| Although the new World Handicapping System (WHS) was launched on 2nd November 2020, we have not been able to fully embed it because the course has been non- qualifying for handicap purposes due to winter conditions and the prohibition of golf during lockdown. Understandably my previous weekly WHS awareness articles will no longer be foremost in your minds, so I will be issuing a short series of refresher articles over the next few weeks.
I also recognize that we are welcoming a number of new members some of whom may not already have an official Handicap Index (HI). Details of how to obtain an initial Handicap Index can be found on page 4 of the Club Handbook. This can be found be either logging into the Member Area on the club website – https://bracken.greengoneblue.co.uk/members-area/ or by browsing to the Documents section in the V1 Members Hub Application. I would also recommend that we all familiarize ourselves with the WHS Overview on our dedicated Club webpage https://bracken.greengoneblue.co.uk/whs/ . This is specifically tailored to Bracken Ghyll and includes links to additional information and resources.
BACK TO GOLF – We plan to present a qualifying course for Handicap purposes with effect from 12th April.
Your Handicap Index (HI) is your starting point. You then need to determine your Course Handicap (CH) by using the Slope Rating Conversion Chart which can be found on the outside wall of the clubhouse between the Pro Shop window and the main entrance. (N.B. To simplify this process we will also be providing easy to follow Conversion charts in the foyer.)
The chart takes account the Course Slope Rating and adjusts your HI dependent on the tee you are playing from. You will see that there are 4 separate tee columns, White, Yellow, Blue (Seniors) and Red.
You simply focus on the Tee you will be playing from and based on your HI, you determine your Course Handicap (CH). For example:
Sarah, playing off Red Tees with HI of 20.4 results in a CH of 22.
Terry, playing off White Tees with a HI of 22.5 results in a CH of 24, off the Yellow Tees it would be CH of 23 whereas if he played from the Blue (Seniors) Tees it would be CH of 22.
Dependent on the format of some club competitions you may need to need to apply a further Handicap Allowance restriction to determine your Playing Handicap (more details next week).
SCORECARD – you will be using our new WHS version scorecards.
Firstly, you will see that the Seniors Course is now shown separately and is designated as our Blue Course. Secondly, you will see that there are three Handicap boxes for you to enter your Handicap Index, Course Handicap and Playing Handicap.
CONGU Guidance G2.1b/ – Handicap On The Scorecard – confirms that to AVOID DISQUALIFICATION under Rule 3.3b (4) of the Rules of Golf the player MUST put his/her Course Handicap on the scorecard. If using a scorecard over the next few weeks, please get into the habit of recording BOTH your Handicap Index (HI) and Course Handicap (CH).
HOW CAN I ACCESS MY HANDICAP INDEX ?
If you have not yet determined your HI it can be accessed by registration via the England Golf or HowDidIDo websites. These also have Smart Applications which can be downloaded and used on most “Smart” mobile phones such as Android and Apple (IOS) devices.
I have attached at the bottom of this email guidance on how to complete this registration. We have also provided guidance on our website.
Bracken Ghyll GC like other clubs, is required to provide members with access to their HI. You are encouraged to register with the websites / applications mentioned above, but we will be providing two options for you to access your HI at the Clubhouse:
1. A hard copy list of Members in the foyer
2. A touch screen available in the foyer near the Pro Shop door. This provides members with the option of accessing their HI on the screen, subject to sanitising procedures.
As a fallback position and in the meantime, if you remain unable to access your HI please email me using the address below.
Should you have any queries please remember our dedicated WHS email address whs@brackenghyll.co.uk.
I hope that the rain stays away, the sun shines and the breeze is light so that you can enjoy our great game on our special course.
George Auterson
Chair of C&H
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