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- Aug 24, 2023
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I have been meaning to write a post/thread about this as it is just different here, but in a good way, although it would take a while for anyone to get used to and I wouldn't ever expect these changes to happen in North America.
Golf is still seen as a sport for the wealthy and elite here. While there are 5 clubs that are more public and cheaper the going rate for a green fee is still about $100 usd.
The biggest shock when moving here outside of the price was the need of an official handicap.
That's right, no, handicap, no playing on the main courses. For those starting or beginning golf there are several par 3 courses and 6 hole academy courses that they are allowed on. In order to get your handicap you need to take a course and with that basically some lessons along with a final exam. Barrier to entry therefore is higher and can be a turnoff, but I still see loads of ppl signing up and getting invovled. In the end this has some added benefits as all golfers you play with have a good understanding of the game and are usually competent, which leads back into the next big shocker.
When registering for a round all golfers have their handicaps next to their name, if they don't want their name there it can be as a guest, but your official handicap is still right there.
This is great because it can set round expectations or you can try and find times to play with skill levels you prefer to play with.
As someone who golfs as a single 90% of the time it was great. Now I couldn't care less who I play with. Scratch, pro, beginner or anywhere in between. I am out there to enjoy golf and 99% of the time I do, regardless of who I am playing with.
The final point to kick this off is everyone walks. Everyone. I have only seen one cart the whole time and whether they are 90 or 13 golfing they are pushing or carrying their bags, which is kinda refreshing.
I will follow up with some more, but that will kick this off for now!
Golf is still seen as a sport for the wealthy and elite here. While there are 5 clubs that are more public and cheaper the going rate for a green fee is still about $100 usd.
The biggest shock when moving here outside of the price was the need of an official handicap.
That's right, no, handicap, no playing on the main courses. For those starting or beginning golf there are several par 3 courses and 6 hole academy courses that they are allowed on. In order to get your handicap you need to take a course and with that basically some lessons along with a final exam. Barrier to entry therefore is higher and can be a turnoff, but I still see loads of ppl signing up and getting invovled. In the end this has some added benefits as all golfers you play with have a good understanding of the game and are usually competent, which leads back into the next big shocker.
When registering for a round all golfers have their handicaps next to their name, if they don't want their name there it can be as a guest, but your official handicap is still right there.
This is great because it can set round expectations or you can try and find times to play with skill levels you prefer to play with.
As someone who golfs as a single 90% of the time it was great. Now I couldn't care less who I play with. Scratch, pro, beginner or anywhere in between. I am out there to enjoy golf and 99% of the time I do, regardless of who I am playing with.
The final point to kick this off is everyone walks. Everyone. I have only seen one cart the whole time and whether they are 90 or 13 golfing they are pushing or carrying their bags, which is kinda refreshing.
I will follow up with some more, but that will kick this off for now!
