USGA Handicap System Changes 2012-2015

2013 Low Net Winners

Handicap 101

"A basic premise underlies the USGA Handicap System, namely that every player will try to make the best score at each hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played and that the player will post every acceptable round for peer review." - USGA Handicap System

POST ALL SCORES! It is vitally important in order for your handicap index to be calculated correctly, you must post your ADJUSTED score immediately after the round at the course where the round was played.

Your ADJUSTED score is your score using Equitable Stroke Control (ESC). ESC is the downloaded adjustment of individual hole scores for handicap purposes in order to make handicaps more representative of a player's potential ability. ESC sets a maximum number a player can post on any hole depending on the player's Course Handicap.

ESC is used only when a player's actual or most likely score exceeds her maximum number based on the table below. There is no limit to the number of holes on which you can adjust your score. This does NOT mean you will mark your scorecard with an 8 when you actually had a 12. If 8 is your ESC for that hole, then when you post your score after the round, you will take 4 strokes off the scorecard total. You must record your actual strokes on the scorecard. There is no limit to the number of holes on which you can adjust your score.

Equitable Stroke Control

Incompleted holes: If you pick up on a hole, record the score you most likely would have made. That score, however, must not exceed your ESC limit.
Conceded holes: In a match , if your opponent concedes a putt, record the shots you made, plus one stroke for the conceded putt. If it's a very long putt - say 80 feet - for handicap purposes you may either play out the hole or add two strokes to the number of shots you have played so far.
Holes not played: When a hole isn't played, your score for the hole is par plus any handicap strokes to which you are entitled, based on your full Course Handicap. This also applies to any hole you do not play by the Rules of Golf, such as the early end to a match, or called due to weather after 13 holes.
Course handicap: To find your Course Handicap at any course other than your home course, use the Uncle Snoopy book found at all clubs. The slope rating of the course on which you play is either on the scorecard or posted in the clubhouse. In the Uncle Snoopy book, locate your Handicap Index in that column. Go to the first column on the left and it tells you to " Play to this course handicap."

Do not post a score:
*When a majority of the holes aren't played under the Rules of Golf,
such as a scramble or a specialty or fun tournament.
*If you played fewer than 13 holes (7 for 9-holers).
*When an 18-hole course is less than 3,000 yards.

Posting scores is getting easier. Most of our clubs have computers and posting is just a simple matter of clicking a few numbers and you are ready to post your adjusted score. If you are a guest at another club, you can also post your score on their computer by clicking on "Post Guest Score". Your score is entered into your GHIN "bank account" and will be available at your home club.

If you played in the off season at an active course (i.e., southern states), you may post your guest scores on their computer. Otherwise you can post them at your home course when the computer opens for scores in March.

Posting online. This method of posting is an option offering convenience for the player, but should not routinely replace the preferred method of posting immediately after the round at the course where the round was played. If you played at an active season club this winter and they did not have a computer to enter your scores, you could have entered them online on your own computer. Your home club must notify the KWGA GHIN administrator that they want to allow their members to post online. To post online, go to www.usga.org, click on "Post a Score." You will be asked for your GHIN number and then follow the prompts.

COUNT ALL YOUR STROKES

POST ALL YOUR SCORES

AND HAVE FUN!

HANDICAP ALLOWANCES

An inequity arises in some multi-ball team events when full Course Handicaps are used. Higher-handicapped sides would have an unfair advantage over lower-handicapped sides. Thus in some events, less that full Course Handicaps are used.

FOUR BALL STROKE PLAY:
Two competitors play as partners, each playing his/her own ball. The men would receive 90% of their Course Handicap and the women would receive 95% of their Course Handicap. Partners should be limited to an 8-stroke difference.

BEST-BALL-OF-FOUR, STROKE PLAY:
Four players score with their best ball at each hole. The men would receive 80% or their Course Handicap and the women would receive 90% of their course handicap.

TWO-BEST-BALL-OF-FOUR PLAY:
Four players score with their two best balls on each hole. The men would receive 90% of their Course Handicap and the women would receive 95% or their Course Handicap.

FOURSOME, STROKE PLAY:
Partners play one ball. The partners play alternately from the teeing grounds and alternately during the play of each hole. Allowance: 50% of the partners combined Course Handicaps.

SCRAMBLE PLAY:
The USGA does not officially recommend any handicap allowances for a scramble. However, USGA research indicates the following allowances should be equitable.
4-Person 2-Person
20% of the A player’s Course Handicap 35% of the A player’s Course Handicap
15% of the B player’s Course Handicap 15% of the B player’s Course Handicap
10% of the C player’s Course Handicap
5% of the D player’s Course Handicap

ASSIGNMENT OF STROKES:
In mixed foursome competition, handicap strokes are received based on the men’s scorecard allocation.

For more information on the handicap allowances in other forms of play refer to Section 9-4 of the USGA Handicap System, 2008-2011.