England Golf's new nomadic golfer scheme is set to be rolled out in the next few months
Non-Members Able To Gain Official Handicaps By End Of June
It's part of a new independent golfer scheme that England Golf recently confirmed was going ahead.
Non-members will gain official handicap indexes, with the initial aim "to inspire golfers to play more often and to increase the connection between an avid, independent golfer and their local club/facility," England Golf has said.
"We will create a best-in-class platform with the ultimate goal of educating independent golfers on the value of golf club membership and inspiring them to follow this pathway to greater participation," the governing body said in its latest independent golfer update.
This will be done "in line with the Rules of Handicapping and will have checks and balances in place to ensure the integrity of the handicap is maintained."
"There is so much more to being a member of a good golf club than the provision of a handicap," England Golf said.
"The benefits of membership far outweigh those being offered to an independent golfer through the new connectivity platform.
"We will support clubs to focus on the many added positives of golf club membership.
"These include important playing rights, social opportunities, regular competition play and a sense of belonging.
"During 2021, the ‘Membership: Give it a shot’ campaign will once again be central to our promotion of the game."
"By drawing avid, independent golfers closer to a local club it provides that club with the opportunity to showcase what it has on offer and to profit from an increased regular spend on food and beverage, tuition, green fees and merchandise."
