How Golf Clubs Can Prepare for the Upcoming Competition Season

The dawn of a new golf competition season is close. For a smooth and successful campaign, golf club committees need to undertake thorough preparations.

Review Local Rules

Clubs must ensure their local rules are accurate, consistent with the official Rules of Golf, and truly reflect the current state of the course. It's vital that these rules are prominently displayed, and if scorecards feature shortened versions, the full text should be easily accessible, whether on a noticeboard or the club website. Adopting local rules that diverge from R&A guidelines can have consequences, potentially affecting the acceptance of scores for handicap purposes.

Update Scorecards and WHS Ratings

Winter projects or natural changes might alter the course. If holes have been lengthened, shortened, or greens modified, scorecards must be updated to reflect new yardages. For significant course alterations, clubs should consult their regional handicap advisors to determine if a World Handicap System (WHS) Course Rating change is required.

Conduct a Course Walk

A comprehensive inspection of the course after winter is essential to assess any damage. Committees should identify areas needing "ground under repair" (GUR) and consider if temporary local rules are necessary while the course recovers (e.g., deep ruts are not automatically GUR). Beyond damage, a course walk is preventative: ensure all markings—tee markers, drop zones, distance markers, penalty areas (red or yellow), and out-of-bounds stakes/lines—are clearly visible, correctly positioned, and refreshed. Confusing markings can lead to early-season friction, so clear and consistent marking is an ongoing committee responsibility.

Examine Terms of Competition

Every event in the club’s competition calendar, from major championships to weekly Stablefords, requires scrutiny. Clubs must explicitly define eligibility criteria, format, handicap requirements, tie-breaking procedures, and playoff formats. Clear and easily accessible Terms of Competition are crucial to ensure everyone understands what is expected and provide a framework for resolving potential disputes. While committees are responsible for clarity, members also bear the responsibility of familiarizing themselves with these terms before entering events.

Evaluate Pace of Play Measures

With longer days approaching, clubs should review their pace of play regulations. Are target times for rounds realistic, clearly displayed, and consistently enforced? It's also important to carefully consider tee times for early season competitions, ensuring starting intervals are appropriate to prevent players from finishing in the dark.