GolfRSA launches the Caddie Handicap Initiative

GolfRSA and HNA are partnering on the Caddie Handicap Initiative, which will enable caddies to obtain an official World Handicap System handicap index at an affordable cost from the 1st of July 2023; credit GolfRSA.

30 June 2023 – GolfRSA is delighted to announce its collaboration with Handicaps Network Africa (HNA) for the Caddie Handicap Initiative.

This exciting development in the HNA system will enable golf clubs to register their caddies as they would new handicap members, granting them an official handicap index on the World Handicap System (WHS) at a significantly reduced cost thanks to a sponsorship collaboration between HNA and GolfRSA.

The Caddie Handicap Initiative launches on 1 July 2023.

“With the Caddie Handicap Initiative, our aim is to foster inclusion and diversity within the golf industry.  GolfRSA and HNA will sponsor the majority of the handicap fee, which allows us to offer caddies who play the sport the opportunity to obtain an official WHS handicap for just R50 annually,” said GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn.

“By making it affordable to get an official WHS Handicap we are opening the door for all registered caddies to be able to play in competitions, and to compete in the Caddie Division of our annual GolfRSA Champion of Champions tournament,” said GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn.

“Initially we will be utilising our database of 4 000 registered caddies whom we supported during lockdown through the GolfRSA Help Fund and with funds from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. This will serve as the initial benchmark reference of the expected number of caddies in the industry who we hope will take up this opportunity. We look forward to seeing our caddies flourish even further through this initiative.”

This Caddie Handicap Initiative is open to golf-playing caddies over the age of 18 who are based at clubs in South Africa. Caddies will be issued with cards with an HNA number and will be able to enter their scores on the HNA platforms.

All players marked as “caddie” in the HNA system will be exempt from paying any GolfRSA and Union Affiliation fees and if a club selects a caddie to participate in a league, they won’t be required to pay affiliation fees, thereby making it accessible and affordable for caddies to pursue competition.

“We are excited to partner with GolfRSA on this campaign,” said HNA General Manager, Paul Bezuidenhout. “GolfRSA and HNA are always seeking innovative ways to promote the game and increase participation in golf in South Africa. With the Caddie Handicap Initiative, we can reach an even greater audience of golfers, while giving the caddies the tools to uplift and empower themselves.”