Summary Information for Competition Secretaries

Exceptional Circumstances - CONGU rule 23B allows for the adjustment of an allocated handicap in VERY exceptional circumstances, such as impaired golf due to illness or injury, or series of good cards in non qualifying competitions.
Annual Review: The computer generated report for the Annual Review should be treated as a GUIDE, not an absolute. It compares a player's scores against the "perfect golfer" of that handicap. If a player has submitted around 7 competition cards, then it is probable that their handicap is correct.
DQ'd cards for handicaps - A player who signs for a higher score is not DQ'd, but one who signs for a lower score is. Previously, both counted for handicap, but only the lower score was corrected. Now both have been adjusted so that a player is handicapped on ACTUAL performance.
Alternative Day Competitions - Ladies have been breaking the rules of golf for years with regard to alternative day competitions. If a player has elected to play a competition on the later of the two days, but plays social golf on the course on the first day, technically this is classified as "practicing on the course." CONGU have provided wording that must be incorporated into the conditions of entry to get around this.
Non Qualifying Competitions - During the winter, a committee may deem a course unfit for qualifier because of conditions, even if winter rules are not in place. In such circumstances, the competition cannot be made a reduction only and no players handicap will change in either direction.
Preferred Lies - occur between 1st October and 30th April. They can be extended by applying to the local authority. It is at the CLUB level, so men and ladies both have the same conditions. Clubs have been lax in asking permission. It can be done retrospectively, but it must be done within a couple of days of the competition.
EWGA Medals - LGU medals ceased from 31st January 2009 and EWGA medals started 1st February 2009. There are no divisions, no alternative days and from 2010 ladies with an inactive handicap will not be able to enter. EWGA provide a number of prizes and run regional competitions. Click here for more detail
Active/Inactive Handicaps in Competitions - With effect from 2010 handicaps will either be Active or Inactive. Click here for a sheet drawn up by the EGU/EWGA explaining the system in detail.
9 Hole Competitions - can be run as Qualifying Competitions if a club has a 9 hole standard scratch. It is recommended that clubs have separate cards for nine hole competitions. Click here for a sample card
EWGA Rose Spoon - EWGA award a Rose Spoon each month for the best nett score nationally. Entries must be submitted to EWGA by the clubs. Please remember to submit the card if anyone from your club has an exceptional round.

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