County Championships Newsletter January 2012 Print

Whilst there is little sign so far of the good weather which we hope to enjoy during the summer, the evenings are just beginning to get a touch lighter; therefore as we start to dream of dry running fairways and fast, firm greens, we would take this opportunity to wish all our Affiliated Clubs a most happy and successful 2012 Season.

            The County Tournament Committee have been busy putting the finishing touches to our Championship Programme for the year, with a full fixture list being available to you on the County Website, cheshiregolf.org.uk.  The website throughout the year will provide regular news updates on our Tournaments, together with a “live” results service, enabling the progress of each event to be monitored from your home computer/tablet or internet accessible phone.  Entry Forms for all events will be available on the website, from the 8th of February, the day following the County AGM, which incidentally we would be delighted to see you at.  Please note the specific information which is given for each of the County Championships, together with the General Conditions that apply; these do develop slightly from year to year, it is important therefore to check out the current documents.  Application for Entry to Championships, including payments, can most easily be carried out “on-line”, supported by electronic confirmation and access to start times, alternatively you may still download the Forms and return them by post.  In the event of any difficulty please E-Mail Stephen Foster, the County Secretary on secretary@cheshiregolf.org.uk; or phone him at the County Office on 01244 678004.  Entry fees for all Championships have been maintained again at previous rates.

         Although most of the Championships are the province of the most accomplished players across the County, we would especially draw your attention to those events of wider relevance throughout your Club Membership.  In particular the “County Handicap Trophy”, is intended for all male adult members, simply requiring an “Active Handicap” up to 28.  The event again this year will be the County Qualifier for the “EGU Gold Medal”, providing the opportunity for the players with the five leading nett scores, to participate in the National Final, as the guest of the EGU, at Woodhall Spa on the famous Hotchkin Course; previous Cheshire Qualifiers have always reported what a brilliant experience it was.  The Handicap Trophy (18 holes, Strokeplay), this year will be held at Warrington GC on Wednesday 27th June, at the direction of the EGU the event will be a Medal Round.  Note: It is likely that the qualifying arrangements for the EGU Gold Medal may change for 2013.  Club Junior Organisers should also note the County Junior Club Team Championship, now in its third year as a dedicated Tournament, this event again, is a Qualifier for a National Final; the format remains a team of three, two best nett “Stableford” scores counting over 18 holes.  The event will again be staged at Stockport GC, whose continued support for this Junior Golf Fixture is very much appreciated, the date is Friday 8th June, teams may be boys, girls or mixed, aged under 18 on the 1st January 2012, team members should not have played in a representative capacity for another Affiliated Club during the season.  Last year, we approached our capacity of forty teams, i.e. a field of 120 players, please therefore do not delay entering your Club.

            You will no doubt appreciate, that the latest edition of the Rules of Golf came into force on the 1st January.  There are some important changes incorporated in the new publications, whilst many of the approximately 200 revisions, are possibly technical in nature, a number of issues will bear upon the regular play of Club Members.  To assist Members and Club Competition Committees in the interpretation of the latest Rules, we have prepared a “Players Guide” intended to focus on the appropriate areas of interest.  A copy of these notes are attached for your use.  Please remember, the County are very prepared to provide guidance with any Rules issues which may present themselves during your Club Competitions, again contact should be made in the first instance with the County Secretary.  Staying on the subject of “Rules”, the EGU have been running a number of “County Rules Schools”, providing the opportunity for formal Rules Instruction and Examination, with a distinction giving recognised Qualification as a “County Standard Referee”.  A Cheshire School, over two days, is to be run at Sandiway GC on Wednesday 28th March/Thursday 3rd May, please look out for the details and Application Form over the next few days.  Should your Club Members be interested in a more relaxed informal “Rules Evening”, please let us know, we are happy to discuss appropriate arrangements.

           Finally you will recall that following extensive consultation and discussion, the merger of the EGU and EWGA was approved and came into effect on the 1st January; the merged body operates under the trading name of “England Golf”.  Whilst to avoid possible confusion we have used the name EGU above, this strictly should be England Golf and will become the commonly used term into the future.  Please remember that at both County and National levels, Mens and Ladies Championship Golf, will continue to operate as independent events.  At Club level your Competition Structure remains entirely within your own control, there is no intention, requirement or pressure as a result of National Merger to alter your Club Playing Programme.

Have a great Season.                                                                                                    CUGC Tournaments, Jan 2012.