What are the two numbers I need to use as a Trentham member?
Let's take the example of a member, Joe Smith, who has just joined Trentham.
Joe will be allocated a Trentham member number. This is allocated sequentially by the MiClub system for logging on to timesheets etc. So Joe receives a member number, say "1495" (the next member is allocated "1496" etc.) This number is what Joe would use purely for his MiClub and MiScore log-in
Previously Joe would have also received what was called a GolfLink number. This was his national number for competitions and handicapping. It is a 10-digit number that Joe would use to enter competitions and tournaments at any club in Australia.
The two numbers were connected and now they're not?
Yes. Under the old GolfLink system all clubs had a unique club identifier that formed the first five digits of the GolfLink number. Trentham had the club identifier 30606. The second five digits came from the member number. So for Joe, if his member number was 1495, then his GolfLink number would be 3060601495.
If Joe moved to another club, he would receive a new GolfLink number, based on that club's identifier and their own specific member number. The Trentham number would be discarded.
So there are still the majority of Trentham members who have GolfIDs starting with 30606?
Correct. Since most golfers don't move much, that will be the case for some time.
So what's different?
With the new GolfConnect system, a GolfID is allocated for life. So if Joe were to leave Trentham and join another club, he'd keep the same number 3060601495.
What about if Mary Smith joins Trentham from somewhere else?
She will still be given a new Trentham member number just for log-ins. However, she keeps the number of her previous club for life as well. It goes with her regardless of the club she joins. It will still have her old club identifier in the first five digits, even though it doesn't mean anything any more.
What about new members who have never had a handicap?
They will still be given a Trentham member number as before (for example "1496") for logging in to MiClub timesheets and MiScore.
However, Golf IDs are now allocated randomly regardless of club and club member number. There is no club identifier and they are not linked to any membership number.
They now start with 80001 (and upwards), and will have five random digits following, for example 8000179584. It's a little harder to remember because the Trentham identifier has disappeared, and the Trentham member number is not used.
For competitions, does it matter?
Not really. When you play at Trentham your GolfID is automatically linked to your membership, so when you log in to MiClub under your member number, your GolfID is automatically used in the competition.
The only time you will need to remember your GolfID is when you play in a competition or tournament at another club.
What about competition credits?
We run an entirely separate system for competition credits. The reason we ask for your full GolfID when purchasing credits is that it is the critical index number for member identification.
When the competition is completed, we download an Excel file from MiClub with player names and GolfIDs in two columns. We then upload this file to our credits database and credits are deducted, in one operation, for everyone who played. The full GolfIDs must match.