Frequently Asked Questions

Should a competitor be disqualified if she has not put a date on her score card?

NO

Is there a recommendation for the number of Qualifying Competitions that a player must enter during the CONGU year?

NO. Although a club may stipulate that a player must return a number of Qualifying Scores in the previous year to be entitled to play in Club Trophy Competitions.

Will my handicap lapse if I do not return a stipulated number of cards each year?

NO. ELGA has directed that handicaps in England cannot lapse.

Can a buggy be used in a club Competition?

ELGA makes no recommendation about this, leaving to the discretion of the ladies’ committee at each club.

What does Clause 19.8 mean in the CONGU Handicapping system?

For handicap purposes only, and whether or not 18 holes have been completed, the score shall be adjusted to the Nett differential, which would have applied if the competition had been a Stableford Qualifying Competition. No points shall be recorded on a hole where there is no score.

If a player has failed to comply with the procedure laid down by the club for entry to the competition does the card count for handicap purposes?

NO. If a player fails to enter the competition in the correct manner she does not have an acceptable score either for the competition or for handicap purposes.

Is it possible to play a non-qualifying competition for handicap reduction only?

No. A competition is either qualifying for handicap increases and decreases or the scores are non-counting for handicap purposes.

Under the CONGU system is a ladies section required to run LGU medal Competitions?

No. It is up to the ladies’ section to decide whether or not they wish to run LGU Medal Competitions.

Should an individual member of a club ring the English Ladies’ Golf Association with a handicapping or Rules of Golf query.

NO. In the first instance the query should be referred to your club Handicap or Ladies’ Committee.

Will Ladies Sections still be able to run a competition on an alternate day?

YES. The CONGU system does not use the word alternate day but refers to a competition that is played over no more than two days, which need not be consecutive, and in which only one return is permitted.
Clause 14.2 (d)

What is the maximum handicap for ladies?

36

How many handicap scores do I need to return to obtain a handicap.

This is at the discretion of the golf club, but ELGA recommends a minimum of 3.

What is a player’s Exact Handicap?

Her handicap calculated to one decimal point.

What is a players’ Playing Handicap?

Her exact handicap calculated to the nearest whole number. 0.5 is rounded upwards.

What happens if a player holds a handicap from more than one Handicapping Authority?

The player must play from her CONGU handicap in all Qualifying Competitions.

In a 36-hole competition can a player with a no return in the morning compete in the afternoon round?

YES. Unless prohibited to do so by the Conditions of Competition.

If a player adds her score up incorrectly should she be disqualified?

No. Rule 33-5 states that the committee is responsible for the addition of scores and application of the handicap recorded on the score card.