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1: Why should I choose the GCGB handicap card The GCGB has been operating and issuing handicaps for 23 years. Established in 1986 by its founder member Bernard Pendry, with the backing of Peter Alliss, we are tried and tested both in the UK and overseas. The present owner, Kate Brown, joined in 1997 to manage the day to day running of the GCGB and finally took over from Bernard when he retired in 2005. We have issued handicap certificates to over 17,000 members since 1986 with members in more than 36 countries worldwide. Many of our original members are still with us today. |
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2: Is your handicap Official No. The only way to obtain an official EGU handicap is to join a private golf club. Our handicaps are, however, recognised and accepted at most courses throughout the UK and indeed the rest of the world. Most popular requests are for handicaps for Spain and Portugal. All courses in Spain and Portugal, (mainly the Costa Del Sol and Algarve) accept our handicap certificates. |
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3: How do I obtain my Handicap Certificate Simply submit three recent scorecards which have been duly completed and signed by your fellow playing partner and we will assess your playing ability based on these cards. They do NOT need to signed by a club member but should be no older than three months. You can submit these cards in the following way: a) Post b) Fax (a legible photocopy) c) Email as a pdf or jpg attachment, making sure they are not too big, 250 kb is an ideal size. |
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4: Are there any discounted green fees to GCGB Members Yes. We have a Directory of Friendly Golf Clubs available in hard copy to Gold Members and online to Standard Members which lists over 1000 courses in the UK and Ireland where our Members can play, many of them offering either 2 for 1, discounted green fees or weekend golf. |
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5: How long does it take to receive a Handicap Certificate Most applications are dealt with within 48 hours, in the busy Summer months, it may take a little longer but certainly no longer than 5 days. We will always process an application immediately it is really urgent. Fast track membership is processed within 24 hours. |
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6: How is my handicap adjusted Every time you submit a card, it is entered onto our computer and your handicap is amended as necessary. All handicap adjustments are made in exactly the same way as would be by any private club. If your handicap has changed at all, you will be sent a replacement card. Cards can be submitted from any courses throughout the world. |
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7: Can I play in Competitions with the Handicap Certificate Yes, you can play in most Open Competitions with the exception of any EGU competitions as we are not affiliated to the EGU |
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8: I live abroad, can I still join the GCGB Yes, although you will become a member of our associate organisation, The International Golfers Club which has its own Handicap Certificates, which are exactly the same as GCGB but with a different name and logo. You can visit our sister site at www.internationalgolfersclub.com for further information. Sometimes, members living abroad prefer to belong to the GCGB and this is perfectly acceptable so long as you stipulate this on joining. |
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9: Do you have lady members Yes, we have had lady members joining since we first started. Highest handicap for ladies is 36. We also have many junior members, age restriction for juniors is 21 so even if you attemd University or College, you can still take advantage of the greatly reduced rates for juniors. |
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10: Do you have any GCGB competitions Yes, we have golf days run regularly throughout the year, mainly based in the South East. These are small friendly days out with a competitive edge. All results are recorded on our Order of Merit and at the end of year, the winner is presented with a trophy. All golf days have prizes and are open to all members and their guests, no matter what your golfing ability. We also have an Overseas Championship every November, usually held in the US, either Florida or Arizona - not to be missed! |
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11: What happens if I mislay my Handicap Certificate just before a competition or golfing holiday We will always fax a formal letter to any golf club, anywhere in the world, and confirm your membership and current handicap and then send out a replacement card to your hotel if required. |
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12: Can I check my handicap online Yes. Simply create your own login with password to enter the Members Only area on our website and you can see your full handicap history at any time. You can also look at the Directory of Friendly Golf Clubs via the Members Only area. |
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13: What is the different between Standard Membership and Gold Membership Standard membership offers full handicapping service, access to the Members Only area on the website where you can check your handicap, access the Directory of Friendly Golf Clubs and the Club Newsletter, together with distinctive bag tag, GCGB Rules & Etiquette and Car Sticker Gold Membership offers all of the above PLUS hard copy of the Directory, public liability insurance, discounted golf breaks through Golfbreaks.com, discounted medical insurance and a copy of the R & A Rules of Golf. |
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14: How do I fill in a scorecard correctly In order to have your scorecard recorded, you MUST fill it in correctly. Any that do not comply with the following will be discarded or returned for correction. Every card MUST have all of the following recorded: 1. Membership number. 2. Name recorded in the correct column (Player A, B etc. or Marker). 3. Member’s signature and that of the Marker. 4. Date. 5. Indication of tees used e.g. yellow, white, red etc. This is particularly important for overseas cards where tees are indicated blue, gold or green. 6. Gross scores recorded on each hole and the TOTAL for the round. IF SCORES ARE NOT ADDED UP THE CARDS WILL BE RETURNED. If you are recording stableford points, you must still enter your gross score as well. 7. All scores must be adjusted a maximum of 2 over par and the adjusted total gross score entered in a spare column if available. 8. Playing handicap, unless cards are for initial handicap purposes. 9. Cards MUST be returned within 21 days of playing except in special circumstances such as periods away, holidays etc. If you have any further questions, please call the office on 020 8390 3113 where Kate Brown will be happy to answer any queries or email to katebrown@golfclubgb.co.uk for an immediate response Monday-Friday. |
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15: What is your phone number and address? 338 Hook Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 1NU; Tel/Fax: 020 8391 4666 |
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