Handicaps of 45 to be allowed

There are big changes afoot in the women's game, with the highly-respected Elizabeth Earnshaw - the first woman to referee at the British and US Opens - describing the adoption of the new handicapping system as "a voyage into relatively uncharted waters."

Whatever, the Irish Ladies Golf Union has been swept along on this wave of change and, from February 1st next, new handicapping criteria will operate in this country's 340 affiliated clubs. The decision was taken by the ILGU Council on August 28th (and not before the clubs had been consulted, an impression given out by the LGU prior to that date).

Ireland has, however, gone along with the moves in England, Wales and Scotland to implement the new system which is an attempt to achieve a closer unity with handicapping procedures in use throughout continental Europe, where there was a belief that women's handicaps in these islands were too low. A seminar will be held in Dublin (venue to be decided) next month to educate the ILGU's handicap managers on the system. They will then venture out to every club for a series of exhaustive meetings over the winter months to explain the new procedures to handicapping committees.

One of the main features of the new handicapping system is the increase of the upper limit in women's handicaps to 45, from 36. The new categories are: (1) 5 and under; (2) 6 to 12; (3) 13 to 20; (4) 21 to 28; (5) 29 to 40; and (6) 41 to 45. The system's adoption will mean a greater uniformity throughout Europe, but its implementation could lead to a hectic winter for officials all around Ireland, although ILGU secretary Pat Turvey commented: "Hopefully it will be a painless exercise."

Another major change in the handicapping system is the introduction of a general play rule where players can be cut in handicap on observation.

Certainly, it is one of the most revolutionary moves to have affected women players - and the ILGU Council's decision was arrived at only after consultation with the clubs. However, it will mean a significant change in the women's game.

As Earnshaw, who is chairman of the LGU Rules and Regulations sub-committee, stated: "The introduction of the new handicapping system is the beginning of a voyage by the Ladies' Golf Union and its members into relatively uncharted waters, but the initial bonus will be that, after the system has been in operation for a period of 12 months, there will be a much clearer picture of the standard of golf currently being played by the members of the LGU (and the ILGU, of course) on which to base further developments and improvements." Meanwhile, Ireland will hope that home advantage at Lahinch will help them end a nine-year drought in the competition when the women's Home Internationals begin there tomorrow. Ireland haven't won the title since 1986 at Whittingham Barracks when Claire Dowling (nee Hourihane), who is this year's captain, was a member of the team.

However, the women will have to do without the advice of national coach Howard Bennett, who is also coach to the men's team. Ireland's men - despite being hit by a number of defections to the professional ranks, including Walker Cup players Keith Nolan and Richard Coughlan, last year's national champion Peter Lawrie and current East of Ireland champion Sean Quinlivan - entertain high hopes of ending their own drought.

They are seeking to win the Home Internationals outright at Burnham & Berrow for what would be the first time since their triumph at Rosses Point in 1991.