Entrant
An entrant is a golfer who registers for a competition or a membership.
In golf the term appears above all in connection with competitions and tournaments. If you want to take part in a tournament you register as an entrant, usually via the club office or an online entry form. Registration is binding: anyone who signs up as an entrant undertakes to appear at the tee time and to comply with the tournament conditions. When joining a golf club, the formal procedure also speaks of the applicant until the membership is confirmed.
In practice tournament registration works like this: the entry form is on the notice board or online, and you sign up with your name, membership number and handicap. At popular tournaments the order of registration often applies; at some, the draw decides. Example: your club's monthly competition is limited to 72 starters. You register as an entrant, receive a tee time and appear at the first tee on the day of the competition. If you do not cancel and do not show up, the club can suspend you from future tournaments.
A typical mistake is the half-hearted registration. If you sign up as an entrant and then simply do not turn up, you block a starting place from others and annoy the committee. So cancel in good time if you are prevented from attending — most clubs have clear deadlines for that. For guests without club membership there are open competitions where you likewise register as an entrant. Whether a competition is handicap-relevant for you can be seen from the note in the entry form or from the frequently asked questions on the club website.
FAQ
How do I register as an entrant for a tournament?
Registration goes through the club's entry form, either online or on the notice board at the club office. You sign up with your name, membership number and handicap and are allocated a tee time. Registration is binding, so only sign up if you really intend to play.
What happens if I register as an entrant but do not turn up?
You block a starting place that someone else would gladly have had, and the committee has to rearrange the schedule. Many clubs therefore suspend no-shows from future tournaments. Cancel in good time if you are prevented from attending — the deadlines are stated in the entry form.
Can I register as an entrant without club membership?
Yes, at open competitions guests are expressly welcome. As a rule you only need a valid handicap and pay an entry fee. Whether a competition is open and handicap-relevant is stated in the entry form or on the club's website.