General Play (To be used OUTSIDE Competition times on Saturday and Sunday).
Rounds counting for handicapping purposes.
As the World Handicap System permits scores recorded in general play rounds to count for
handicapping purposes, please note the following requirements for such scores:
• The course must be In “Acceptable Score” condition
• Players must register their intention to return a general play score for handicapping purposes
BEFORE they start their round.
• The above guidance on using physical scorecards and electronic devices applies for general play
rounds.
The Golf Ireland app allows players to register the intent to return a score, electronically
certify scores by a player and marker, and facilitates verification/amendment of the player’s
Handicap Index, and therefore can be prescribed as the method for returning General Play
scores by any club, should the Club so determine. A club may also choose alternative methods
for accepting such scores provided they comply with the above guidance.
• Where an App/electronic device is being used to return a general play score for handicapping
purposes as an alternative to a physical scorecard, the player and the marker should verbally
agree on the scores immediately after completing the round.
Some problems experienced to date:
Creating scorecard – You must be in the vicinity of the course to CREATE a scorecard and SUBMIT a score.
Check you have enough time to complete registration BEFORE you play and submit your score AFTER you finish
Selecting Marker – This is the TEE Marker (Black/Blue/Red/White) you intend to play from.
The club staff will verify which TEE MARKERS are in play (Usually Blue/Red/White). BLACK tee markers are not in play for casual golf.
If an incorrect Marker (TEE) is selected and cannot be changed, start AGAIN.
Select ATTESTER (a player who will verify your score on completion of the round).
The ATTESTER will get a message to verify your score and he/she should check their messages in the app.
You can send a reminder from the MESSAGE section of the app.
Putting in SCORE for individual holes. Use the + and – buttons to select the score including pick ups, three dots beside + and – signs.
When your round is completed SIGN the app and ENTER the name of the ATTESTER.
Click FINISH and check if APPROVED.
If you have further questions please email handicaps handicaps@stmargaretsgolf.com
Extract from Golf Ireland site regarding acceptable scores etc.
COVID-19: Guidance for Clubs and Golfers on playing rounds and submitting Acceptable Scores for handicapping purposes.
For golfers and golf clubs, the below checklist provides a summary overview of requirements in order for golf activities to count for handicap purposes. Please note in particular that the guidance below on using physical scorecards and electronic devices has been updated following a review by the Joint WHS Committee of competition activities in 2020. Guidance has been sought from The R&A to ensure the below requirements comply with the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Handicapping.
All counting rounds and acceptable scores for handicapping purposes must conform with the following:
R&A guidance on the Rules during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Rules of Golf Golf Ireland’s Living with COVID Protocol
The Rules of Handicapping
All scores must be promptly returned to the Committee on the day of play in accordance with Rule 3.3B(2) of the Rules of Golf and Rule 4.3 of the Rules of Handicapping. For more information on the World Handicap System and the Rules of Handicapping, see www.golfireland.ie/handicap-system
Removal of rakes from bunkers
In accordance with Golf Ireland’s Living with COVID Protocol rakes must be removed from bunkers.
The Club Committee may introduce a local rule allowing placing in bunkers using the wording in
Model Local Rule E-3.
Modifications to Flagsticks
Golf Clubs must continue to employ the protective measures around flagsticks and hole depths that were used in 2020.
Using Physical Scorecards without cards being countersigned.
If physical scorecards are used, in all cases the MARKER should enter the player’s scores on a scorecard (it is advisable that each player keep their own score as well as the score of the person they are marking). At the end of the round, the marker should ask the player to verbally certify his/her scores, and then write the player’s name in the player’s signature slot. The marker signs the card in the marker’s signature slot.
Electronic Devices as an alternative to physical scorecards.
Committees may continue to determine that an electronic score return is sufficient without the return of a physical card, but this should happen only where the software or solution which the Committee employs:
• Allows the hole scores to be electronically certified by the player and his/her marker
• Has a facility to register intent to return a score before the player starts the round on the day of play only
• Allows verification/amendment of the player’s Handicap Index
Electronic Devices used alongside scorecards:
If the electronic solution used by the Committee does not have this functionality, it may still be used, but used only to assist the Committee in the same way as players may in the past have returned scorecards and entered scores on a computer terminal. A physical scorecard should also be returned to the Committee.
Eddie Hyland
