This note is to both remind, and reinforce, the message sent out to Seniors by Adrian King on 23rd April 2022.
To ensure there is no misunderstanding regarding Seniors Competitions on a Monday or Wednesday I set out what is expected:
• All Players should, as a matter of practice, sign into the Seniors competition of the day before they commence the round.
• All singles competitions will be set up as Qualifers/Conforming Rounds unless part of a parallel team competition.
• The players in a teeing group must agree who is marking each players score, such that they are independently verified. If you or others in your group are directly recording to a device you must ensure someone is independently recording your score.
• On completion of a round, players must return their attested scores on HDiD
• A written scorecard must be returned for the players in each teeing group. It must be legible and should hold the following information, as a minimum.
- Name of competition entered.
- Date.
- Players Name(s) Printed.
- Players Name(s) Signed.
- Playing Handicap allotted for the day (per HDiD, as displayed when signing in).
- Score Gross attained and, if appropriate, Stableford points per hole, per clearly identified player.
- The scorecard is returned to the correct location. That is the white Competition Box, located in the bar, adjacent to the HDiD touch screen. Not any other box, in any other location.
- It is the Player’s responsibility to ensure that their written score is correctly and legibly completed and correctly returned. That responsibility cannot be delegated to another player.
The Competition Secretary has indicated he is prepared to receive one card per teeing group provided all required information is legibly recorded. However, given the size of the scorecards, players may consider it easier merely to swap cards in the traditional fashion.
Adrian has a difficult task and has taken oversight of all Seniors competitions (Mondays and Wednesdays) and thus any communication or instruction from him should be taken as applying to all Seniors Competitions. Non-compliance regarding scorecards will result in an immediate DQ.
I will now turn to the role of Starter.
Firstly, I would like to thank Steve Waters, on joining the Committee, taking on the role of Starters Coordinator. In essence he will maintain and update the Starters Rota and with best endeavours ensure we have a Starter for each Competition, where one is deemed necessary. Any Starter queries or substitutions should be channelled through Steve. He will also welcome any new volunteers to his schedule.
More importantly, the Starters are volunteers who willingly stand out for 2 hours or more on Mondays and Wednesdays ensuring teeing groups go out in an orderly fashion. Starters don’t make up the rules or advise on handicaps. They do, though, determine who goes out, in what order and with whom. It would seem some Seniors think it’s a bit of a free for all. It’s not. Therefore, please be courteous in adhering to the Starter’s instructions.
Do not attempt to make up your own playing group with random players present. Late withdrawals mean the Starter will try to make up teeing groups of 3. Thus, it is entirely possible a gap appears. If an entire group is present, the Starter may invite that group to fill the gap and tee off early. But it is not always that straight forward.
The first teeing group should not tee off before their allotted tee time unless agreed with the Starter, who will first have to clear an early start with the Pro Shop.
The Seniors do not run 9 hole competitions. Please do not arrive for a game of golf in the anticipation that playing 9 holes and walking off is acceptable, it’s not. If you are expecting to play only 9 holes, withdraw and book a general play tee time. If it’s a paid for competition, a late withdrawal will mean you will still be charged, as you have taken a teeing spot in the competition.
The Competition Secretary does convey rule instructions to the Starter of the day. To make things clear, as of now, there will be a defined space on the Seniors Notice Board in the locker room lobby headed “Starter’s Notices”. This will hold any standing information and communications for that day’s competition. It is your responsibility to read this information prior to starting your round and apply the conditions required.
In competitions where the playing allowance is not available on HDiD and is communicated by the Competition Secretary or Organiser, these can only be considered indicative not actual. This is because handicaps change daily, updated overnight. Thus play the previous day could be missed. In these cases, winners and places will have handicaps verified on score submission by the Organiser.
I hope all of this is clear but if not please contact either Adrian King or myself and we will advise.
Keith Loxton
20 May 2022
As we move into the new golfing season, better weather - hopefully - and lots more golf, I am seeing several issues with scorecards submitted incorrectly. As such, I thought this would be a timely reminder regarding submitting handicap cards - whether in General Play (GP) or in Competitions
Firstly, let me update you on some of the recent issues I have encountered when checking cards. The issues include;
Unsigned cards by the player and/or the marker
Individuals submitting cards when playing solo
Recording a different score on EG or IG system than what is recorded on the submitted scorecard
No details at the top of the card to signify who in fact the card belongs to followed by unrecognisable signatures at bottom
Cards being signed/attested by people who weren't playing or watching the player at that time
Downloading and inputting a score intent after they have finished playing
Several penalty scores being awarded for non-completion of scorecards on the system
If you intend to submit a GP scorecard you must register this BEFORE you start your round - the time you create a score intent is recorded on the system.
When you register an intent to submit a scorecard for handicapping purposes you have to complete this scorecard in one way or another. Even if you stop playing for whatever reason, some action still needs to be taken by you in respect of that scorecard intent. Failure to complete the scorecard will result in England Golf automatically awarding you a penalty score.
Please note that the responsibility for submission of a scorecard lies with the player to ensure this has been completed correctly, i.e.
signed by the player and the marker/attester
score on card is a true record of what was scored at each hole
the same score is recorded on the IG screen
The card clearly identifies the player and the date they played
That the card is saved on the system or finalised if using the app on the phone
Depositing of card into the box in men's changing room
If submitting a GP card by using the App on your phone (either EG or IG) then there is no requirement to submit a physical scorecard as the attestation process is covered electronically. For ALL competitions a physical scorecard completed correctly is required.
A recent competition saw 5 people DQ'd due to non-signing of their card or not depositing card into box before leaving the course.
A reminder that when submitting a score intent for handicapping purposes you have to be playing with someone who holds an active handicap and that they are a member of one of the officiating bodies of golf such as England Golf, Golf Scotland etc. The person does not have to be from our club but they must be playing with you at the time or walking round with you to record your score. Please note that I do cross check cards with BRS bookings to see that the cards are correct.
Penalty scores are awarded if you register a handicap score intent but fail to complete the scorecard following your round. A penalty score is the course rating + your Handicap for that course. Generally, this will add a below par round to your scoring history. As such if you have registered a score intent and have to stop playing for whatever reason please contact me and I can cancel that score intent before it becomes a penalty score.
One way I have noticed a penalty score being created is where a player registers for a GP round on the screen in the men's changing room, then they download another scorecard on their phone - this causes two cards to be created. The player then closes one card properly - unaware of the existence of the 2nd card - and that 2nd card causes a penalty to be awarded. I am not yet entirely sure how this is happens but I am trying to replicate it. What I do know is that on a few occasions I have seen a penalty score awarded to a player who also has a properly submitted scorecard for the same date in the system. Once I know more of this I will update you.
I hope you have found the above a helpful reminder, but please, if you do have a problem with the scorecard submission contact me as soon as possible. I can resolve most issues before they become a penalty score.
Happy Golfing
Jamie Carlin Handicap Secretary. April 2025.
Extract from AVGC message to all members dated 14th June 2021
Speed of Play
We have to hold our hands up and say that speed of play and general course etiquette has been overlooked this year whilst we have been tied up with covid, risk assessments, procedures, hiring new staff and the County Champs. So our apologies go to all that have found themselves taking longer on the course than they should. We will try and improve upon this! We will be introducing a Course Marshall to the course on Monday 28th June and Wednesday 30th June – however, firstly please read through the following general guidance taken from England Golf.
Be Ready to Play
You should be ready to play as soon as it is your turn. While you are waiting, use your time wisely to prepare so that when it is your turn you are ready to play. Here are four things you can do to make sure you are ready to play:
Put your glove on and check your yardage.
Assess the wind strength and direction.
Decide on the type of shot that you are going to play.
Select your club.
When it is your turn to play, play promptly. Consider your pre-shot routine; saving even a few seconds will make a difference.
Decide on the shot and execute it.
You only need one practice swing.
You do not need to waggle the club back and forth and round about again and again.
Ready Golf – if one player has gone to the right on a hole and one to the left you may be able to play at the same time. The safety issue that would prevent this is if a ball struck off the toe or heel of the club could travel in the direction of another player.
Keep up with the Group in Front
It is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If they lose a clear hole and delay the group behind, they should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group. Where a group has not lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the group behind can play faster, they should also invite the faster moving group to overtake them.
· Do not worry about the group behind – keep up with the group in front.
· If you feel that your group is falling behind take responsibility and bring this to the attention of the other players in your group.
· React positively to the situation.
· If your group is behind there is no need to run but try to catch up quickly.
· Invite the group behind you to play through if you are delaying them.
“But they have nowhere to go so why let them through?”
You may have a 2-ball behind you and a 4-ball in front. Let the 2-ball through if they are faster than you, then the 4-ball ahead can do likewise and they will be on their merry way!
Lost Ball
If you think your ball may be lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, to save time, play a provisional ball.
Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found. They shouldn't search for three minutes before doing so. Having allowed the group behind to play through, they shouldn't continue play until the group coming through has passed and is out of range.
At the Green
When on or near the green, leave your bags off the green on the way to the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, leave the green quickly. (this is a real time saver!).
On the tee
You can save much time by agreeing ‘Ready Golf’ rules on the tee. Move to the teeing ground without delay and let someone tee straight off – you can then mark scores or update golf aps as others in your group are teeing off. However, if players are still ahead of you consider the shorter hitters playing first:
a) they can tee off sooner and
b) if they are last to tee off and then first to play their second shot this will create a time delay.
Assist others in your group
Follow the flight of all tee shots, not just your own. Once you are on the fairway, help others to look for their ball. Consider replacing a divot or raking a bunker (when allowed) for others if that assists the pace of the group.
Seniors Website –
The primary reference point for Seniors’ activity and related administrative matters, is held here. Upcoming competitions, results and news of events will be posted. See the “read more” link below to access the website.
Notice Board –
General information is posted on the Seniors noticeboard, that includes competition notes & rules, The Senior committee, sign up sheets for awaydays, notice of AGM and supporting documents and notice of forthcoming events.
Face Book –
AVGC Seniors Info Page is a closed group and used as both a quick communication tool as well as an informal forum for Seniors. I will use it for reminders, advising of spaces in Competitions and anything else that crops up that benefits from sharing quickly. Its is open for all Seniors to use to communicate with each other on Seniors Golf related matters, so feel free to request to join.
WhatsApp -
AVGC Seniors Group is has been created to update Seniors on the latest policies. competitions and events.
Intelligent Golf –
IG, Offers messaging tools. Emails can be sent direct to individual or all Senior members. Club information and Club News can also be accessed via the IG app or website.
The Vale –
The Clubs monthly magazine records information of all Club activities, including Seniors’. It is distributed to all members via email using the Clubs BRS system. Copies can be found on the Clubs main website as well as on the Seniors.
Conversing –
Yes, one of the oldest communication methods. It has been difficult to do this in person recently but let us not forget this art.
General –
Seniors have reserved times on Mondays and Wednesdays. Seniors may also participate in the All Members Mixed Stableford on Friday Mornings.
Mondays are generally used for the Seniors “Calendar” events, such as Medal and Summer 6. There is a fee to enter these Competitions, £5 covering place prizes and “2’s”.
Wednesdays are run as a Stableford, in place of the old “roll up”. On many Wednesdays there is a League running. This is free to enter and there is a small prize for 1st place on each round and the winner and 2nd/3rd places of the series. Each League series comprises a maximum of 5 rounds.
Booking –
Entry to all Seniors competitions is made through IG.
14 days from the event date, booking on IG closes. Entrants’ names are put into the competition draw and the resulting names and tee times recorded on the BRS tee sheet. You will then receive an email from BRS advising of your tee time.
As far as competitors are concerned, the BRS tee time is the only time that matters. Should there be a need to make subsequent changes to the draw you will again be advised of any changed tee time via BRS. 10 days from the event date, the BRS opens for general booking. It is at that point your tee time becomes visible on BRS.
As soon as the original BRS booking is made you receive an email and you can view the booking on your BRS “dashboard”. You cannot see it on the BRS tee sheet until 10 days from the event. All your live tee times are on your BRS dashboard, you don’t have to remember them.
Cancellations –
You must inform the Competition Secretary of any cancellations (competition_secretary@avgcseniors.co.uk)
Day of Play –
When you arrive at the Club and certainly before you tee off, you should sign into the correct competition onIG. This can be done on your mobile device or the PSI Screen in the changing room. There could be several competitions available to you to select from. You could have your intended competition, Casual/General Play, and the Mid-Week to choose from, so take care. You must nominate a marker. At the end of the round verbally verify your score with your nominated marker. Either during or at the end of your round enter your score on your mobile device or on the PSI screen in the changing room. You must submit your score before you leave the Club. The competition will be closed on the conclusion of the round of the last participating group. Failure to submit a score in accordance with the instructions of the Competition Secretary will result in disqualification.
Please familiarise yourself with the World Handicapping System (WHS). There is a lot of material now available so base your handicapping knowledge on fact, not hearsay. Jamie Carlin is the Handicap Secretary and he is your first point of reference on matters of handicapping.
There are a number of fundamental changes you need to be aware of, such as:- it is England Golf, not the Club that holds your handicap; you no longer get “0.1” back for a poor round; a good round would not necessarily lead to a change in your handicap (for good or poor rounds, it depends on the scores in your bank of last 20 and the best 8 of those making up your handicap index), in singles strokeplay the playing handicap is 95% of your Course Handicap. And so on.
I would also alert you to the fact that there is no longer the notion of a “No Return”. Once you sign in you are committed to submitting a completed scorecard. Failure to do so could leave you open to being allocated a “penalty score”. This will take a further 20 qualifying rounds to remove from your record.
If you fail to score on a hole it can be for 2 legitimate reasons, you didn’t attempt it or you didn’t complete it. They have different outcomes for handicapping purposes. In either situation do not put a “fictitious” score on your card, such as a net double bogie.
Keith Loxton
07557 319164
kgloxtonavgc@aol.com