Independent Golfer Ireland

Yes

It seems open for payment on that link.

I guess the real interesting thing will be whether they are allowed play opens or not.

I havent played golf in WHS era.....can you submit scores for non-comp rounds ?

I hope they do. I'm gonna mail around all the local clubs before I pull the trigger and sign up. I haven't been a member of a club in 11 years. Have played less than 10 rounds in that 11 years. But played twice last summer and twice this and would 100% play much more if I had a handicap and could play opens. Have zero intention of joining a club because I just don't have the time to invest in golf now and for foreseeable future. But if I could play twice a month in clubs local to me for May-Sep and have a card in my hand at open day rates I'd find the time. If clubs don't accept these handicap cards or put a surcharge on the entry fee then I just won't bother and will stick to my couple of rounds a year.

Interestingly that independent golfer link is now down

I wonder did they go too early with it ?

I didn't see the site linked above and it's password protected now. That means it was a development or UAT version and not ready for the public. Probably a mistake on the web developers' part to leave it open. There's been no announcement date either so it's all pending…. It won't come with any fanfare or big PR day, lots of clubs don't want it all and would be apoplectic if GI executive put on a big PR show. I suspect it will be semi under the radar with word of mouth and social media filling in the gaps when it does go live. In a year, we'll be scratching our heads about why there was so much fuss.

For starting date they're kind of missed the chance for 2024 as counting golf will finish in a matter of weeks. So it'll be very quiet until March/April as the return of counting golf kicks off the new season.

Its kinda perfect for myself. Get a handicap so can try out a few opens. Mostly be using it get out and try clubs with an eye towards membership down the line. I'm popping out solo or with a mate or two at the moment but will open up more opportunities to get out and try spots out.

Similar sentiment from the mates I have who are just getting into the game, good way to see other courses (one or two are not fans of solo play) and having the handicap will makes it easier to balance games between ourselves as well.

Played with two lads recently. One was a junior and played a little in his 20s. He hasn't been a member for years and plays a handful of times per year. Other fella never joined a club or played as a junior, he plays a similar amount tbf.

The first lad was asking where to sign up today so he could play opens. He couldn't justify membership with a young family and limited free time. The 2nd lad didn't understand the concept at first. Then he heard he could win a prize from his green fee and have potentially reduced fees elsewhere he wanted to know more.

Neither has a remote interest in membership now. I guess the independent golfer scheme will keep these sorts of people closer to the game. Clearly it presents a better chance of converting to membership in a few years than without. If they're playing more and contributing to the golf economy (balls, clubs, range, gear etc) it has to be seen as a positive.

I still think the 3 years stand-down rule is punitive. However, it offers an option for the distance member clubs to step in. They can be a middle ground between independent golf and traditional "full" membership.

Here we go

https://static.clubhouse.golfireland.ie/clubs/1000/uploads/files/independent_golfer/independent%20golfer%20scheme%20october%202024%20update%20v7.pdf

Ten thousand in England over three years. A be similar uptake in Ireland equates approximately 1100. The fact that it is being launched tomorrow without any fanfare tells its own story.

Lads, ye aren’t grasping the idea of a soft launch. If they went gun-ho and it didn’t work, it’s hard to push on from there. A soft launch and see how that goes they can push it from there then.

Ok