Open Competitions FAQ

If you're new to open golf competitions — or just have a question about an event you've entered — this page covers the most common things golfers ask. For more on handicaps see our World Handicap System guide, and for our case for entering opens in the first place, read Why enter an open competition?

What is an open golf competition?
An "open" is a competition hosted by a golf club that's open to entry from golfers outside the club, not just its own members. They run all year round across the UK and come in every format imaginable — individual, pairs, team, ladies, mixed, seniors, juniors, scratch, matchplay, multi-day, charity, overseas and winter. Most clubs run several a year as a way to fill the diary and welcome visiting golfers onto the course.

Who can enter?
Anyone with a recognised WHS Handicap Index at or below the club's stated maximum for that event. That usually means current members of an affiliated golf club, but increasingly clubs also accept golfers with independent handicaps via iGolf and the equivalent schemes in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Some opens are restricted (club members-only, ladies-only, seniors-only, scratch-only, etc.) — always check the entry terms.

How do I find an open competition to enter?
Use the Golf Empire search to browse 10,000+ opens by region, event type or club. Each listing links straight to the host club's entry page.

How much do they cost?
Entry fees vary enormously. A typical mid-week open at a local club might be £15–£30, while a Top 100 venue might charge £75–£200 for an open including food. Multi-day events and tour finals can run higher. As a rough rule, most opens are cheaper than the visitor green fee at the same course, which is why they're such good value.

What's included in the entry fee?
Always check the entry conditions, but a typical open includes: 18 holes of competitive golf, a starter and registration on arrival, scoring and prize-giving. Many also include refreshments — commonly coffee and a bacon roll before the round, and sometimes a meal afterwards. Most courses also include practice ground access prior to your round whilst some supply a welcome gift or even a courtesy round to be played at a different date.

How do I actually enter?
Click through from a Golf Empire listing to the host club's entry page (BRS, IG, ClubV1 or similar), fill in your details — including your CDH ID and current Handicap Index — pay online, and you're booked. Some smaller events still take entries by phone, email or post; the listing will tell you.

What information will I need?

• Your full name and contact details
• Your CDH ID number
• Your current Handicap Index
• Your home golf club
• Payment details
• For pairs / team events: the same details for your partner(s)
• Any dietary requirements if food is included
• Preferred tee time, if the system asks

How far in advance should I enter?
Popular opens at well-known venues can fill within hours of going live, sometimes months before the event itself. Mid-week local opens often have availability much closer to the date. As a general rule: the more prestigious the course, the earlier you need to book. Update your Golfers Profile to sign up to our newsletter or set up Email Alerts to be notified when target events open for entries.

Can I choose my tee time?
At some events yes, at others no. Many smaller opens use a manual draw and you'll be told your time in advance. Larger events with online entry systems often let you pick from available slots when you book.

Can I play with friends?
Sometimes. Many opens randomly draw the field into three- or four-balls, often by handicap, so you may end up with strangers. If you've entered with friends and want to play together, contact the host club well before the draw is made — many will accommodate the request where possible.

What's the maximum handicap for entry?
Set by each club individually. Common limits are 24, 28 or 36 for men and a higher figure for ladies, though some opens accept the full WHS maximum of 54.0 and some scratch events require single figures or mush less and are usually balloted on handicap. Always check the event terms.

I don't have a CDH number / Handicap Index. Can I still enter?
In most cases you'll need a recognised Handicap Index to enter, but you don't necessarily need to be a club member. iGolf (England, £47/year) and the equivalent schemes in Scotland, Wales and Ireland let independent golfers obtain an official WHS Handicap Index. Whether the host club accepts iGolf entries is their decision — check the entry terms.

What happens if my handicap changes between entry and the event?
Your Handicap Index is updated daily under WHS. The handicap used on the day of the competition is the one in force on the morning of play, not the one you entered with. If your Index changes by enough to take you above the event's maximum, contact the host club — in most cases you'll still be able to play, but may be capped at the maximum Playing Handicap for the event.

How many shots will I get?
Your Handicap Index converts to a Course Handicap based on the slope rating, course rating and par of the tees in use, then a percentage allowance is applied for the format (typically 95% in individual stroke play, 85% in fourball). See our World Handicap System guide for a full breakdown and worked example.

What time should I arrive?
At least 45 minutes before your tee time. That gives you time to register, find your Course Handicap on the conversion chart, change shoes, grab a coffee and warm up on the range or putting green. Arrive earlier if you don't know the course.

What's the dress code?
Standard golf dress code applies at virtually all clubs — tailored trousers or shorts, polo shirt or branded mid-layer, golf shoes, no denim. Smarter clubs may require a jacket in the clubhouse. If in doubt, err formal — many clubs have explicit dress codes on their website.

Are practice rounds allowed?
Some clubs offer discounted practice rounds in the week or month before an open; others don't. If you want to scope out the course in advance, contact the pro shop and ask — you'll often get a meaningful discount on the visitor green fee.

Can I use a buggy?
Usually yes, subject to availability and a medical reason at some clubs. Buggies typically need to be booked in advance through the pro shop and aren't always available for competitive rounds at members' clubs.

Can I bring a caddie?
Yes, at almost all venues. Caddies can be booked in advance at the more well-known courses (sometimes essential at the top tier — e.g. Old Course, Royal Birkdale) but are rarely required at standard club opens.

How are scores submitted?
Traditional paper scorecards are still the norm at most opens — you mark your playing partner's card, they mark yours, both sign at the end and hand them in. An increasing number of clubs now use live digital scoring (HowDidiDo, Golf Genius, IG Touch, etc.); the host club will tell you on the day.

When are results announced?
Usually within an hour or two of the final group finishing. Many clubs publish results on their website or club app the same day. For prize-giving, smaller opens are typically informal in the clubhouse; bigger events have a formal presentation.

What can I win?
Prizes vary by event. Typical opens have prizes for: overall winner (gross and nett), runners-up, division winners, longest drive, nearest the pin, ocaisionally best front nine, best back nine, and sometimes a team or pairs prize depending on the format. Prizes range from pro-shop vouchers and golf equipment through to bottles of wine, whisky, and at premium events, invitations to grand finals at prestigious venues.

Do my scores count for my handicap?
Yes, in nearly all cases. Individual stroke play and Stableford opens count automatically. Since 2024, fourball betterball scores also count for handicap when certain conditions are met (your pair must score at least 42 points or similar threshold). Some formats — team scrambles, foursomes, greensomes — don't count for individual handicaps.

What if I need to cancel?
Each club sets its own cancellation policy. Many offer full refunds up to a certain date (typically 7–14 days before the event), partial refunds after that, and no refund within a few days of play. Always check the entry terms before booking.

What if I can't play but want to send a substitute?
Some clubs allow this; others don't. In pairs and team events it's much more common to be allowed to nominate a substitute, provided their Handicap Index is at or below the entry limit and they meet any other restrictions (e.g. gender, age). Always ask the host club.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Clubs make a call based on course conditions and player safety. Light rain almost never stops an open. Serious conditions — lightning, flooded greens, snow — may lead to a delay, a reduced number of holes, or postponement. Refund policies vary; some events are explicitly non-refundable for weather, others give a full refund for cancellations.

I've never played a competition outside my home club. Will it be intimidating?
Far less than you'd think. The format is the same as your home Saturday medal — it's just a different course and different playing partners. Opens are run by people who do this regularly, registration is welcoming, and the other competitors are golfers like you who all paid an entry fee to be there.

What if I play badly?
You'll be in good company. Open fields are a genuine cross-section of club golfers, most of whom are also playing the course for the first time. Nobody's watching, the results are quietly published, and the entry fee was less than a typical green fee.

Is there a "best" first event to enter?
Look for a mid-week open at a course you've always wanted to play, with a relaxed format (individual Stableford is the most beginner-friendly), and ideally one that includes food so the day feels like an experience rather than just a round of golf. Avoid scratch events until you're ready for them.

Does Golf Empire run the competitions itself?
No. Golf Empire is a free directory that lists open competitions hosted by golf clubs and independent organisers across the UK. We don't take entries, hold money or run events ourselves. When you click "enter" on an event listing, you're taken to the host club's own entry system.

Who do I contact if something goes wrong with my entry?
The host club or organiser, always — they hold your booking and your payment. Golf Empire can help with general questions but can't access individual entries, refund payments, or change tee times. Each event listing on Golf Empire includes the host club's contact details.

Is Golf Empire free?
Yes. Browsing events, finding opens and clicking through to enter is completely free. We also offer a Premium membership with advanced search tools, calendar view, recently-listed events, favourites and exclusive members' discounts — but everything you need to find and enter opens is free.

I can't find an answer to my question.
For event-specific questions (entry, timing, dress code, refunds), contact the host club directly — their details are on every event listing. For anything else, get in touch with us.

• The World Handicap System explained
• What is my CDH ID number?
• Why enter an open competition?
• Amateur golf tours
• Multi-day tournaments

• Browse 2026 opens
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