About DCGU
What We Do For You
The Durham County Golf Union (DCGU) serves as the governing body for amateur men's golf in County Durham and is affiliated with England Golf, the National Governing Body. In partnership with the Durham County Ladies Golf Association, we support our affiliated clubs, golfers, and emerging talent across all aspects of golf in Durham.
Handicaps
DCGU serves as the designated area authority for administering the World Handicap System (WHS). Acting on behalf of the England Golf, DCGU assists players and clubs in implementing the WHS and ensures adherence to the R&A Rules of Handicapping and related procedures. Additionally, DCGU is responsible for adjudicating handicap appeals within the area.
Course Rating
The Course and Slope rating for each set of tees is a fundamental part of the new WHS handicap system and allows golfers to compete on different courses using a fair and equitable system. We have a team of trained course assessors who undertake this work on behalf of England Golf at no cost to the clubs.
Increasing Participation
As part of the County Golf Development Group, we work to bring new players into the sport and new members into clubs. Working closely with England Golf, the Golf Foundation and local authorities, clubs with development ideas and Sport England funding applications to help develop facilities and recruit new golfers.
Rules, Governance & Disciplinary
The Union is your first port of call for answering Rules queries, advising persons to answer them. We ensure courses are set up correctly for competitions and assist clubs to implement R&A club changes. We support clubs with Governance, Safeguarding and Disciplinary issues, handling all matters professionally and in confidence.
Talent Development
Durham County Golf Union represents amateur golf across County Durham, supporting and developing players at multiple levels of the game. The Union fields competitive teams at Under-18, Men’s, and Senior Men’s (Over-55) levels, with players competing in league matches and national qualifying championships organised by the Northern Counties Golf Union.
County Teams
Durham County Golf Union represents amateur golf across County Durham, supporting and developing players at multiple levels of the game. The Union fields competitive teams at Under-18, Men’s, and Senior Men’s (Over-55) levels, with players competing in league matches and national qualifying championships organised by the Northern Counties Golf Union. Although, in golfing terms, Durham is one of the smaller counties in the north of England, its teams consistently compete strongly against larger counties. Players represent County Durham with pride, integrity, and a strong sense of commitment to the game.
Championships & Competitions
Durham County Golf Union proudly run 14 County Championships and competitions each season, covering both individual and team formats. Through these championships, Durham produce and celebrate county champions and champion clubs, showcasing the very best of Durham’s golfing talent while promoting excellence, sportsmanship, and the continued development of the game throughout the county.
County Membership Scheme
Club members who sign up to the County Membership Scheme gain access to exclusive County Members' only competitions each year, the 18 Club Challenge plus. This scheme offers additional competitive opportunities beyond your club fixtures and a chance to compete against the best players from across Durham.
County Card Scheme
All affiliated members of clubs in County Durham are entitled to a free county card. Obtainable from your Club Secretary, the card offers the opportunity to play at over 1200 clubs nationwide that offer various discounted green fee rates.
