Embrace the Chill: Understanding Winter Golf at Drax Golf Club

The air is crisp, the ground is firm, and the beauty of our course takes on a different hue. Welcome to winter golf at Drax!

Whether you've been a member for decades or you're a first-time visitor, the colder months bring changes to how we play and manage the course. We know these changes sometimes spark questions, so let's address the big one that's been coming up recently.

Why is the Course "Non-Qualifying" Right Now?

We recently received a great question from a new member who noticed their handicap system wasn't accepting scores, stating, "No markers available."

Our Competition and Handicap Secretary, David Gisbourne, provided the essential context:

The course is currently non-qualifying.

This means that for this winter period, any scores you post will not be used to officially adjust your World Handicap System (WHS) Handicap Index. This status is a necessary measure taken by the club committee, driven by concerns for both the course's health and the club's financial stability.

The Crux of the Decision

The choice to go non-qualifying was not taken lightly. It's about protecting Drax Golf Club for the long haul.

1. The England Golf Directive

England Golf stipulates that if a club mandates the use of winter mats to protect the vulnerable turf (which we need to do sometimes), then every golfer must use them to ensure a "level playing field" for official qualifying scores.

• The Problem: When we insisted on mats for a trial week, we saw a massive, immediate reduction in green fees. This kind of revenue loss throughout the winter would be seriously detrimental to the club's financial security.

2. Protecting Our Future

By declaring the course non-qualifying, the committee gains the necessary flexibility to manage play and course protection without having to enforce rules that would drive away our valued visitors.

We are prioritising the health of the course and the security of the club so that everyone can enjoy a fantastic Drax experience come spring.

What This Means for Winter Golf

This status change doesn't mean your golf season is over; it just changes the goal!

• ⚠️ Mats are Highly Urged, Not Mandated: We will strongly urge all members and visitors to use winter mats to help protect the fairways from damage. Please do your part! However, due to the non-qualifying status, we cannot strictly mandate their use.

• Enjoy Pressure-Free Golf: Use the winter to focus on fun, improvement, and camaraderie. Without the pressure of a shifting handicap, you can work on that specific part of your game or simply enjoy the walk with friends.

• The Tradition: Embrace the old-school tradition of winter golf, where you play off the same handicap for months. It's a great time to focus on feel and consistency.

• Spring is Coming: Rest assured, we will return to a qualifying status as soon as course conditions improve and the official season allows.

So, wrap up warm, respect the course, and enjoy the unique challenge that winter golf at Drax offers. We look forward to seeing you out there!