What does BB&O Golf do?
Background:
The Berks Bucks and Oxon Union of Golf Clubs was formed at a meeting at Maidenhead Golf Club on 17th March 1924. The Union is a non profit making organisation that devotes its resources to the administration and development of amateur golf in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. At present the Union comprises of 104 Golf Clubs (including Artisans).
Financing:
BB&O Golf is financed principally through subscriptions paid by every male playing member of an affiliated golf club. BB&O Golf is also proud to have its sponsors and partners.
Objectives:
As it's primary objectives, BB&O Golf aims to
- Run County Championships and other County competitions.
- Oversee County Teams that represent the County both regionally and nationally.
- Use coaching programs and County events to develop talented players.
- Ensure that courses within the BB&O are rated correctly in accordance with WHS guidelines.
- Provide education and advice on handicapping and rules to ensure the integrity of competition.
- Run an efficient County Card scheme that adds value to both BB&O Clubs and players.
- Act as an effective conduit between England Golf and BB&O Clubs.
- Represent BB&O Clubs for their benefit when voting on England Golf policy.
Management:
The BB&O is managed by its Board members with the day-to-day affairs being carried out by the Executuve Officer's Office. The Office reports to a Board of elected members from various affiliated golf clubs within the county.
CHAMPIONSHIPS AND TOURNAMENTS:
The Union organises and subsidises championships and tournaments for men, boys, seniors and clubs. Without exception they are administered to the highest standards and are at some of the best venues within the County. The BB&O Amateur Championship qualifies for World Amateur ranking points. To enter or to veiw a full list of our championships please click here
COUNTY TEAMS:
The Union supports the First Team, The Seniors, The Junior Elite (Under 18’s), Under 16’s and Under 14s County Teams. We arrange home venues, coaching, management, equipment and entries. Our First Team, Seniors, Junior Elite and Under 16s compete in the South Eastern Region Leagues as well as National Qualifying events and Finals. As a result of our talent pathway (which starts at Under 12 Hub Centres) we are now regularly producing players who feature not only for county and national teams but also go on to win on the world stage.
Course Rating:
You may have wondered how the Rating and "Slope" of your course is determined. The Union, through its Course Rating Team of experts, surveys each course on rotation and ensures that the rating value of each course has been assessed in accordance to strict guidelines. In 2020 the World Handicapping Scheme was introduced and our teams of raters assess courses in line with USGA guidelines for "slope".
Handicaps:
Although computer systems now handle the day-to-day alterations of handicaps, disputes and advice are handled by the BB&O Office. We visit our affiliated clubs to ensure that they are comfortable with their responsibilities and offer an "induction" service for new Handicap Secretaries and committees. We liaise with England Golf on your behalf as well as help clubs with rules and course set up queries that have an impact on qualifying competitions. We are responsible, along with other County Unions, for ensuring that handicaps are handled with consistency throughout the country.
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COUNTY CARD :
The County Card represents tremendous value for money. It provides the opportunity to play more than 1,300 clubs who offer special rates throughout the country. The County Card is continually being updated and the BB&O is leading the way on this and is responsible for the administration on behalf of all participating counties. If you are an affiliated member of a participating BB&O club and want to apply for a County Card click here.
CLUB SUPPORT:
We are fully committed to overseeing competetive golf by helping our affiliated clubs who deal with the day to day business of running and promoting golf. This can take the shape of helping clubs with handicapping and rules as mentioned above, but also involves us providing educational seminars covering governance that can either be general or specific to changes in law and policy. This is an area that we are constantly looking to expand and believe that by providing eductional support for club managers we, in turn, provide a better environment for our golfers.
Summary:
To summarise: Teams, Championships, Rules, Handicaps, Standard Scratch Scores and Talent Identification are functions of BB&O Golf. Funded by each and every male playing member of an affiliated club, the Union ensures that the superstars of tomorrow are constantly being given the environment in which to succeed. Every member of an affiliated club directly contributes to the continuing success of English golf and beyond. Golfers who have come through our system have gone on to play on tour, been part of Ryder Cup Teams and one even made it to World Number One! On tour currently, look out for past BB&O players Luke Donald, Tyrell Hatton and Eddie Pepperell.
BB&O Golf Limited (formarly known as BB&O Union of Golf Clubs) incorporated in 2017. Please find below the links for Articles of Association and the Rules of the Company.
