Penalty Scores
Some more on my latest favourite subject - Penalty Scores.
We continue to regularly see unnecessary Auto Penalty Scores being applied to members playing records. These occur when a member registers for a General Play score but does not either enter a score or the assigned marker fails to verify this score. Typically 75% of those we see are due to no score being entered with 25% due to no verification.
There is no reason at all for these to occur and, if no score is entered, they will result in a minor decrease in a players Handicap. Furthermore, the system generates notifications of pending penalties allowing time to rectify the problem. If the player or marker is unable to rectify the problem, contact the appropriate Handicap Secretary who can assist. Members who regularly attract Auto Penalties may have their Handicap withdrawn.
We are currently investigating all penalty scores and this consumes our valuable time which we prefer to avoid.
So:
If you register for a General Play Score you must enter your score or delete the score intent giving a clear valid reason as to why this was necessary.
If you are the assigned marker, you will receive a notification that a score is awaiting your verification via the MyEG app - you must respond to this.
Here once more is a link that explains exactly how to use the my EG app for General Play scores
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yRAJNyCj1s
Know the Rules:
Do you think you know the rules ? Why not test your knowledge by taking on this Rules quiz from the R&A - this one is apparently for the beginners!
https://www.randa.org/en/quiz/level/quiz-beginner
Identifying your ball
Strangely, in the Rules of Golf, you are not obliged to place a unique identifying mark on your ball, However there are many circumstances when you can come unstuck and not be certain when you find your ball it really is yours and not just one of the same make and number that happens to be nearby. This can simply be avoided by placing a unique mark on your ball. It is also good practice to announce to your partners what this is to avoid any suspicion when you find a ball in the rough and claim it to be yours.
Steve Kelly
Men's Handicap Secretary