Why this guide?
Many golfers in Switzerland find themselves stuck on simple questions:
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“Am I allowed to play on a course?”
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“Do I need to be a member of a club?”
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“How do I obtain my disability?”
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“What is the difference between Swiss Golf, ASGI and Migros GolfCard?”
This guide gives you a clear answer, without jargon, with practical logic: play more , and better organize your outings .
1) Route authorization: what is it (really) for?
The route authorization (PA) exists to ensure that a beginner:
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plays at a reasonable speed.
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respects safety.
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knows the basic rules
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does not put anyone in danger.
It's a classic step before wanting to access certain courses or competitions, and a useful foundation even if you're playing "just for fun".
In practice
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You obtain it through teaching/assessment (often in a club/academy).
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It mainly reflects your behavior on the course (pace, safety, rules).
2) Handicap / Index: understanding the WHS in Switzerland
Since 2021, handicaps have been managed through the World Handicap System (WHS) , with a harmonized framework. Swiss Golf explains that the WHS came into effect in January 2021 and provides dedicated documents.
Why is this important?
Because many clubs set entry requirements :
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maximum disability
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member status of a recognized organization,
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sometimes limitations on the number of visits/year.
3) Do I need to be a member of a club to play in Switzerland?
The short answer: often yes, you need at least a recognized affiliation (club or organization) to be accepted on many courses, especially the most popular ones. Some clubs explicitly require membership in a recognized club/association and post disability criteria.
The 3 main paths (simplified)
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Member of a Swiss Golf affiliated club
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Member of a Public Golf Organisation (PGO)
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Specific cases : introductory structures / practice areas / short courses (easier access)
Swiss Golf mentions the 2 PGOs : ASGI and Migros GolfCard .
4) ASGI vs Migros GolfCard: what are PGOs used for?
PGOs are a solution for those who want to:
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a recognized affiliation,
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play on different courses by paying a green fee.
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without necessarily being attached to a “traditional” club.
Swiss Golf indicates that the two PGOs (ASGI and Migros GolfCard) offer memberships allowing you to play for a green fee on almost all courses in Switzerland.
Disability and first steps
ASGI also explains the logic “after course authorization” and how to obtain your first handicap (e.g. Stableford points over 9/18 holes).
Migros GolfCard, for its part, communicates about membership and its advantages (handicap management, acceptance, etc.).
5) And what about Swiss Golf in all of this?
Swiss Golf is the national umbrella organization. What matters to you, as a player:
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the framework of rules (including route authorization),
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WHS framework (index),
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and the clubs/PGO ecosystem.
👉 For your personal organization (and your budget), the idea is simple:
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Clear affiliation (club or PGO),
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managed index ,
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then optimization of outings (green fees, schedules, partners).
6) Where GreenClub-Golf becomes useful (without changing your status)
Whether you are:
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member of a Swiss Golf club,
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ASGI member
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Migros GolfCard member
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or regular green fee player,
…you remain a golfer who pays green fees outside of your “framework”. And that's precisely where a benefits system can be profitable.
GreenClub-Golf highlights:
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“Direct Golf” discounts
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and a significant volume of offers overall (direct + concierge) according to its program:
7) Action plan “beginner → autonomous” (simple and realistic)
Weeks 1–4: Basics + route authorization
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lessons + rules + safety + etiquette
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Objective: To be comfortable on the course
Months 2–3: Structure your disability index (WHS)
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Scorecards / General Play / competitions according to your program
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understanding the usefulness of the WHS
Months 3–12: Play smarter
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Mix of 9 holes for afterwork and 18 holes for fun
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optimize the budget (discounts / partners)
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use a discount pack/card if you play regularly
👉 See GreenClub-Golf offers
FAQ — Swiss Golf, handicap and access
Is route authorization mandatory?
Not everywhere, but it is highly recommended and often expected: it certifies safety, pace and basic rules.
What is the purpose of the disability (WHS)?
To rank players fairly and to meet the entry requirements of certain clubs.
Are ASGI and Migros GolfCard recognized?
Swiss Golf presents ASGI and Migros GolfCard as the two PGOs.
Conclusion
In Switzerland, “being able to play” rests on 3 pillars:
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behavior on the course (authorization),
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index/handicap (WHS),
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recognized affiliation (club or PGO).
Next, you optimize your budget and your outings.