Golf clubs in the south east of the country have agreed that all competitions organised within each club will be restricted to members of golf clubs only while Independent Golfer members will be surcharged for casual golf.
Irish Golfer Magazine understands that some golf clubs from the midlands and the south east regions are open to withdrawing their courses from use for Golf Ireland cups and shields in protest over the new iGolf scheme which was introduced on October 1st.
At a meeting of south east clubs last week involving Borris, Bunclody, Coolattin, Courtown, Enniscorthy, New Ross, Rosslare, St. Helen’s Bay and Wexford it was agreed that all the clubs will act in a common and consistent manner regarding casual golfers and those with iGolf handicaps wishing to play their courses.
While a spokesperson for Enniscorthy Golf Club agrees that there are benefits to the iGolf scheme, for city golfers, younger and more casual people who may not be able to justify a golf club membership due to other commitments etc, there is widespread concern among rural clubs that iGolf will put their futures in jeopardy.
The south east clubs have agreed that all competitions will be restricted to members of golf clubs only. All other golfers will be allowed, on paying the appropriate green fee, to play casual golf. Casual golfers may participate in society competitions or golf classics organised by outside bodies, but will not be entitled to play in club organised opens which may be running on the same day. These restrictions will apply to overseas visitors also.
All clubs involved are expected to confirm the above by October 31st with the rules coming into action with immediate effect. A review will be conducted in the spring to address these regulations and the developments of iGolf.
The iGolf scheme has proven to be immensely popular and successful particularly in the United Kingdom, with over 10,000 golfers transitioning to full golf club membership since 2021.
It appears that the scheme’s popularity has already taken off in Ireland. Irish Golfer Magazine understands that over 500 people registered for an Independent Golfer handicap for €65 within three days of its introduction.
Golf participation in Ireland continues to surge. Approximately 543,000 people played golf on a full-length course in Ireland in 2023, with just over half, 224,000, not being members of clubs.
It’s this cohort of 224,000 that golf clubs, particularly rural clubs, are fearful of missing out on. They feel the opportunity to attract this category of golfer will be made even more challenging with the introduction of the iGolf scheme.
At a meeting of midlands based golf clubs last month involving Abbeyleix, Athy, Carlow, Cill Dara, Craddockstown, Newbridge, Portlaoise, Portarlington, Royal Curragh, The Heath and Tullamore the conclusion was reached that the Independent Golfer Scheme was ‘a fait accompli’ and that measures would need to be taken to prepare for it.
One suggestion made, following a meeting in Carlow, was that an EGM with Golf Ireland be called although this seems unlikely despite continued investigations over the possibility of one before the end of the year.
Another suggestion from the midlands meeting was that a subsidy be charged to iGolf members on top of the green fee on the day.
The meeting heard that a number of similar meetings have taken place in golf clubs around the country, and it was suggested that information is gathered from these so clubs can liaise together and decide upon a united strategy going forward.