FAQ
What is the Women's Golf Network?
A key benefit of WGN is the opportunity to obtain an official GA Handicap without being a member of a golf club.
How much is membership to WGN?
Where can I play when I am a member of WGN?
I work and can't play in competitions during the week. When can I play?
Why is a Golf Australia (GA) handicap important?
How do I obtain an official handicap?
I have never played golf before but would like to give it a go. Where do I Start?
Where can I go for golf lessons?
My daughter is interested in playing golf
I would like to gain a handicap without joining a Golf Club
How do I maintain my handicap?
How do I find competitions to play in?
How many cards do I need to put in to retain my handicap?
What is the maximum GA Handicap?
How can I check what my handicap is?
What are the rules, etiquette and pace of play for golf?
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 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 $150 per year or pro rata inclusive of GST.
Where can I play when I am a member of WGN?
WGN produces a Calendar of Events 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?
Most events organised by the WGN are weekend events ranging from morning through to afternoon tee off times, and the choice of 9 or 18 holes.
Why is a Golf Australia (GA) handicap important?
Golf clubs throughout Australia are affiliated with GA (Australia's golf governing body). You can enter a range of specific competitions/events provided for golfers holding an official GA. Entries based on other forms of handicapping may be refused.
How do I obtain an official handicap?
To obtain a GA handicap you must submit three 18 hole or 9 hole stroke cards which must be marked and signed by a member of a golf club or a WGN member. You may pick up your ball when 4 over par on any hole for cards used only for the purpose of obtaining a handicap. Once you have forwarded your 3 cards to our office you will then be allocated your official handicap. The maximum GA handicap for women is 45.
I have never played golf before but would like to give it a go. Where do I Start?
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.
You can find out more information on how to get started in golf by clicking here
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 WGV's Club Directory.
You can find a golf pro in your area by visiting www.pga.org.au and searching by postcode.
My daughter is interested in playing golf
The Girls Golf Network (GGN) caters for girls from 7- 17 years. Click here for more information on the GGN.
I would like to gain a handicap without joining a Golf Club
You can obtain an official Golf Australia handicap in Victoria by being a member of a golf club or by being a member of Women's Golf Network.
Once a member of the WGN, you can gain your initial handicap by submitting 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 the WGN Manager 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).
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?
Under the new Golf Australia rules handicaps do not expire, so you do not need to submit three cards per calendar year to keep your handicap like it was done in the past.
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 are the rules, etiquette and pace of play for golf?
By visiting our Give Golf a Go page you can understand some of the basic rules, etiquette and pace of play guidelines.
