000 people in the UK.

And Wales Golf has recommended that its 142 affiliated clubs consider waiting until May 18 – next Monday – to ensure they have sufficient safety measures in place before considering reopening.

A Wales Golf spokesman said: “We would advise that clubs that do wish to re-open do not do so immediately – so as to ensure they have sufficient protocols in place to adhere to these guidelines, which we will be on hand to assist with.

“This would allow for a managed and co-ordinated reintroduction of golf across Wales from next Monday (May 18) at the earliest.”

The advice from golf’s governing body follows a relaxation in the COVID-19 lackdown rules by the Welsh Government, in Cardiff, on Tuesday.

That followed the English Government’s announcement on Sunday that golf clubs could reopen for play, from tomorrow (Wednesday).

The Welsh Government – which has refused to drop the “Stay at Home, Stay Safe” message adopted by all four governments in the UK at the start of the lockdown – responded to Boris Johnson’s controversial announcement by saying golf clubs COULD reopen, if they wished.

‘Failure to comply could lead to more closures of Welsh golf clubs’

But Wales Golf has appealed for a further delay. The spokesman added: “It is entirely at each golf club’s discretion as to whether they choose to open, and, if so, when they choose to do so.

“Wales Golf would urge all member clubs and golfers to comply with the regulations in a responsible manner.

“If clubs or members are found to be in breach of these guidelines, then it could lead to Welsh Government introducing measures that force golf courses to close.

“Wales Golf will continue to work closely with the Welsh Government towards the resumption of golf in Wales – when the conditions are right,” added the spokesman for the governing body in the principality.

The Welsh rules – unlike the English – insist golfers can only make up a two-ball by playing with a member of their own household – or face playing on their own.

Wales Golf staff are on hand to assist with implementing regulations and guidelines and ensuring any return to play can be conducted safely. Email office@walesgolf.org if you require help or advice.

The latest guidance from Welsh Government on leaving home to exercise can be accessed by clicking here .

The following information has been taken from the Welsh Government’s website and it helps explain in more detail the regulations in place.

Nefyn’s famous Old Course – the back nine on the Llyn Peninsula has some of the most spectacular views in the UK – can open its doors for play under the new rules

Will golf courses reopen?

“Under our guidelines, golf courses are not listed as a business or premise that must remain closed.
“The regulations state that exercise should be done locally, which means people cannot drive to exercise outside their local area; people also cannot exercise with anyone other than a member of their own household.
“More than two people congregating in a public place is regarded as a gathering, which is an offence under the regulations.
“We are continuing to prepare for the future, working with our partners and stakeholders.
“We would expect Wales Golf, working with the R&A and other UK governing bodies, to monitor the situation in England closely where golf will be permitted from May 13 and prepare detailed protocols for a potential partial resumption in Wales when the conditions are right.

•The protocols for playing golf in the UK under COVID-19 restrictions prepared by The R&A and the golf Industry can be seen here.

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Golfers have been given the green light to resume playing – on their own or with members of their own household ONLY, from May 13. Picture by ANDY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR

GOLF clubs in England can resume playing from Wednesday this week after Prime Minister’s address to the nation on relaxing some parts of the lockdown imposed to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

England Golf – the game’s governing body – welcomed the news allowing golf clubs to open for their members for the first time since March 23 when the Government introduced the ‘Stay at Home, Save Lives’ message to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic.

But the relaxation of the rules allowing golfers to play with one other golfer – who does not have to be a member of their household group – does not yet apply to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Governments in the other parts of the UK have so far erred on the side of caution, using devolved powers to keep the ban in place even though it will be lifted in England from Wednesday, May 13.

An England Golf spokesman said: “It is important to stress that this remains an extremely difficult situation throughout the UK, and we are acutely aware that many lives have been lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The effects of the virus will continue to be felt for a long time to come. As a sport we must work together to resume play responsibly – as, and when, the relevant Government determines it is safe to do so.

“We must ensure that the safety and well-being of everyone involved from golfers, to club staff and greenkeepers is maintained at all times.

“Golf clubs and golfers have observed the lockdown very well and must keep it up and act responsibly as play resumes.

“We recently provided documents giving guidance on operations and resuming play and golf clubs should consider this carefully as they restart their businesses.

England Golf, The R&A and other industry groups – including the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) – have issued guidance to help greenkeepers

“We also provided essential maintenance guidelines to help greenkeepers to prepare their courses for play.

“We fully appreciate the huge amount of expertise that exists within golf clubs throughout the country, and this best-practice guidance simply aims to achieve as consistent an approach as possible to protecting everyone.”

But while many people seemed confused by the change in the Government’s “Stay at Home” strategy, encouraging people to return to work wherever possible, the game’s rulers have stressed they are seeking guidance on other golf facilties, such as driving ranges after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s speech on Sunday night.

The Government clarified that the change in the rules did not restrict golfers to playing on their own – or just with a member of their own household – on Monday afternoon.

The publication of a 50-page Government document explained the new rules in full.

Advice sought on driving ranges

The spokesman added: “We are seeking further clarification from the Government regarding other golf-related facilities.

“The pandemic has already had a substantial impact on golf clubs and venues and the focus will soon turn to trying to recover from the crisis.

“As a group we will continue to do all we can to provide support and guidance in that effort.”

England Golf has been in discussions with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf, to work with Government to promote safe golf.

They have worked alongside other groups from the sport including the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), the British Golf Industry Association, the Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA), the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), Ping, The R&A, IMG, the UK Golf Federation as well as the ruling bodies from the other Home Nations – Scottish Golf, Wales Golf, the Golfing Union of Ireland and the Irish Ladies’ Golf Union.

•England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson has written a series of updates to golf clubs and members during the COVID-19 crisis.

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After eight years studying and working as far away as the USA and East Sussex, Bryn Meadows’ Natasha Gobey has been attracting hundreds of players – young and old alike – into the game of golf, winning her Wales Club PGA Pro of the Year for 2020

FORMER Wales golfer Natasha Gobey has had such an impact in the 18 months she has been back as a club professional that she has now claimed the Wales Golf PGA Pro of the Year Award.

The former Wales squad amateur turned professional after studying in America, before working at the Sussex-based James Andrews School of Golf for seven years.

She also spent six months working at the Tony Valentine Golf Centre, in Wiltshire, before returning home to Rhondda, working at Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel and Spa.

The 28-year-old has demonstrated outstanding success growing the game of golf and to becoming the best coach she can, increasing participation at every club she has been a part of.

Natasha’s commitment to working with schools has seen Bryn Meadows successfully awarded two Golf Roots grants to continue coaching more than 2,500 children from 21 primary schools in the Caerphilly area.

Her work has brought substantial increases to the numbers in weekly coaching at Bryn Meadows, starting with ladies and juniors through the Wales Golf New2Golf scheme – but now also including a new men’s group.

Natasha had a very successful season with the junior membership with Bryn Meadows winning the Golf Sixes League.

She also works with Valleys Daffodils and Cambrian Village Trust every month to make golf inclusive for all.

Natasha has introduced golf to more than 5,000 people in the Caerphilly area covering years three to six in primary school as well as adults.

She has also been nominated for Sports Coach of the Year by Sport Caerphilly.

Natasha Gobey (left) spent a season with the Toledo Rockets on a golf scholarship before qualifying as a PGA professional after studying at The James Andrews School of Golf

Celtic Manor awards day on hold

Natasha was due to collect the award at the Wales Golf Annual Awards Lunch in the 2010 Clubhouse at Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor, but the event had to be postponed because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“It feels a bit surreal to get this award, I am really chuffed,” said Gobey. “It is nice to get recognition for something you are passionate about.

“I played for Wales from the age of 13 until I went to the US for a year on a golf scholarship, then came back and turned pro to do the PGA coaching qualifications at The James Andrews School of Golf, in East Sussex.

“That was one of the best golf schools in the UK so I learned a great deal there.

“And after seven years – and finishing my qualifications – I wanted to move back to Wales and enjoy a new challenge trying to get more people into golf.

“Then I ran into David Pocock at a meeting, a former winner of this Wales Golf Pro of the Year award, and he gave me a good opportunity to work with him at Bryn Meadows.

“It makes it easy when the people around you share the same vision as you, my colleague Katy Edwards helps a lot.

“The management at Bryn Meadows are very supportive – and allow me the support system and time to continue the drive in the local community.

“I just love golf. The club’s ladies and junior golfer numbers seemed to be going down, so I was keen to pick that up and to be the driving force.

“One of the key focuses was to break down the barriers that golf faces – such as it being seen as expensive and unwelcoming.

“So getting involved in the local community and inviting them up to Bryn Meadows was my biggest focus.

“We had 30 ladies joining the New2Golf membership, now there are more than 100 kids and 20-30 adults coming to coaching on a weekly basis.

“We offer taster sessions and affordable coaching that include an hour a week in a group and 30 minutes on the simulator a month.

Natasha’s coaching at Bryn Meadows involves 21 schools and supporting Wales Golf’s New2Golf programme as well as working with community groups such as Valleys Daffodils

Staying positive and safe during COVID crisis

OF course these are difficult times in all golf clubs because of the coronavirus outbreak – but typically Gobey has a positive message.

“We are good at communicating with our clients and first and foremost I want our clients, family and friends to be healthy,” she said.

“Golf will still be there when all this is over and I will be ready to pick up from where we left off and continue to encourage as many people into golf and nurture and drive the golfers we have.

“We currently run 15 group coaching classes a week between us with lessons on top of that.

“We can develop players through the academy course before moving onto the big course and we have done well developing them through to membership.

“We started a men’s New2Golf last summer which has been successful. We also run inclusive coaching schemes with Valleys Daffodils.

“But for now everyone needs stay safe. We have to put people’s health and safety before business.”

Wales Golf graduate ‘great for game’ says CEO Dixon

WALES Golf chief executive Richard Dixon poured praise on Natasha Gobey for her sterling work in recruiting new players for her golf club and the game in general.

He said: “Congratulations to Natasha, who has made such a remarkable impact in a relatively short space of time.

“It is nice to see someone who has come through the Wales Golf system on the playing side, making such a contribution to the development of the sport.

“We look forward to making the formal presentation of this well-deserved award at an event later in the year.”

LYDIA HALL INSPIRES NEXT WELSH GIRLS GENERATION

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Boris Johnson announcing on TV the lockdown that has led to the closure of all UK golf clubs

GOLF clubs across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have been forced to close after Boris Johnson announced a lockdown across the UK to combat the coronavirus outbreak, on Monday night.

England Golf responded on Tuesday morning with the advice to all clubs and golf centres, including driving ranges and studios, in the country.

It came after the Prime Minister’s statement 12 hours earlier, which resulted in the closure of thousands of “non-essential shops” across the UK, following the closure of bars, theatres, cinemas and restaurants last week – and with the public ordered to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.

In its online statement, chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “It is England Golf’s position that this deeply regrettable, but highly necessary and responsible course of action must be implemented with immediate effect and be maintained until further notice.

“The government has identified an urgent need to introduce new restrictions on public life and on non-essential businesses opening their doors.

“This has been done to limit the spread of the coronavirus and relieve the growing pressure on our National Health Service.

“Keeping golf courses open is simply no longer compatible with the updated policy of government, which is designed to save lives in a time of national emergency.

“The health and wellbeing of the nation is the only consideration that matters at this moment in our history.

“These are incredibly testing times for the country. The golf industry cannot be shielded from the economic and social ramifications caused by this temporary shutdown of normal life.

“We would like to assure the golfing community that England Golf staff will continue to work remotely with all affiliated golfers, clubs and counties to try and minimise the damage caused by this suspension of regular golf club life.

“We will continue to signpost clubs and counties to the latest government advice and schemes designed to help the economy cope with the disruption caused by coronavirus.”

Scottish Golf have advised all clubs north of the border to comply with Boris Johnson’s

Scottish and Welsh Golf back advice

SCOTTISH Golf appealed to all golfers to respect the Government’s ban on leaving home to play the sport announced by Boris Johnson on Monday.

A statement issued late on Monday night said: “While golf is an outdoor sport that allows players to exercise in the fresh air, the message to all of us is clear – we must stay home and play our part in containing the spread of COVID-19.

“With this in mind, Scottish Golf asks that all golfers in Scotland refrain from golfing until further notice.

“We understand this advice will have a significant impact on golf clubs across the country and we will continue to consult with industry partners to provide clubs with all information and support possible during this time of deep uncertainty.

“We know these decisions are difficult ones to make, but right now, it is our shared responsibility to prioritise the health of our local communities by working together to follow the Government guidelines.

“In doing so, this will ensure we get the opportunity to play the game that we all love as soon as it is safe to do so.

A statement on the Welsh Golf Union website said: “While golf is a sport with many health benefits, keeping golf courses open is no longer compatible with Government policy, which is designed to save lives in a time of national emergency.

“This action is vital and we must stay home in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 and relieve pressure on the National Health Service.

“These are incredibly testing times for the country and the golf industry but, during this unprecedented period, we will be working very closely with all affiliated clubs.

“Wales Golf staff will be working remotely to support and advise clubs as much as possible.”

It added that COVID-19 updates, industry guidelines and Government advice can be found at Wales Golf’s website.

Anyone with any questions for Wales Golf can email office@walesgolf.org

Golf can still be played in Eire – for now

THE situation is more complicated in Ireland – the Golfing Union or Ireland has two governments to deal with – the UK covering Northern Ireland and the Irish Government covering the Republic of Ireland.

A statement on the GUI website said: “It is the view of the GUI and Irish Ladies Golf Union that all golf clubs in Northern Ireland must close their facilities with immediate effect.

“Such closures will have a significant impact on golf clubs, and we continue to consult with industry partners to provide clubs with all information and support possible during this time of deep uncertainty.”

In the Republic, the guidelines issued last week on playing golf in Ireland have yet to be changed, following the move by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

A spokesman said: “The GUI and ILGU have consistently reflected the advice of expert medical professionals in advising our member clubs.

It is anticipated that an update on the period of restriction will be made soon by the Irish Government, after which we will issue an updated statement in relation to golf in the Republic of Ireland.

“You will appreciate that this is a very fluid situation with new developments almost daily.

“We will continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities, and will ensure that our clubs are kept informed as to recommended best practice at all times.”

All four golf Home Unions have already cancelled their national championships in the first two months of the season, plus national squad coaching sessions.

A number of meetings – connected with the introduction of the World Handicapping System – have also been called off in England, Scotland, Wales and on both sides of the Irish border.

Greenkeepers have been told they can carry on working during the coronavirus lockdown

Greenkeepers get greenlight to carry on working

BOTH the Scottish and Irish golf bodies confirmed that greenkeeping staff could still attend work under the Government’s list of essential workers following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s lockdown.

The GUI added: “For security and essential maintenance purposes, greenkeeping staff can still attend work.

“All work must be carried out in strict accordance with government guidelines on social (physical) distancing.​

“Clubs should divide course staff into two teams where possible and if one becomes unavailable, the other team will still be okay to work.​

How advice on playing golf changed in a week

LAST week, the UK Golf Federation – representing some 600 proprietary clubs across the UK – had called on the Government to allow golf to continue across the country as a “safe sport” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UK Golf Federation called on golfers to sign an online petition to keep clubs open last week before Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the country into lockdown

The UKGF seized on Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance’s comments that playing golf was a good way for the public to exercise, providing social distancing and simple guidelines on preventing coronavirus transmission were followed.

Sir Patrick had answered an MP’s question while giving evidence at the House of Commons Health Select Committee, on March 24.

MP Dean Russell asked Sir Patrick who has been advising Boris Johnson and his Cabinet: “If someone wants to play golf, can they still do that if they are not close together?”

The science expert, who has been one of a team advising Government ministers and the Prime Minister on how to contain the COVID-19 virus, said: “It is OK – if you keep a distance.

“We’re not asking everyone to be completely isolated. The specific advice is to avoid close contact.

“A walk is OK if you keep a distance.”

Golf UK Federation chief executive Doug Poole called on golfers to carry on playing – while taking care to reduce risks of being exposed to the coronavirus – launching an online petition to “Keep Golf Open.”

With many clubhouses closing bar and catering services, a large number of golf clubs were keen to remain open to help their businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic, which has spread around the world in the last three months.

But now golf club owners, managers and secretaries are clamouring to obtain government financial aid packages announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequor Rishi Sunak, last week.

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CONGU has confirmed the new World Handicap System being introduced by golf’s eight governing bodies worldwide in November 2020. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

THE governing bodies of amateur golf in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have signed the licence for the new World Handicap System (WHS) which will come into operation on November 2, 2020.

As members of the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU), England Golf, the Golfing Union of Ireland, the Irish Ladies Golfing Union, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf have been driving forces in planning for the new system in alliance with The R&A and USGA.

The current Golf Handicapping System – maintained by CONGU – will be replaced by WHS which will unify the six different structures presently in operation throughout the world of golf.

With one single, global system in place for the first time, golfers will be able to obtain and maintain a handicap index and use this on any course around the world.

In addition, they will be able to compete or simply play a casual round with fellow golfers anywhere on a fair and equal basis, the governing bodies say.

As well as encouraging players new to the sport to obtain a handicap with ease, the WHS will also modernise the game for those already well-versed in the game of golf.

Under the new system, a player’s handicap will be based on the average of eight best scores from their last 20 rounds.

WHS will also take into account factors currently not fully represented in the existing handicapping procedure through a course and slope rating system.

England Golf chief executive Nick Pink said: “We believe the introduction of the new World Handicap System will have a hugely positive impact for golf around the globe.

“Our team are working hard to deliver the transition from the current system to WHS and will continue to confer with the clubs, counties and our technology partners to ensure everything runs to plan ahead of the start date.”

Sinead Heraty, chief Executive of the ILGU, said: ‘The Irish Ladies Golf Union and the Golfing Union of Ireland are delighted the new World Handicap System will come into practice in November 2020.

“The transition from an incremental system to an averaging one will be period of great change.

“However once a planned education process is complete, the new system will make handicapping much more consistent globally.”

Pat Finn, chief executive of the Golfing Union of Ireland added: “We look forward to meeting with our member clubs over the coming months to outline the World Handicap System.

“With CONGU adopting the system for Ireland and Great Britain from late next year we need to ensure golfers across Ireland are prepared for the change.”

Andrew McKinlay, chief Eexecutive of Scottish Golf, said: “Following recent education seminars across the country, Scottish Golf is pleased to confirm the new World Handicap System will be implemented on time on November 2, 2020.

“We believe moving to a more unified handicap system will be beneficial to all golfers.

“The team at Scottish Golf will continue to liaise with, and support clubs across the country to ensure the transition between now and next year is as seamless as possible for everyone involved.”

Wales Golf chief executive Richard Dixon was also delighted to mark another step on the road to WHS.

Mr Dixon said: “A lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes in preparation for the launch of the World Handicap System and we are delighted we have reached this key stage of the process.

“We are very excited about the positive benefits WHS will have to the game of golf in Wales and across the golfing world.

“The Wales Golf team look forward to working with our clubs, fellow home Unions, technology partners and the R&A over the next year to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible for clubs and most importantly for golfers.”

CONGU, the United States Golf Association (USGA), Golf Australia, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA) and the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) represent around 15 million golfers in 80 countries who currently maintain a handicap.

The aligning of all six handicapping authorities behind the WHS is a hugely significant step in the modernisation of golf across the globe.

WHS has been introduced under the auspices of the USGA and The R&A.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the latter, said: “The R&A’s purpose is to ensure golf is thriving in 50 years’ time, and the World Handicap System (WHS) is one of the key ways in which we can ensure the long-term health of the sport.

“We all want to encourage more people to take up golf and having a handicap which provides an accurate measure of playing ability is one of the best ways of achieving that.”

Further information about the new World Handicap System can be found at https://www.englandgolf.org/article/world-handicap-system-whs and also via the R&A website at https://www.randa.org/WorldHandicapSystem

For details on England Golf’s WHS educational workshops visit  https://www.englandgolf.org/handicaps-rules/whs-2020/whs-club-workshops/

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