Munster Branch makes first move on handicap anomaly

The first steps to remove a controversial anomaly in golf’s handicap system were taken at this week’s Golfing Union of Ireland Munster Branch AGM at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow.

Players can currently pay an entrance fee to a competition, not take part and still be entitled to an increase of 0.1 in handicap. Castletroy moved that “if a player fails to return a scorecard, his exact handicap shall not be adjusted. And if a player fails to complete the stipulated course or returns an incomplete card, his exact handicap shall not be adjusted”.

There was considerable and animated support for the motion, although category one golfers were excluded. Limerick Golf Club also successfully put through a motion that “no player can receive more than 20 point ones [0.1s] from qualifying competitions during a calendar year”.