Frequently Asked Questions

	If I win a class in the Open, why am I paid in vouchers and not cash
	The Rules of Amateur Status:
	3-1: An amateur golfer must not play golf for prize money.
	3-2: An amateur golfer must not accept a prize (other than a symbolic prize) or prize voucher of retail value in excess of £500 (excluding any additional prize up to an equivalent value for a hole in one).
	A symbolic prize is defined as a trophy.

	Why does Ayr Seafield not play from medal tees in the winter?
	The reason for this is twofold 1 - to help protect and preserve the course and allow much needed tee maintenance work to be carried out. 2 - Our winter league is much more successful this way with fewer cancellations and fairer all round playing conditions. We have asked that all tees be forward in winter with no medal play to help in this matter.
	Why is the outing to Portpatrick so expensive?
	In truth this is not the case, if you break down the cost of the trip it is in fact exceptional value, with transport, meals and 2 rounds of golf at a premier course. See outings page.
	I thought the drinks were expensive at the clubs prizegiving presentation dinner dance, was I the only one.
	A few members have made comment, but the drinks prices are regulated by the venue. There are "venues" with less expensive drinks, but then the rest of the amenities and services are normally relative to this and therefore our participating attendance numbers drops accordingly. However suggestions of alternative venues are always welcome through the normal communication channels.
	I put my name up for a team game last year and was not picked, yet I know of players at these events that did not even have their names up.
	The inter club team games are under a new player selection process where the club captain and vice captain will pick a team based on willingness and availability to participate, taking into account current and past form. If you put your name down to play you will be considered along with all other members, bearing in mind that although these are social events, Ayr Seafield Golf Club want to win. See team matches page.
	How do I make a complaint or comment?
	The club has a complaints procedure, which is to write to the Committee via the club's secretary with your comments; this can take the form of a formal letter or note or indeed by e mail. Your letter will then be discussed at the next committee meeting and will be responded to accordingly (comments are always welcome). See constitution page.
	How do I find out who won a competition or what the scores were?
	All competition results are posted on the club notice boards and website; they are then put into the results folder in the club room at Belleisle. The weekly results are also sent to the local papers and inserted at their discretion. See results page.
	How do I know what my current handicap is?
	Handicaps are recorded by the match secretary and are adjusted based on the CSS of the day, they are then posted on the notice boards and website; remember it is the player's responsibility to record the correct handicap on a scorecard before returning it to the committee after a competition. See handicap page.

We had a situation during a recent match where we were not sure how to proceed with a ruling, what should we do if this occurs?

All players should be knowledgeable in the rules of golf, carry a rules book with you in your golf bag at all times; these are available free from the club room at Belleisle. If there is s question regarding the rules during a competition and the dispute cannot be settled at the time contact the secretary as soon as possible for a ruling. For your added information there is a link to an interactive rules of golf quiz located on this sites home page, there are also various links on the site to lead you to local rules and golf rules information pages. The club takes part in the Great Britain and Ireland rules of golf quiz annually if you would like to take part as a member of our team please contact the Secretary.

I have a friend who is interested in playing golf but he is a beginner how should I proceed if he wants to join Ayr Seafield Golf Club?

All levels of golfer are welcome to play with Ayr Seafield Golf Club, we have players of all handicaps in the club from 1 - 25 although for competitions our maximum handicap allowance is 24. To join the club all you have to do is fill in an application form which has to be proposed and seconded by an existing club member, the proposed member will then be asked to an informal interview and induction by the club's Member Secretary. If accepted you will be notified after the next committee meeting.

For beginners lessons and practice are the best and least expensive way to improve your game. Lessons start from as little as £12 from the David Gemmell Pro shop at Belleisle with Richard, they are also available at Dalmilling with Phil.

I am going on holiday and am playing golf whilst there, the club I am going to play is asking for a handicap certificate, how do I obtain one of these and how much does it cost?

You can obtain a current handicap certificate by contacting the Secretary or Match Secretary of the club a few weeks prior to your trip, there is no charge for this service, also the club has a golf club travel case available to all members free of charge.

As a paid up member of the club why do I have to pay to play in our Open?

This is one of the ways the prizes are funded the other being by generous sponsorship from local companies and individuals, as the title of the competition says Open, this means any player from any where in the world can apply to play in this competition as long as he fills the requirements i.e. has a recognised handicap and can pay the entry fee. See Open page.

If I win in a class in the Open, why can't I get cash instead of vouchers?