In what Albert Lee, the president of the Golfing Union of Ireland, described as a "warning to other clubs selling distant memberships," Boyle Golf Club has been suspended for a minimum period of one month for handicapping irregularities and a special general meeting of the union's central council will be held to consider the Connacht Branch's investigations into the club, writes Philip Reid, Golf Correspondent
"The game of golf is all about integrity and trust and it is a club's first responsibility to ensure handicaps are issued in accordance with the scheme," said Lee.
In accordance with rule 12.1.4 of the GUI constitution, Boyle GC's suspension means all male members of the club are prohibited during the period of suspension from competing in open competitions organised by clubs affiliated to the GUI; inter-club cup and shield competitions; GUI national and provincial championships, and any other golf tournament in which conditions require a player to be the holder of an official CONGU handicap as administered in Ireland by the GUI.
The investigation into the club arose after complaints were made into handicaps of some members of Boyle who played in a competition organised by a daily newspaper (the Star).
Under GUI rules, new members of any club must play three rounds over the course (signed by a player with an official GUI handicap) which they are joining. Boyle Golf Club confirmed it has been in breach of the regulations in relation to new members and that steps have been put in place to rectify the matter and to ensure no further breaches occur.
The membership of Boyle GC increased from about 400 three years ago to over 1,000 with many of the new members believed to be what are known as "distant members," coming mainly from the Dublin metropolitan area. It is alleged some of these members received handicaps without the requirement to play the necessary three rounds and, in some cases, never even visited the club.
"Boyle admitted they made a mistake and haven't been administering handicaps in the proper manner," admitted Séamus Smith, GUI general secretary. "It is the first time we've investigated an allegation made and unfortunately we found out the club was not carrying out the administration of handicaps to new members in the correct manner."
The minimum one-month suspension commenced last Tuesday and central council, when it considers the report of the provincial council and such representations as shall be made by Boyle GC, may lift or extend the period of suspension or terminate the club's membership.
