Handicaps

[DutchGolf]

9 hours ago, Ernest Jones said:

You cannot play golf on your own without a licence?

How tightly is that enforced? Is that the case at all courses? That's quite the obstacle to enticing new players to the game!

 

No that is not possible. @Big_in_Belgium is spot on, people without a license are restricted to the range and to the pitch and putt courses. It can be quite some obstacle to new players, and it can be a cause of golfers being viewed as elitist for a bit, although it is improving. On the other hand, it ensures that people on the course have basic knowledges on rules, etiquette and on how to swing a club, which could improve everyones enjoyment. I am happy with this system. Yes it is a bit of a hassle to start, but you have to take lessons and I certainly improved because of those lessons. 

[Lihu]

3 hours ago, DutchGolf said:

 

No that is not possible. @Big_in_Belgium is spot on, people without a license are restricted to the range and to the pitch and putt courses. It can be quite some obstacle to new players, and it can be a cause of golfers being viewed as elitist for a bit, although it is improving. On the other hand, it ensures that people on the course have basic knowledges on rules, etiquette and on how to swing a club, which could improve everyones enjoyment. I am happy with this system. Yes it is a bit of a hassle to start, but you have to take lessons and I certainly improved because of those lessons. 

That might not be such a bad thing over here too. I certainly would not have objected to taking a course and test. . .

[Fourputt]

34 minutes ago, Lihu said:

That might not be such a bad thing over here too. I certainly would not have objected to taking a course and test. . .

If you think that folks are upset about the new handicap posting rules, then just try and suggest that they need to pass both theory and playing tests before they ever set foot on a course.  Americans have the inalienable right to act and look as stupid and uninformed as they want in almost any venue, golf course not excepted.

[Lihu]

20 minutes ago, Fourputt said:

If you think that folks are upset about the new handicap posting rules, then just try and suggest that they need to pass both theory and playing tests before they ever set foot on a course.  Americans have the inalienable right to act and look as stupid and uninformed as they want in almost any venue, golf course not excepted.

That's really what separates us from the rest of the world.