Dubai: The backbone of all golfing communities is a golfer's handicap. It allows players of all abilities to play with and against each other and still have a competitive match.
Golfers gain and adjust their handicaps by generally being a member of a golf club and submitting cards under the recently introduced USGA Handicap System.
But some golfers don't always join a club. To embrace these golfers the EGF Handicap Scheme was introduced which allows ‘nomadic' golfers to gain a valid handicap accepted locally, regionally and internationally as well as play in their own Handicap Scheme Golf Calendar under EGF auspices.
As a result these Handicap Scheme golfers can play in all Open club golf competitions and avail themselves of EGF privileged green fee rates and other EGF benefits.
Local standards
Adel Zarouni, secretary general of the EGF, said, "We currently have just under 6,000 members on our books. The scheme is modelled on other non-member schemes globally but is leading the way in the Arab world. It's vital in both the structure of local golf and raising local standards."
The EGF Handicap Scheme, which started last year costs Dh795 per person per year (Dh100 for Juniors under the age of 18).
It ensures Corporate Golf has potentially more credibility and enables a key segment of UAE golfers to be included rather than excluded from the golf scene.
All golfers enter information on a computer at the end of their round which is stored on a server.
With the support of the UAE golf clubs and a genuine common drive by the golf industry the EGF's Handicap Scheme is growing fast to properly administer all aspects of the game under its governing body, the Emirates Golf Federation.
For further information visit www.emiratesgolffederation.com
