24
June
2021
The governing body has answered questions and queries put forward by members as the bedding in of the World Handicap System continues... In a letter to the GCMA, England Golf has moved to clarify issues on the ongoing administration of the World Handicap System following an approach from the association. Their response to members is carried in full below... England Golf representatives were delighted to attend a recent GCMA webinar to discuss points raised by members around the implementation of the World Handicap System. Prior to the introduction of the WHS in November last year, education around the implementation and functionality of the WHS was a key focus for England Golf. This was done through a series of nationwide workshops and also via regular and direct communications with clubs and key staff within them. England Golf remains committed to helping clubs and officials now that the system is bedding in. Educational resources and suites of assets are freely available to all clubs and managers to assist with the transition to the WHS and these are regularly refreshed. As part of this focus on assisting clubs in the changeover to the WHS, officials have also made themselves available to answer questions put forward from GCMA members and some important points were raised following the recent discussion that required further clarity. These queries and the responses can be found below: Golfer queries have been directed by EG back to clubs; but clubs more often than not, are not suitably informed to answer what are some quite complex and technical WHS matters. Golfers are being passed between EG, Counties and Clubs without getting the answer or solution they need, which often results in Club Managers bearing the brunt of the complaints... Where a WHS enquiry has required a basic response that can be handled at club level (topics that have been covered by workshops, email communication and online education) we recommend that the golfer speaks directly with their golf club. This helps clubs to understand the types of question their members are asking so they can use our materials and signpost relevant guidance to help further educate members. Our county handicap advisors and regional handicap advisors are also on hand to help clubs with questions that they may be struggling to answer. This then allows the WHS support team at England Golf to answer the more highly technical questions and resolve any technical issues. There are administrative issues with the various systems involved, entering scores from competitions are often held up by one error or 'glitch' and clubs cannot close off the competition... All systems can experience glitches and we can only help resolve problems when we are made aware of them. Where issues have been reported directly to us, we have worked with software providers (ISVs) to get them resolved as quickly as possible. There is a concern over away cards being left with club staff to deal with and enter into the system on behalf of club members... General play... Please LOGIN to read the full article.
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