Golf licence in Germany.....

[klink1983]

So I was googling random stuff like I always do and I came across something messed up. To golf in Germany one needs to acquire a licence which can cost $300 or more, theres a written, practical test, and you need to play 18 with a pro keeping under 108. If you are a tourist you still need to proove your skill by providing some kind of documentation of your handicap.

http://www.spotlightgermany.com/articles/golf.htm

Do you think we need to have a licencing system like this in Canada to keep the hackers and slowpokes out? Or do we have to have courses that are open and courses that you need a licence for?

[goodfellow]

So I was googling random stuff like I always do and I came across something messed up. To golf in Germany one needs to acquire a licence which can cost $300 or more, theres a written, practical test, and you need to play 18 with a pro keeping under 108. If you are a tourist you still need to proove your skill by providing some kind of documentation of your handicap.

http://www.spotlightgermany.com/articles/golf.htm

Do you think we need to have a licencing system like this in Canada to keep the hackers and slowpokes out? Or do we have to have courses that are open and courses that you need a licence for?

What a ridiculous idea - and what a ridiculous question. :hush:

[guitarman]

So I was googling random stuff like I always do and I came across something messed up. To golf in Germany one needs to acquire a licence which can cost $300 or more, theres a written, practical test, and you need to play 18 with a pro keeping under 108. If you are a tourist you still need to proove your skill by providing some kind of documentation of your handicap.

http://www.spotlightgermany.com/articles/golf.htm

Do you think we need to have a licencing system like this in Canada to keep the hackers and slowpokes out? Or do we have to have courses that are open and courses that you need a licence for?

Good way to close about 70% of the golf courses as you would have about that many less people able to golf. I don't know how many times I've been told this year that most golfers never break 100

[Mule56]

[quote=klink1983] If you are a tourist you still need to proove your skill by providing some kind of documentation of your handicap.quote]

This is a common practice in Europe. I believe it's St. Andrews that requires you to have proof of a registered hdcp, before you can play.
Mule

[klink1983]

What a ridiculous idea - and what a ridiculous question. :hush:

I never said that you have to like it. I only asked as a piece of conversation to get other peoples ideas. I think the licencing system that they use is pretty dumb but somepeople may not thnk that way and I am curious to know.....hence the reason for having a discussion forum such as this.......:rofl:

[abz-pete]

I think it's a good idea for the higher end courses. It's common place in mainland Europe and a handicap certificate is required for visitors at many Scottish courses.

Most importantly, the written part covers etiquette which is sadly lacking on many golf courses these days.

[goshawk]

I think it's a good idea for the higher end courses. It's common place in mainland Europe and a handicap certificate is required for visitors at many Scottish courses.
Most importantly, the written part covers etiquette which is sadly lacking on many golf courses these days.

I'm not sure if I like the license idea....that's going to cut out a very large number of golfers from being able to walk a course and enjoy themselves without being concerned about what their score is. On the other hand, I do like the idea of not allowing someone on the course who doesn't understand or never learned, and can't demonstrate a desire to follow, course etiquette. Issuing a "license" on the basis of knowledge of etiquette and rules of golf I can live with, but not one based on playing ability. Also, allowing someone to play based on their established handicap may be ok for high-end courses, but that's a stretch in Canada and the US. Can you imagine not being able to play Pebble Beach, Pinehurst #2 or Royal Ontario just because your handicap is over 15? I don't think that would go over too well with the average golfer.
I vote no, but.......

[johnthegolfer]

A horribly elitist idea which will probably be considered a great idea by the snobs that don't like to hang out with the great unwashed...! My father-in-law, a decent player when younger but who rately plays now (bad knees) wasn't allowed to play a simple, short course in Portugal as he had no registered handicap (had to be under 18 to play).

From what I have heard from Scottish friends, though, some courses apply the rule only when they want to keep hooligans off the course - most places conveniently forget to ask for handicap verification otherwise.

JTG

[abz-pete]

From what I have heard from Scottish friends, though, some courses apply the rule only when they want to keep hooligans off the course - most places conveniently forget to ask for handicap verification otherwise.JTG
A reasonable knowledge of etiquette and a decent pace of play are all that's asked for at most Scottish courses. Even at St Andrews, the handicap limit isn't too prohibitive - 24 for men and 36 for women.

[dekker]

Germany isn't the only place in Europe where this happens and given that there are far fewer courses for players then we enjoy,some sort of restriction has to be applied.
As an aside,look what happened to Ski-dooing.Can you say yearly licence plus trail licence,plus?
Now if you have to register your clubs,keep them in a lock down,and get a permit to bring them on a course ,well then,vote Liberal :rofl:

[jayda]

Just imagine if similar rule is applied onto other sports:
- not allow to play basketball in public court if you can't sink a 3-point shot out of 10 trials;
- not allow to access public pool if you can't swim more than 50 feet;
- not allow to play tennis in public court if can't make more than 5 exchanges;
- etc...

[Benny]

Sounds like our Government on the money tax grab even though there is no etiquette any more on a golf course.

[el tigre]

It is incredibly elitist and a horrible idea.

First of all, it makes the assumption that poor etiquette and slow play are solely due to high-handicap golfers playing the course. Sorry, but there is no shortage of slowpoke idiots who can break still break 100 at my local courses.

Secondly, it makes it extremely difficult to introduce new people to the sport. How is somebody supposed to learn how to play well enough to get their license, when they can't even get on an executive short course to practice?

Finally, I doubt that it really works. Most people know what they are supposed to do - they just don't do it.

Personally, I have no problem with private clubs requiring some kind of testing on rules/etiquette and even a test of playing ability as a condition of membership. If the golfer fails, they can always go elsewhere. But a country-wide system to control access to the entire sport is just ridiculous.

[Mule56]

Just imagine if similar rule is applied onto other sports:
- not allow to play basketball in public court if you can't sink a 3-point shot out of 10 trials;
- not allow to access public pool if you can't swim more than 50 feet;
- not allow to play tennis in public court if can't make more than 5 exchanges;
- etc...

not allow to play basketball in public court if you can't sink a 3-point shot out of 10 trials;
Is that a public court or one that everyone else paid $150.00 to play on.
not allow to access public pool if you can't swim more than 50 feet.
Makes sense. I would not want to see someone drown. That's why they have wading pools (like a par 3).
not allow to play tennis in public court if can't make more than 5 exchanges.
See answer to first one.

Don't get me wrong. I'll play with anyone if they make an effort to keep up and follow proper etiquette. I try to do the same. But I've play with, and behind people, that should not be on 18 holes course.
With the growth of golf in Germany, they are only looking to protect courses and the game.
Mule

[avidgolfer]

It may be a good thing for golfers to get some sorta basic etiquette training. When I started out, I learned the hard way by being cursed out for 2~3 rounds by my playing seniors. A lot of it is common sense but when you are focusing on hitting this small ball with an un-natural movement (golf swing)... common sense isn't common sense anymore.

But to restrict players on playing ability... I'll take a pass on that.

[GQuizzle]

To answer the question - no. Golf is a game and should be enjoyed by people as one.
I've heard something similar about the Netherlands... you need a license there - don't shoot me if I'm incorrect about this, its just what I've heard.
In addidtion, at the Old Course at St. Andrew's you need to provide a handicap card to play.

[Pingnut]

I think it's a brilliant idea.

I'm not worried about anyones playing ability, but certainly some folks need to read about and be tested on how to act on a golf course. Learning about divot repairs, repairing pitch marks, raking the bunker and pace of play should all be manditory before stepping out on a golf course.

Charge $5 a liscense to cover the persons time who has to demonstrate and mark the test. RCGA can cover the cost of the lisence itself and they get to stuff all kinds of other info in the golfers hand...

Sounds like a no brainer to me. :hush:

[grunt]

Licensing is a very German thing to do - they seem to thrive on structure.

There are enough barriers to golf for the unwashed masses as it is. If you want to play a decent course, the cost is prohibitive to many, the equipment is expensive, and the beer is outrageously priced!

There are many private clubs to join if the thought of playing with the occasional golfer offends in some way. I've seen more people that play golf well that ignore all etiquette rules than those that play occasionally.

The course marshalls are out there to help keep the flow and can help those that need instruction in various rules. People that are unfamiliar with the game, often will act as others do. So set the example of replacing that divot or raking the bunker after your shot and others may follow your example. I, for one, love it when I (very occasionally) see a pro on TV fixing their own marks rather than leave it to their caddy. It shows a level of respect for their sport - I think these guys should set that type of example more often.

License, obviously no.

[kingplayer]

Sweden has the same type of system. You must pass a competancy test or something like that before you are allowed on a golf course. I don't think you have to purchase a license though. I don't agree or disagree with what Germany or Sweden do, but what this does do is give people playing a certain level of ability and some etiquette before they step on the first tee. One thing everybody has to keep in mind is that although golf is growing in both these countries there are not many golf courses and the demand is not really very high. I mean how many people on here make Germany or Sweden a destination spot for a golf holiday?

[guitarman]

I think it's a brilliant idea.

I'm not worried about anyones playing ability, but certainly some folks need to read about and be tested on how to act on a golf course. Learning about divot repairs, repairing pitch marks, raking the bunker and pace of play should all be manditory before stepping out on a golf course.

Charge $5 a liscense to cover the persons time who has to demonstrate and mark the test. RCGA can cover the cost of the lisence itself and they get to stuff all kinds of other info in the golfers hand...

Sounds like a no brainer to me. :hush:

Based on this view I agree with you. As this is my first year I still feel a little self concious about repairing my ball marks. I've been shown 2 completely different ways by 2 people that swear thier way is right and the other way I've been shown is completely wrong.

[nearace]

Based on this view I agree with you. As this is my first year I still feel a little self concious about repairing my ball marks. I've been shown 2 completely different ways by 2 people that swear thier way is right and the other way I've been shown is completely wrong.terry at least u try to repair marks i have playrd with people who dont even try, played with lefty from this site and he fixed two or three on every green classy guy imo.

[bythehour]

It ain't gonna happen. Golf is a business, just like any other. Why would a course voluntarily want to restrict your market?

It won't happen at "high-end" courses, where the money comes from corporate tournaments (read "hackers").

It won't happen at many private courses, where memberships are in decline (I'm not talking about National or Royal St. Georges.)

As for knowledge of etiquette, that's always a good thing. But fees (even nominal) would plainly be a cash grab.

As for knowledge of the rules, that's fine for competitive play. But seriously, are they really that important for a weekend hacker?

Before you all dump on me, I agree that all players should know about raking traps, fixing divots, respecting putt lines, etc. I just don't think it's absolutely crucial that casual and recreational players know the difference between a stroke penalty and a stroke and distance penalty in four thousand three hundred and forty two situations.

Hey, it's a game!

[The Bun]

Not long ago golf was a game reserved for a certain class of people. You had to fit the profile to play. I doubt many stonemasons, like myself, set foot on a golf coarse till the 60's. I believe the game is better in allowing the "everyday joe" to participate. Lets not make the same mistake, I can see they're making in some parts of Europe, over here. The reason we have so many new and beautiful coarses to play is because of the new blood coming into the sport which have to have somewhere to learn the game. So I vote no to what they're doing in Germany, and yes to what we have here in Canada.:p

-Bun-

[noback]

Good way to close about 70% of the golf courses as you would have about that many less people able to golf. I don't know how many times I've been told this year that most golfers never break 100

Found this for you, not sure who NGT is but

"According to NGT Research, there are over 60 million golfers in the world today and less than half of us will ever break 100. 33% will break 90. However, only 5 % will ever break 80.";)

[guitarman]

Found this for you, not sure who NGT is but

"According to NGT Research, there are over 60 million golfers in the world today and less than half of us will ever break 100. 33% will break 90. However, only 5 % will ever break 80.";)

Thanks.

[owenmxz600]

Not long ago golf was a game reserved for a certain class of people. You had to fit the profile to play. I doubt many stonemasons, like myself, set foot on a golf coarse till the 60's. I believe the game is better in allowing the "everyday joe" to participate. Lets not make the same mistake, I can see they're making in some parts of Europe, over here. The reason we have so many new and beautiful coarses to play is because of the new blood coming into the sport which have to have somewhere to learn the game. So I vote no to what they're doing in Germany, and yes to what we have here in Canada.:p

-Bun-

amen brotherhttp://www.sportime.gr/UserFiles/Image/other_sports/wwe/warrior5.jpg