Who is Golf NSW?

Golf NSW is the representative body of golf in NSW. It exists because groups of individual golf clubs found the need for a central forum so that matters such as golf rules, course rating, handicapping, competition conditions, inter-club, district and interstate events and a host of legal, financial, industrial and administrative issues could be coordinated.

In July 2010, the NSW Golf Association (NSWGA) and Women's Golf NSW (WGNSW) merged to form Golf NSW. A combined history of well over 100 years preceded this momentous occasion and the new body is adapting to the challenges and opportunities being presented.

Golf NSW works with the key objective of promoting and encouraging the playing and enjoyment of the sport of golf in a manner that embodies fair play, good fellowship, and the general well-being of the game.

Golf NSW’s role is to co-ordinate, communicate and advise rather than to control the activities of affiliated clubs and District Associations. It monitors the full range of social, political and economic forces and issues that exist in our community in order to ensure that a favourable climate for golfers and golf clubs is maintained.

How is Golf NSW structured?

Created by golfers, it is controlled by golfers and works for the benefit of golfers.

Board

The peak governing body of Golf NSW is the Board of Directors comprising nine Directors, three of whom must be female, three who must be male and three who may be of either gender. At least one female Director must be a registered player of a Country affiliated club and at least one female Director must be a registered player of an affiliated club in the Sydney metropolitan area. At least one male Director must be a registered player of a Country affiliated club and at least one male Director must be a registered player of an affiliated club in the Sydney metropolitan area. The Board elect from their numbers three office bearers; the Chairman, one Deputy Chairman and the Chairman of Finance. There are Board elections every year, with four Board positions being declared vacant in one year and five in the next. [Click to view Board Profiles]

Council Members

The Council comprises sixty-five delegates (thirty women and thirty five men). Of the women, fifteen are from country associations and fifteen are from the metro zones. The men have twenty delegates from the country and fifteen delegates from the metropolitan area. [Click to view Council Members] | [Click to view Districts and Zones]

Committees

The following committees oversee the following areas in Golf NSW:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• Handicapping & Course Rating
• High Performance
• Match – Men's
• Match – Women's
• NSW Golf Foundation
• Rules & Amateur Status

What services are provided by Golf NSW?

Golf NSW is affiliated with the state, territory and national bodies of golf in Australia (see banner at the top of the page). Representatives from Golf NSW sit on numerous industry committees. It is represented on the Golf Australia Rules Committee and the Handicapping & Course Rating Committee. Representatives also liaise with other bodies involved in the administration and welfare of the game, such as the PGA, the ALPG, and other state and foreign golf associations. [View links to Industry Bodies]

Golf NSW represents golf clubs on the Club Industry Advisory Council of NSW, Clubs NSW, the steering committee of Golf Super. Through Clubs NSW, it has a specific input into industrial negotiations affecting all Awards applicable in golf clubs and all other general welfare issues of clubs that come before Clubs NSW. It ensures that the views of golf clubs are given full consideration in issues arising from the Registered Clubs Act, poker machine regulations and taxation, federal income tax, unregistered vehicle requirements, Municipal rates, land valuations, Sport and Recreation and State planning.

Golf NSW makes representation on behalf of golf clubs to the Premier and Ministers of State Departments on specific or general issues and has the opportunity to make input in a number of issues through the Club Industry Advisory Council.

Golf NSW provides two Directors to the Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) that was established to promote golf for junior boys and girls throughout the State.

Golf NSW equips, coaches and manages the State Senior (women and men) and Junior teams and assists in conducting Australian Championships and Interstate Teams Matches when conducted in NSW.

Most importantly, Golf NSW is the main contact point for Clubs and District Golf Associations when it comes to any issue affecting golf in New South Wales, and includes:

• Conducting all state Championships and competitions and coordinating the Vardon and Jean Derrin Trophy events in metropolitan and country clubs.
• Decisions and advice on the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status. These matters are administered on behalf of the ruling authority, ie. the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews
• Providing Rules accreditation and training
• Approving and recommending Local Rules for clubs
• Seeking amendments to the Rules of Golf where warranted
• Administering the Golf Australia handicapping and course rating systems
• Assisting Clubs and District Associations troubleshoot issues
• Arranging visits by Officials to Clubs and District Associations
• Arranging discussion evenings on the Rules of Golf
• Arranging meetings of Club Delegates and Officials to discuss specific issues, such as pennant and grade play, handicapping, course rating, etc.
• Providing opportunities and benefits for all amateur golfers through our commercial relationships
• Arranging financial assistance for coaching camps conducted in country areas
• Providing regular communications via email, mail, club login, eNewsletter and via the Website.

What are the advantages of affiliation?

• Official Australian handicaps can be allocated to members that are accepted outside of the home club, and are thereby eligible to enter any of the Open events and Championships conducted at a state level or sponsored by clubs under the auspices of Golf NSW each year.
• Members are eligible to participate in the wide range of coaching, clinics, talent development programs and special events conducted by Golf NSW.
• Members of affiliated clubs are covered by public liability insurance.
• The club has access to the legal, advisory and representative services provided by Golf NSW on a wide range of matters that affect clubs' financial security, industrial, legal, planning development and other issues.
• The club has access to support services such as turf research, video library borrowing's, advertising of club events, etc.
• The club receives news and communications on a wide range of issues affecting the operation and well-being of golf and golf clubs.
• The club receives free copies of the Rules of Golf Books every four years.
• Golf NSW represents and advocates on behalf of its clubs on numerous aspects, including Golf Australia and Golf Link.

For further information or to contact staff , click Contact Us.

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