Over (or is that "down"..??) here it certainly is...

My 5 cards were played in Club Comp rounds where I was just a stroke playing member of the group, regardless of what the comp of the day was.

That said, if other club members aren't being overly forthcoming in allowing you to join in a group (mid week presumably) for the purposes of gaining your playing cap, I'd be asking some questions of the Captain or Committee...

Aren't they supposed to "Welcome New Members"...???

Good Luck with it Slats...
Cheers