“TERMS OF COMPETITION” – GENERAL COMPETITION PLAY SCORE RETURN TEMPORARY CONDITIONS – 060321 v1
Gents and Junior Competitions at HGC
The following notes give guidance for all Gentlemen and Junior Members, and especially new members, who wish to enter HGC Competitions. The Ladies Section has a separate Information Booklet.
The actual dates of all Medals, Trophy Competitions and Team Matches will be found in the annual Fixture list schedule which can also be found on the Club’s website.
We hope that this Note is useful; it is not intended or claimed to be the last word and as a general rule our best advice is keep your eye on the Notice Boards in the Gents Locker Room Lobbies and the Junior Room and the club web site at www.helensburghgolf.co.uk And Club V1 Members app.
This note covers the following:
Medal Competitions
Trophy Competitions
Competition Entry Fees, Starting Times & Results Posting Gents Championships
Gents Match Play Competitions
Junior Competitions Medals, Match Play & Championships Team Competitions
Open Competitions
Winter League
9/11 Hole Competitions
Handicaps
General Play Scores ( formally Supplementary Scores)
Annual review of handicaps
We would welcome any corrections and/or additions to the information contained in this booklet.
Medal Competitions
There are 5 Medal Monthly Competitions, most of which have been in competition over many years at HGC. These are:
- Breingan Medal
- Anderson Cup
- Ormond Medal
- McDonald Medal
- Seniors Midweek Trophy
The Breingan Medal is undoubtedly the oldest competition in the club’s History was presented to the club in 1894 by the first Captain of Helensburgh, Alexander Breingan (sadly it was stolen in 2019). It is normally played on the first Saturday of each month, but may change from time to time to accommodate Festival or Championship weeks for example.
The Anderson Cup was presented in the winter of 1921/22 by R L Anderson. This used to be a medal for ‘second class’ players and was for a time played as a bogey, then par competition. It is normally played on the third Saturday of each month.
The Ormond Medal, and its predecessors, the Invergare Challenge and the McDonald Medals were inaugurated in 1921, and from those days, 3 time winners retained the trophy, and inaugurated the next. So in 1939, the Ormond Medal came into existence, being attributed to H H Ormond.
The Seniors Midweek For Full Gentlemen Members age 55 and over. Trophy is normally played on the third Wednesday of the month.
A Qualifying Round for each of the above Competitions will be played each month from April through September on:
Saturdays Breingan Medal the Anderson Cup and McDonald Medal Wednesdays Ormond Medal and the Seniors Midweek Trophy.
These Competitions are open to all Full Gentlemen Members having a current WHS Handicap Index. Junior members with WHS Handicap Index of 12 or lower are allowed to play in these events but only for experience and handicap purposes. To encourage senior (over 16 years of age) Junior members, who have a handicap index of 12 or lower, may enter the actual competition, but are not eligible to win monetary prizes.
Full Members without a WHS Handicap Index and those yet to be allocated a Handicap Index can enter and play on the day but ONLY for handicapping purposes.
Medal Finals
For the Breingan, Anderson, McDonald and Ormond Medals, the qualifying rounds will be played in 3 Classes, with the winner of each Class going forward to the respective Finals day normally in September. The September qualifiers will play in the Final in the following year.
For the Seniors Midweek, the qualifying rounds will be played in a single Class, with the winner and runner up going forward to the Final in September. The Sep- tember qualifiers will play in the Final in the following year.
For all of these Competitions, the player with the lowest net score in each Qualifying Round will receive a Medal presented on Finals day.
If a monthly qualifier(s) has/have already qualified for the Final from an earlier qualifying round, then the next in line will progress to the Final. One alternate for each qualifier will be offered a place in the respective Final should the qualifier be unable for whatever reason to participate in the Final. The qualifiers and alternates will be itemized with the competition results.
The procedures for Entry, Start Times and Results posting are described later in this note.
Medal – Based Competitions Aggregate winners
The Presidents Cup, the Milligan Cup, and the Clark Quaich are trophies awarded for performance in the three Medal (B, A & O) competitions throughout the season and do not require separate entry. Players must however have entered and re- turned at least one score from each of the Breingan, Anderson, and Ormond Medal qualifying rounds.
The Presidents Cup was inaugurated under the presidency of the late
Alan Christianson. The Presidents Cup is the HGC Order of Merit and is awarded to the best performance accrued from the 6 Breingan, 6 Anderson and 6 Ormond Medals in the calendar year. The trophy was donated to club in 1999 by
Alan C Bell.
The Milligan Cup was presented in 1983 by the widow of James Milligan and is awarded for the best aggregate net score in each of the 3 Medal Competitions.
The Clark Quaich was presented by Alex Clark and is the scratch equivalent of the Milligan Cup.
Trophy Competitions
There are other Trophy Competitions of various types held mainly on Saturdays. They may be played Bi-Annually will be shown in Diary and Fixture lists.
John McDonald Trophy 4 ball better ball Stroke Play
(Presented by wife and family of John McDonald who died on the course in 1991)
Spring-cleaning Cup Greensomes Stableford,
(Presented by CK Nichol in 1928, but with uncertain origins. Originally played as a singles event, it was resurrected in 1970 as a greensome Stableford)
McRobert Thistle Trophy Individual Stableford, Single Class,
(Lady McRobert who lost sons in WW 2 set up a trust which operates in many fields of activity. Donations from the competition go to the trust which provides this tro- phy)
Captains Prize Individual Stableford, 3-Classes,
Crawford Lochhead Trophy Individual Stableford, One Class, (Presented in 1983 in memory of Crawford Lochhead with a view to raising funds for cancer research)
ARC Trophy Individual Stroke Play, Single Class (Presented by the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council (Scotland) with participants contributions being donated to the Council)
McIlraith Trophy (55+) Individual Stroke Play, Single Class usually combined with a Monthly Medal competition.
(Presented by former captain John McIlraith in 1967 for senior competition. Partici- pants must be aged 55 or over on the day of the competition.
John Scott Trophy Individual Stroke Play, Single Class (Presented in 1973 by John Scott,
These Competitions are open Full Gentlemen Members having a current WHS Handicap Index.
Full Members without a Handicap Index and those yet to allocated a Handicap Index can enter but ONLY for handicapping purposes.
Ramsay Howarth Trophy Scramble /TBA Open to all member categories (Presented by wife and family in 1992 in memory of Ramsay Howarth )
All competitions will be played from players chosen Tees, WHITE, YELLOW or GREEN
The procedures for Entry, Start Times, Strokes Received and Results posting are the same as for the Medal Competitions.
Competition Entry Fees, Starting Times and Results Posting
Entry Fees for the Breingan, Anderson, McDonald, Ormond and Seniors Medals and all other Saturday Trophy Competitions an Entry Fee of £1 will be collected by the professional on signing in before play on each competition day .
Payment of the Entry Fee is required for
- playing in the Competition
- being eligible for Competition Prizes / Medals
- being eligible for qualification to Medal Finals
- Being eligible for the Presidents Cup, Milligan Cup & Clark Quaich
Entering the Sweep and 2 Club.
The only players exempted from paying the Entry Fee are:
- Members without a WHS Handicap Index
- Junior Members with handicap of 12 or less who are eligible to play in these medal rounds , as previously detailed, and must play with at least one Gentleman member.
Entry for the Qualifying Rounds for the Breingan & Anderson Medals will available on the TOUCH screen adjacent the M&H office, HowdidIDo and the ClubV1 Members app. from the Saturday to Thursday afternoon preceding each Competi- tion, giving two weeks for advance booking a time within a specific Time Zone.
Members are guaranteed a tee- off time within, or very close to but not earlier, than the specified time zone. Members will be allowed to make late booking on the day of the Medal if spaces are available, on a first come basis.
Groupings for late entries will be allocated by the Professional.
Starting Times for all Saturday Competitions will be drawn and posted on the Notice Board on or by Friday morning and will also be posted on HowDidIDo and the ClubV1 Members app.
Starting times for the Ormond Medal, Seniors Midweek and 9 Hole Competitions are book able in advance, or on the day, in the Pro Shop. The Professional will be happy to arrange groupings, if necessary.
Starting Times for the finalists in the Medal Finals will be advised by letter or Email
Check In at the Starter/Pro Shop must be made at least 15 minutes prior to the appointed start time, otherwise alternative groupings may be made.
The handicap divisions are currently as follows:
Division 1 -10 to 12
Division 2 13 to 18
Division 3 19 to 36
The divisional are based on the handicap index at time of competition entry.
Members who turn up late without prior notice are likely not be given an alternative start time.
Players who do not turn up at all without notice will be reported to the Committee for ungentlemanly conduct, and may have playing or other privileges suspended. This will be applied especially for Medal Finals where all finalists are given notice of their start time by formal HGC Letter or e-mail
Results of the Saturday Competitions will be posted on the Notice Board on the Sunday (exceptionally on the Saturday evening), and on Thursdays for the Ormond Medal, the Seniors Medals and the 9 Hole Competitions.
Members can also find the competition results as well as handicap information by registering on www.howdidido.com and the ClubV1 Members app.
Gents Championships
1 Championship Classes.
There are 3 Championship Classes
a. The Club Championship was inaugurated in 1924, and two years later the officers of HMS HOOD presented the HOOD Trophy in appreciation of the welcome they received at the Club. The war- ship at that time was frequently anchored on the Clyde near the town, and courtesy of the course was extended to its officers.
The Club Championship is open to all Full Gentlemen Members and Junior Boys with a WHS Handicap index of 9.4 or lower on the stipulated closing date for entries. An Entry Form will be made available on the Notice Board at least 2 weeks prior to the closing date. There is no Entry Fee for the Championship. No entries will be accepted after the stipulated closing date. Country Members are not eligible.
b The Peel Trophy was presented by RA Peel for competition among second class handicap gents. First played in 1971, the format has changed over time to its present format. This competition is open to all Full Gentlemen Members Only with a WHS Handicap index between 10.4 and 18.4
c. The 1963 Trophy was provided for competition in 1963 by a number of low handicap golfers, originally for a 72 hole stroke play event its use was changed in 1971 and is now the third class Championship open to Full Gentlemen Members with WHS handicap between index 19.4 and 36.4
There is no entry fee for these Championships
Each Championship Class qualification is via a set of 6 Scratch Stroke play Qualifying Rounds, followed by match play knock out rounds to determine the winner of each championship. Eligibility for Entry for Each of the Classes will be based on Handicap Index pertaining immediately after the Final Qualifying round
2 Qualifying Competitions
The ANDERSON, BREINGAN and ORMOND MEDALS played during the months JUNE and JULY ( a total of 6 strokeplay medal competitions ) will form the qualification rounds,
Qualification for each Championship Class will be determined using the players aggregate GROSS scores from any 2 of the medals.
These Medals will continue to be run as normal medals, players do not have to commit to compet- ing for the Championships until all of the qualifying medals have been completed, prospective Championship competitors MUST PRINT their names on the Entry Sheet by the stipulated closing date’
These sheets will be posted well in advance of the closing date NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED after the closing date.
The 12 players with the lowest aggregate 36 hole gross scores will go forward to the match play stages, provided there name has been entered on the entry sheet if not the place will go to the next on the list.
Progressive interim 36 hole aggregates will be posted regularly.
Any Ties for qualifying places will be determined by LOWEST 18 hole score, If still tied by last 9 hole score from lowest round ,et seq.
3 Match Play
The names of the qualifiers and draw for match play matches will be posted on the day following the completion of the final qualifying round.
In each class the top 4 will be seeded to QUARTER FINALS.
The remaining EIGHT will play 1st round ties.
The General Numerical Draw will be used to dictate the matches.
Dates for completion of each round of Matchplay will be stipulated by the Champi- onship Committee Players are FREE to make their own arrangements for each tie provided the tie result is posted prior to the completion date.
If no winner is posted neither player will progress the tie will be declared VOID.
4 FINALS DAY
All Gents Finals will be played on FINALS DAY which is normally the 2nd or 3rd Sunday of August.
The club Championship Final will be played over 36 holes.
The Peel Trophy Final will be played over 18 holes.
The 1963 Trophy Final will be played over 18 holes.
All the Ladies, Junior Boys and Junior Girls will/may also be played on the same day.
Inclement weather may dictate some alteration to the above modus operandi.
In all cases The Championship Committee will have the final say in any ques- tions or disputes arising in the course of the Championships.
The Committee will comprise of the Captain Match & Handicap Secretary, and any other person(s).
Gents Knockout Match Play Competitions
Gents: Seniors: Veterans: Mixed:
Colgrain Cup , Kerr-Thomson Trophy, Blair-Lomond Trophy Clarendon Cup, Ashgrove Trophy, Chivas Trophy
Antiquary Trophy
Vilamoura B P Trophy
Entries for the Match Play Competitions will be made via the Entry Form which is issued on payment of subscription in Feb/March. All are Gents Only Competitions, except the Vilamoura which is mixed.
These Competitions are open to all Full Gentlemen Members having a current World Handicap System Handicap Index.
The Vilamoura BP is also by definition open to all Full Lady Members. No entries will be accepted after the stipulated closing date.
Age conditions will apply as at the closing date.
Match Play Draws will be made and the Draw Sheets posted on the Notice Board to allow the first round ties to be played starting in April and running through to Sep- tember. The Finals are normally played in mid to late September.
The Rules and Guidance for the conduct of these Competitions will be posted with the Draw Sheets.
Colgrain (Challenge) Cup Singles, Full difference, white tees
(Presented by Wm Middleton Campbell of Colgrain, first played for in 1901, original- ly having a handicap restriction but now open to all handicaps. A particularly nota- ble fact is that dear old Bob Ralph won this competition in 1987 at the ripe old age of 76.)
Kerr Thomson Trophy Fourball, low man to scratch, 90% difference, white tees (Presented for competition in 1970 by Blair Thomson in memory of his son Kerr,
who died in a road accident)
Blair Lomond Trophy Foursomes, 1/2 combined, white tees
(Presented by the former Luss Estates factor, Charles F Swain, for competition in 1962)
Clarendon Cup Singles (55+), Full difference, yellow tees
(Presented by the late Jim Barrowman during his time as Captain, as a singles
competition for the ‘older gentleman’ and called after the name of his abode.) 10
Ashgrove Trophy Fourball (55+), low man to scratch, then 90% difference, yellow tees
(Encouraged by the above J B, Donald McDonald, presented this trophy to mirror the Kerr Thomson for the older guys- also called after his abode)
Chivas Trophy Foursomes ( 55+), 1⁄2 combined, yellow tees
(John Ashworth was persuaded to present this trophy to parallel the Blair Lomond,
but it is not called after his abode but his company name)
Antiquary Trophy Greensomes ( 69+), 1/2 combined, yellow tees
(Having sorted out the trophies for the over 55’s, the late Jim Barrowman and the
late Colin McDonald dreamt up this concoction for those gentlemen in their 70th (or even older) year, and proceeded to win it in its inaugural year.)
Vilamoura B P Trophy Mixed Foursomes, 1/2 combined, white & ladies tees (Presented in 1975 by the ‘Friends of HGC’ – -Ian Brown ( Broonie) and Eric Paterson–
following a memorable golfing adventure in the Algarve)
Junior Competitions
Helensburgh like so many other Golf Clubs has a History of strong Junior Golf and organized many competitions, over recent years it has not been practical to run all the competitions but are hopeful things will return in the meantime we intend to continue with the Major competitions.
Junior Medals & Stroke Play Competitions
There are 3 regular Junior stroke competitions held during the year. These are:
The Junior Championship
The Paul Medal 6 rounds, medal play, monthly Apr –Sep
The Paul Medal is the oldest junior trophy in the Club dating back to 1907. The medal was presented by Henry S Paul who was the driving force behind the course expansion from 9 to 18 holes.
The Junior section has always had great supporters and not wishing the messages/history to be lost these are some of the Trophies we are putting on the back burner for the time being.
The Summer Cup was presented by Dick Sawkins on behalf of Atlantic Research Corporation and Gareloch Engineering and first contested in 1989, for the best scratch performance in the summer medal series.
Junior Match Play Competitions
There are 3 Junior Match Play competitions:
McKay Cup Singles, 3/4 handicap, white tees
(First contested in 1951 and presented by Sinclair McKay who was a Superinten- dant with the Dunbartonshire Police and a keen supporter of junior golf)
Foreland Bowl Fourball, low man to scratch, 3/4 difference, white tees (Presented by Douglas and May Dalgleish and named after the name of their abode opposite the clubhouse)
Craig Cup Foursomes, 3/8 combined, white tees
(Presented by Joe Craig, then Junior Convener and later Club Captain in 1990/91, the Craig Cup was first contested in 1979)
Junior Winter League Cup donated by Phil Armstrong
Movement could be swift so we ask all Juniors to visit regularly the Notice Board in the Junior Locker room to keep up with date with events, Competitions, Coaching, Fun Nights etc
Junior Championship
The Stuart F Jeffrey and John M Harper Memorial Trophy was presented to the club as a tribute to the memory of two talented young members who died in a tragic motoring accident in 1980 and is awarded each year to the winner of the Junior Club Championship.
The Eagle Tankard for competition between boys with handicaps above 18 was do- nated by Gordon Dalgleish who apparently won this tankard when playing a simu- lated horse race on a ship called the MV Eagle. The tankard is now reformatted as the ‘silver flight’ boy’s championship.
These championships are open to all Junior members with a World Handicap Index. Qualifying using the Paul Medal competitions go through to the match play stages. Those Juniors in places 9-16 will qualify to play in the Eagle Tankard match play. Automatic draws will determine the matches and order. Any ties will be determined by a scratch ‘sudden death’ strokeplay play-off immediately following the last of the Paul Medal competitions, or as arranged by the Junior Convener. Play off group- ings will be in groups of 3, seeded by handicap; dependant on numbers involved, the first group may be a 2 ball.
The Matchplay stages for both Championship and Eagle Tankard are scratch matches.
The quarterfinals for both Championship and *Eagle Tankard will be played on the Monday of Championship Week in August, with the semifinals on the Friday. Any Play Offs to determine the winner of any round including the Final will be sudden death, immediately following the round.
The Final will be played over 36 holes on the Sunday, unless any of the finalists are also involved in the Club Championship Final. If this occurs, a new date will be agreed with the Championship Committee.
*Separate arrangements may be made for the Eagle Tankard match play rounds and final at the discretion of the Junior Convener.
Gents Team Competitions
There are many opportunities for HGC members of all categories and handicaps to enjoy the excitement of team matches. The various Team Conveners will be look- ing for players early in the season, and the Calling Notices will appear on the vari- ous Notice Boards.
The McIntyre League
The McIntyre Leagues are the premier set of team matches within Dunbartonshire and District. The McIntyre League was inaugurated in 1949 by Jack McIntyre, a very auspicious golfer from Cardross, who represented Dunbartonshire and the West of Scotland in the 1920s. He was Champion at Cardross on many occasions, and was Captain in 1931-2, and served as President of that club for 10 years until his death in 1971. He donated the McIntyre League Trophy in 1949 to stimulate interest in inter-club golf in West Dunbartonshire and District. He stipulated that the competition should always be decided under Match Play rules.
The Junior McIntyre League was formally constituted in 1973, with the first year’s competition being won by Helensburgh in 1974. Mr Jimmy Reid, yes that Jimmy Reid , he of “There will be nae bevvying” fame, donated the Junior Trophy from fees obtained from his TV interviews at that famous time, and presented it to HGC at Dumbarton Golf Club.
In the mid 70s, Willie McKinlay of the VOL and officials at Clober started playing inter-club matches for the ‘older generation’, culminating in 1978 under Willie McKinlay’s Presidency of the start up of the Veterans League, now known as the Seniors McIntyre League. The inaugural winners in 1979 were Helensburgh, and have continued to have varying success over recent campaigns.
There quickly followed the start up of the 5-8 League, being the suggestion of Jim Cowan of Clober for the players who were on the fringe of the Scratch League. The inaugural winners in 1979 were Clydebank Overtoun.
Other Spin offs from this League are:
The Team Trophy, played in Texas Scramble format, with 1 Scratch, 1 ‘5-8’, 1 Ju- nior and 1 Senior forming the team. This is 1 off fixture/year, with representatives selected by the Team Conveners.
The Past Captains Trophy, played in Texas Scramble format, with selected Past Club Captains forming the 4 man team. This is 1 off fixture/year, with representa- tives selected by the immediate Past Captain.
Scratch McIntyre League
The Scratch League comprises 7 Clubs, giving 6 matches per season. The fixtures are played generally on Wednesday evenings from 5.15 pm in May and June Games are played off Scratch in Singles Matchplay.
There are 8 Players per team, with 2 reserves
Junior Scratch McIntyre League
The Junior League was inaugurated at a meeting in Dumbarton in 1973. The for- mat is the same, and involves the same 7 Clubs as, the Scratch league.
5 to 8 McIntyre League
There are 10 Clubs in this league.
The League is played on a Home and Away Aggregate Knock Out basis, with an 8 man team playing 4 x 4 Balls, all games to be played to the last hole to determine Holes up/Holes Down. The matches are arranged between Clubs as drawn.
Seniors McIntyre League
The Seniors League comprises 16 Clubs, giving 15 matches per season, 7 (or 8) at Home, 8 (or 7) Away ( in alternate years).
The fixtures for the most part are played on Thursdays from 12.30 during Apr- Sep, although there are occasional Wednesday fixtures.
Games are played in Fourballs with 90% handicap difference, from the Yellow Tees. 12 Players per team which includes 4 playing reserves
Thomson- McCrone League Team
David Dempsey, Match Secretary at Windyhill Golf Club made the initial suggestion for a mid handicap club team and proposed the format to his club committee. Jimmy McCrone, Windyhill Captain, and Angus Thomson, Windyhill Treasurer, donated a tro- phy and the Thomson McCrone League for golfers between handicaps seven and fif- teen was first played for in 1971. Over the period to 1988, the League membership increased in size in stages bringing the total to the present 24 Clubs.
Changes in structure and handicaps ( now 9-20) were introduced and the current for- mat is 6 sections of 4, each team playing 3 home and 3 away, the winners of each sec- tion and best two runners up playing quarter finals, semi finals and final to decide the winner. Teams consist of 10 players, matches to be played as 5 Fourballs.
An additional 4 man team competition was introduced in 1979, and Sam Forrest, the Thomson McCrone Convener of Bishopbriggs Golf Club, donated a trophy, to be called The Forrest Trophy, and the competition was introduced, each club agreeing to take it in turn to host the annual event.
GENTS OPEN COMPETITIONS
Open to Golfers from all S G U Affiliated Clubs and visitors worldwide who have a C D H Number and Current World Handicap System Handicap Index
Currently all occurring throughout the months of JULY and AUGUST
The Gents Open Midway Stableford Trophy
The Seniors Open Heron Cup
The above competitions normally start on the first Sunday of the month, all details will be publicised well in advance by the Committee.
Winter League
The Gents Winter League is run over 7 Sundays in October/ November, and is sponsored by Johnnie Walker.
The League is essentially a Team competition, but there are individual prizes also. The team format may change from time to time depending on numbers entering the competition, but in 2008 for example, each Team comprised of 10 players playing in better ball format Stableford as 5 pairs. Usually there is a ‘cocktail evening’ when all the matches and games for the whole of the 7 weeks are arranged.
The best 4 pair scores count each week, and Stableford points are accumulated over the 7 weeks, with the worst weekly team score being dropped, so that only the best 6 team scores count towards the total. It is usually a tight finish, going down to the wire every year.
There is a weekly presentation of prizes around 16.30’ish with a luxury Hamper for the best pair score on the day, and runner-up prize –usually of a spiritual nature. There is also a raffle prize draw using the returned cards, To win the CARD draw you must be present in the bar at the time.
The winning team and the runner up team will be presented with commemorative gifts presented at the Winter League Dinner. There is also a prize for the best eclectic pair score over the 7 weeks.
Altogether, this is a Competition not to be missed. But note that ‘Winter League Handicapping’
(Down, never up) is at the discretion of the Winter League Convener!!
9/11 Hole Competitions
These competitions are Qualifying Competitions for maintaining handicaps or be used as part of the minimum 54 holes required to gain an initial handicap.
These 9 Hole Competitions should be particularly attractive for those long summer eve- nings that we dream about, and also in the restricted daylight hours of autumn weekends. It is hoped that the 9 Hole Competitions will also be the means by which a greater number of senior golfers and those less able to complete 18 holes will be en- couraged to make returns for both competitive and handicap purposes. It also provides an opportunity for new members to acquaint themselves with medal play and existing members.
There will be an entry fee of £1-00 an optional sweep and 2’s club for each section. Entries to be recorded in the Green Book in the professionals shop as per normal. Score cards duly returned and scores entered into the computer as normal.
The format for the 9Holer is Stableford over the designated 9 Holes and will be played
from White, Yellow and Green Tees. Players can continue to play the 10th and 11th hole for convenience but without recording scores at these holes on the score card or
can simply walk in from the 9 . Players should not continue beyond the 11 . Such
action would destroy the rationale for having the shortened course in the first place.
The 9 Hole designated course is Holes 1 to 9, which has been assigned an official Scottish Golf Course Ratings of White 33.5, Yellow 33.5 and Green 32.2 .
Stroke indexes and player handicaps need to be adjusted for a 9 Hole competition.
Handicaps
The World Handicap System (WHS) has been developed to achieve uniformity and equity in handicapping for amateur golf WORLDWIDE. W H S Handicaps are issued by Scottish Golf through affiliated clubs. The WHS is complicated and can only really be used effectively by using a computer based method. HGC use the CLUBV1 System which contains all the necessary algorithm, rules etc, so all we need to do is to ensure that all Qualifying score cards returned by HGC members at Home or Away courses are entered into the system.
Most members will be aware of the basic tenets of the WHS so it is not intended to explain the intricacies only to cover the basics of getting a Handicap.
Getting a Handicap
To obtain a handicap, a Member must submit 3 cards over 18 holes or 6 over 9 holes (or a combination of both to return a Total of 54 holes.) on a measured course (White Yellow or Green tees), each of which must be CLEARLY marked on the Card and signed by a fellow Member and Player, The 3 cards are required be submitted within a period of 6 months of the same year.
Members may play in official HGC medals and other competitions, marking their entry in the Competition Book as “for H/cap”, and returning their signed score cards into the box provided in the Locker room entrance. The tees used must be clearly marked on the card, and the card marked and signed by a fellow member and by the player.
General Play Scores are acceptable are acceptable ( See Page 22 )
A Players handicap will Only Be LOST when he is no longer a member of an Affiliated Club ie leaves HGC and does rejoin another club.
GENERAL PLAY SCORES
The World Handicap System (WHS) is based on the expectation that every player will return a sufficient number of scores in a year to demonstrate their current playing ability.
To operate in the intended manner, the WHS requires the return of Scores to produce handicaps that reasonably reflect current playing ability.
Although your golf club Committee organise an adequate number of competi- tions to provide ample opportunity for Members to participate, investigation has confirmed that a substantial number of Members do not return sufficient scores in the period between Annual Reviews to maintain a handicap that will reasonably demonstrate his current playing ability .
Supplementary Scores will provide additional opportunities for players to submit scores for and augment the often sparse information derived from their competition play. They can provide more evidence of playing ability for a wider range of players so making handicapping more equitable and golf under handicap conditions more meaningful for all concerned.
ALL MEMBERS are encouraged to return as many General Play Scores as they can using the following procedure to ensure their Handicap demonstrates their current playing ability.
1) A General Play Score can only be returned at the Home Club of the player.
2) An acceptable score for General Play Score purposes is any
authenticated score (signed by the player and a competent marker) over 9 or 18 holes under Competition Play Conditions over a Measured Course. Course played must be clearly identified ( White, Yellow or Green)
3) The format may be Stroke Play or Stableford.
4) A player intending to return a General Play Score is required to signify his intention prior to commencement of play by notifying The Club Professional who will record the notification.
The player who has registered for a General Play Score must get it verified on completion by The Club Professional
5) Adjustments to handicap shall be made in respect of the Course Rating. Stroke Play returns are subject to Stableford/Net Double Bogey Adjustment as normal.
6) The General Play Score will be recorded in the Players Handicap Record.
Annual Review of Handicaps
The Annual Review is now a less important element of the handicapping system. It is the process by which the handicap committee to ensure the Handicap Index of a player reflects their demonstrated ability and is carried out for any member that has designated Helensburgh Golf Club as their Home Club.
With the World Handicap System players handicap Index will be Automatically adjusted on a rolling basis calculated from the best EIGHT scores from YOUR LAST TWENTY rounds returned. So it is in your own best interest to return as many scores as possible whether General Play or Competition play so your Handicap Index should reflect your Demonstrated Ability
Increasing Handicaps
The World handicap system allows your M/H Committee some flexibility for increasing member’s handicaps in situations where there is clear acknowledgement of a declining standard of play, either through advancing years, or physical
restrictions or both. To some extent, this will be done during the Annual Review process described above, but this can only be considered for players who have returned a sufficient number of scores.