The future of the community's premier golf competition is in danger after a number of clubs snubbed this year's event on the basis that it was exclusively Jewish.
We understand that a row between rival Jewish Societies has been brewing over the subject of exclusivity for several months and the figures speak for themselves.
The 2010 Glancy attracted 18 teams. There were 17 teams the year before. This year's tournament attracted 15 with Coombe Hill, the original hosts, Dyrham Park and Potters Bar among the clubs to have withdrawn.
Coombe Hill's decision to withdraw left Hartsbourne with only six months to prepare for the event.
Several clubs were unwilling to speak about what has become a sensitive issue. But one of the top players in the community, Stephen Schindler, is determined to see that the competition continues.
"The Glancy has always been about promoting Jewish golf, making new friends and meeting old ones," he said.
"For Hartsbourne, it's the highlight of the year.
"I have been playing in the Glancy for 25 years. It's very important to me.
"I want my children to play in it, and their children, as if it does not continue there is a great danger that Jewish golf could disappear."
Schindler helped Hartsbourne win the Glancy Cup, which was organised under the auspices of the Association of Jewish Golf Clubs & Societies, for the fourth consecutive season.
Having recently returned from a successful European Maccabi Games in Vienna, Team GB player Schindler said: "Given the decline in numbers in Jewish football and cricket, this is another reason why Jewish golf is important and I don't understand, from my perspective, why any Jew would not want to promote the competition in every manner, shape or form.
"Jewish Societies should be there for those that want it.
"A simple solution is that clubs that are not already societies form societies and I'd like to think that it would be a case of normal service being resumed next year."
Representatives from Coombe Hill, Dyrham Park and Potters Bar declined to comment.
