A t Redbourn, we have some work being carried out on several bunkers and for that reason alone, no cards may be entered for handicapping until the work is completed. That said, with the state of the course - wet, wet, wet - it would be pretty pointless entering cards into to EG front end.
All that is liable to happen at present, is for all handicaps to increase, as there is no way the conditions are going to allow truly representative scores - plugged balls, pick and place, 'gimmes' and drops in line with where you think the ball disappeared (many using this rule and not adding enough shots). So no true test of your handicap until we get some drier (or extremely frosty) weather.
As to using fairway mats - how many people have you met who would be happy to play on them down here in the south? Usual comment is that they 'are not playing real golf' - but don't seem to see that it protects the course and still allows you to play. I must say it's not what I would like to do, but if it gets me out losing some more balls, why not!
jb
