A great deal of discussion has been had regarding increasing Women's Participation within the golfing community of CSSC. Previously, the women needed a minimum of six players at any regional event to allow the winner to progress through to the National Finals. As an example in 2022, the regional events held provided seven automatic qualifiers (3 South East, 1 Wales, 1 London, 1 Southern and 1 Eastern). Some of the other regional qualifiers just had one or two women playing so under the current scheme they had no hope of a qualifying place. 

It is proposed that, as a trial in 2023, any lady taking part in the regions not normally able to send a player to the finals will have a chance to qualify if they are in the top 9 scores from all over the UK.  A maximum of 16 players will qualify for the finals (including those from regions with the qualifying criteria). Scores would need to be adjusted by the national golf organisers for the par and slope ratings to be over/under part to make it as fair as possible. (Reserves would be created for any that decline or withdraw). 

To bring more cohesion to the sport, CSSC are encouraging mixed qualifying events, for golf within our Sports Programme.  It has been seen that most of the women travel with their family members to these events, keeping costs down and providing company. The format of the regional qualifiers will remain as ‘medal’. 

This would also help all regions promote women’s golf as no minimum participation number would be required to stand a chance of qualification to the finals (e.g. South West, Midlands, North West, North East and Scotland).

The linked membership scheme could enable more CSSC members to bring players from their own golf clubs (to keep them company!) as well as increase participation and enjoyment. Please head to your ‘My account’ area on the website and follow ‘Invite a member’ for more details.

A region requires six players (or more) who play off 10 or lower to qualify for the Scratch finals. There are many examples in 2022 when this system did not work or appear fair and equitable to the Handicap qualification at events. It is proposed that the men also have a merit list based on the Scratch scores achieved at each venue (much the same as the women). This could also be used as the reserve list for any withdrawals or dropouts. 

In 2022 there were 30 players so if the level was set at 33 for 2023 then the best three that missed direct qualification would get a spot at the finals. Again the scores would be adjusted to reflect the SS & Par of the venues concerned. So, the table would be based on how many a player was over par/under par/slope rating.
 
This system could also be adopted for the handicap with the baseline set at 45 players (which is normally achieved). It is hoped to bring the men’s and women’s finals to the same venue after 2023. 
 
If you have any queries on these changes, please contact Mike Cox at Secretary.MensGolf@csscvolunteer.co.uk