Frequently Asked Questions (and answers)
- Who is eligible to play?
The competition is open to all serving and ex-RN/RFA personnel from an engineering branch. This includes ME, WE, AE and MT personnel, male and female. Additionally, sponsors are welcomed to support and play in the event for an additional fee. Fee details can be advised by the Sponsorship Manager, but are very reasonable indeed.
- What does the day consist of?
The competition includes coffee and a bacon roll on arrival for registration, 2 x 18 hole rounds of stableford golf, a light lunch and a celebration dinner and prize-giving in the evening.
A raffle in aid of the allocated charity will take place during the dinner, with tickets available in the Spike Bar beforehand.
- What is the Rig of the Day?
Standard golf attire is required for the day's play, commensurate with the venue. Generally, no jeans/denim, football shirts etc.
For the Gala Dinner a jacket and tie is required. Failure to comply will boost the Charity coffers. You have been warned.
- Can I play without a formal/Club handicap?
Casual golfers are welcomed, but to maintain fair play and decency a CONGU/WHS recognised handicap is required to be eligible to win any of the top prizes (1st to 3rd overall, 1st to 3rd AM, 1st to 3rd PM).
- How and when can I apply?
Applications are accepted once the RNTM has been published. This usually occurs in the first 3 weeks of the calendar year of the tournament. An application form is included within the RNTM and is also available from the "Documents" section of the website.
- What is the maximum handicap allowed?
Golfers of all standards are welcomed. However, the competition is run with a maximum handicap index of 24 i.e. players with a handicap of 25 and over will receive the same number of shots as an entrant playing off a 24.0 handicap index.
- Where is the competition held?
The RNEO has been held at numerous golf course throughout its time (Botley Park, Trethorne, Elfordleigh etc.) but the location and facilities available at China Fleet Golf & Country Club mean that this has been the prime host throughout the years. We are actively looking for new and suitable venues to host the event in the future and would welcome suggestions via the Feedback Form on the "Contact Us" page.
Lanhydrock, The Dorset and Dudsbury (Bournemouth) have been identified as potential candidates. If you agree with any of these suggestions, or have a better idea, please get in touch.
- How can I help make the event a success?
Over the many years that the competition has been running, the number of serving members attending has dwindled in line with size of the RN and the level of operational commitments that tie up manpower. To ensure that the event continues into the future, you could consider:
- Volunteering to form a committee to run the event
- Act as a Base Port representative to assist the current organisers
- Actively spread the word about the RN Engineers Open
- Display event posters in and around your place of work
- Identify potential sponsors and provide details to the Sponsorship Manager