Conference 7.286::golf

	Not that I have a program to solve your problem but I am curious
	what are the differences between handicaps in the UK & US?

	Larry

    Larry,
         I should have re-phrased the question to read "is there a
    difference between U.S.G.A handicap workings and that in the U.K"
    because I have seen the programmes in note 352.0 which mention the fact
    that the programmes conform to the U.S standards. I really wanted to
    know whether the prog's would be ok in the U.K .
    
               REGARDS STEVE..
    
               

	  The majority of people who use this conference, and consequently
    the majority of the information comes from the American Contingent.
    Is there a conference dedicated to the U.K. Golfer, or the European
    Golfer ?
    	  It is so very frustrating reading about all the wonderfull
    courses and facilities in the States when my local club has a five
    (at least) year waiting list, and wont even let me near the course
    without a Handicap Certificate. I'm just learning and have been
    caught by a golfing Catch 22. I can't get onto a course without
    a Handicap Certificate, but how do I get one if I can't get on a
    course ?
    	  I live in Hampshire (England). Anyone know how I can get a
    certificate ? What about membership to a club local to me ?
    
    					Regards,
    					A Very Frustrated Beginner,
    					Wayne Rowell.

Wayne,

I find it a little frustrating seeing no info in this notes file on Australia,
but them's the breaks really. If you ignore the stuff about US courses and DEC
league information, there's still a lot of notes worth reading about equipment
and technique, and there's also jokes. You can brag about your successes, and
bemoan your failures.

Also, you can have a quiet snigger about those who have to stop playing golf in
winter. Interestingly, winter is the main golfing season here in Australia,
mostly because people aren't away on holiday, and it's not so hot that by the
14th you're gasping, and sunburnt.

It's tough getting started in golf. I waited for 2 years before joining a club
after starting to play. Mostly to determine if I really wanted to get that
serious about it, and also because it's a financial outlay joining a club. The
the waiting lists aren't so bad here in Australia though. I have to drive for 45
minutes to get to my club, but that's by choice as I have friends who were
already members there, and I wanted to join the same club.

My suggestion to you is to get onto the waiting list for the club you really
want to join, and also apply to a club with cheaper fees, and a shorter waiting
list to tide you over in the meantime, even if there's a bit of a drive to get
to it, mind you, a 1 hour drive probably won't get you out of Hampshire. You
can't play in competitions until you have a handicap, but once you are a member
of a club, you can get a handicap. It's not really Catch-22, just awkward. I'm
going through that phase at the moment, one more card and I have my handicap. 

Good luck to you anyway,

Lindsay

    Lindsay,
    
      Thanks for your words of encouragement. I mean to persevere and
    learn how to play this game. I played with my father last September
    (who lives in Germany) and my score was a paltry 136. That was the
    first time I had ever played, apart from a small pitch and putt
    course a few years ago. I have scince obtained a good book, and
    have practiced at a local diving range. As soon as I obtain some
    clubs, I will take a few lessons and find a course that will let
    me play on it. My ambition is to get as near to 100 as possible
    by April. Is this to ambitious, do you think ?
    
      In April, I will visit my Father again, And plan to surprise him
    when we play again. He doesn't know I'm learning and this will be
    a big thrill for him.
    
      On the subject of learning, Is my choice of clubs to learn with
    terribly important ?  I'm quite content to buy the cheapest just
    to learnd with, and buy a better set once I'm happy with my game.
    Has any one got any recomendations ?
    
                          Regards, and thanks,
    			     Wayne.

    You can buy a set of Ping-type iron copies cheap.  Appx $120 will
    get you a set of Tour Model II's from Tom Wells 1-800-248-7124
    (3-PW) or some other catalog company. (I only know U.S. manufacturers.)
    This is a nice club for beginners and will carry you through to
    mid-handicap play.

    Rick
                                                                         

    How about getting lessons BEFORE buying clubs ?
    
    I got lessons before I bought a decent set of clubs. The pro supplies
    the clubs, and will then be able to advise you on wat is bested suited
    to you. He/she will probably be able to sell them to you, at a decent
    price. It makes sense to get lessons to be sure you like the game,
    before lashing out on clubs. Even cheap ones will set you back a bob or
    two for a set, and you'll probably have to chuck them away after a year
    (maybe two :-)
    
    Getting lessons from a pro early on will stop you developing the nasty
    habits that the rest of us have !!
    
    Also, a golf club tends to look more kindly on applications for
    membership, if they are endorsed by that club's professional.
    Therefore, find a reasonable club, get lessons from the pro, and then
    apply to that club for membership.
    
    I am in the process of doing exactly that. Mind you, I do have some
    friends that play at the club too.
    
    Colin
    
    
    BTW, I'm in the UK, not US, but Warrington is a bit of a trek from
    Hampshire !!

    re .3
    
    >>>  	  I live in Hampshire (England). Anyone know how I can get a
    >>>           certificate ? What about membership to a club local to me ?
    >>>              
    >>>   					Regards,
    >>>   					A Very Frustrated Beginner,
    >>>    					Wayne Rowell.
       
    
    Wayne,
    
    If money is no object try Crondall, between Farnham, Fleet and Odiham.
    They will take anybody who waves a cheque for 1000 pounds in their
    face. Also Tylney Hall near Basingstoke and Sandford Springs near
    Kingsclere are not too fussy.
    
    Where abouts in Hampshire do you live ?  We do have a Digital Golf
    Society based in Reading, you know.
    
    Contact me if you want a game at any time, @MCL or @BST.
    
    M.
    

    
    
    NEVADA BOBS have opened a 4000 sq ft store in sunny Hampshire. It
    is located in Eastliegh, near the Hypermarket.
    
    I am going to take a run down there this weekend, and check it out.
    
    Who knows, maybe I'll  finally pluck up the courage and buy some
    clubs.
    
    					Wayne.
    

    
    Sorry, I incorrectly reported the size of the NEVADA BOBS store
    here in the U.K.
    
    Its, not 4000 sq ft but 8000 sq ft.
    
    They have a resident Pro, a special indoor putting green, and driving
    net. They also claim the lowest prices with a guarantee to be the
    lowest prices "around". They also have a mail order dept.
    
    Once I've visited them, then I'll post the prices in here. Is any one
    interested enough ? 
    
    					Wayne

    Gene,
    
    How about changing the name of this Topic to reflect a wider UK
    range. UK News ?  UK Golf ?  ????? 
    
    Thanks,
    Wayne

    Yep, I'm interested - Where's Eastliegh?
    
    Paul (of_DECpark)

    Paul,
    
    Eastleigh is near Southampton, about a half hours drive from where
    I live (Basingstoke). If you want a rough map ( very rough ), let
    me know.
    
    					Regards,
    					Wayne.
    
    P.S. Thanks Gene. :-)

    Hi Wayne,
    
    Did you get down to Nevada Bobs? I saw a two page ad in Golf Weekly
    Illustrated. It looks pretty good to me - would you recommend a
    visit. I only live in Reading so it's not far from me either.
    
    
    Phil.

      NEVADA BOBS was well worth the visit. The store is well laid and
    the staff are very pleasant and cheerfull. I was almost immediatly
    approached by one member of staff, and when told that I was 'only
    looking', he said to just call if I needed help and left me alone.
    Other members of staff remarked at how early it was. ( I got there
    just as they opened ) BTW they open Sundays !
    
      The various clubs are all laid out down two sides of the store,
    and Bags are all stacked on a shelf above them. Their indoor driving
    range is a gap along the left hand wall. The putters are stacked in 
    the middle of the floor, around a Putting Green, where you can try 
    them out.
    
      There were displays of the various shoes, clothing, trolleys and
    all the other bits and pieces required for golfing.
    
      All in all, despite the fact that I didn't buy anything, it was
    worth the time it took to travel there. There is a Carpet warehouse
    and a Texas DIY store on the same estate, and of course the Hypermarket
    is just across the road.
    
      If anyone wants directions, mail me at CURRNT::ROWELLW and I will
    forward them to you.
    
    				Regards,
    				Wayne.