Tytherington Golf Club are celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2026 with a fully open course following a £1.1million investment over the past four years and the new trial they are introducing for their knock-out competitions underlines the club’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and ensuring competitive golf remains enjoyable for everyone one.
Tytherington competitions official Ben Goulding (pictured) explained: “We will be trialling a new men’s singles format for the 2026 season, aimed at improving fairness, enjoyment and participation across all handicap levels.
“The change follows feedback from both low and higher handicap players, alongside an awareness of a wider national issue affecting matchplay since the introduction of the World Handicap System.
“Rather than introducing handicap limits that exclude players the club has chosen an inclusive solution that restructures the competition while remaining fully within the Rules of Golf.
“Under the new trial format, golfers will be placed into four groups based on similar handicaps meaning early-round matches will involve fewer shots being given or received.
“Players must first prove themselves as the best in their group with group winners progressing to the semi-finals.
“This approach reflects concerns shared by many clubs that the move to 100% handicap allowance under WHS has not been well received by lower handicap players and has contributed to reduced participation in traditional knock-out competitions.
“Analysis of the 2025 entry data showed that participation concentrated in the mid-handicap range with fewer golfers at both the lower and higher ends.”
Copy & image: Geoff Garnett
