iGolf has arrived in Ireland and we discuss whether we think it is good or bad and what golf clubs could do to embrace iGolf rather than fight it. We also look at why people wouldn't take up memberships in a golf club if they have access to this iGolf scheme.

Already over 500 people have signed up for iGolf in Ireland. There are concerns from golf clubs, particularly in rural areas, that the new iGolf initiative will have a detrimental effect on clubs’ ability to attract members from the intermediate age group leading to a potential age gap that could have a negative impact into the future.

Golf Ireland launched its independent golfer programme — iGolf — last week, meaning that you no longer have to be a member of a golf club to obtain a handicap.

For the first time, non-club members in Ireland can subscribe to iGolf and gain a Handicap Index under the World Handicap System for an annual subscription fee of €65 in the Republic of Ireland and £55 in Northern Ireland.

The scheme has also been used England, Scotland, Wales and New Zealand for several years with significant success in encouraging increased participation and ultimately transitioning many independent golfers into club membership.