MENS OPEN COMP

I like a lot of shakers browse the sites of clubs looking for a mens open comp to take part in. Why is it that there are Juniors, womens, mixed pairs, seniors and senior pairs comps but hardly ever mens singles opens. Can anyone clear this up for me?

Dave CAC handed Geordie.

Dave, get yourself over to Golf Empire, great site for Open Golf Club competitions around the UK

http://www.golfempire.co.uk/

they also list the individuals - http://www.golfempire.co.uk/category/individual.htm

there is also:

Open Club Competitions: http://www.opengolfclubcompetitions.co.uk/

Golf Club Opens: http://www.golfclubopens.co.uk/

and the Happy Golf booklets: http://www.happygolf.co.uk/

Have you looked on golf empire website. But watch out for the handicap limit as it's often just single figure golfers. but if you are prepared to travel there are more in the surrounding counties. Also, if you have a playing partener there are lots of pairs comps and they usually have high handap limits.  http://golfempire.co.uk/county/sussex-individual.htm

Dammit Darren, you posted as I was writing my response !

Good we both suggested Golf Empire though

Looks like they req an active CONGU handicap which I believe golfshake handicap is not. How strict are they at these events regarding handicap?

Dave CAC handed Geordie.

Dave I would imagine very strict as they wouldn't want trophy hunters turning up on the day walking away with the spoils!

Very strict - you won't find an Open that doesn't require a proper handicap.

Dave - where are you based?

James, I have known Open Club Comps accept non club handicaps in the past.  As you say very strict and completely up to the club.

The UK golf handicap system isn't helped by some of the new 'associate' memberships that allow 'official' handicaps by joining for £40 then taking part in 3 club comps for £20 each.  Some of them are promoted as 'official' handicaps for open club competitions for £100 !   where is the loyalty and handicap checking in this ?

Matt, I am based in Crawley, west sussex.

Dave CAC handed Geordie.

CONGU are aware of this and are actively dealing with the problem - see Decision 8 in the current handbook.

To save the google. http://www.scottishgolf.org/files/CONGU_UHS_2012-20153.pdf

Yes that's good to see but not stopping some clubs marketing.  I'm also still shocked to hear stories about some clubs not caring about a players past history when moving clubs and giving higher handicaps!

How well do handicaps actually transfer from course to course? SSS seems predominantly a function of length but if only it were that simple. 

Maybe that's why some club might think X at one club is worth X + 2 here or whatever.

Dave, as others have said, I don't think you will find an Open at a private club that does not require a CONGU handicap.

For anyone looking for opens to play in Warwickshire the new county website lists them all http://www.warwickshiregolf.com/club_opens

Richard