Golf Ireland announced a major development when they launched a new independent handicap option.
iGolf gives non-club members the chance to hold an official handicap for the first time.
Up to now, all handicaps were issues and managed by clubs meaning that anyone who wanted a handicap needed to be a member of a club.
iGolf, which is a shortened version of independent golfer, is the name that Golf Ireland have given the scheme and it’s designed to provide and official WHS handicap for golfers who are not members of a club.
For the first time, non-club members in Ireland can subscribe to iGolf and gain a Handicap Index for an annual subscription fee of €65.
The scheme does not provide any playing rights but members of the scheme can add scores to their handicap record from casual golf and competitions provided they comply with the current rules of handicapping.
The subscription provides members with access to the Golf Ireland handicapping app, giving subscribers a streamlined experience which is subject to the same handicapping rules as club members under the R&A/USGA regulations.
The new system is a great opportunity for casual golfer and those taking up the game to hold an official handicap. It may also give iGolf members an opportunity to play in open competitions in clubs.
When initially announced there were fears from many clubs that existing members who were not playing regularly would transfer to the new lower cost option.
The back nine in Fermoy Golf Club: Golf Ireland hope that the new iGolf scheme will lead to an increase in club members. Picture: Niall O’Shea
With an estimated 300,000 casual golfers in Ireland, Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kenneally is confident that the scheme will do the opposite and have a positive impact on membership numbers.
“Following our evaluation of successful independent golfer schemes internationally, we are excited to launch iGolf in Ireland. Independent golfer initiatives in other countries have proven to open up golf to a wider audience and create pathways to membership,” said Kennelly.
“We believe this will contribute significantly to the growth of golf in Ireland, attracting new players and helping to increase club membership over time.”
Integrity in handicapping has been a hotly debated topic, and the introduction of the WHS four years ago had added to the commentary.
The new system allowed for the inclusion of score from a casual round one the score had been verified by another member.
It also formalised the inclusion of nine-hole rounds which was another change to bring plenty of comments and opinion.
Talks of a new handicap option outside of the established club structure led to many questions around the checks and safeguards that would be in place, and how clubs would work with iGolf members.
Much of that will only play out in 2025, but already there is talk from some quarters that the new scheme will have a negative effect on membership, especially in smaller clubs.
One of the safeguards in place is that current club members must wait three years before they can join the new scheme. This effectively removes any incentive for existing members.
Golf Ireland say that the introduction of iGolf has the objective of broadening the reach of the game.
The scheme is exclusive to golfers who are not currently or recently members of a Golf Ireland-affiliated golf club.
It offers a pathway for independent players to enjoy the benefits of regular play with an official handicap. Similar schemes have been launched in other countries over the past five years including New Zealand, England, Scotland, and Wales.
These have seen significant success in encouraging increased participation and ultimately transitioning many independent golfers into club membership.
Golf Ireland had committed to evaluating independent golfer schemes from around the world and assessing their suitability for Ireland.
A working group was established earlier this year to develop and launch this initiative, and it was announced at the Golf Ireland AGM in March. Since March Golf Ireland has consulted widely with golf clubs and golfers, through webinars and in-person meetings.
The scheme has seen a few changes from the plan that was originally shared back in March in response to the feedback.
Jane Joyce was the chair of the independent golfer working group and the Golf Ireland board member explained their approach.
“Our objective with iGolf and a range of other Golf Ireland initiatives is clear: to protect club membership, while fostering broader participation across diverse golfer demographics and facilitating, as appropriate, a seamless transition to club membership.
“This initiative is supported by the R&A as a way to grow the sport and bring more players into the game.”
