We have written many articles about progress or non progress about the new S.A.G.A. handicap system.

Sadly, at the time of writing, we and many other clubs are still in the dark as to what is supposed to be happening.

On the 1st July 2010, the new system is supposed to be going "Live"  with the new cards having been distributed to all golfers in the country!

Well that is not going to happen! We are now told that cards will only become available in a few months time, but the terminals at the clubs will come on line on the 1st. We have spoken to a number of clubs who state that they have no idea about enabling terminals and the like on the 1st and seem to be in the same boat as us. As far as they are concerned, they will continue managing the handicaps manually and have lost confidence in the new system ever coming on line.

To quote a club: -

"Well said, and I feel the same way. I have only been in the industry for going on 2 years, and this “saga” has amazed me and in certain instances downright unbelievable. The reply from SAGA does not surprise me as this is the same “Moo Pooh” that we have been given through our meetings etc with CMASA and feedback that we have had from CGGU. Who I believe has been at times threatened with disciplinary action, when expressing his member’s dissent with the whole situation.

As far as change over from NGN to the new one, what a fiasco. Talk about planning (Yea right). We were sent out a questionnaire asking what we had in place under NGN. If these clowns were taking over from NGN, then surely this information would have been made known to them? We had 2 terminals, I have been sent a new terminal, which we had to install ourselves, and informed that if I need another terminal it would cost R7000.00?

Half the system does not work, and when one phones the “helpline” I am informed, Oh not to worry, that aspect is not available, however you can go onto the website and enter it. Our members do not want to hear this. It is very difficult to sell the “new” system to them when a half baked one is given to you, and that the process of entering scores, when they can, seems cumbersome, in comparison to the NGN system."

and much more at the Dale Hayes Newsletter.

It is actually great to know that our handicap service provider, Golferscard is the only system in South Africa that actually works in real time and is up to date.

To really appreciate what a proper national golf handicap system should be capable of, have a look at Golferscard - Middle East. Well worth it.

We will keep you posted.

What Global Handicaps can do for You!

In most Countries where one plays golf, one has to join a golf club, at some expense, in order to obtain a handicap that one can use when playing the Game !  No Membership, No Handicap.!

In these economic times, remaining a member of a club is becoming a financial challange for many golfers. And for those who are considering taking up the game, the entry fee may be too high to even consider starting in the first place.

"Global Handicap" was established to provide options for those who want to take up the game or who really do not play enough games during the year to cost justify the heavy sign-on fees being charged.

That is not to say that we do not promote or support membership to a club. We certainly do. In fact, many of our members, who joined us and then started playing  on a regular basis join a club near them because they can now cost justify the membership fees and enjoy the ammenities offered. We consider that "Mission Accomplished"!

Then again, we have many members who only play 5 - 10 times a year who remain with Global Handicaps and find the facilities and benefits offered by us worth the membership fee.

• Social. Keep up to date with whats happening in Golf. This is a free service.
• Junior and Student Option.
• Virtual Member. Maintain your handicap and take advantage of special offers.
• Membership to Port St Johns Golf Club.
• Membership to Port St Johns Golf Club including S.A.G.A Affiliation Card.
• Social groups and associations.

All options comes with the Kashbac Rewardcard, at no charge, which gives you 5 percent cash back on purchases made at over 4000 national vendors. Read more about this great benefit at www.rewardcard.co.za Global Handicaps has negotiated a very advantagous benefit for its members and subscribers and you can really save some R 2 000 - R 3 000 cash per year.

Click on Club Membership Option for a detailed overview of the membership options.

At present we are busy working on offering our members preferential green fees and accomodation at all the top world class golf clubs in the United Arab Emirates, including the Dubal Golf Club and the Els.

And if you want to know more, click on contacts and we will certainly try to answer your questions.

Enjoy your golf!

The GlobalHandicaps Team.