Northumberland Ladies County Golf Association

About Us

We are the Northumberland Ladies County Golf Association founded in November 1920 by a group of 28 ladies from 6 Northumberland Clubs who met together to discuss whether a County Club would be of any benefit to Northumberland. They decided it would! The first committee of Northumberland Ladies Golf Club (as it was called until 1932) was formed from representatives of the 6 founding clubs, Alnmouth, Hexham, Gosforth, Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and Berwick. 

What We Do

The aim of the Northumberland Ladies County Golf Association is the promotion and encouragement of golf throughout the County within the framework of the R&A Rules of Golf and England Golf.

How We Work

We organise County Competitions and coaching for adults and juniors who are members of Golf Clubs affiliated to NLCGA. These competitions cater for all abilities, ranging from new to golf ladies and girls right up to elite players, some of whom have represented England at home and abroad.

What We Want to Achieve

With its winning combination of exercise and social interaction golf is the perfect game from age 8 to 80 (and beyond!) The unique handicap system means everybody can play together either socially or competitively. We want to help ladies enjoy the benefits that golf can offer, friendship, fresh air and exercise, golf has it all.

How we Govern

We have Rules of the Association and Bye Laws, these are included at the bottom of this page in Policies and Important Documents. 

County Officials & Committee

Executive committee

A message from the President

Audrey Pattison - President

I am honoured and very proud to be President for the next couple of years.

It will be very nice to be involved with the County once again, working with the Officers and Executive on behalf of you, the members. The competitions next year are nicely spread around the County. That will be very handy for those who don’t like to travel too far, as there will at least be a few close to home. It was lovely to see so many playing in the County Competitions last year but we’re very aware that some people still felt uneasy playing on away courses with other people.

Fingers crossed that by the time the competitions start next year more people will feel at ease and happier to enter County competitions. I’m really looking forward to renewing old friendships and forging new ones, when I see you all at our various competitions in the New Year.

A message from the Captain

Julie Sampson - Captain

I feel extremely honoured to be Northumberland County Ladies Captain. I am looking forward to the year ahead working with our President Audrey and my Vice Captain Helen McChlery, alongside our very hardworking, resolute Executive Committee. The team work extremely hard behind the scenes, to make sure everything runs seamlessly and give up hours of their time to support women/girls in golf in Northumberland. 

The County Championships 2025 will be held at Bedlingtonshire – Sunday 25th – 27th May. The format will be a 36 holes stroke play from which there will be 8 finalists who will qualify for the match play and compete to be 2025 Champion. On the same day we will also be running the Junior Championship along with the extremely popular Jenny Smith Competion which is an 18-hole Stableford competition for players with a handicap of up to 29. I am delighted this is being hosted at my home club and I only hope the sun shines, I am going to start praying early and keep everything crossed.

County Match Week 2025 will be held at Hessle Golf Club in Yorkshire the 16th -19th of June, this is a 3-day competition. Each day the format will be 2 foursomes, and 3 singles matches in the morning and afternoon. The legendary Peter Alliss designed Hessle GC, and I have been informed it is a true challenge and a real test of golf. It would be great to see some fellow Northumbrians there supporting our team, you will not be disappointed and will see some fantastic golf. 

Next year is a busy year for Northumberland which sees Gosforth Golf Club hosting the Junior Jamboree on behalf of NLCGA on August 5th and 6th. This will a great couple of days watching the upcoming juniors competing against other counties. Pop along to support or if you would like to volunteer, please contact Ashley Kent our CJO.

Slaley Hall are hosting the European Girls Team Championships 8-12tJh July, and the City of Newcastle Golf Club hosting the English Women’s Champion Club 29 – 31st August, the lucky winners of Shield division 1 Hexham will be representing Northumberland. 

My charity for 2025 will be Northumbria palliative Care, which operates under the Bright charity umbrella. And I am delighted that the Durnell Trophy will also be hosted at Bedlingtonshire. This is a charity close to my heart and I am going to guess that about everyone who is reading this knows someone whether it be a family member, or friend that has been a user of a palliative care ward. It is a hospital run service, however any money raised goes direct to the wards for small luxuries/treats/experiences to make lasting memories with loved one’s families/ friends in this tough time. Now obviously if you have met me, you can tell by looking at me, Im not built for running marathons or climbing mountains, I think it’s something to do with my height,(that’s my excuse) so if there are any volunteers wishing to run, climb, donate or help raise funds please feel free to get in touch it would be most appreciated for a fantastic local cause.  

 Finally, those who know me will know I wear my heart on my sleeve, I like a good laugh and do not take life too seriously, remember we are here for a good time not a long time. It is a huge honour and privilege for me to serve as County Captain and I will endeavour to do this to the best of my ability and with a smile. I have met so many new people and made some great friendships over this last year as Vice-Captain and hope to meet many more in the coming season.

I look forward to the challenge and working alongside the committee, you the members flying the flag for women’s golf and wish you all the absolute best for 2025. 

Julie

Past Presidents

wdt_ID YEAR PRESIDENT   CLUB     
67 2021 - 2023 Elaine Elliott Whitley Bay
68 2019 - 2021 Margaret Pickard Alnmouth
69 2017 - 2018 Carol Ramsay Bedlingtonshire
70 2015 - 2016 Pat Mattinson Arcot Hall
72 2013 - 2014 Anne Herbert Gosforth Park
73 2011 - 2012 Gladys Young Tynemouth
74 2009 - 2010 Ann Goodwill Blyth
75 2007 - 2008 Fiona McConnell Hexham
76 2005 - 2006 Nancy Wardropper Bamburgh
77 2003 - 2004 Moira Durnell Hexham

Past Captains

wdt_ID YEAR CAPTAIN   CLUB     
70 2022 - 2023 Anne Moyle Hexham
72 2022 Linda Davison Blyth
73 2019 - 2021 Nicky Rose Bamburgh Castle
74 2019 Sian Oakley Gosforth
75 2018 Candy Brown Parklands
76 2017 Claire Whitfield Bamburgh Castle
77 2016 Sue Coughtrie Whitley Bay
78 2015 Viv Younger Hexham
79 2014 Moyra Howie Alnmouth
80 2013 Alison Laidler Gosforth Park

Policies & Important Documents

1: Name

  1. The name of the Association shall be ‘The Northumberland Ladies County Golf Association’ (NLCGA).

2: Aim

  1. The aim of the Association shall be the promotion and encouragement of golf throughout the County of Northumberland within the framework of the Rules of Golf, as laid down by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), and the England Golf Rules.

3: Membership

  1. Qualification for membership shall be as defined in section 1 of the England Golf Rules. All categories of female playing members of golf clubs must be County Members. All County Members must be a member of a club affiliated to England Golf and the NLCGA.
  2. In the event that any County member ceases for whatever reason to be a member of an affiliated club, then her membership of the Association shall terminate automatically at the same time.

4: Management

  1. The management of the Association shall be vested in the Executive Committee, which shall, in addition to any powers specifically conferred on it by the rules below, have the control of the finances of the Association and all administrative powers necessary to carry out the objects of the Association properly in accordance with these rules.
  2. Any complaint must be registered in writing via the Club Secretary to the County Secretary who will draw it to the attention of the Executive Committee. For the avoidance of doubt the Officers of the Association are the Captain, Vice-Captain, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Assistant Secretary and Honorary Competition Secretary.

5: The Executive Committee

  1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the following ex-officio members, all of whom will have a vote:
    The Captain, Vice-Captain, Hon Secretary, Hon Treasurer, Hon Competition Secretary, Hon Assistant Secretary, Handicap Advisor and County Junior Organiser (CJO) and the following three members who do not have a vote: the President, the England Golf Northern Regional Representative and a representative of the NLVLGA, together with 6 members (‘the elected members’) nominated by affiliated clubs and elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association.
  2. The elected members shall serve for a maximum of 5 years of whom 2 shall retire from office each year. The resignation of a non-office holding member, or the election of such a member to ex-officio status, shall count towards the retirement quota. Otherwise the members to retire each year shall be those who have been the longest in office who shall, in the absence of agreement, be selected by lot. On retirement, an Executive Committee member shall not be eligible for re-election until 1 year has elapsed.
  3. The Executive Committee shall have the power to make such regulations as they deem advisable for the benefit of the Association.
  4. The Executive Committee shall meet on dates to be decided by the Chairman or Hon Secretary or as soon as reasonably practicable following a request, in writing, of at least 3 of its Executive Committee members.
  5. The Executive Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy which arises for the remainder of that year. This member will serve until the next AGM when she can then stand for election.
  6. The Executive Committee shall also have the power to co-opt members for special purposes, these members to have no voting power.
  7. Five members of the Executive Committee of whom 2 must be the Chairman or ViceChairman and the Hon Secretary, shall constitute a quorum.
  8. The Executive Committee shall at the first meeting after the AGM elect from its own number a Chairman and Vice-Chairman who shall be Chairman and Vice-Chairman (respectively) of both the Executive Committee and the Delegates Committee.
  9. At any meeting of the Executive Committee or the Delegates Committee, the person elected as Chairman under rule 5.8, or in her absence the Vice-Chairman, shall take the Chair and in the case of equality of votes, shall have a casting vote.
  10. All expenses of the Officers and the Executive Committee reasonably incurred on behalf of the Association for stationery, printing, postage and other matters will be reimbursed by the Association.

6: The Delegates Committee

  1. The Delegates Committee will comprise:
    The President, Past Presidents, Vice-Presidents, the Captain, all Executive Committee members, Assistant CJO, (appointed annually by the Executive Committee) England Golf Course Assessor and one member, as Delegate, of each affiliated club.
  2. Where a delegated member is unable to attend a Delegates Committee meeting, her club may nominate any other County member of that club as her proxy.
  3. The Executive Committee shall have the power to invite any of the above persons who are not ordinary members of the Executive Committee to attend meetings of the Executive Committee but not vote.
  4. The Delegates Committee shall meet 3 times a year, or as required by the Executive Committee, and shall provide such advice and assistance to the Executive Committee as the Executive Committee may from time to time determine. Delegates must report to their own Club the events which took place at such meetings.

7: Presidents, Vice Presidents and Officers

  1. A President shall be chosen by a Presidents Selection Committee, which shall consist of the current President in her last year of office, the Past Presidents, and the present Captain. She shall serve for a maximum of 2 years. The President shall take the Chair at the AGM and any Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) and in the case of equality of votes shall have a casting vote.
  2. Vice Presidents are appointed by the Executive Committee and re-elected annually at the AGM.
  3. A Vice-Captain, who shall be Captain the following year, shall be selected by the President, 2 immediate Past Captains, the Captain and Vice-Captain in office. The name of the chosen Vice-Captain shall be announced at an Executive Committee meeting and a Delegates Committee meeting preceding the AGM of the Association. The term of appointment shall begin at the close of the AGM.
  4. The Hon Secretary, Hon Treasurer, Hon Competition Secretary and Hon Assistant Secretary shall be nominated by any member for election annually at the AGM and may serve for up to 7 years.
  5. The Handicap Advisor shall be appointed by the Executive Committee for an initial period of 3 years extendible annually up to a further 7-9 years, by a 2/3rds majority of the voting members present at an Executive Committee meeting.
  6. The County Junior Organiser (CJO) shall be appointed by the Executive Committee for an initial period of 3 years, extendible annually up to a further 4 years, by a 2/3rds majority of the voting members present at an Executive Committee meeting.
  7. The President, the Vice-Presidents and the Past Presidents are all Honorary Life Members of the Association.

8: The Annual General Meeting and Extraordinary General meetings

  1. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association shall be held, on a date arranged by the Executive Committee during the last fortnight in November, for the following purposes:

    1.1 To receive reports from the Executive Committee.

    1.2 To receive the Statement of Accounts.

    1.3 To appoint an Independent Examiner.

    1.4 To elect the Hon Secretary, Hon Treasurer, Hon Competition Secretary, Hon Assistant Secretary and Executive Committee members.

    1.5 To fix subscriptions for the following membership year.

    1.6 To discuss and vote on any general business of the Association.
  2. An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) may be called:

    2.1 By the Executive Committee or on a requisition signed by at least 1/10th of the members of the Association and lodged with the Hon Secretary.

    2.2 The business to be brought forward shall be stated in this requisition.

    2.3 The Hon Secretary shall at once convene such a meeting and give at least 14 days notice to members, together with the Agenda of business.

9: Resolutions and Nominations for Annual General Meeting

  1. Nomination forms shall be issued by the Hon Secretary to all affiliated clubs which may nominate:

    1.1 Candidates for election as Officers and as members of the Executive Committee (other than Captain, Vice-Captain, Handicap Advisor and County Junior Organiser).

    Nominees must be members of the Association who have agreed to stand for election and must have been formally Proposed, and then Seconded by their home club.

    1.2 A Delegate to represent their club on the Delegates Committee.
  2. Not later than 6 weeks before the AGM, notice of Resolutions for the Agenda and any nomination forms must reach the Hon Secretary from all affiliated clubs.
  3. At the Delegates Committee meeting prior to the AGM the Hon Secretary shall inform the members of the Delegates Committee of nominations received for the posts of Officers and Executive Committee members and of any proposed resolutions
  4. At least 14 days before the AGM the Hon Secretary shall give written notice of the AGM to all affiliated clubs.
  5. Prior to the AGM each affiliated club shall receive a copy of the Balance Sheet.
  6. Not later than the first week in November the Secretary of each affiliated club shall call a meeting of the County members of that club to inform them of:

    6.1 Nominations for Officials of the County Association.

    6.2 Nominations for the Executive Committee.

    6.3 Resolutions submitted by affiliated clubs for consideration at the AGM.

    6.4 The name of the club Delegate for the following year.

10: Proceedings at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings

  1. Every member is permitted one vote at any AGM or EGM of the Association provided her subscription is fully paid up to date at the date of such meeting.
  2. Voting members will be required to record a vote for each vacancy on the Executive Committee. Any voting paper NOT completed with the required number of votes will be null and void.
  3. The proposer of a Resolution shall speak for no more than 10 minutes and subsequent speakers for no more than 5 minutes. Speakers on any other business shall be restricted to 5 minutes.
  4. Save as referred to in rule 10.2, voting at any AGM or EGM takes place on a show of hands unless 20 members require voting to be in writing at such meetings.

11: Changes to Rules

  1. No Rule of the Association may be repealed or altered and no new rule may be made save by a 2/3rds majority of the members present and voting at any AGM or EGM of the Association.
  2. At least 2 calendar months notice of the intention to propose any new rule or alteration must be given to the Hon Secretary who must send notice to every affiliated club at least 14 days before the AGM or EGM.

12: Quorum for AGMs and EGMs

  1. The quorum for any AGM or EGM of the Association shall be 50 members present.

13: Notices

  1. No Association notices of any kind may be sent out except by the Hon Secretary, Captain and Hon Competition Secretary or County Junior Organiser.

14: Members’ Subscriptions

  1. The annual subscription, to be agreed each year by the members of the Association at the AGM, shall be due two months after their club’s renewal date. Members of the Association will not be allowed to play in any competition or match arranged by the Association, or to vote at any AGM or EGM, if their subscription is unpaid. Late subscriptions will be accepted under certain circumstances.

15: Affiliation Fees

  1. On receipt of member subscriptions a club will be deemed to be affiliated to the County.

16: Forfeiture of Rights

  1. Any person who ceases to be a member of the Association for whatever reason:
  2. Forfeits all rights to, or claim upon, the Association or its property or funds that she would have had by reason of her membership;
  3. Is not entitled to any return of subscription; and
  4. Remains liable for any subscription or other fees outstanding at the time.

17: Bye-Laws

  1. The Executive Committee may make, repeal and amend any bye-laws it may from time to time consider necessary for the well-being of the Association.
  2. Bye-laws, repeals and amendments have effect until otherwise determined by the Executive Committee or any AGM or EGM.
  3. No Bye-laws may conflict with these rules.

18: Trustees

  1. The property of the Association shall be vested in the Hon Secretary and the Hon Treasurer from time to time as trustees on behalf of the Association.
  2. The trustees must deal with the property as the Executive Committee may from time to time direct by resolution (of which an entry in the minute book is to be conclusive evidence).
  3. The trustees may be indemnified against risk and expense out of the Association property.
  4. The Captain of the Association is now nominated as the person to appoint new trustees of the Association within the meaning of the Trustee Act 1925 Section 36 and she must, by deed if necessary, appoint the Hon Secretary and the Hon Treasurer, for the time being.

19: Members Bound by Rules

  1. Every member is bound by and must submit to the Rules and Bye-laws of the Association.

20: Dissolution

  1. If at any General Meeting of the Association a resolution for the dissolution of the Association is passed by a majority of those present the Executive Committee shall convene an Extraordinary General Meeting to be held not less than 6 weeks later (of which not less than 4 weeks written notice has been given to each member).
  2. If at that meeting not less than half of the members are present the resolution is confirmed by a resolution passed by a majority of not less than 2/3rds of the members voting on it, the Executive Committee must immediately, or at such future date as is specified in the resolution, proceed to realise the property of the Association. After the discharge of all liabilities such property must be divided rateably in proportion to the amount each member has paid in subscriptions among all the members. On the completion of such division the Association will be dissolved.

Northumberland Ladies County Golf Association
(REVISED February 2024)

1: Rules of the Game

  1. The rules of the game shall be those as laid down by the R&A subject to the local rules in force at clubs where matches are held.

2: The Race to Woodhall Spa (formerly the County Medal Competition)

  1. The Race to Woodhall Spa competition is open to all members of the Association with a WHS Handicap Index. All 18 hole, individual handicap qualifying club competitions played throughout the year will determine the club winner. The club winner who has the lowest aggregate of 4 cards returned in club competitions may be eligible to compete in one of the regional finals. A County award shall be given for the lowest aggregate score of the club winners. The club winners can be found on the ‘Race to Woodhall Spa’ report which is available on the WHS platform from 1 January of each year.

3: County Championship Meeting

  1. The County Championship meeting shall be held annually in the spring on a course to be selected by the Executive Committee.
  2. The Championship Bowl, Jenny Lee Smith Trophy and the Team Shield shall be played for at this meeting; as will The Trish Todd trophy for the Junior County Champion.
  3. The Championship match-play draw shall be made according to the automatic draw format, and shall be announced as soon as possible after completion of the qualifying rounds. Players must enter from their home club to compete for the Team Shield.

4: Inter-County Matches

  1. Inter-County matches shall be played under the conditions of the competition published on the England Golf website.
  2. The team and reserves for all matches shall be chosen by a team selection committee consisting of the Captain, the Vice-Captain, immediate Past Captain, and one other co-opted for one year. The selector will have been nominated by the Captain and approved by the Executive Committee at the first or second Executive meeting of the year. The Captain shall chair the committee and shall have a casting vote if required. The Captain shall arrange details and order of play.

5: Inter-Club Matches (Shield Matches)

  1. A member with a current WHS Handicap Index shall play for her home club only, in any team match during any one year. Matches shall consist of games of singles matchplay, played off scratch.
  2. Nominations are required when a club is fielding a second or subsequent team.
  3. A player who does not have a current WHS Handicap Index is not eligible to be nominated or to play in a Shield match. If the player subsequently attains a WHS Handicap Index which is lower than any nominated player, she may play in no more than 2 matches and only if a nominated player is unable to play.
  4. A player who has not been nominated for the first team, and who has a WHS Handicap Index lower than any of the nominated players, when the nominations are submitted, can only play a maximum of two first team matches during the year and only if a nominated player is unable to play. Also, this player is not eligible to play in second or third team matches. The same principle applies to clubs with three teams when players are not nominated for second teams.In this case the player can only play a maximum of two team matches and only if a nominated player is unable to play. This player is not eligible to play in third team matches.
  5. The Captain can select a player whose WHS Handicap Index is equal to or higher than those of nominated players, when the nominations were submitted, should she consider their form merits selection.
  6. Each Captain shall play her team in order of the player’s WHS Handicap Index and clauses 5.1 – 5.5 above. An exception to this byelaw would be to allow the Captain to play her Club Champion in the first pairing, should the Club Champion wish to do so.
  7. Annually every player must nominate her home club by 14 April or before the first match if earlier. She is only eligible to play for her home club during that year. New members of the Association with a WHS Handicap Index and those transferring from another County may, on payment of Northumberland County fees, be eligible to play for their new home club at club level subject to byelaw 5.1.
  8. No club shall compete with more than 1 team in any one division. A club may enter further teams which would start in the lowest division, as would a club entering a team for the first time.
  9. A first division Shield team shall consist of 8 players. Lower division Shield teams shall each consist of 7 players.
  10. Captains of clubs in the first division wishing to enter a second team shall send the names of their 7 nominated first division team players and current WHS Handicap Indexes to the County Vice Captain, by 14 April or before the first match if earlier. These players shall be eligible to play in first division matches only. An eighth first division team player is not required to be nominated. NOTE: Where clubs are fielding three teams, the 8th player must be nominated as the 1st player for the second team if she is to play in both the first and second teams.
  11. Captains of clubs in all other divisions wishing to enter a second team shall send the names of their 6 nominated first team players and current WHS Handicap Indexes to the County Vice-Captain by 14 April or before the first match if earlier. These players shall be eligible to play in their first team’s matches only. A seventh player is not required to be nominated. NOTE: Where clubs are fielding three teams, the 7th player must be nominated as the 1st player for the second team if she is to play in both the first and second teams.
  12. Captains of clubs with three teams shall send the names of their first team nominations and 6 second team nominated players and current WHS Handicap Indexes to the County Vice-Captain by 14 April or before the first match if earlier. These players shall not be eligible to play for the third team. No nominations are required for the third team.
  13. All Shield match dates shall be arranged by the club Captains at a meeting called by the Executive Committee annually, and must not be subsequently altered except in extenuating circumstances, and then only by reference to the Executive Committee via the County Vice-Captain.
  14. Shield matches shall be played between 1 April and 31 August each year, and all results sent to the County Vice-Captain.
  15. A club unable to play a Shield match on a fixed date shall be scratched.
  16. An arranged match shall only be postponed by the Captain of the home club or her deputy if the home course is deemed unplayable except if the 2 teams are present at the club at the scheduled starting time and the weather is unfavourable, the Captains (or their deputies) of the respective teams shall be empowered to postpone the fixture by mutual consent to a mutually agreed date and time. Should, however, the Captains fail to come to such agreement; the match must be played.
  17. Players shall not discontinue play on account of bad weather or for any other reason unless they consider that there may be danger from lightning or some other reason which both Captains consider satisfactory (R & A Rules of Golf 5-7a and 5-7d). Every effort must be made to complete the match on the day. If this is not possible, before leaving the clubhouse, the Captains shall arrange a date and time to replay the match. If some players have completed their matches these do not count and the whole team must play the full match again. If the same team is not available for the reorganised match then other players can represent the club. The County Vice-Captain must be informed as soon as possible and should any query as to the procedure arise, her decision will be final.
  18. Clubs must play as a team and all matches shall be arranged to start before 3pm. In exceptional adverse weather conditions this time may be extended by mutual consent of the Captains (or their deputies).
  19. At least 15 minutes prior to the start of a Shield match, the Captains must exchange the names of their players and the order of play, together with proof of their current WHS Handicap Index (WHS Handicap Index certificate, or a paper or electronic copy of the current ladies’ WHS Handicap Index list). In exceptional circumstances, the order of play may be changed but not the pairings.
  20. A player should be on the tee ready to play 5 minutes before her match. If a player arrives at her starting point, ready to play, no more than five minutes late the penalty is loss of first hole (R&A Rules of Golf 5.3a). Otherwise, the penalty for breach of this Rule is disqualification unless the Captains agree that exceptional circumstances prevented the player from starting on time.
  21. Each year the bottom club in the first division shall be relegated to the second division, and the top club in the second division shall be promoted to the first division. This procedure shall apply to all subsequent divisions (NB subject to byelaw 5.8)
  22. Clubs shall play each other at home and away in alternate years.
  23. In all Shield matches the full result must be entered on the NLCGA website immediately after each match.
  24. One point shall be scored for each individual win or “walk-over”. No matches shall go beyond the 18th green. A half point shall be scored for a halved match.
  25. Should two or more clubs tie on total points scored in one year and a decision on promotion or relegation is to be made, then the winner shall be decided by count back.
  26. Caddies will not be permitted for Shield matches, unless the player has been given permission for physical assistance, that specifically references the need for a caddie, by the NLCGA.
  27. If a club selects a player under 18 years of age, the Captain of that team shall inform the opposing club three days beforehand that they are fielding an under18 player. Either club may then decide if additional safeguarding measures are required for the junior player or her opponent, inform the opposing Captain of those measures and organise the necessary arrangements.
  28. Any breach of the byelaws 5.1 to 5.7 will incur the loss of one game point, the opposing team gaining that game point.

6: TR Percy & Norah Percy Trophy Matches

  1. A member with a WHS Handicap Index shall play for her home club only, in any team match during any one year.
  2. TR & Norah Percy Trophy matches are match play, played off the player’s course handicap on the day for that course being played.
  3. The team for a TR Percy Trophy match shall consist of 5 players with a WHS Handicap Index between 20.0 and 29.9. A player with a lower WHS Handicap Index cannot play in this team. A player with a higher WHS Handicap Index can play but must play with a Handicap Index of 29.9.
  4. The team for a Norah Percy Trophy match shall consist of 5 players with a WHS Handicap Index of 30.0 or higher. A player with a lower WHS Handicap Index cannot play in this team.
  5. The draw for the first round shall be sent to participating clubs before the Captains’ Fixtures Meeting. Immediately after the draw has been made for each round, a choice of 3 dates must be given by the Home Captain (or her deputy) to her opponent.
  6. Clubs must play as a team and the first match shall be arranged to start no later than 3pm. In exceptional adverse weather conditions this time may be extended by mutual consent of the Captains (or their deputies).
  7. At least 15 minutes before the match, the Captains shall simultaneously exchange lists of players together with proof of their current WHS Handicap Index (WHS Handicap Index certificate, or a paper or electronic copy of the current ladies’ WHS Handicap Index list). If proof is not produced that individual match shall be conceded. Players must be paired strictly in order of WHS Handicap Index and this list must not subsequently be altered. In exceptional circumstances the order of play may be changed but not the pairings.
  8. One point shall be scored for each individual win or “walk-over”. No individual match shall be halved; each match shall be played continuously to a finish, but when a team has definitely won their match the rest of the players need not continue to play after the 18th hole. In these circumstances only, a halved match shall be allowed.
  9. The winning team shall go forward to the next round.
  10. Full results of matches must be entered on the NLCGA website immediately after each match. Players’ playing handicap must be entered with their result.
  11. The final shall be played on a neutral course selected by the Executive Committee.
  12. Caddies are permitted, for the final only, of both competitions. A player is allowed a caddie in any match if the player has been given permission for physical assistance, that specifically references the need for a caddie, by the NLCGA.
  13. Any breach of the byelaws 6.1 to 6.4 will incur the loss of one game point, the opposing team gaining that game point.
  14. Byelaws 5.15, 5.16, 5.17, 5.20 and 5.27 also apply to Percy matches.

7: Evening League Matches

  1. A member with a WHS Handicap Index shall play for her home club only, in any team match during any one year.
  2. Strokes to be given or received will be determined by the full difference between the player’s 9 hole course handicap.
  3. Each match will be played off the 9 hole converted handicap over 9 holes. These must be the 9 holes for which the Club has been given a Course and Slope rating by England Golf. As part of the rating process each Club is supplied with a 9 Hole Handicap Conversion Chart. This chart should be used to produce a 9-hole card with stroke indices 1– 9. Exact WHS Handicap Indexes are used to determine the 9 hole handicap using the handicap conversion chart.
  4. A team shall consist of 5 players.
  5. All Evening League match dates shall be arranged by the Club Captains at a meeting to be called by the Executive Committee and must not be subsequently altered except in extenuating circumstances, and then only by reference to the Executive Committee via the County Vice-Captain.
  6. Evening League matches shall be played between 1st April and 31st July.
  7. Start times of matches shall be arranged by Captains/Team Managers. All matches must start within 45 minutes of the first start time.
  8. Any player with a current WHS Handicap Index is eligible to play in the Evening League. Priority should be given to players who are unable to or can only rarely play in Shield matches.
  9. At least 15 minutes before the match, the Captains shall simultaneously exchange lists of players together with proof of their current WHS Handicap Index (current WHS Handicap Index certificate, or a paper or electronic copy of the current ladies’ WHS Handicap Index list). If proof is not produced that individual match shall be conceded. Players must be paired strictly in order of WHS Handicap Index and this list must not subsequently be altered. In exceptional circumstances, the order of play may be changed but not the pairings.
  10. Each match will play all nine holes on a “holes-up basis”. The winner will be the player who is up at the end of the nine holes. One point will be awarded for a win and half a point for a halved match. The score on the result sheet should be entered as the number of holes up.
  11. Full results of matches must be entered on the NLCGA website immediately after each match. Players’ 9 hole course handicaps must be entered with the result.
  12. If there is a tie for first place in the group after all matches have been played, the winner of the group will be the team with the highest number of holes up over all matches.
  13. The winner of each of the four groups will play in a semi-final. The winners of those semi-finals will play off to determine the overall winner. All three finals will be played on a neutral course selected by the Executive Committee. If there is a tie after all matches have been played, the winner will be the team with the highest number of holes up over all matches.
  14. To be eligible to play in an Evening League semi-final or final, every player must have played in at least one Evening League qualifying match.
  15. Any breach of the byelaws 7.1 to 7.4 will incur the loss of one game point, the opposing team gaining that game point.
  16. Byelaws 5.15, 5.16, 5.17, 5.20, 5.26 and 5.27 also apply to Evening League matches.

Buggy & Transportation Policy

The NLCGA are proud to have achieved accreditation for our Women In Charter on February 9 th , 2023.


The Charter is a commitment from the Executive to promote the opportunities for golf throughout the County. We do this through a number of initiatives and actions working as a team, and by supporting Delegates from the Ladies Associations in the Clubs around Northumberland, with whom we meet with regularly.


We encourage new to golf programs and particularly work with juniors through a program which provides a pathway from learning to play, understanding rules and etiquette to potential Club membership.


We are delighted that our efforts to increase participation at County events which include individual and team golf, along with some fun, social golf.


We are proud of being a SafeGolf accreditation and we ensure policies and procedures remain up to date and support our clubs to become. and then maintain. their SafeGolf accreditations. To achieve the above, we have a designated a Charter Champion and a Junior, Charter Champion within the County who can assist with the promotion and reporting of the charter.

NLCGA Charter Champion Kathryn Archibald

NLCGA Junior Charter Champion Ashley Kent

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy

In November 2020 the World Handicap System (WHS) came into effect.

Players now have a Handicap Index rather than a Handicap. The Handicap Index is calculated as the average of the best 8 from the last 20 scores (score differentials) in a player’s record. Any queries regarding your Handicap Index should, in the first instance, be directed to your Club Handicap Secretary or Committee.

If they are unable to answer or resolve your query, please then refer to Gemma Duxfield, our County Handicap Advisor

There is information on the England Golf Website regarding WHS. Please see the link to the WHS Toolkit. England Golf WHS Toolkit

For information regarding Course Ratings, please contact one of our NLCGA Course Assessors –


Pat Mattinson
mattinsonpat49@gmail.com

Julia Tate
juliatate13@sky.com

Safe Golf Certificate

Disciplinary Regulations

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secretary@nlcga.co.uk

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