Golf license
Encyclopedia
The GVB or golf ability license is a standardised test and licensing process which players of the game of golf
must go through in order to be allowed to play on many golf course
s in Belgium
or the Netherlands.
although most clubs have their own admittance policy.
Some clubs and courses (like in a lot of other countries) demand a handicap certificate or certifiable level of play (i.e. handicap 24) for guests.
Many club players skip the GVB part and go straight to the handicap exam.
, the other fifteen about the rules
. The practical portion consists of playing four holes. The player's best three holes are counted; the player must score below 21 to pass the test.
Players are free to choose a course to take their test. Some clubs or courses offer a package deal where one attains a GVB after a weekend of workshops, learning and training.
It is not necessay for a player to be member of a club or course in the Netherlands to have a GVB or a handicap. The player can register with the Stichting Golfsport for a fee and the GVB or handicap will be maintained (even if it is not a Dutch GVB or handicap).
Golf
Golf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
must go through in order to be allowed to play on many golf course
Golf course
A golf course comprises a series of holes, each consisting of a teeing ground, fairway, rough and other hazards, and a green with a flagstick and cup, all designed for the game of golf. A standard round of golf consists of playing 18 holes, thus most golf courses have this number of holes...
s in Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
or the Netherlands.
History
The GVB was introduced because there are few golf courses in relation to the number of golfers. Because there was no requirement previous to the GVB, anyone could play on a public course. This led to situations which were hazardous or undesirable to other players. In the 1980s the GVB was introduced (in Belgium in 1988) to remedie this problem. The GVB is basically a pre-handicap. It guarantees a certain level of ability and knowledge of the rules and etiquette. The GVB is required for entrance into a golfing association or to play on an official golfing association courseGolf course
A golf course comprises a series of holes, each consisting of a teeing ground, fairway, rough and other hazards, and a green with a flagstick and cup, all designed for the game of golf. A standard round of golf consists of playing 18 holes, thus most golf courses have this number of holes...
although most clubs have their own admittance policy.
Some clubs and courses (like in a lot of other countries) demand a handicap certificate or certifiable level of play (i.e. handicap 24) for guests.
Level of play
In the Netherlands there are three types of level of play:- Baanpermissie (course permission): the local pro has determined that the player is good enough to go out on the local course (but only the local course).
- Golfvaardigheidsbewijs (GVB): the player has taken a test and is deemed good enough to obtain the GVB. The player can play on any course where GVB is the minimal requirement.
- Handicap: the player has taken the handicap exam and has played the required amount of holes with a score deemed eligible for a handicap. The player can now play any course for which the handicap is the minimum requirement.
Many club players skip the GVB part and go straight to the handicap exam.
The GVB test
The test comprises a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion is twenty questions; five about etiquetteEtiquette
Etiquette is a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group...
, the other fifteen about the rules
Rules of golf
The rules of golf are a standard set of regulations and procedures by which the sport of golf should be played. They are jointly written and administered by the R&A the governing body of golf worldwide except in the United States and Mexico, which are the responsibility of the United States Golf...
. The practical portion consists of playing four holes. The player's best three holes are counted; the player must score below 21 to pass the test.
Players are free to choose a course to take their test. Some clubs or courses offer a package deal where one attains a GVB after a weekend of workshops, learning and training.
It is not necessay for a player to be member of a club or course in the Netherlands to have a GVB or a handicap. The player can register with the Stichting Golfsport for a fee and the GVB or handicap will be maintained (even if it is not a Dutch GVB or handicap).