A new computer system Bermuda Golf Association say will greatly improve the way in which handicaps are administered in Bermuda has been successfully installed at all but one of the Island's eight courses.

The new GINN system allows members of the BGA to input their latest scores on line and clubs organising tournaments to access the relevant information of the golfers taking part.

Up until recently local golf clubs had tended to use their own handicap systems independently of each other, with players entering their scores manually into a club house computer.

BGA president Bob Legere has previously referred to the old system as "fragmented and cumbersome" but said yesterday that a totally new and more efficient era had now begun.

"We're thrilled with it — it's fully operational and has about ten times more features than the old Handi-Cop system which we weren't particularly impressed with to be honest," he said.

"Shaun Galarneualt from the USGA (United States Golf Association which owns and operates the GINN system) flew down to the Island recently and installed it and helped us understand how to operate it. We're the only country outside the US which has been authorised to use it.

"Now every member of the BGA will have a pin number with which they can access their handicap details from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

"Everybody can access everybody else's handicap information — so it is an open system in that sense — but you won't be able to alter anybody's information unless you have their pin number.

"Also for inter-club matches, now the organisers will be able to call up all the details of the players involved and print it out on the scorecards which makes life a lot more straightforward for everybody involved.

"The software offers a lot of extra features as well like tracking the scores at each hole at every course, which will make it easier when it comes to working out which holes are playing the hardest and giving them their correct rating.

"Overall it's a big step forward for Bermuda golf and we're delighted we've now got it up and running."

As it stands, only Tucker's Point have so far failed to sign up to the new system, but Legere said he was hopeful that they would eventually come on board.

Every BGA member should receive plastic handicap cards through the mail as well as a monthly sticker to attach to it which will detail each player's latest scores, index and handicap.