1. How do I join the SDGC and what do I get for my membership?
The SDGC offers the best value membership to anyone of any age, with any type of disability and with no waiting list or joining fee, plus access to free tuition, practice and subsidised entry fees, plus great socialising & a warm welcome, we think we have it covered!
To apply for the free membership package, all we ask you to do, is send us a full list of your contact details, including your name, full postal address, email and telephone numbers.
On confirmation of membership, individuals can access:
Over 60 days of golf and curling in any one year
Subsidised entry fees to all our major events, competitions and games
Access to our HUBS, with free golf and curling tuition, games, practice and social events
The chance to bring a coach, carer or guide to participate in our games
Access to entry and booking facilities through our website
To hold a recognised SDGC golf handicap
To access ice curling delivery and safety equipment
To participate in a National Order of Merit Championship
To compete as part of an international golf and/or curling squad, both at home and overseas
Be a member of a charity which is friendly, welcoming and is continually striving to improve the quality of the facilities and the service that it offers to its members and guests
2. I am not fully fit yet, can I just play on the ice for a short time?
Yes, for the golf we have a Pairs League in operation, where two golfers play a foursome (alternate shot) format, so in effect play only nine holes. For the ice, individuals may also enter events and finish if they cannot play more than a few ends.
3. Tell me about your team internationals and how do I qualify?
The SDGC has amalgamated all its team and international competitions under the Phoenix Cup banner, which is now played annually. Team players are selected from the Scottish Order of Merit Championship Tables and members compete throughout the year to gain points and places on that Table. There are between 16 and 20 qualifiers each year and points are awarded to the top 16 golfers at each game, relating to their finishing place.
Using SDGC team selection criteria laid down by the Committee & Trustees, the top eight players from the Order of Merit Championship on a pre-arranged date will automatically qualify for a playing place, with all remaining team players, being selected as "Captain's Wild-Card" choices, from the SDGC's membership. Unless otherwise stated, the qualification period, for those automatic places will run from the first Order of Merit qualifying competition of that year, through to a pre-arranged closing event date, just before the Phoenix Cup.
European & World Team Selections. Using SDGC team selection criteria laid down by the Committee & Trustees, the top four players from the Order of Merit Championship on a pre-arranged date will automatically qualify for a playing place, with all remaining team players, being selected as "Captain's Wild-Card" choices, from the SDGC's European membership. Unless otherwise stated, the qualification period, for those automatic places will run from the first Order of Merit qualifying competition of that year, through to a pre-arranged closing event date, just before the Phoenix Cup.
4. Tell me about your handicapping system and scoring?
if you don't have a golf handicap we will give you a provisional one, then you can submit three signed score cards and we will sort out the rest.
From 2020, the SDGC will operate the Handicap Master system, for our social group and will continue to maintain this under its current and well established rules and conditions.
The SDGC system is based on a Stableford format and played primarily from the Yellow or Visitors tees and from the commencement of the 2020 season will be calculated using par scores, and not as previously using CSS calculations.
The SDGC will continue to accept CONGU certificates from new members golf club Secretaries, but from the commencement of the 2020 season, will implement an initial two shot cut to each new members handicap to allow from movement from white to yellow tee play.
If members have more than one active golf handicap, they must always play from the lowest figure. They must immediately inform the SDGC of any reductions or changes implemented by other clubs and if any member fails to inform the SDGC of such changes, then the SDGC will disqualify and remove any relevant points or prizes, from that member dating back to the original handicap reduction or change.
Members must fully and clearly complete their score card at all times at SDGC competitions. Score cards must show their current handicap, date, event, players name, scores, points and be signed and witnessed. Failure to do this will result in disqualification. Once score cards are completed and submitted for checking by the Committee, no changes can be made and when scores are announced and posted, they will stand.
5. How and why did you form the Scottish Disability Golf & Curling group?
We started to think about forming a group to incorporate all disabilities, as far back as 2002. No-one else in the world was able or willing to take on the challenge of such a group and allowing anyone with any type of disability the chance to play golf.
There were about four or five established groups for specific disabilities, like one-arm, deaf, blind and special Olympics, but they only allowed one disability and excluded more people than they let in.
So in 2002, through funding from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, two of our founders, travelled to Canada and visited various related groups and organisations, while playing in a number of golf competitions, in places like Toronto, Winnipeg and Saskachewan.
Over a period of about a month, we talked to as many people as possible and learnt how they operated and organised their events and we brought all the best ideas back to Scotland.
Since 2004, we have used those ideas and arranged games, competition and tuition for members, around the country. Then in 2009 we became a charity and have not looked back, with a substantial membership, diary and structure, we are an outlet to dozens of international events, with many other groups copying our framework into their own countries setup.
We used the same ideas and framework when setting up and merging the curling and golf charity into one in 2018/19.
6. How do I get out there and started on the ice?
Keep an eye on our diary and social media for our next ice sessions or Sticks & Stones events, and just come along and give it a go? We will source some anti-slip footwear and other basic equipment for play.
7. When I get some golf or curling lessons, do I need to bring equipment?
For golf lessons, ideally yes, but the teaching professionals will have access to some clubs for the session to practice with, however, Once you take up the game, you will need your own clubs and golfing gear.
For curling lessons, no, just warm clothing. Anti-slip footwear can be provided, along with curling cues and ice gear as necessary.
8. Where does the SDGC get its funding?
Each year the SDGC raises funds by approaching over two thousand European corporations, businesses, charities, Trust Funds and Foundations.
All monies raised are used exclusively for our members and helps to provide: free membership, free lessons, subsidised entry fees, support for our international teams and many related services.
None of our Trustees or Committee Members take a fee or salary from the charity.
9. Do you take all types of disability in SDGC and are there any limits?
Yes, we have members with all types of disability, including amputees, Cerebral Palsy, MS, blind and vision impaired, Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, MD and many, many more. We accept any disability or serious health condition, that interferes with the playing of the game.
Unlike some disabled sports groups, we are not exclusive too one type of disability and therefore probably excluding more people than we could help. We do not put members through embarrassing medical examinations to see if they fit predetermined ideas or conditions. We are also not elitist and looking for only the best players. We are determined to be open and include everyone interested in playing or learning about golf and/or curling.
10. What happens if it rains during a game?
We usually get wet. Showers and squalls are probably going to happen from time to time in Scotland. If it’s really bad and affecting the course, game and individuals we will cancel. As for the curling, it will be cold on the ice, so you must wear warm, thermal and/or lots of layers.
11. My Daughter has a special diet, can you help with this?
Yes, this would normally be arranged on arrival at the golf club or ice rink with the caterers and/or club manager. Most clubs and rinks now offer special dietary options.
12. I need a golf cart or buggy when I play golf, do you provide them?
No. The SDGC book carts, buggies or other vehicles if they are available at venues and they are then allocated to essential users only.
From the commencement of the 2020 season, the SDGC will no longer pay for golf carts or buggies at any events. The individual user will need to settle any costs with the host golf club on the day of play.
If the weather interferes with play and golf carts are not available, games will continue for walking players.
13. I have some balance issues, how can you help me?
There are lots of devices that may help with both sports, like cues or balance sliders at the curling and soloriders or frames and sticks at the golf, but the best advice will come from the teaching professionals at both sports. They will see you in action and give advice as necessary.
14. Will you look after our son while we go golf?
No, the SDGC is not a respite service, but we do organise and provide tuition and games of golf and curling for any member, with any type of disability in Scotland.
