The new World Handicap System gives every affiliated club member in Great Britain and Ireland a handicap index which combines with the course rating to work out the player’s handicap whichever course in the world they are playing at

THE World Handicap System (WHS) has come into effect for golfers in Great Britain and Ireland.

Developed by The R&A and USGA, in close collaboration with existing handicapping authorities, the WHS provides all golfers with a consistent measure of playing ability, with handicaps calculated in the same way wherever they are in the world.

Launched in January 2020 and now live in more than 65 countries, the WHS provides golfers with a unified and more inclusive handicapping system for the first time.

The WHS is implemented and administered at the local level by national and regional golf associations around the world with England Golf, Scottish Golf, Wales Golf and Golf Ireland taking on this significant responsibility within GB&I.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, restrictions on golf are currently in place in Wales and Ireland and are expected later this week in England.

WHS will be in operation from today (Monday, November 2) onwards, and as play resumes when restrictions are lifted.

The introduction of the WHS marks a considerable change for golfers in GB&I.

It will replace the previous Unified Handicapping System developed over many decades by the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU).

While it may take golfers some time to get used to the new system, and for transition handicaps to settle down, the feedback received from elsewhere in the world strongly suggests the WHS will help them to enjoy their golf all the more.

For the first time, it will provide them with a handicap index which is a more responsive measure of their ability, and a course handicap which reflects the difficulty of the course being played.

The new system is designed to modernise handicapping by adapting to the way golfers now like to play and makes it easier for new golfers to participate.

It will also enable golfers who play all of their golf in GB&I to compete equitably against golfers from other clubs, as well as golfers from other countries, which is an important step forward for the sport.

The new World Handicap System incorporates elements from CONGU’s along with elements from all eight governing bodies worldwide. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

WHS’ key features were inspired by the best features of the six main handicap systems that previously existed around the world, including the CONGU system – so some will already be familiar to GB&I players.

The key features of the system include:–

• A course rating system which sets out a consistent method of evaluating the difficulty of a golf course from each set of tees, with a player’s handicap index being adjusted to take account of the difficulty of the course being played
• Flexibility in formats of play, allowing both competitive and recreational rounds to count for handicap purposes and ensuring that a handicap index reflects demonstrated ability
• A minimal number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap – with the number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap being 54 holes from any combination of 18-hole and nine-hole rounds. Some discretion is available for national or regional associations
• An average-based calculation of a handicap index, taken from the best eight out of the last 20 scores and factoring in memory of demonstrated ability for better responsiveness/control
• A calculation that considers the impact that abnormal course and weather conditions might have on golfers’ performance each day
• Timely handicap revisions
• A limit of nett double bogey on the maximum hole score – for handicapping purposes only
• A maximum handicap limit of 54, regardless of gender, to encourage more golfers to measure and track their performance, and so increase their enjoyment of the game

To learn more about the World Handicap System visit WHS.com.

For WHS information specific to a country, use the association finder for further information.

•A course handicap calculator is available at www.randa.org and materials specific for GB&I golfers can be found by clicking here.

How you calculate your new course handicap using the new handicap index system under the WHS system introduced by The R&A and USGA from November 2, 2020

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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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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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The Scottish Golf Union has reminded golfers and golf clubs to sitck to the ban on the sport despite a relaxation of rules in England. Picture by ANDY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR

SCOTTISH Golf has reminded golfers north of the border to continue to observe the lockdown affecting its golf clubs after the UK Government signalled a relaxation in the COVID-19 rules.

After Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon attacked Prime Minister for changing the advice to “Stay Home, Stay Safe” to “Stay Alert,” on Sunday night, Scottish Golf bosses acted quickly to stress it is supporting the existing ban on playing on golf.

A spokesman said on Monday morning: “The position outlined by Scottish Golf on Friday, for golf in Scotland remains unchanged.

“The message is still clear – Stay at home and save lives.

“We remain in daily dialogue with the Scottish Government and other golfing bodies throughout the UK, to ensure that when it is deemed safe to do so in Scotland, that we are ready to support our golf clubs with a concise protocol for reopening.

“We will update our membership as soon as the Scottish Government agrees a plan on a safe return to golf.

“Scottish Golf would like to thank all of our members for their continued support in following the guidelines in such difficult times.

Last week, Karin Sharp, who was made Scottish Golf’s acting chief executive following last month’s resignation of Andrew McKinlay, hit out at those clubs that were considering jumping the gun after speculation increased that the ban on golf was going to be lifted in May.

She said: “It has been disappointing to hear that some golf clubs in Scotland have communicated to members their intent to re-open their golf course ahead of restrictions being lifted.

“We urge all member clubs to continue to follow the Scottish Government advice, that continues to have the best interest of the public at heart.

“Golf is a sport where integrity and rules sit at the very heart of the game and we ask all golfers to respect the position of Scottish Government and show patience at a time when the virus continues to have a devastating impact on society.

“I appreciate the frustrations and desire to play golf as soon as possible, but I urge you to continue following Government guidelines and save lives.”

The Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) and the Irish Ladies Golf Association announced last week that golf clubs in Eire would be reopening from May 18, while speculation was mounting the UK Government would relax a number of restrictions brought in during the lockdown to combat the coronarivus pandemic, which as seen more than 30,000 people die in the UK.

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Winning Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew (left) and 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie (right) with Scottish Golf club buisness manager Iain Evans, during the Zoom call

MORE than 300 people from across Scotland came together for an exclusive Zoom panel call with Major champions Paul Lawrie and Catriona Matthew.

Both Paul and Catriona contributed to discussions on a number of topics including junior golf in Scotland – their individual career highlights – and how they are adapting to challenges posed by the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Matthew, the only Scottish woman to ever win a Major after victory at the 2009 Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham, went on to lead Europe to victory at the Solheim Cup in September.

Meanwhile Lawrie, who survived the carnage on the last day of the 1999 Open at Carnoustie to come from 10 shots back to lift the Claret Jug, was named as Europe’s captain the Junior Ryder Cup in Wisconsin, in September – if the biennial clash against the USA gets the go-ahead.

The 30-minute call was the second in a series of events being delivered by the governing body to help club managers and golfers in dealing with the disruption facing the golf industry during the coronavirus pandemic.

The conversation, which can be watched back in full online here, was another huge success with a retention rate of 96 per cent, according to the organiser.

Iain Evans, who is Scttish Golf’s club business manager, said: “I would like to say a massive thank-you to our excellent panellists, Paul and Catriona for providing all of our attendees with fascinating insight into their illustrious careers and all things golf in Scotland.

“We know that these are uncertain and challenging times for everyone involved in our great game and it was a pleasure to be able to bring two of Scotland’s greats together to answer questions from golf club managers and golfers across Scotland.

“Our Zoom panel calls are providing some really valuable insights and we are delighted we can continue to embrace digital technology during this period to bring people from across our golfing community together.”

Details of the next Zoom panel call will be issued to all affiliated golf club in the coming days.

A Scottish Golf spokesman said: “We look forward to welcoming everyone online again soon.”

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Wiltshire’s Jake Bolton will be unable to defend his Scottish Amateur Strokeplay title with the 2020 Scottish Men’s Open at Muirfield now cancelled because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Picture by SCOTTISH GOLF

SCOTTISH Golf has become the first of the four Home Nations to completely cancel its entire domestic season as a result of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Eleanor Cannon, who chairs Scottish Golf, announced her board had decided to postpone all remaining events in its championship calendar as the number of deaths from COVID-19 continues to climb – and with no sign of the Government lockdown being lifted as it nears the end of its third week.

A number of Scottish Golf’s early season events in April were called off last month. But the complete suspension of all activities means there will be no Scottish Amateur Championship for either men or women in 2020.

The Scottish Amateur Championship was due to be held at Murcar at the end of July, while the Scottish Women’s Amateur was heading to Ladybank in early June.

Also scrubbed from the calendar is the Scottish Men’s Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship, which Muirfield was set to host from May 29-31.

The strokeplay event – won in 2019 by Wiltshire’s Jake Bolton – was moving to an earliier date in the season, the week before England’s Brabazon Trophy, which attracts a strong international field, and was being played at Sherwood Forest GC, before it was also cancelled last month.

The Scottish Girls Amateur was set to be played at Strathhaven at the same time as July’s Open Championship, while the Scottish Boys was to be played at Haggs Castle, from July 15-19.

Eleanor Cannon, who chairs Scottish Golf

Eleanor Cannon said: “This is the most difficult time we have all had to face in a generation, both personally and professionally.

“All of us have been affected by COVID-19 either directly or indirectly.

“Scottish Golf, like its member clubs, is having to make some tough decisions in light of a significant delay in our member income, so that we can continue to support our clubs as we come through these difficult times.

“To this end, we have furloughed the majority of our employees and made the necessary decisions as regards our season’s calendar of events.

“We have taken the decision to cancel all our events and our performance programmes for the remainder of the 2020 season.

“I recognise that, for each of our 575 affiliated clubs, our committees, employees and members, it is a time of uncertainty and stress.

“Tough decisions are being taken by your management teams so that your clubs can re-open their doors in as strong a position as is possible.

“Clubs need their members more than ever to support them financially so that they can survive the lockdown in an already tough market – and so that we each have our club to come back to.”

Scottish Golf is working on implementing the new WHS handicapping system which CONGU is due to roll out in the UK later in 2020

Work on VMS and WHS continues

SCOTTISH Golf stressed important work is still being carried out during the lockdown to ensure it was in a “positive position” when clubs and courses reopen.

The Hive eLearning platform is being developed further. which will allow clubs to access self-learning tools to manage various aspects of the club, including assistance with educating members on the WHS handicapping system, which had been set to be rolled out in 2020.

Work is also being finalised on the controversial Venue Management System project, which will control all future centralised handicapping under the new WHS system, as well as offering clubs a different way to manage their tee booking systems.

Some unhappy clubs have spoken out over statements that the current CONGU system, which is licensed for individual software companies that service golf clubs across the UK, will only be used north of the border in conjunction with the VMS system and app developed by Scottish Golf.

Scottish Golf’s chairwoman Eleanor Cannon said: “Work continues on the development and testing of VMS.

“We know that many clubs are using the current down time to learn the new system and we have retained team members to support (clubs) in this.

“We continue to liaise with Sport Scotland and the Government and we will ensure we communicate with you as and when decisions about the game are made.

“As a community we represent so much more than golf. Together, locally, we represent camaraderie, friendship, and support.

“We are all pulling together in the golf clubs that we love, reaching out to each other – making sure our golfing friends who are on their own and vulnerable are being looked after and feel supported by their club, and their fellow members.

“In time we will all get back out there onto our courses. For now, we must look after each other and the communities our clubs serve.

“Once we can start playing the game we love again, we will all work together to re-establish golf as the life blood of our communities.

“Thank you for the commitment you have shown us. We look forward to working with you all both now and in the future.”

Jake Bolton reached the South African Amateur Championship semi-finals in February before losing to Scotland’s James Wilson. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

Bolton fast out of the blocks in 2020

JAKE Bolton joined an illustrious list when he became just the seventh Englishman to win the Scottish Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship at The Duke’s St Andrew’s last summer.

The Wiltshire England A squad member capped off a fine season in which he led qualifying at the English Amateur at Hankley Common and North Hants GC at the end of July.

The Ogbourne Downs member had lost a play-off in the Selborne Salver, in April 2019, taking second place in the Hampshire Salver for the aggregate at Blackmoor GC and 24 hours later in the Hampshire Hog at North Hants GC.

The 21-year-old finished with back to back birdies to claim the Scottish Strokeplay – the biggest win of his career so far – to complete a wire-to-wire win at St Andrews.

Jake finished one shot ahead of Yorkshire’s Sam Bairstow – ironically it was the left-hander from Sheffield’s Hallowes club, who denied him the Hampshire Salver on countback.

Bolton said after his win: “This is a really nice way to end my season and to win in such an iconic place as St Andrews is special.

“Knowing my name is going to be beside some of these great players in this trophy is brilliant and a reward for the way I played.”

Former winners of the Scottish Strokeplay include Tommy Fleetwood, Paul McGinley, Stephen Gallacher, Andy Sullivan and Richie Ramsay, who have all gone on to win on the European Tour.

Bolton has committed to staying amateur for at least 18 months more to push for a place in the 2021 Walker Cup, which is due to be played in May, as Florida’s legendary Seminole GC is the planned host, meaning August’s traditional date would be too hot, and September – the normal date in the UK – would be in the hurricane season.

Bolton, who helped Wiltshire win the English Boys County Finals in 2015 and 2016, made a good start to the 2020 season in South Africa.

He reached the semi-final of the South African Amateur Championship, at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, in February.

But he was beaten by James Wilson, from Balmore GC, who went on to lose 7&6 to South Africa’s Casey Jarvis, in the final.

That was in the last week of February before the coronavirus pandemic took hold, cancelling the rest of the early amateur events of the new season and cancelling nearly all international travel within a month.

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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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Scottish Golf has urged clubs to contact the Government about financial help to cope with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak

HAVING cancelled the first three championships of the 2020 season because of the coronavirus outbreak, Scottish Golf is urging clubs worried about the financial impact of the growing pandemic to seek Government help.

A number of clubs north of the border have already been in touch with golf’s governing body over requests for financial assistance to assist from the expected drops in incomes the golf industry will face as people comply with Government advice to avoid widescale social contact.

Scottish Golf spokesman Cameron McLay said: “We have been asked by clubs about potential financial assistance from Government in light of announcements made last week.

“Our number one priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our community of golfers, clubs, volunteers and staff, ensuring that everyone is able to enjoy our great sport in a safe environment.”

Clubs worried about the financial impact of the restrictions advising the public to avoid travel wherever possible, and forcing sporting bodies to close down many events both locally and nationally, have been advised to contact the Scottish Government, which has already offered a support package worth £320million.

“Scottish Golf remains committed to ensuring the appropriate representations take place to ensure the concerns of our golf clubs are heard,” Mr McLay said.

More information about about support from Holyrood for businesses hit by the coronavirus outbreak can find out more about the support on offer by clicking here.

Help spread best practice on coronavirus says Scottish Golf

IN Scottish Golf”s latest advice given to golf clubs about the growing threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it urged golf clubs to share their best practices on adapting their businesses to the health scare.

In its statement issued on Tuesday, Scottish Golf said: “We are aware of clubs looking to put in place specific changes to their business operations as part of their response to COVID-19.

“In this regard, we would welcome clubs to share their best practice with Scottish Golf which will allow us to share it with the wider golfing community in Scotland.

“Scottish Golf are aware that this is a difficult and concerning time for everyone involved in our game and we are committed to communicating with you in a timely manner regarding the latest developments relating to COVID-19.”

To support everyone during this period, a new designated area on the Scottish Golf website has been set up to ensure updates are clear and accessible to all. Click here to access them.

Delamare Forest’s James Ashfield won the 2019 Scottish Boys Open Championship at West Kilbride GC.

The Scottish Boys Open Championship at North Berwick and the Scottish Girls at Powfoot, from April 8-10, have both been cancelled while the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open at Royal Troon, from April 17-19, has also been called off.

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The first Scottish Junior Flag Championship is planned for 2020 and backed by Scottish Golf and the Paul Lawrie and Stephen Gallacher Foundations

SCOTTISH Golf has announced the first-ever Scottish Junior Flag Championship to create more playing opportunities for youngsters under the age of 12 who are new to the game.

A number of special events will take place across all regions of Scotland – leading to regional finals – which will also support golf clubs’ efforts to retain more junior members by giving U12 players, without a handicap, competitive golf in a “fun and friendly environment.”

Juniors will play on a shortened nine-hole course with a modified scoring format. Each player will be given a flag and starting at the first hole, they will have 36 shots to play as many holes as possible – placing their flag where their 36th shot finishes.

Golf clubs can now register to take part in the Scottish Junior Flag Championship and once entered they will be provided with a competition pack that provides resources required to stage an event for eligible juniors at their club.

The top four players from club qualifier events will then be invited to represent clubs at a regional event hosted by one of  three of Scottish Golf’s partners – the Stephen Gallacher and Paul Lawrie Foundations and The Junior Flag Challenge.

The new partnership will see all three organisations work together with clubs to increase the number of Flag Golf events across the country.

Scottish Golf’s junior development manager Gavin Forrester said: “This innovative event format has proved popular across our partners’ junior events.

“We are looking forward to working together with both Stephen Gallacher and Paul Lawrie’s Foundations as well as The Junior Flag Challenge to deliver this new event to ensure it is successful for everyone involved on the frontline of junior golf.

“We are very keen to encourage clubs to get kids out on the course playing in fun competitions and this format is a great way of doing that.

“Events and competitions like the Scottish Junior Flag Championship are a key area in our new National Junior Framework which will be rolled out in the coming months and to be working in partnership with Paul and Stephen’s foundations, who do so much great work for junior golf, is a big step forward.”

Paul Lawrie Foundation manager Michael MacDougall said: “Delivering these events alongside our partner organisations is something we’re looking forward to and we believe that the Scottish Junior Flag Championship will provide a great competition pathway for grassroots golf in Scotland.“The resources that clubs will receive have been developed in partnership with those on the frontline of junior golf so that clubs can continue to deliver these events throughout the season, adding to their junior activity.”

Stephen Gallacher Foundation manager Scott Knowles said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Scottish Golf to support the delivery of these flag events with golf clubs throughout Scotland.

“By working together, this initiative will provide young people with a good opportunity to learn and develop on the course. These easy to organise events will also be a great addition for clubs to deliver flag events as part of their junior programme.”

Junior Golf director Gregg Sommerville said: “This is the first of two events we are working on with Scottish Golf as part of the new National Junior Framework.

“We know that young people in golf want more chances to compete for their club as part of a team and the Scottish Junior Flag Championship is a really exciting series that will provide young golfers across the country with this opportunity.”

•To find out more information on the Scottish Junior Flag Championship and how clubs can participate, click here.

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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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