Following a number of comments and queries from members in recent weeks, the Playing Committee has agreed to adopt the following rule for Men’s competitions from July 1st.
“In order to be eligible for prizes and recognition as the official winner in all men’s competitions, entrants must have a minimum of 8 scores on their handicap record in the year to the date of the competition, including a minimum of 4 competition scores.”
The reason for this is to try and ensure as level a playing field as possible for all entrants – i.e. to help ensure that people are playing off a handicap that reflects their current playing ability. A number of other clubs in Northumberland already use a rule of this sort.
This will exclude the matchplay competitions that are already underway for this year.
Members who do not meet this criterion (including new members and those with new handicaps) will still be able to enter competitions. Their scores will be processed in the normal way through the computer, and submitted to WHS where the competition format allows, thus allowing them to develop their handicap record. However, they will not be eligible to win the sweep prizes, or to have their names on the honours boards or trophies.
As you may be aware 50% of the current entry fee for competitions goes to the club to cover admin, and the remaining 50% provides the fund for sweep prizes. Accordingly, those entrants to competitions who do not meet the criteria for the above rule will not be required to pay the sweep element. That means that for the current year (2026) entrance fees will be £1.50 for those who do not meet the criteria, but will remain at £3 for all others.
The Playing Committee