Category: News

On November 2nd, the World Handicap System (WHS) will come into effect in Ireland alongside the other Home Unions of England, Scotland and Wales.

While the previous CONGU Handicapping System was an incremental one, the WHS is an averaging system based using the best 8 of the last 20 scores on your record.

This new system will provide maximum enjoyment for all by enabling all golfers, from anywhere in the world, to play and compete with others on a fair basis.

At this point, all handicap records are in the process of being transferred to the new WHS system, which will replace Golfnet. Here are some things you will need to consider in preparation for the new system.

Do I need to do anything to transfer my handicap to the new WHS?
No, your handicap records will be automatically transferred and your club has been given access to the WHS platform in advance.

As the site comes online, which is likely to be during the afternoon or early evening on 2nd November, you will be able to create a new WHS system account. You will do this using your eight-digit CDH number and 4-digit PIN, both of which are printed on the rear of your GUI/ILGU Member Card. This will allow you to view your handicap index and further details of where to create this account will be shared on November 2nd.

If your PIN is missing from the back of your card, you can look it up on Golfnet or ask your Handicap Secretary to get it for you from Golfnet.

If you have lost your card then your club must order a new card for you.

What if my handicap has changed significantly?
Don’t panic!

It is likely that your handicap index will change from your current CONGU handicap. This change is not an exact science as the data from an old system (CONGU) has been used to calculate new WHS Indices. While this has been done as accurately as possible, there will be some anomalies.

The Handicap Index you view on November 2nd will fluctuate as you begin to submit eligible scores under the new system.

However, if you feel that your handicap index is significantly inaccurate there is a recommended process to follow:

Members should first address their query to their Handicap Secretary/Committee.

Your club knows you and your playing ability. In the vast majority of cases your club will be able to make an adjustment to your Handicap Index and resolve the situation for you quickly. It must also be noted that this transition has been a huge effort for your club Handicap Secretary/Committee, all of whom are volunteers. We ask that you consider this workload when asking for your query to be addressed.

If the Handicap Secretary/Committee cannot answer the query, the Handicap Secretary should forward it to the ILGU Handicap Advisor or GUI Handicapping Convenor/Branch Office.

If the Handicap Advisor/Convenor/Branch cannot answer the query it should be forwarded to handicapping@golfireland.ie for the attention of the National Handicap Committee.

If necessary, Golf Ireland will refer the query to the WHS Committee.
The process of accurately assigning scores to courses/tees has been challenging. Scores from the old system were never linked with a course/set of tees. So, we’ve had to apply a set of rules to try to map scores to courses in the new system. Whilst this process has worked for the vast majority of scores, there are some scores that have been assigned to courses/tees other than those played on the day. In cases where this has a material effect on the calculation of the WHS Index, we’re working with your Handicapping Committee to apply a fix. Please bear with us over the coming weeks, while we complete this process.
How do I use my new WHS Handicap Index?
Golf Ireland have provided Course & Slope Rating tables to all golf clubs. These tables should be positioned in clear locations around the club making it simple for golfers to find prior to beginning their round.

You simply have to choose the tees you are playing off that day and cross reference your Handicap Index on the Course & Slope Rating table to ascertain your Course Handicap. Different tees on the same course could have varying slope ratings. Your Course Handicap determines the number of strokes you give or receive off the tee set you intend to play from.

Then, depending on the format you are playing (singles, fourball etc.) you will apply a handicap allowance to your course handicap which will present you with your playing handicap.

For example: The recommended handicap allowance for individual stroke play events is 95% which means a player could have a course handicap of 15 but a playing handicap of 14.

More information on the World Handicap System can be found at www.golfnet.ie/whs

It is not necessary for play to take place on both days over the weekend for the competition to go ahead. Prizes will be a follows;

If at least 14 players play across Saturday or Sunday, 1 turkey will be on offer

If over 25, 2 turkeys

If over 40, 3 turkeys

Players are asked to continue to return their scores electronically.

Thank you, Crossgar GC

Please find below, guidance which applies to golf club activities in clubs situated in Northern Ireland under the NI Executives COVID Plan, which takes effect from 16 October at 6 pm. 

At a time when the trajectory of the disease is not where we want it to be, it is essential that all golf clubs operate within this guidance – and in doing so continue to show the high levels of safety consciousness that has been a feature since reopening. 

We encourage golfers to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before their pre-booked tee time, to play their game and depart the facility as soon as possible afterwards. Clubs are reminded that no social gatherings can take place at the club. 

It is essential that all club officials and members familiarise themselves with this guidance, and play their part in ensuring our sport remains open and accessible at this uncertain time.

Following the NI Executives announcement in relation to increased restrictions due to COVID-19, golf clubs and golfers must continue to adhere to the following:

•  Clubs may continue activities which are qualifying for handicapping purposes
•  No social gatheringsat the facility.
•  Staff Members should work from home where at all possible
•  Members, their guests, visitors and staff with colds or any symptoms of COVID-19 must stay away from the golf course/clubhouse.
•  Physical distancing rules are observed by all members and their guests at all times in the car park, clubhouse and on the course. 
•  Personnel are on hand to monitor adherence with physical distancing rules and the rules for golfers set out in this document.
•  Tee times are booked in advance online or over the telephone. Clubs must ensure that players names (including members’ guests and visitors) are recorded on timesheets and timesheets must be kept for a period of at least 6 weeks to assist with contact tracing should the need arise.
•  Daily timesheets are restricted to a minimum of 8, 9 or 10 minute intervals. Clubs may only choose one interval for each day. If clubs choose 8+ minute intervals, play is restricted to 2 golfers per start time. If clubs choose 9+ minutes, up to 3 golfers may play per start time. If clubs choose 10+ minutes, up to 4 golfers may play per start time.
•  Those aged 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable should exercise judgement regarding the extent to which they engage with others and in activities outside home. Specific Government guidance will be provided.
•  All cafes and restaurants, including bars, should only offer takeaway or delivery service.
•  Clubhouse access should be confined to use of toilet facilities (provided they can be kept clean) and initial retrieval of golf equipment from lockers. If toilet facilities are open, clubs should adopt a one-in, one-out approach.
•  Players are instructed not to touch the flag or flagstick.
•  Rakes are removed from the course. Players are requested to smooth bunkers using their feet or a club. (See Appendix 2 as previously published for measures which can be taken in qualifying situations)
•   Hire Trolleys (electric and pull trolleys) must be sanitised prior to each use.
•  The use of golf buggies is discouraged. Where a golf buggy must be used, it should be used by one person only (except where an individual has a disability/additional needs),  and it cannot be exchanged between people during the round. Members of the same household may share a buggy and buggies must be sanitized thoroughly after each use.​​
•  Caddies are not permitted (exception: where the group of golfers and the caddies are from the same household or an individual has a disability/additional needs).

Further guidance will be issued to clubs online as and when NI Executive government change these restrictions.

We await further guidance from the N Ireland Executive on the following matters:

Gatherings of no more than 15 people – Inside including that for Committee Meetings & Outdoor in relation to non-contact training

We will update clubs with this information as soon as it is available 

Dear Member

Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 and when the restrictions will be lifted, it has been decided that this year’s Captain and Lady Captain will rollover to 2021/22. As a result, there will be no Captain’s Day or Lady Captain’s Day this year.

The uncertain economic situation has also resulted in a reduction of Open Competitions and we are presently revising the programme for the rest of the season.
Competitions will commence on Saturday 20th June. Entry fee has been increased to £4(£1 for 2’s) for ordinary competitions and remains at £5 (£1 for 2’s) for Opens.
As a result of this prize money has increased and placings have also increased to first four.

Entry sheet for entry into competitions will be on the noticeboard at entrance to clubhouse and players are asked to maintain social distancing when accessing this.
Players must not exchange cards during competitions, each player marks his own card and then gets verbal confirmation from one of his playing partners. Player then signs his card and enters name of player confirming score.
Return of scores should be done electronically via the ‘enter score’ app on master scoreboard on the webpage.
All new and existing members who do not have access to this App should contact myself to facilitate this. In exceptional circumstances a players card can be sent to me on WhatsApp (photograph) and I will enter it manually.
There will be a box located at the entrance to the clubhouse for the return of all cards following competitions and again social distancing should be observed when doing so.

Finally all players are reminded that we still have to book tee times via webpage as we have been doing for contact and tracing purposes.

Thank you,

Paddy Bell

Members with colds or any symptoms of COVID-19 must stay away from the golf course/clubhouse.

• Physical distancing rules must always be observed by all members in the car park, access to clubhouse toilets, and on the course. This will be monitored.
• Play is restricted to members only. No non-members or guests currently allowed.
• Casual golf only (no club competitions or opens are being played).
• Maximum of 3 players permitted to play together.
• Tee times must be booked in advance online through the Club website, or by calling Paddy Bell on 07871 660877 if necessary.
• Members must adhere to 15-minute intervals for Tee times.
• Clubhouse access is confined to use of toilet facilities only.
• The Club shop is closed for all purchases.
• Initial retrieval of golf equipment from locker rooms is permitted.
• There are no social gatherings, of any size, at this Club.
• Members are instructed not to touch the flag or flagstick.
• Rakes are removed from the course. Players are requested to smooth bunkers using their feet or a club.
• Hire trolleys must be sanitised prior to each use.
• Players should arrive to the car park no more than 15 minutes before their tee time and return directly to their cars after finish of play.
• Players should arrive at the 1st tee no more than 5 minutes before their tee time.
• Players are asked to carry their own sanitiser and use regularly throughout play.
• Do not share equipment, balls or tees during play, and do not pick up found golf balls.
• Holes/Cups have been altered to remove ball with your putter only.
• Do not enter a new teeing ground until all former players have exited, especially at the 9th proceeding to the 10th hole.
• Junior players must be accompanied by an adult preferably from their own household.
• If your ball is lost, unplayable, or in a penalty area, do not return to the tee box. Players may take a drop within 2 club lengths of point of entry but no closer to the hole.

For the safety and welfare of all members, and the continuation of play at this Club we ask that these temporary restrictions be adhered to rigidly.

Thank you.
The Committee of Crossgar Golf Club.

Crossgar Golf Club welcomes a new Captain and President for the 2020 season.

2020 Captain, Derek Coulter

2020 President, Paddy Bell

Crossgar Golf Club played host to the last competitive open of the season this weekend in the form of the Joint Captains charity event.

A large field had assembled and despite an early strong wind the scoring was good from the outset. The first fourball saw two players returning 39 points, the first Mark Casement having a hole in one and the second Adrian Bell taking the clubhouse lead courtesy of 23 points on the back nine.

It wasn’t long though before a new leader emerged with 8 handicapper John Curlett playing his best round of the season. Then came something not even he could have expected when veteran Pat Mahon turned back the years with a vintage performance and a fabulous score of 41 points to seal his first victory in a few seasons.

The gross took its usual passage to Davy Watson whilst Jimmy Keenan won the Committee prize. Longest drive was won by club captain Les Watson with Adrian Bell and Gary Kennedy winning the nearest the pins.

The Ladies competition saw some of the best scoring of the season with Joyce Dodd being very unlucky having to settle for second place with a superb 38 points. The winner Maeve Fay has continued to go from strength to strength over the last few seasons and this victory with a tremendous 41 points just emphasises the strides she has made.

Nuala Hynds and Oriel Nesbitt won the front and back nine prizes respectively with Joan Dickson winning the longest drive and winner Fay adding the nearest the pin to her winners trophy.

Chest Heart and Stroke was the nominated Charity and raised just short of £800.

 

Crossgar Golf Club held it’s last “major “ of the year this weekend when Ian Patterson hosted his President’s Day.

The weather was set fair with glorious sunshine as the first groups took to the fairways and it was no other than club Captain himself Leslie Watson who set the early pace signing for a superb 40 points.
There were to be many challenges along the way with numerous players getting 38 points but just falling short and when usual playing partner Derek Coulter fell just short with 39 points 22 of them compiled on the back nine it looked like the day belonged to Watson but despite the winds picking up in the afternoon Tony Morgan in the penultimate group out on the course came in with a fantastic 42 points to steal the glory and win his second “major” in as many years.
Some consolation for the Watson family came with David winning his customary gross prize whilst Neil Brown and Neil Hanvey won the front and back nines respectively.
It was also a good day for young Andrew Lennon who won the nearest the pin, longest drive and was the only one with a 2.

The Ladies event also had a early pacesetter in the form of Joyce Dodd who posted a great round of 37 points and she had to sit agonisingly all day and watch challenge after challenge fall short before finally being announced the winner. Catherine Milhench bagged another podium place this year with the runners-up spot and Joan Dickson also added to her silverware of the season with 3rd place.
Jane Baker got the nod for the front nine prize whilst Patricia Magee sealed the back nine with a superb 20 points.
Maeve Fay not for the first time this season won the battle of the big hitters to win the longest drive.

President Ian Patterson voiced his delight during his presentation speech at the great turnout of prize winners and congratulated them all. He also paid particular thanks to the Ladies for supplying all players with food throughout the day and to the green keepers for the fantastic condition of the course.

 

Crossgar Golf Club played host this week to the Genuine Direct Open sponsored by owner Ted Mc Greevy.
Conditions early on were extremely difficult with heavy driving rain making scoring tricky. Paddy Bell buoyed by his prize last week played steady through the worst of the weather to post a level 36 points to surprisingly claim third spot. Ronnie Dunwoody also played early and did even better to post 38 points off his 7 handicap to seal second spot. The winner though was young Conor Keenan who added to his already super season with another great victory.
Davy Watson as usual won the gross with Sydney Pentland winning the battle of the big hitters to claim the longest drive.
Nearest the pin went to last weeks winner Adam Withers.

The Ladies competition was extremely close with only one point separating the first five players. Larne ladies had eleven visiting golfers down and they almost went home with all the prizes. Patricia Magee was the only Crossgar lady to make it on the podium claiming third spot with 36 points. Second place went to Barbara Hay also with 36 points but the winner was a delighted Margaret Gray with a very respectable 37 points.
Joanne Johnston from larne won nearest the pin whilst winner Margaret Gray won the longest drive.

 

7:00	A.Bell	M.Bell	J.Neill
7:15	E.Strain	T.McGlennon	J.Lyons
7:30	N.Hanvey	D.Hanna	C.Milligan	A.Withers
7:45	J.Dodd	S.Coulter	M.Agnew
8:00	K.Watson	J.Brown	M.Murray	D.Watson(snr)
8:15	J.Dickson	S.Flynn	P.Magee
8:30	C.Milhench	M.Fay	B.Giffen
8:45	R.Morrison	L.Murray	M.Magee
9:00	L.Hanna	R.Thompson	J.Morrison
9:15	L.Watson	K.Cummings	P.Bell
9:30	J.Curlett	P.Flynn	R.Dunwoody	M.Woods
9:45	M.McCarthy	J.Carson	P.Mahon	M.Patterson
10:00	B.Mullan	P.Kelly	T.Brennan	D.McGonagle
10:15	J.Kennan	C.Kennan	M.Casement	M.Sturgeon
10:30	J.Smyth	Pete Magee	Mal Magee
10:45	M.Jenkins	E.Patterson	S.Hillis
11:00	B.Wootton	R.Boulter	I.Hyde
11:15	N.Hynds	A.McCart	J.Baker
11:30
11:45
12:00	B.O'Hare	P.Mullan	G.Kennedy
12:15	B.Ross	F.Noade	G.Smyth	Stanley Bell
12:30
12:45
13:00	A.Lennon	T.Ferguson	A.Collins	D.Hanvey
13:15	Paddy Bell	P.Johnston	D.Coulter	D.Brown
13:30	I.Patterson	S.Pentland	T.Morgan	K.Oakes
13:45
14:00
14:15
14:30	D.Orr	R.Orr	G.Murray	G.Savage
14:45	J.Hamilton	G.Watson	R.Baker
15:00
15:15	D.Watson	P.Sob	G.Walsh	S.Rice
15:30	K.Carson	S.Carson	N.McCartan	C.Martin
15:45	Michael Bell	Noel Kielty	Neil Brown