The best news for Golfers world wide happened in 2021 when the new World Handicap system came into effect. At the time, this seemed to go under the radar. But no more. New golfers won’t even know what we’re on about. This article is here to explain why this is good and give some examples how you can take advantage.
Why is a World Handicap System Good News?
If you were not aware, before its launch in 2021, many different handicap systems existed around the world. This wasn’t very helpful. Now, you can have an official golf handicap that and use it across the globe. At least that’s the aim. How great is that! Furthermore, you don’t need to be a member of a club!
Golf needed to be more inclusive and this move back in 2021 paved the way 100%. Not having a handicap excludes you from much fun; fair fun at that. I’ve seen it. And been there myself. An over inflated ego and an inaccurate handicap, giving the club player a advantage to out-score you by +18 stableford points. So yes, this is a big deal. A global handicap for all, for members and non-members is awesome.
How does a Non-Member get a Handicap?
So you’re not a club member, but you would like an official golf handicap. If you are based in England, Scotland or Wales these are referred to as the Independent Players schemes. We will include internationals world handicap system app links here in future. If somewhere else in the world, we’d love to know where you are, your Handicap, and what app you use, so please comment below.
For the time being (Dec 2024), the following is focused on UK only.
Scotland
Leading the way, Scottish Golf launched their scheme OpenPlay scheme in early 2021. Here are some key points regarding the Scottish Golf scheme OpenPlay:
- Sign up to OpenPlay via the Scottish Golf app, linked below
- Cost - £5.99 monthly, "flexible" subscription
- What you get:
- Official World Handicap System handicap index
- Discounted golf when booked via the app
- Free GPS for yardages of 36,000 courses
- Complete and enter 54 holes of golf on the Scottish Golf app, to begin your handicap golf adventures
https://scottishgolf.org/openplay/
England
England Golf released their scheme iGolf in July 2021. Key points regarding iGolf are below:
- Sign up via iGolf, linked below
- Cost - £40 annual subscription
- What you get:
- World Handicap System handicap index
- Personal liability insurance
- Access to the My England Golf app to post scores, track progress and engage with friends
- Complete and enter 54 holes of golf on the England Golf app, and begin your handicap golf adventures
https://englandigolf.co.uk/what-is-igolf/
Wales
The Welsh Golf scheme Flexi Club is up and running. An overview of Flexi Club and benefits are below:
- Sign up to Flexi Club via the link below
- Cost - One off payment of £55 for annual subscription, or monthly installments of £5.50.
- What you get:
- Official World Handicap System handicap index
- Offers and promotions from Wales Golf
- Access to six for the price of five lesson voucher
https://www.walesgolf.org/what-is-flexi-club/
For Golfers in Ireland, FlexyGolf launched their scheme in March 2021. However, the scheme seems to have stopped and the Flexygolf website no longer functioning. Their twitter feed is here. If the scheme is relaunched or a new scheme put in place for Ireland, I will update the blog accordingly.
I would love to know who is taking advantage of the Independent Player schemes and how you are getting on. So please get in touch by either commenting below or sending a tweet on X. To keep up to date with new articles use the subscriber link below. Happy Handicap Golfing everyone.
Leave a Reply