December/January News

Dear TSGers, As the days start to get longer again from Thursday's Winter solstice, our thoughts now turn to 2023, and we are proud to announce two new events that will be open to all TSGers - The TSG North Series & TSG South Series - see below. In addition, from 31st March 2023, we will be introducing NEW membership tiers, with THREE options available to members.  1. FREE membership - Track up to 8 Rounds pa. 2. Handicap Membership - Track Unlimited Rounds pa. for £19.99 and 3. PRO membership (Track Unlimited Rounds + Join Games & Events for £39.99 pa. However, ALL existing PRO members will have their annual PRO membership fee frozen at £29.98 until at least 2024*, just our way of saying thank you for your loyal support. So if you want to beat the price rise, upgrade to PRO membership before 28th Feb 2023! Merry Xmas & A Happy New Year! Ian - Editor 

*Should you cancel your PRO membership recurring payment at any time, you will be required to rejoin at the new PRO membership rate.

#TSGISAHAPPYPLACE  #BEHAPPY 

TSG EVENTS 2023: The North & South Series

TSG is introducing two new golf tournaments in 2023. The first will be run by well-known TSG Team veteran Marky Mark, and the second by TSG Blogger, Kevin Booth. Both competitions will run from April to September with a Grand Final in October. There will be one event each calendar month. The event schedule will be posted in the group pages and on the main TSG games page.

We will be issuing more information on the format, rules and the clubs we will be visiting in the new year but for now, please register your interest by joining the newly formed TSG Group pages using the links below.

PLEASE NOTE: there is only space available for 48 golfers on each tour, with four scorecards from the six events counting... please only put your name forward if you intend to play.

Finally, there will be a small entry fee per player of £10. Fancy being our first North and South Series winners? #ItCouldBeYou.

TSG HANDICAP INDEX: Myths of Golf Handicaps

As we know, Golfers are a peculiar breed! Why? Because, unlike most sports, scoring in golf is often down to the interpretation of the rules, rather than the rules as they are laid down by the governing body, the R&A (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews).  

For some reason (of which I have no idea why?), many golfers believe ‘playing to our handicap’ (or better) is mandatory every time we play but, are we deluding ourselves? In competition, with a scorecard in hand and no gimmes, it benefits to know what is, and more importantly, what isn’t the correct way to score and what to understand in terms of implementing the rules of golf.

If you are just having a practice round or a friendly knock with your pals, you may not look so closely at the rules of handicapping. In reality, most of us set out on a round of golf with the highest expectations but often end up disappointed. Many golfers assume (and expect) to play to their Handicap Index, or the resulting Stableford points of 36 points or more, every time they play. But how often should we be expected to play to your handicap Index? It’s not as often as you think!

Here we dispel some of the myths of golf handicaps surrounding the game we love.

The Truth about Golf Handicaps

In 2018, before the new World Handicap System was established, there was a survey of golfers on Twitter who reported that they expected the following scores when they played:

•     50% of competition rounds to be above the old buffer zone 
•     25% of competition rounds to be in the old buffer zone
•     25% of competition rounds to be below handicap

This means golfers believe that 2 in 4 rounds, they expect a poor round and expect their handicap to go up. Meanwhile, they expect their handicap to get cut once in every 4 rounds played.

In addition, under the old CONGU Handicapping rules, you’d have got a handicap reduction by your Club Secretary, for exceptional scoring (ESR) through continually playing to your handicap or better. e.g. If you are scoring between 35 and 39 pts regularly, with the occasional ‘exceptional’ round over 40 pts once or twice a year, then it’s highly likely your Handicap is wrong. You should, in fact, ONLY play to your handicap three or four times a year.

Taking this into account, personally, I am happy if I achieve 30pts in a round, as this is creditable golf by any standard. Just look at the professional golfers and how they score. On average, golf professionals score between -8 under to +8 over Par each round they play. If this happens, even at their exceptional standard of golf, why should we expect our average round to be better? Under the old CONGU system, a player’s handicap was their playing handicap, regardless of the difficulty of the course or from what tees they played from. 

A player who plays regularly on an easy course would often find playing a harder course difficult, and would most certainly play well below their handicap. And visa-versa for players who play a hard course regularly will always score better on an easy course. 

This is where the new World Handicap System is fairer.... Read on...

TSG BLOG: What is the Playing Handicap Calculation in Golf?

With the new World Handicapping System (WHS) now widely established, what are the definitions of the new golf terminology e.g. Playing Handicap?

Upon submitting your scores to the TSG Handicap Calculator, you will gain your Handicap Index. This, in turn, is then adjusted to a Course Handicap (depending on the Slope, Rating and Tees listed on the course you are playing). However, there is one more calculation golfers should be aware of when playing ‘Competition Golf’. Depending on the criteria set out by the golf event organiser on the day and the type of format you’re playing in, your handicap will require a further adjustment.

This is what we call the ‘Playing Handicap’. Here are the recommended calculations and allowances to follow. 

N.B. All Percentages are off the Course Handicap… READ MORE

TSG PARTNER PROMO: Review a UK & Ireland course and win epic prizes!

We're delighted to support our friends at Leading Courses's initiative in running this fun competition. With some very cool prizes up for grabs, including fourball vouchers, Cadero Golf Grips and more, simply write a review for a course you've played in the UK & Ireland in the past and you will be entered. The more reviews you write, the more chances you have. Here are just some of the Clubs where you could win 4-ball vouchers...

• Cleeve Hill Golf Club (Gloucestershire)
• Lilley Brook Golf Club (Gloucestershire)
• Goswick Golf Club (Northumberland)
• Westerham Golf Club (Kent)
• Surrey National Golf Club (Surrey)
• Woldingham Golf Club (Surrey)
• Perranporth Golf Club (Cornwall)
• St Austell Golf Club (Cornwall)
• Ashford Manor Golf Club (Middlesex)

N.B. Competition Rules state the review must be written on the Leading Courses platform

TSG XMAS GIFT: It's the gift that keeps on giving, all year round.

We believe that golfers should be able to play anywhere, at any time, whether they belong to a golf club or not. By joining The Social Golfer community, you can arrange games close to home or with over 7,000+ registered golfers in the UK.

• Join Games and Societies in your area

• Track your Handicap Index using the latest calculations

• Get a Handicap Certificate

• Compete in the TSG league & win prizes

• Join the North & South Tours, TSG Majors & Monthly Leaderboard

• Read TSG member's course reviews

• Join in chat and forum discussions

• Receive The TSG bi-monthly Newsletter

All for ONLY £29.98 pa!

TSG TRAVEL PARTNERS: December Offers

Their impartial advice is second to none, and with more years of experience in the team than they would like to admit, they will find the perfect escape for you and your group. For great advice, give the team a call to find out more on 01342 811 777.  

Don't forget to mention THE SOCIAL GOLFER and get £25 off your booking!

TSG LEADERBOARD: (sponsored by 2fore1.co.uk)

October Winner (Using new TSG H'cap Index System)

Martin Kelly at Epping GC with 43 pts.  

November Winner

Chris Potten at The Hertfordshire with 44 pts.

The TSG GREEN towels are on their way to you!

COURSE REVIEW: Worplesdon GC, Woking, Surrey, UK

A magnificent course and a pleasure to play. The scenery was amazing and each hole was beautifully presented and maintained.

The Greenkeeper came over from Sunningdale and is now spreading some magic at Worplesdon. The greens were excellent, the fairways in very good condition and drained very well after a week of rain.

Every hole was just a delight to walk and play. The par '3s were tough and this is a proper track. It was a society day and very enjoyable. The staff in the Pro-shop were excellent - big shout out to Wendy who was polite and attentive.

The staff in catering were a little abrupt though, and we felt somewhat rushed, which was a little off-putting. That said, the golfing experience and quality of the course superseded all expectations.

Lee Kyprian (H'cap Index 25)