What Is iGolf And Is It Good For The Game?

England Golf’s new non-member handicap scheme is something of a game-changer. We consider whether or not its effect is likely to be a positive one

- Fergus Bisset

What is iGolf?

Launched in July, iGolf is England Golf’s scheme to allow non-golf club members to obtain and manage an official World Handicap System (WHS) handicap index. It follows the launch of a similar scheme, Open Play, in Scotland in June.

The iGolf initiative will give the estimated 2.3 million independent golfers across England the chance to obtain an official handicap.

It has been designed to help non-members play more golf, track their performance, input scores, calculate course handicaps and compete with friends, in the same way club members do under the WHS.

Golfers can subscribe on the England Golf website and, after downloading the My EG app, start entering scores in order to obtain a WHS index.

The scheme’s annual subscription fee of £40 also includes personal liability insurance, plus information on the latest offers and news from golf clubs and partners of England Golf.

The programme includes education on the Rules and etiquette of golf, while a system of checks and balances is included to ensure the integrity of handicaps.

What is the objective?

The overriding aim of England Golf’s iGolf scheme is to grow the game and to increase participation in the game across the country.