General Play Scores Procedure
General Play Scores gives golf club members the opportunity to submit scores from casual rounds to count towards their Handicap Index.
Acceptability of Scores
A score is acceptable for handicap purposes if the round has been played:
Scores Not Acceptable for Handicap Purposes
A score is not acceptable for handicap purposes and must not form part of a player’s scoring record in a number of instances. A non-exhaustive list examples consist of the following:
Procedure
In order to avail of a General Play Score for handicap purposes during the active playing season, a player must:
If the correct procedure is followed, a General Play Score will be returned to Golf Ireland and will count as one of the 20 most recent recorded scores on the player’s record within the Golf Ireland database. The player’s Handicap Index will be based on the best 8 out of the last 20 recorded scores. All Handicap Indices are updated nightly.
Rounds played which do not fully comply with the requisite steps will be deleted from the player’s record within the Golf Ireland database.
APPENDIX 1 at the bottom of this document sets out the steps to follow under particular types of scenario.
Application of Penalty Scores for failure to return a score following pre-registration
It is the player’s responsibility to ensure all pre-registered score intents are satisfied in full. Where a score has not been returned, the player must promptly send a notification email to [email protected] setting out reasons for not doing so. Failure will result in the creation of a Penalty Score on the player’s record as follows:
Perceived attempt by a player to maintain a low Handicap Index
Handicap Committee Action:
Substitute revised Penalty Score equal to the highest adjusted Gross Score in the last 20 scores.
Perceived attempt by a player to maintain a high Handicap Index
Handicap Committee Action:
Substitute revised Penalty Score equal to the lowest adjusted Gross Score in the last 20 scores.
For subsequent and persistent non-returns, in addition to the actions identified above, the Handicap Committee may consider disciplinary measures which could include (but are not limited to) the temporary freezing of a player’s Handicap Index and/or suspension of participation in Competitions and/or General Play for a period of time.
Handicap Committee
Beech Park Golf Club
APPENDIX 1
Scenario 1
If playing at Beech Park, neither the Golf Ireland App nor the Club V1 system is accessible on the day of play:
Scenario 2
If playing at an away club, neither the Golf Ireland App nor local club system are accessible on the day of play:
Scenario 3
If playing overseas, the following steps must be followed for a General Play Score to be acceptable for handicap purposes:
Acceptability of Scores
A score is acceptable for handicap purposes if the round has been played:
- In an authorised format of play (Strokeplay, Stableford or Par/Bogey);
- Over a minimum number of holes (9 for 9 holes and 10 for 18 holes). All scores will be scaled up to an 18-hole score differential;
- On a golf course with a current Course Rating and Slope Rating, where length and normal playing activity is maintained at a consistent level;
- In the company of one other person holding an active WHS Handicap Index who shall act as marker/attester;
- By the Rules of Golf. In particular, a player must act with integrity and attempt to make the best score possible at each hole;
- On a golf course during the active playing season.
Scores Not Acceptable for Handicap Purposes
A score is not acceptable for handicap purposes and must not form part of a player’s scoring record in a number of instances. A non-exhaustive list examples consist of the following:
- The Rules of Golf are ignored or breached;
- While the player is being coached on the golf course;
- When the player uses non-conforming equipment;
- When the number or type of golf clubs to be used is restricted;
- When score cannot be verified by another person;
- Not playing the required number of holes;
- When a player does not play their own ball (for example Scramble);
- On a golf course where winter rules apply on the day of play.
Procedure
In order to avail of a General Play Score for handicap purposes during the active playing season, a player must:
- Pre-register, before start of play, an intention to return a General Play Score for handicap purposes. This must be done either on the Golf Ireland App or the ClubV1 system on the Club’s computer terminal. Select the tees from which it is intended to play;
- Before starting the round, ensure the following information is entered on the scorecard – date of round, player details (name and Golf Ireland CDH membership number), marker’s name and marker’s Golf Ireland CDH membership number;
- After the round, return the score using the same method that was used to sign-in (Golf Ireland or Club V1 system). Ensure the score card is signed by both player and marker, clearly marked ‘General Play Return’;
- Place the scorecard in the General Play scorebox located in the Club’s locker room;
- For rounds played at an away club, please follow Steps 1, 2 and 3 above. Retain the scorecard and, on your next visit to Beech Park, place the scorecard in the General Play scorebox located in the Club’s locker room. It is expected that this should take place within two to three days but, if the player prefers, a photograph of the fully completed score card may be emailed to [email protected] . Regardless of the method chosen, the fully completed scorecard, or photograph thereof, must be received by the Handicap Committee within three (3) days of the date the round of golf was played.
If the correct procedure is followed, a General Play Score will be returned to Golf Ireland and will count as one of the 20 most recent recorded scores on the player’s record within the Golf Ireland database. The player’s Handicap Index will be based on the best 8 out of the last 20 recorded scores. All Handicap Indices are updated nightly.
Rounds played which do not fully comply with the requisite steps will be deleted from the player’s record within the Golf Ireland database.
APPENDIX 1 at the bottom of this document sets out the steps to follow under particular types of scenario.
Application of Penalty Scores for failure to return a score following pre-registration
It is the player’s responsibility to ensure all pre-registered score intents are satisfied in full. Where a score has not been returned, the player must promptly send a notification email to [email protected] setting out reasons for not doing so. Failure will result in the creation of a Penalty Score on the player’s record as follows:
- For pre-registered score intents created through either the Golf Ireland App or relevant club software – Golf Ireland will apply an automated Penalty Score being the sum of Course Rating + Course Handicap. However, an automated Penalty Score may be reversed and/or amended by the Handicap Committee where it considers there has been an unintended consequence;
- For all other pre-registered score intents – the Handicap Committee will apply a manual Penalty Score being the sum of Course Rating + Course Handicap.
Perceived attempt by a player to maintain a low Handicap Index
Handicap Committee Action:
Substitute revised Penalty Score equal to the highest adjusted Gross Score in the last 20 scores.
Perceived attempt by a player to maintain a high Handicap Index
Handicap Committee Action:
Substitute revised Penalty Score equal to the lowest adjusted Gross Score in the last 20 scores.
For subsequent and persistent non-returns, in addition to the actions identified above, the Handicap Committee may consider disciplinary measures which could include (but are not limited to) the temporary freezing of a player’s Handicap Index and/or suspension of participation in Competitions and/or General Play for a period of time.
Handicap Committee
Beech Park Golf Club
APPENDIX 1
Scenario 1
If playing at Beech Park, neither the Golf Ireland App nor the Club V1 system is accessible on the day of play:
- Before starting the round, pre-register manually by completing the pre-registration form available from the Pro-Shop;
- Ensure the following information is entered on the scorecard – date of round, player details (name and Golf Ireland CDH membership number) marker’s name and marker’s Golf Ireland CDH membership number;
- After the round, ensure the score card is signed by both player and marker, clearly marked ‘General Play Return’;
- Send an email to [email protected] informing the date of play and score returned;
- Place the fully completed scorecard in the General Play scorebox located in the Club’s locker room.
Scenario 2
If playing at an away club, neither the Golf Ireland App nor local club system are accessible on the day of play:
- Before starting the round, follow the local club procedure for registration;
- Ensure the following information is entered on the scorecard – date of round, player details (name and Golf Ireland CDH membership number), marker’s name and marker’s Golf Ireland CDH membership number;
- After the round, ensure the score card is signed by both player and marker, clearly marked ‘General Play Return’;
- Send an email to [email protected] informing the date of play, name of club and score returned;
- Retain the scorecard and evidence of pre-registration and, on your next visit to Beech Park, place both in the General Play scorebox located in the Club’s locker room. It is expected that this should take place within two to three days but, if the player prefers, a photograph of the fully completed score card may be emailed to [email protected] . Regardless of the method chosen, the fully completed scorecard, or photograph thereof, must be received by the Handicap Committee within three (3) days of the date the round of golf was played.
Scenario 3
If playing overseas, the following steps must be followed for a General Play Score to be acceptable for handicap purposes:
- Before the round, send an email to [email protected] informing the date of round, Golf Ireland CDH membership number, name of golf club, golf course details inclusive of selected tee markers plus corresponding Course and Slope ratings.
- After the round, ensure the score card is dated and signed by both player and marker, clearly marked General Play Return’. Promptly send a photograph of the duly completed score card to [email protected] which, in any event, must be received by the Handicap Committee within three (3) days of the date the round of golf was played.