What does Women's Golf Victoria do?
Vision: To ensure that Golf is the sport of choice for females of all ages
WGV has the key objectives of organising, promoting and regulating women’s golf in Victoria. WGV exists because golf clubs found the need for a central forum to cover issues such as golf rules, course rating, handicapping, competition conditions, district and interstate events as well as many legal, administrative, marketing and financial issues.
WGV consists of affiliated golf clubs, districts and individual members. There are 379 clubs in 21 districts (15 regional and 6 metropolitan) and 28,000 members.
WGV is governed by a Board of eleven and consists of eight sub-committees.
What are the Affiliation fees for fully affiliated clubs?
Adult: WGV $21.55 inc GST
GA $ 5.50 inc GST
Total $27.05 inc GST
Junior: WGV $10.78 inc GST
GA $ 2.75 inc GST
Total $13.53 inc GST
VWGL WGV $16.17 inc GST
GA $5.50 inc GST
Total $22.67 inc GST
I am a member at 2 Clubs. Do I still have to pay affiliation fees at both clubs?
If a member belong to two clubs they still have to pay the affiliation fee for both clubs. WGV as the state governing body of women's golf fundamentally provides services to all clubs. These services extend beyond the keeping of handicaps and include other technical services such as course rating, rules and governance advice to clubs. In addition club members are offered the opportunity to participate in about 40 tournaments per year, which are held at different member clubs. These tournaments usually provide a financial boost to hosting clubs. These services and functions availed to clubs are made possible only as a result of the affiliation received by WGV. In effect each club member supports the provision of these services to their club or clubs if that is the case.
Our Club would like to Affiliate with WGV
Approval is required by the Board before any Club can affiliate. The Golf Club must have a golf course and a clubhouse. Affiliation fees must be paid for each female member. Applications should be forwarded to WGV Chief Executive Officer for presentation to the WGV Board.
We would like our Golf Course re-rated
The Course Rating Committee look after rating of Golf Courses.
I would like a golf ruling
WGV have a Rules Committee. All rulings are made by this committee or someone from the match committee. Rulings are not made by the office staff. Alternatively you can research whether this ruling has been made previously by reading the Decisions on the Rules of Golf Book.
I am the handicap manager at my club and need some advice on handicapping
The WGV Handicap Manager or one of the handicap committee are readily available by phone to aid with handicapping issues.
I have never played golf before but would like to give it a go. Where do I Start?
Participation Programs
Regardless of playing ability, experience or previous involvement in sports, the opportunities offered by Women's Golf Victoria aim to cater for all women. These programs relate to ways new golfers and beginners can participate in golf.
Opportunities include Come and Try Programs, Casual Golf Days and Information Resources. These aim to introduce more women to the sport while illustrating the benefits of golf, such as social benefits and health and fitness benefits.
Women's Golf Victoria has produced a Women's Golfing Guide, which is a resource aimed at beginner golfers. Click here for more information on this Guide.
Where can I go for golf lessons?
Most public golf courses, private golf clubs and driving ranges have a golf professional on staff. The best way of finding out where to go for lessons is to ring and/or visit your local course or driving range. The venue will be able to tell you what type of lessons they offer such as private lessons, semi private lessons, group lessons or weekly group clinics.The price of lessons and clinics often vary, with group clinics generally being cheaper than private lessons. The price for a private 30 minute lesson is typically upwards of $40.
By finding out exactly what is on offer at a variety of venues you can make the decision about the best place to start, depending on your needs. For further information about the venues in your area contact WGV or visit www.ausgolf.com.au (look under Directory Listings for the contact details of golf courses and driving ranges around Victoria and Australia).
My daughter is interested in playing golf
Girls Golf Club
The Girls Golf Club (GGC) caters for girls from 7- 17 years. GGC welcomes beginners and competent golfers alike, providing a participation pathway across a range of skill levels. GGC is a network through which girls can build friendships while they learn, play or compete.
For an annual membership of $11, GGC members receive regular information on all the latest in girl’s golf: coaching, clinics, camps, social golf and competitions. Members can also obtain an official Women’s Golf Australia 9 or 18 hole handicap.
WGV conduct a range of activities just for GGC members. These activities or events provide a safe, fun environment where girls can improve their skills and sample the excitement of competition in a relaxed fun way.
I would like to gain a handicap without joining a Golf Club
You can obtain an official WGA handicap in Victoria by being a member of a golf club or by being a member of Women’s Golf Network.
To gain your initial handicap you will need to submit three completed stroke rounds of golf. That is, you will need to play three rounds of 18 or 9 holes of golf, completing each hole, and having each of the three score cards marked and signed by a member of a golf club (or a member of WGN). Send these score cards to WGV and a handicap will be allocated in about a week.
How do I maintain my handicap?
After receiving your initial handicap you must play in a competition in order to have scores processed to maintain your handicap. All cards played in competition must be marked and signed by an affiliated member of a golf club or WGN and they must have the CCR (Calculated Course Rating) written on the card (the course professional will do this).
What is the CCR?
The CCR (Calculated Course Rating) is the figure, calculated by the person so authorised by a Club Committee, that reflects the playing conditions of each competition round.
How do I find competitions to play in?
The Women’s Golf Network has a calendar of WGN Events and Playing Opportunities. Most of these events can be used to collect a card for handicapping.
How many cards do I need to put in to retain my handicap?
You need to complete three cards per calender year to keep your handicap
What is the maximum GA Handicap?
The maximum handicap for women is currently 45.
How can I check what my handicap is?
Via the internet, log on to www.golflink.com.au. Type in your Golflink number (as shown on your Golflink card) and your current handicap will appear on the screen. Alternatively, you can telephone Golflink directly on 1300 650 750 and quote your Golflink number.
What is the Women’s Golf Network?
Membership to the Women’s Golf Network (WGN) is open to women of all ages and abilities, including golf club members. The WGN has been developed by Women’s Golf Victoria to provide all women with the opportunity of playing, or learning to play the game of golf and offers a pathway to regular competition and club membership if desired. WGN will appeal to women who want to play golf but have not known how or where to start.
A key benefit of WGN is the opportunity to obtain an official GA Handicap without being a member of a golf club.
Focus is on relaxed participation, learning golf, gaining confidence on the golf course and the formation of friendships and networks. The WGN is a ‘one stop shop’ for women golfers through its range of casual playing opportunities, regular on course experience, monthly competitions, seminars and business networking opportunities. Click here on link to read about the results of the events. This will give you a good idea of how well the events are run and how much fun they are.
How much is membership to WGN?
At present the annual membership fee is $110 per year.
Where can I play when I am a member of WGN?
WGN produces a list of weekly Playing Opportunities for WGN members. These range from casual opportunities (on course experience), through to events played under competition conditions to enable cards to be handed in for handicapping. Many are WGN events organised purely for WGN members and others are club events which allow WGN members to participate. You may also participate in a club competition as a guest if you have the opportunity.
I work and can’t play in competitions during the week. When can I play?
The WGN Playing Opportunities have events on every Saturday and Sunday ranging from morning through to afternoon tee off times, and the choice of 9 or 18 holes.
What do I have to wear when I play golf?
Dress rules vary from club to club. Most golf clubs, particularly private ones, have specific rules relating to minimum dress requirements both on the course and in the clubhouse. Find out in advance by contacting the club about any other special dress requirements.
Tailored shorts with socks are usually permitted and many golf clubs insist that shirts must have a collar.
Excessive advertising on garments is generally not acceptable.
Football or tennis shorts, tracksuits, T-shirts and jeans are normally not permitted. Don’t be afraid to ask what to wear if you are invited to play. A phone call will make sure you look the part and avoid embarrassment
What footwear do I need to wear?
Many clubs have banned the use of metal spikes and made soft spikes compulsory. You can wear runners at most public courses but most private courses will require you to wear spikes. Please check the club’s policy prior to arriving for play.
Where can I buy golf clothing?
There are numerous outlets that sell golf clothing. These include the pro shop at most golf courses and golf ranges as well as retail outlets such as The Ladies Tee, The House of Golf and Drummond's Golf.
Where can I buy Golf Clubs?
You can purchase individual and sets of golf clubs at the pro shop at most golf courses and golf ranges. The Golf Professional at these outlets will be very useful in helping you select the appropriate equipment. Retail outlets such as The House of Golf and Drummond's Golf will also be very useful.
What is the Pace of play recommendation
Play without delay; e.g. select club and ball while other players are having their shots.
If a player believes their ball is lost, play a provisional ball.
Players searching for a ball should call the group behind them through if it is apparent that you will be searching for some time. A maximum of 5 minutes is allowed to search for a lost ball.
Immediately leave the putting green when all players complete the hole. E.g. always mark the card while waiting your turn at the tee.
If your group falls more than one clear hole behind, call the group following through.
Tips to avoid slow play
Be ready to play at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tee-off time.
Walk quickly between shots.
Be ready to play when it is your shot.
Be ready to execute your shot as soon as you are set up.
Do not take more than one practice swing.
Do not mark your card while on the green.
Try to hole short putts, unless you will be standing on another player’s line.
Do not leave your golf bag at the front of a green; always leave it to the side nearest the next tee.
When you arrive at the next tee the person with the lowest score on the previous hole should tee off immediately.
What are the different forms of competitions?
There are many variations on the basic game of golf. They are, however, only variations of stroke play and match play.
Stroke play allows you to compete against everyone else on the course that day while matchplay is a hole by hole contest between two players (or pairs).
Stroke play
The score for each hole is recorded on the scorecard and totalled at the end of the round. The player with the lowest score is the winner. If there is a handicap event, handicaps are deducted from the gross totals and the player with the lowest nett score wins the handicap section.
Par and Stableford are variations of stroke play based on the nett score of each hole. Foursomes is a variation where two players form a team and use one ball, hitting alternately. Four Ball is another team game, but each player plays their own ball.
Other games you might hear of include Ambrose and Canadian Foursomes.
Matchplay
A type of competition in which each hole is a separate contest played between 2 players or 2 pairs.
A hole is won by the player who has the lowest score or nett score on that hole. The player who wins the most holes out of 18, wins the match.
If a player is leading by a number of holes greater than the number of holes remaining, they have won the match.
What are the basic Rules of Golf?
The maximum number of clubs you can carry during one round of golf is 14.
When playing from the teeing ground the ball must be played from within 2 club lengths behind the tee markers.
If the ball falls off the tee before you have commenced your downswing (stroke), you may replace it without penalty.
Other than on the tee, if a ball moves during the address a one stroke penalty is incurred and the ball must be replaced.
If you make a swing at the ball and miss, you must count that as a stroke.
Once you have hit from the teeing ground, the ball should be played as it lies. However there are occasions where a Local Rule will allow you to tee the ball up or prefer (move) the lie a specified distance without penalty.
You must not improve the lie of the ball by pressing down the area around your ball or on your line of play.
You are not allowed to move, bend or break growing vegetation.
Except in a hazard, loose impediments such as fallen tree branches, leaves and loose stones can be moved from around the ball without penalty. However if your ball moves in the process you are penalised one stroke and must replace it.
The player that is furthest from the hole always plays first.
A ball embedded in its own pitch mark on any closely mown surface may be lifted, cleaned and dropped without penalty – as near as possible to where the ball originally lay but not nearer the hole.
Except in a hazard, if you play the wrong ball you are penalised 2 strokes.
If you play the wrong ball from a hazard there is no penalty.
You are allowed 5 minutes to search for a ball. If within this time you cannot find the ball it is deemed to be lost.
If your ball is lost or out of bounds you must go back to where you last played your stroke and play another. You must count both strokes and add a penalty stroke.
If you have hit a ball which you think may be lost or out of bounds, you are allowed to play a provisional ball. If you find your original ball you simply pick up the provisional. If you cannot find the original you play the provisional. If you find the original ball you cannot play the provisional ball. Always tell your playing partner if you are playing a provisional ball.
If your ball lies in casual water or G.U.R.(includes ball and/or stance) you may lift and drop your ball within 1 club length of the nearest point of relief , not nearer the hole with no penalty.
If your ball lies in a hazard you must not ground the club during the address or back swing ie. you cannot ground your club in a bunker or touch the water in a water hazard (although you may touch anything fixed or growing). Penalty is 2 strokes.
When your ball is on the putting green you may mark, lift and clean your ball and then replace it without penalty.
When you have played from the putting surface, your ball must not strike the flagstick. Penalty is 2 strokes.
When on the putting green your ball cannot make contact with another ball. Penalty for this occurring is 2 strokes and you must also replace the ball moved to its original place.
When on the putting green you are not allowed to touch the line of the putt (including spike marks) except to remove loose impediments, fix a plug mark or in marking the ball. The surface cannot be tested either for example by rolling a ball or scraping the surface. Penalty for this is 2 strokes.
If a ball lands on a putting green other than that of the hole being played, you must drop the ball within 1 club length of the nearest point of relief of the green no nearer the hole.
During a stipulated round, a player shall not give advice to anyone in the competition except her partner and may ask for advice from his/her partner or their caddies. Information on the rules or matters of public information, such as the position of hazards or flagstick on the putting green, is not advice. The penalty for asking for advice is 2 strokes.
For a complete Book of Golf Rules click here or for a user friendly illustrated copy of the rules of golf click here
What is Golf Etiquette?
Order of play
Generally the player with the lowest handicap hits off first but if there are no handicap golfers in the group toss a coin for the honour of starting play.
From then on the player furthest away from the hole hits first until the hole is completed.
The lowest scorer on each previous hole has the ‘honour’ at the next teeing ground.
Consideration
Don’t move, talk, stand too close or directly behind the ball or the hole when a player is addressing the ball or making a stroke. Make sure that your shadow doesn’t distract other players, particularly on the putting green.
Practice swings
When executing practice swings avoid taking divots and causing other damage to the course, particularly on greens.
Do not take more than one practice swing.
Golf Buggy use
Do not wheel golf buggies across greens (unless specifically allowed), tees or bunkers and try to avoid narrow pathways between areas.
Golf Carts
Local golf cart rules should be strictly observed and carts must be driven without damaging the course and with care for the safety of the occupants. Carts should be driven on designated paths. Drivers should avoid severe braking and turning. Park as far away as practically possible from greens, tees and hazards.
How do I take care of the Golf Course?
Greens
Damage to greens caused by ball plug marks should be repaired with a pitch mark repair fork or tee. Complete the repair by tapping down with a putter.
Try to avoid walking close to the hole or walking on the putting lines of others.
Be careful not to damage the green with the flagstick or by leaning on your putter.
Fairways
A player who cuts or displaces any turf should ensure it is replaced and/or carefully repaired. Always carry a sand bucket and fill the divot hole with sand.
Bunkers
To minimise the disturbance of sand, always enter and leave a bunker at the lowest point or on the tongue of a bunker. After playing a shot, rake smooth your footprints, holes and any other irregularities. After use, place rakes in bunkers facing towards the green (I.e. facing down the fairway), and at the lowest point of the bunker.
Are there any Health & Safety aspects I should know about?
To diminish the risk of dehydration and heat stress, fluid should be consumed before, during and after physical activity.
Resting in the shade while not actively participating in the game is important for recovery and to provide protection from the sun.
Sunscreen (SPF30+) is an essential element of sun protection which should be applied before, and at regular intervals throughout the game.
Hats should be worn throughout the game. Wide brimmed hats are most suitable and should be well vented.
Prior to playing a shot or making a practice swing ensure no one is standing too close and that players in front are out of range.
During a swing ensure that no one is in range to be hit by the ball, stones or any other loose impediments.
‘FORE’ is golf’s universal warning to take cover. It should be shouted if a ball is hit towards another person.
For a more comprehensive guide to Health and Safety through golf read the brochures produced by Smartplay.
What are some basic golf terms?
Addressing the Ball: A player has "addressed the ball" when they have taken their stance and has also grounded their club, except that in a hazard a player has addressed the ball when they have taken their stance.
Airshot/Airie: A swing and a miss, which counts as a stroke.
Birdie: One stroke under the par for the hole.
Bogey: One stroke over the par for the hole.
Divot: Turf that is removed from the ground when a player’s swing hits the grass.
Dog-Leg: A hole that does not follow a straight line from the tee to the green.
Drive: The longest type of stroke made during play and usually with a wood.
Eagle: Two strokes under par for a hole.
Etiquette: A specific code of behaviour expected of golfers in relation to the course, other players and in the club house.
Flagstick: A thin moveable pole with a flag attached, placed in the middle of the hole to indicate its location. Also called the pin.
Fore: A warning that is shouted to alert other players that a ball in flight is heading in their direction.
Gross Score ("Off the Stick"): The total number of strokes taken over 9 or 18 holes.
Grounding the club: Touching the surface or ground with the sole of the club at address.
Ground Under Repair (GUR): Marked areas of a course from which a ball may/must be lifted and dropped without penalty.
Handicap: A number allotted to a player which reflects their ability. It allows them to compete on an equal footing with other players.
Hazard: A term used to describe bunkers (sand traps) or water areas.
Honour: The right of a player to hit off first having had the lowest score on the previous hole.
Hook: A stroke which curves the ball to the left of the target, if made by a right handed player, and to the right if made by a left handed player.
Marker: A person who keeps score and marks your card.
Matchplay: In match play the game is played by holes. Except as otherwise provided in the Rules, a hole is won by the side which holes its ball in the fewer strokes. In a handicap match the lower net score wins the hole.
Nett Score: Gross score minus your handicap.
Par: The number of strokes in which a hole is supposed to be played based on its length. Par also describes the number of strokes in which the course should be played, I.e. par for the course.
Plug Mark: An indentation made by a ball landing on a green or fairway.
Provisional Ball: If a ball may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds, to save time the player may play another ball provisionally. A player must declare their intention to play a provisional ball before they hit their second ball.
Slice: A stroke which curves the ball to the right of the target, if made by a right handed player and to the left if made by a left handed player.
Stance: The position of the feet when addressing the ball.
Stroke Play: Competition based on the total number of strokes taken.
Taking a Drop: The name given to the act of picking up the ball and dropping it in another spot in accordance with the rules.
Teeing Ground: Area in which each hole commences.
Tee: A peg on top of which the ball is placed before striking it from the teeing ground.
What committees does WGV have?
Executive
Consists of WGV's President, Country Vice President, City Vice President and Treasurer.
Board
The Board consists of ten members. It represents the whole membership at Club, District and State level.
Finance
Manage the financial affairs of WGV including the setting of financial policies, budgets and investments.
Match
The WGV Match committee is responsible for the organisation of more than 30 tournaments per year and plans the tournament program. They set the format and standard conditions for each event, completes the draw, briefs tournament officials, supervises each tournament and organises presentation of trophies.
High Performance
The State Squad Committee are responsible for the progress of the elite Victorian players, devising training programs and providing competition experience to produce the best representative teams possible for the state.
Course Rating
Oversees and supervises the course ratings of every affiliated course in Victoria. Correct course ratings are the basis of the GA Handicapping system.
Handicapping
The State Handicap Manager and her committee supervise the handicaps of all women golfers in Victoria and ensure adherence to the GA Handicapping regulations.
Marketing and Publicity
Has the broad objective of gaining publicity to raise the profile of women’s golf as a healthy, recreational and social sport.
Junior Development
This committee liases with and supports the GGC, District Junior Organisers and club junior administrators to encourage girls to take up golf and to improve their game. They also assist field staff with clinics, school activities, camps, promotions and other junior activities.
What is the Victorian Golf Foundation?
|
|
The Victorian Golf Foundation is a non-profit, golf development and support organisation run for the benefit of golf and golfers in Victoria. Formed in 1987, the Victorian Golf Foundation (VGF) is a joint initiative of the Victorian Golf Association (VGA) and Women's Golf Victoria (WGV). For more information on the VGF and the 2005 Grants please click here.
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
