News

Player of the Year changes for 2024

Posted on 22 Feb '24 by Dave Hayden II

We are excited to announce that the Competitions Committee has carefully reviewed the allocation of points for the Club Player of the Year and will be implementing a new system for the 2024 season. This new system is designed to ensure a fairer allocation of points by rewarding those who have performed exceptionally well in relation to their handicap. We believe that this change will enhance the overall competitiveness and integrity of the competition. We can't wait to see how this new system will positively impact our players and encourage even greater achievements on the course.

The new system will see all gents scores combined and all ladies scores combined, creating one Gents section and one Ladies section. Points will then be allocated based on the best nett scores within each section. We hope this will allow for a fairer distribution of points by removing the requirement for guaranteed points to be distributed within grades, regardless of the number of competitors or the level of the scoring within that grade. As points will now be awarded based on nett scores, for all Strokeplay / Stableford / V-Par competitions, we should also see a fairer division of points in Gross competitions, where lower handicap players have historically dominated the distribution of points.

Over the last ten seasons, the Gents Player of the Year has been won by a Class 1 player on six occasions, a Class 2 player on three occasions and a Class 3 player on just one occasion, with no Class 3 player winning since 2014. During this same period, the Ladies Player of the Year has been won by eight Class 1 players and only two Class 2 players. We have taken note of the imbalance in previous Player of the Year results, with Class 1 players disproportionately winning in both sections. This new system aims to address this issue and recognise standout performances regardless of grade.

This change marks the first significant update to the Player of the Year system in over a decade, with the primary goal being to create a fairer and more competitive event. We encourage all members to embrace this change with an open mind and give the new system a chance. As always, feedback will be welcomed and the system will be reviewed at the end of the 2024 season. Thank you for your support as we strive to improve and evolve our competitions.

Full details of the new system can be found in the Downloads section of the website or by clicking here.

- Lucan Competition Committee