What is the FORE Tour?
Who can play on the FORE Tour?
Do I have to join the FORE Tour / Society?
How do I enter the events?
What is the playing format?
Can I invite friends to play?
Do you monitor handicaps?
What kind of prizes can you win?
What does a typical day include?
How does the Order of Merit Work?
Who organises the FORE Tour?

What is the FORE Tour?


The FORE Tour was launched in 1998 and is a series of professionally organised events which provide an opportunity for amateur handicap golfers to play competitively in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere on some of the UK's most renowned championship courses and lesser known gems.

"Absolutely the best golfing events to attend as someone who wants great golf, no bandits, an efficiently run event and very friendly reception"

Who can play on the FORE Tour?

All golfers, male and female of all levels of ability and any age are welcome to play in the events. All we insist on is that you have either an official club handicap or a FORE Society handicap. We have single figure handicap golfers who have been playing for many years and competitors who are relatively new to the game with handicaps in the high teens. Prizes are awarded for various handicap categories. Everyone is passionate about golf. You can enter as an individual or with friends and we will match you up with golfers of a similar handicap and ability.

"I have yet to play a course I would not want to play again or be partnered with anybody whose company I did not enjoy. You can't ask for more"

Do I have to join the FORE Tour / Society?

You can play as a non FORE Society member but if you wish to be included in the order of merit you must join the FORE Society and FORE Tour for an inclusive annual fee of £25.

"the FORE Tour is the best thing I have ever done relating to golf"

How do I enter the events?

You can click on 2007 Schedule and then click the Enter button on the appropriate events or you can simply complete an entry form and fax or post or e-mail it to the GMM office, or call Kelly on 01492 877123. Entries are accepted on a first come first served basis.
We do not confirm entries but you can check your entry on the website or we will contact you if the competition is full. Your cheques or credit card payments are processed approximately 7 days before the event so you can enter a few in advance without having to make one large payment. The Competitors Information is posted out 7-10 days before each event informing you of your tee time, directions to the course and other useful information.

"very well organised events, friendly atmosphere with none of the stuffiness you can experience at a lot of golf clubs"

What is the playing format?

Play is either in three or fourballs and the format for the one day Order of Merit events is always 18 holes of individual stableford with full handicap allowance.
The maximum playing handicap is 24 for men and 30 for ladies. Play is normally from the yellow tees depending on the length and difficulty of the course and ladies play from the red tees and receive courtesy shots.

"I play cricket – but I cannot play at Lords, I play tennis but I cannot play at Wimbledon, I play golf and on the FORE Tour I can play the best courses"

Can I invite friends to play?

Yes Society Members are welcome to invite guests and we can put you in the same match. We are finding that more and more businessmen are treating their colleagues and clients to a great day out. Non-society members do not qualify for order of merit points but if they become a member we can award points retrospectively for the last event played before joining. The annual membership fee for the FORE Golf Society and FORE Tour is £25 inclusive.

"a brilliant day out, I look forward to every event"

Do you monitor handicaps?

At each event we ask to see proof of handicap as competitors check in. The average winning score in 2004 was 39 points which we do not consider unachievable with full handicap allowance. We operate a handicapping system whereby for every 2 points a player scores over 36 his/her handicap is reduced by one shot. We also send the cards to the handicap secretary if a competitor is a member at a golf club. In 2006 if you played to your handicap 5 times you would have finished in the top 20 and won a trip to Desert Springs, Spain to play in the FORE Tour Masters tournament.

"Well organised, great courses, excellent value. Keep it up"

What kind of prizes can you win?

This question has never really been asked but without fail at every event we receive compliments about the quality of the prizes. The leading three competitors at least, receive a trophy plus a prize. There are also prizes for the best gross and handicap categories. We also run Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive competitions and a special 'Ray of Hope' prize for the player scoring the least number of points. The first prize is often a limited edition print of a famous golf course. Remember there is always the possibility of winning a trip abroad in the FORE Tour Masters.

What does a typical day include?

Coffee and bacon rolls await competitors on arrival at the golf club. The first match usually tees off from about 10am. The golf is followed by a dinner and prize presentation at aproximately 5.00pm and the day winds up at about 6.30pm. When we have 70 or more competitors playing the first few matches are offered the opportunity to eat as soon as they finish to avoid waiting around. Dress code for the dinner is usually smart casual although some clubs insist on a jacket and tie and the equivalent for ladies.

How does the Order of Merit Work?

The Order of Merit commences after the first event with 40 points awarded to the winner, 39 to second place, 38 for third etc. Final placings are determined by the points accumulated from a competitors best five results throughout the season.
Whilst golfers may enter as many events as they wish only their best five count towards their final order of merit position. The top 20 in the Order of Merit after the last event win a trip overseas to play in the FORE Tour Masters. The venue for 2007 will be announced shortly.

Who organises the FORE Tour?

The GMM team is headed by David Hughes who is a former professional golfer and an ex PGA Tournament Director with responsibility for managing in excess of 70 professional tournaments throughout Europe. There is usually a minimum of two staff at each event with a wealth of experience and knowledge about golf and event management.