Author: Emajin Admin

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What is a golf handicap & how can I get one?

A golf handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer’s ability or their “potential to play” a golf course at a given moment in time. Handicaps are calculated by comparing a player’s average number of strokes per round with their playing partners’ averages.

This handicap allows players of varying abilities to play with and fairly compete against one another.  The lower the handicap, the fewer shots you are given to play your round against the course and your fellow competitors.

Your handicap is also a measure of how well you are playing. Reducing your handicap is something every golfer can aspire to!

How does the golf handicap system work?

Historically,  handicap systems have varied from country to country, with many different systems in force around the world.  However, the USGA and the R&A, working with the various handicapping authorities, devised a new World Handicap System (WHS)  implemented in Australia in January 2020 and is being introduced globally. Golf Australia calculates the handicap for each player via cards entered into Golflink system through affiliate clubs such as Emajin Golf.

The World Handicapping System has been designed to make it possible and fair to compare golfers’ scores when they are competing from different tees on the same golf course, or even when they are competing against competitors playing different golf courses on that same day!

How do I get a golf handicap in Australia?

To get a Golf Australia (GA) Handicap, you need to be a member of a Golf Australia affiliated club such as Emajin GC.  You will then need to submit your scores for either three 18 hole rounds, six 9 hole or equivalent combinations of rounds using one of the following options:

  • By emailing your scanned signed scorecards to scorecard@emajingolf.com
  • By posting your signed scorecards to PO Box 89, Bondi Junction, NSW 1355

Rules for acceptance of scorecards for handicapping

Each scorecard must be verified and signed by someone who has a current GA handicap and has witnessed your round.

Submitted scorecards must display:

  • the date the round was played
  • the course played by tee colour
  • the number of strokes taken to complete each hole to a maximum of 5 strokes over each hole’s par
  • the player’s signature
  • a marker signature who has an official GA handicap and witnessed the round
  • the marker’s printed name and Golflink number

You can submit unlimited conforming scorecards to us for handicapping. 

Your handicap will also be adjusted (higher and lower) when you enter and play golf club open days, invitational, or other official competitions.

Having your own GA Handicap is a great incentive to improve your game. If you’re wondering how to get a golf handicap in Australia, talk to us today.

Remember you will need the Golflink number we supply within 24 hours of joining Emajin to book competition golf at clubs throughout Australia. You can expect your official Golflink card within 14 days.

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How to enjoy golf the right way!

As golfers, we are told to think positively, play with confidence, visualise our shots and plan our way around the course. We are also told one shot at a time, forget about the bad ones, ignore the bad bounces, and that if you keep hitting good putts that just miss, they will eventually start to drop.

We are not professionals and we really shouldn’t believe we will play well every time we hit the links. 

The main aim of the average amateur golfer of any skill level should be to enjoy their day, play as good as they can and accept whatever the Golfing Gods (there are many of them) grants on that day. After all, we are giving up one of our most precious assets, TIME, and are not forced to play this frustrating but beautiful game!

The fact is poor swings, 3-putts, and bad bounces can result in disappointment that builds during the round, creating an inner tension that further destroys your chances of hitting the next shot well. It is a vicious cycle. So, what do we do?

The famous sports psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella gives us the answer. He is quoted as saying “Golf is about how well you accept, respond to, and score with your misses much more so than it is a game of your perfect shots.”

Low expectations that culminate in pleasant surprises is definitely the right way to enjoy the great game of golf!

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It’s ok to be a beginner. Come join us!

From Tiger Woods to Inbee Park everyone started golf as a beginner. We all had to learn how to make that little white ball go somewhere in the vicinity of where we wanted it. Some of us have learnt to do it better than others, but no one has avoided air swings, chunks, topped shots, shanks, trees and water. Not even Tiger

So why have so many golfers persevered? Why is golf such a passion to so many?

Well…….. it is just so rewarding in so many ways. Socially, physically, and mentally, golf enhances the wellbeing of people without regard to their age, gender, religion or nationality.

Golf can be likened to having a baby that never sleeps, is demanding and takes all your time. You love it all the same and work to help it grow and prosper.

The challenge golf presents you is its magic and the key that unlocks a lifetime of

HOPE – If I keep at it, I will get better!

LEARNING – One more you tube video and I will get this right!

FRIENDSHIP – I love these guys, my golfing mates!

Golf in it’s extremes can take you from despair to ecstasy in a few shots. It can introduce you to people you may have never met and places you may never have thought to visit. Golf’s magic is its ability to bring people together to compete not just for the prizes on offer but for the glory of conquering your nerves and skill limitations. Embrace the air swings as part of the process. Learn the basics, the etiquette, and get involved. Let the beautiful sport of golf be your passion too!

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Top 10 Reasons why you should play golf

Have you ever dabbled in the game in the past? Or thought about playing golf but never quite got around to it? Here are the top 10 reasons you should consider taking up golf!

1. Anyone can play golf: Golfers come in all shapes and sizes. You don’t have to be particularly strong, tall, lean or fast to succeed. Golf champions come in every shape and size imaginable. It’s never too early or too late to start and unlike most other sports you can enjoy golf your entire life!

2. Golfers live longer: Research has shown that golfers live on average 5 years longer than their non-golfing counterparts. A Scandinavian study undertaken by the Karolinska Institute, based on data from 300,000 golfers summarised that golfers have a lower death rate regardless of sex, age or social group.

3. Golf is good for Business: There are 75 million people worldwide who play golf. When you look at the number of top CEOs, sports stars, movie stars, Presidents and entrepreneurs who are avid golfers, it shows the level of golf’s popularity to enhance your business networks or career.

4. Golf keeps you slim & trim: A round of golf can form a superb part of any physical fitness programme. A full, 18-hole round of golf involves a walk of around 6 kilometres (or 8 kilometres if you hit your ball in a zigzag and onto the next fairway!) Even on a flat course, this equates to expending around 1,500 calories or 13,000 steps every round. Along with the amount of walking involved, the golf swing is great for providing a full-body workout. Each full swing exercises arms, legs, back and abdomen, with numerous repetitions throughout the course of a round.

5. Golf keeps you mentally active: Golf is not just a physical game but a mental one. It calls for strategy, creativity and problem-solving, all of which keep your brain active. This is one of the critical ingredients in fighting off the ageing process.

6. Golf gives you quality time: Golf is quality time with your family, kids, friends, business colleagues or prospects. What better way to get to know a person or spend quality time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

7. Commuting with nature: The birds, the bees, the flowers, and the breeze. The views, the wildlife, and the smell of fresh cut grass, just a few of the simple pleasures you will enjoy each and every time you play.

8. Creates new personal relationships: One of the great things about golf is that you can book a tee time and just show up and get a game with someone. Each time you go out to play golf you get the opportunity to meet three new people when you tee it up. It is the perfect networking environment for you to meet new people, build friendships and personal relationships.

9. Golf is a great Equaliser: Golf is the only sport that allows people of different ability levels to play together, in the same competition and still enjoy their time together. Golf is a great equaliser. The handicapping system brings together people of different ages, skill levels, gender, and backgrounds to fairly compete against each other and the course.

10. The camaraderie of the 19th hole: After each round of golf, the 19th hole provides the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy a drink. You can solve the world’s problems and take your newly enhanced relationships to the next level. Playing golf is a great social activity and loads of fun!

How good is golf?