Handicap Certificate

[Dave]

Hi Mike

I`am new to the game of golf, so I hope you can help me.

I have heard that you need to have a handicap certificate to play the golf courses in the area, if this is so how you do obtain a handicap certificate. Are there any courses in the area, where you do not need a handicap certificate to play?.

Also do you have any information regarding any insurance, that I may need to obtain when playing the courses.

Thanks
Dave

[Gary]

Hi Mike,

Following on from what Dave has said. What is the usual setup at each development with regard to the “golf club” and typically what residents are entitled to? Can you comment?
For example, if residents return cards and play in the occasional medal do they receive a local handicap certificate?

Cheers
Gary

[Mike Probert]

Hello Dave and Gary

I will attempt to answer your question openly,honestly and with a sense of humour if possible.

This is Spain and so get used to the say something and act in a different way syndrome.

Nearly ALL of the courses in the region state that they require golfers playing their courses to possess a golf handicap.

However the power of money applies here and i have yet to hear of someone being turned away from a course with a fist full of dollars (euro's) but no handicap certificate.

The other thing that is different here from the UK is that golf courses do not provide members with the same package of items such as running competitions,handicapping,social events,etc.

In brief members are just more regular visitors who pay reduced fees in exchange for money up front.

Sorry but there it is!

If you intend to live here in Spain or visit on a regular basis i suggest that you join one of the many local golf societies operating from bars,pubs,etc to obtain golf at discounted rates,competition,handicapping and social events.

Regarding insurance it is now becoming a big thing for courses to ask for your Spanish Golf Federation card insurance card (if you have one) or they will simply ask for an additional fee on the day you play of up to €3 to cover insurance.

If you want to obtain the official Spanish Golf Federation membership it costs approx €60 in the Murcian region and (would you believe it) €75 in the Alicante region.

Your local course or golf society should have the appropriate forms or details.

I trust that this answers your questions and happy golfing.

Regards Mike