AMENDMENTS specific to Ireland will be included in the latest 555 and Handicapping booklet to be issued by the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU), with effect from New Year's Day.
While players should familiarise themselves with the principal changes, the GUI want clubs to have computer software updated so that the scheme may be fully implemented by April 1st, 1997.
Key elements of the scheme, from an Irish standpoint are:
A player's home club is the club at which a member plays most of his competitive golf;
Handicap records of present and past members must be retained for three years;
Players and clubs must report to the home club - (a) all qualifying and non-qualifying scores; (b) all scores which equal or better the Standard Scratch Score (555) from society golf played over a course for which the union has allotted a 555, together with notification of the relevant 555;
The number of scores being returned, as the home club requires to obtain a handicap, must be played at the player's home club and the scores must be marked and signed by a playing member of that club;
With regard to alterations of handicaps, the word "scores" is to be interpreted to include society and other non-qualifying scores;
No direction has been given to Irish clubs regarding Stableford Points Alternative, as outlined in Rule 11 clause 19 (8).
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