iGolf; much ado about nothing.

For those of us working in the industry, the timing of Golf Ireland's recent launch of the new iGolf plan was a no-brainer. A slow news week sandwiched?between the President’s Cup and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in early Autumn is as good a time as any to unveil a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. Offering a golfer the opportunity to attain an official handicap index without joining an affiliated golf club is something straight out of the Comedy of Errors.

One would be concerned initially at the genesis of the thinking that began the process of introducing a new product to the marketplace that would compete head-on against one of the main revenue streams of all your members. More specifically, the proportion of your member clubs that depend on solid revenue from their Open Competitions and their chance to capture a few nomad golfers each year. If the new product is successful, it could threaten their very ?existence,?the development of golf in rural areas, and increase the volitivity of many golfers who are still aggrieved with the recent introduction of a new handicap system.

Although its actions during Covid came across as an all-powerful governing body whose proclamations had to be always obeyed, it would be more fitting if Golf Ireland understood its relationship with its affiliated clubs. Each club is a unique business entity that must only answer to its members in how it conducts its golfing affairs. Clubs did not have to be told how to carry themselves during the pandemic and whether they accept these new handicapped players into their Open Competitions or even offer them the traditional “Golf Ireland” green fee reduction is a conversation that still must be had.

I do not doubt that this debate will take place at the majority of club A.G.Ms . over the coming weeks where members will surely voice their concern at the prospect of competing against golfers who have not committed to the sport in the usual setting which is the raison detre many clubs were formed for in the first place. Golf Ireland should stick to what they are good at, primarily event management, keeping a watchful eye on the traditions of the game, and ensuring where possible that structures are in place that will develop the game to the standing it should have in Ireland – the home of five Major champions in recent years.?

With no sign of a comment from Golf Ireland about the possibility of sanctioning clubs that don’t recognise this new handicap index, which affiliated clubs will be perfectly entitled to do if directed to by their membership, I feel the noise created by last week’s launch will turn to silence very quickly. Open competitions are on very thin ice at the moment and this new concept is a massive danger to their future. Golf Ireland has a duty of care to the game and its membership; perhaps it should realise this sooner rather than later.