Club Murcia - Golf Murcia Spain - Obtain your Handicap Certificate and get insured with the RFEG

TheCaddie writes "As many golfers will know, it is a prerequisite to have a valid Handicap Certificate in order play golf in Murcia. Most golfers will have obtained their Certificate from their own Golf Club or via their Golf Society. In addition to having a valid Handicap Certificate, it is also a requirement in Spain to have valid insurance.

Normally, golf courses will levy a 3 € surcharge* per player per round to meet this requirement. This surcharge temporarily affiliates the player to the Royal Golf Federation of Spain, RFEG.

For Golfers without a valid Handicap Certificate, local golfers can obtain a valid license (with or without a Handicap Certificate) and obtain insurance cover by joining the Spanish Golf Federation.

You can either register through your local Golf Society (If your Golf Society is an official registered with the RFEG) or in person via your preferred Murcia golf course.

Each Golf Course offers everybody the chance to apply for a RFEG License/Handicap Certificate and the license automatically covers the individual golfer for any accident that he/she suffers or might cause while playing golf at a federated golf club. This insurance covers against all Spanish Legislation. Your own personal insurance policy will not be sufficient.

(99% of the 300+ Spanish Golf Clubs are part of the RFEG)

Registration is valid for one calendar year, from the 1st January to 31st December and the cost is currently 60€.

Golfers, who register with the Spanish Golf Federation, are also entitled to enter a number Open Golf Competitions, Events and Tournaments.

New golfers get a 36 handicap but if a player has a handicap from their own Club or elsewhere, they can get the same handicap provided they present a valid Handicap Certificate.

To apply for your license, you'll find standard Registration Forms available at the Pro Shop or online. (See the link below)

The Registration Form comes in two parts;

- The top part requires you to fill in your personal and bank details.

- The bottom half authorizes the bank to renew your annual membership each January via direct debit.

The top half is returned to the Pro Shop and the bottom half is retained and handed to the bank by the player.

Note: To cancel your Spanish License, you simply contact your bank and cancel your Direct Debit before the 1st January, the following year.

Your Golf Society or preferred golf course, will send the forms to the Murcia Golf Federation, which in turn processes the forms and sends them to the Spanish Golf Federation in Madrid.

Within a few weeks you will receive your license/Handicap Certificate at your home address. Players can automatically consider themselves affiliated to the RFEG from the moment they hand the form into the club as written receipt is usually given.

Remember, you can pick up a Registration Form from any Pro Shop or print a copy from the following link: http://www.fgolfmurcia.com

Registration Fees vary for adults and children. Annual costs start from 60 € for an adult and 11 € for a junior. The equivalent of playing and paying for insurance, 20 times in a year.

For further details contact your local Murcia Golf Course or speak to your nearest official Golf Society.

*Only Annual Members of the RFEG are officially exempt from paying the 3 euro Insurance Surcharge. Private Individual Policies will not be accepted."