Handicap card

[bobblehead]

If you are not a member of a golf club, how does one go about getting a handicap card? My friend in Australia is asking me to bring one to play courses there. Thanks.

[BC MIST]

If you are not a member of a golf club, how does one go about getting a handicap card? My friend in Australia is asking me to bring one to play courses there. Thanks.

Golf clubs that are members of the RCGA, pay an annual fee ($16??)for each member, and each member is then registered and has an 8 digit RCGA membership number. Then, through the provincial organization that your club is a member of, handicaps cards are sent to your golf club and distributed. In Ottawa, we are now members of "Golf Quebec," formerly the Quebec Golf Association. Golf Quebec now includes both male and female golfers. So if you are not a member of an RCGA golf club, you will not be able to get an official handicap card, unless-

There are a few golfers who have become part of the Golf Quebec's public player programme, and as such MAY have a handicap card because of this. They can give the appropriate details.

So, if you are not a member of either of the above, you will not have an official handicap because the RCGA owns the handicap system.

[bobblehead]

Thanks for the info. Seems a bit restrictive...I guess I'll have to look into option 2.

[powerlefty]

If you are not a member of a golf club, how does one go about getting a handicap card? My friend in Australia is asking me to bring one to play courses there. Thanks.

Join the Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) Public Player Program. It costs $49/year. You get an official handicap card, rule book, etc, etc. You post your scores on the internet using one of a number of home courses. In Kanata, the most popular choice of home course is Golf Town Kanata. Periodically take your card in to the desk at the back for Golftown staff to sign.

[bobblehead]

That's a better option. According to the GAO website, they won't send you a kit until April...this doesn't help me for my Australia trip but will keep it in mind for the future. Thanks for the info.

[Nat Williams]

You should borrow one from a friend that is a member.

I was just looking @ my RCGA member card and the 2005 season card is valid until March 31st 2006.

Just write a handicap on the back of it and sign it yourself. IMO the whole process is pretty silly considering how easy it is to forge a handicap (all it takes is a random signature)/

Odds are you won't even need to show the card (I've been overseas and told by the course to bring the card, but have never once been asked), but it's better to be safe than sorry and this is an easy way to take care of the problem with as little hassle as possible.

[bobblehead]

Anyone want to lend their handicap card for the month of March?

[Kilroy]

Ahem...

This is not a good thing to be doing here. Thanks.

[Andru]

Haha

The Feberal Bureau of the Golf Index Police could be reading this.

[nice_lag]

Haha

The Feberal Bureau of the Golf Index Police could be reading this.

Maybe not the FBGIP but someone working for the GAO or its Handicapping Committee...

[sandbagger72]

i've heard nothing but good things about the card power lefty is refering to