Hi Legends,
Big one this week — there are a few time-critical items at the top, followed by some important updates that will shape how the season runs. Please have a proper read so nothing catches you off guard.
🏆 JOONDALUP MAJOR – REGISTRATIONS CLOSE FEB 8 (IMPORTANT)
This is your first Major of the year and registrations will close on February 8.
Joondalup requires upfront payment four weeks prior, and the cost per player is significant. Because of this:
- Numbers will be locked based on registrations as at Feb 8
- Entry fees will be processed on Feb 8
- Once payment is made, refunds are not possible
Joondalup are firm on this, so if you want to play — register now to avoid missing out.
⏱️ REGISTER FOR EVENTS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE
Fields are filling faster than ever this year, especially for Platinum members.
Registering early:
- Secures your spot
- Helps us gauge demand
- Gives us the best chance to request extra places from courses
If the opening weeks are anything to go by, it’s going to be a very busy season.
⭐ NEW PLATINUM & VIP MEMBERS – IMPORTANT
Just signed up for a Platinum or VIP membership? Welcome aboard 👊
Your membership goodies will be available to collect:
- 📍 Meadow Springs – 1st Feb, or
- 📍 Any event after that from the TGC team
If you’d prefer your items posted to you, we’re more than happy to organise that — we just ask that you cover the shipping cost.
If you have any questions or want to arrange postage, flick us an email and we’ll sort it.
🏅 TEAM & CUP RACE POINTS – SEASON STARTS FEB 1
The official points season kicks off 1 February.
All January events are social only, with no points attached. Use these rounds to warm up and get yourself ready for:
📍 Feb 1 – Meadow Springs
Important FYI on rollover points
Because the Cup Race season finishes after the Teams Championship Final, podium points roll over to the team the player was part of at the time, not any new team they may move to later.
That gives:
- Royals – Drew Daley: 500 points
- Panthers – Blair: 300 points
- Panthers – Dave Grafton: 150 points
Royals and Panthers start 2026 with a handy early buffer.
🆕 WHAT’S NEW FOR 2026 – LOCAL RULES (PLEASE READ)
We’re introducing two new local rules across all Golf Collective competitions — except Match Play.
✅ Preferred Lies (All Courses We Visit)
Players may improve their lie within a scorecard length, no closer to the hole.
Mark it, lift it, clean it, place it — and play on.
✅ Relief from Animal and Human Footprints
If your ball is affected by animal or human footprints (including in bunkers), you are entitled to relief.
Why are we doing this?
- Improved fairness
- Faster pace of play
- Less frustration from unavoidable poor lies
Yes — we are well within our rights to implement these rules. Any rare edge cases will be handled case by case if required.
🚨 Important reminder:
These rules DO NOT apply in Match Play, unless the course itself has them listed as local rules.
If you’d like further clarification, email me directly:
📧 ruben@thegolfcollective.com.au
🗂️ OPEN TEE TIMES – A FEW QUICK TIPS
Great feedback on the new open tee times system — glad it’s landing well.
A few reminders:
- You can move yourself on the tee sheet up to 48 hours before the event
- If tee times / starting holes aren’t shown:
- Top of the sheet = earlier tee times
- Bottom of the sheet = later tee times
Occasionally, we may move players (particularly newer members) to help them settle in — you’ll always be contacted if this happens.
We may also need to condense groups if gaps appear toward the back of the field.
💡 If you’re flexible on time or playing partners, placing yourself toward the bottom helps us greatly.
🇪🇺 RYDER CUP – QUALIFICATION & SELECTION
Selection criteria has been refined to reward season-long commitment.
- Registration opens 3 months prior
- Top 10 in the Cup Race are automatically entered (opt-out available)
- Remaining 38 spots open to:
- Team Captains & Committee
- Sponsors holding a GA
- TGC Members
✈️ TRIPS – REGISTRATION COMING SOON
Trip registrations open mid to late February once itineraries and costings are finalised.
Accommodation (Important)
Accommodation is not included due to liability reasons.
We strongly recommend organising accommodation early so you’re ready when registrations open.
🔒 WHY SOME EVENTS ARE STILL CLOSED
Some events remain closed while we:
- Await sponsorship confirmation (to reduce member costs), or
- Wait on formal course confirmation
Most courses now only confirm dates within 6 months.
🎯 PRO PIN IN 2026 – MEMBER-RUN
We can have a pro pin, but TGC cannot manage it.
To run one:
- A member must manage it independently
- Cash in / cash out only
- TGC cannot promote or handle funds
Keen? Chat with a committee member.
🤝 SPONSORS – ANNOUNCEMENT COMING
We’re close to announcing our full 2026 sponsor lineup — and it’s a strong one.
If you or someone you know has marketing budget to spend, check out:
👉 www.thegolfcollective.com.au/sponsor
Custom options available.
👋 ARE YOU NEW TO GOLF?
Golf’s complicated — no one expects you to know everything.
If something doesn’t make sense:
- Ask your playing partners
- Chat with our team
- Or flick us a message anytime
That’s what TGC is all about.
👥 GOT FRIENDS WHO WANT TO JOIN?
Share the code TENOFF
➡️ 10% off their first year membership
❓ GOT QUESTIONS?
We’re always happy to help:
📧 admin@thegolfcollective.com.au
Looking forward to kicking the season off properly on Feb 1.
Cheers,
Ruben
