World Handicap System 2020

A new World Handicap System came into effect in January 2020. The following information and much more can be found in this link: RULES OF HANDICAPPING.    Some definitions: Acceptable Score A score is acceptable for handicap purposes if the round has been played: In an authorized format of play (stroke or match play) over at least the minimum number of holes required for either a 9-hole or an 18-hole score to be acceptable, In the company of at least one other person,  By the Rules of Golf, On a golf course with a current Course Rating and Slope Rating, during its active season. Adjusted Gross Score A player’s gross score, including any penalty strokes, adjusted for when: The player exceeds their maximum hole score, A hole is not played, or A hole is started but the player does not hole out. Course Handicap The number of handicap strokes a player receives, before handicap allowances, from a specific set of tees as determined by the Slope Rating and the difference between Course Rating and par. Handicap Allowance The percentage of a Course Handicap recommended to create equity for all players participating in a specific format of play. Most Likely Score Most likely score is the score a player records for handicap purposes for a hole that is started but is not finished. (For example, after a concession in match play.) It consists of the strokes already taken plus the number of strokes the player would most likely require to finish the hole. Net Double Bogey  A score equal to the par of a hole plus two strokes and adjusted for any handicap strokes (your net score) applied on that hole. A net double bogey is a player’s maximum hole score for handicap purposes.  Net Par A score equal to the par of a hole adjusted for any handicap strokes applied on that hole. This score is used for any hole not completed in a round. Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) The statistical calculation that determines if conditions on a day of play differed from normal playing conditions to the extent that they significantly impacted players’ performance.  Examples of conditions that could impact players’ performance include:  Course conditions, Weather conditions, and Course set-up. Playing Handicap The Course Handicap adjusted for any handicap allowances or Terms of the Competition. It represents the actual number of strokes the player gives or receives for the round being played. Some FAQ's: Q.  Net Double Bogey seems more complicated than using ESC. Why the change? A.  While it may be a little harder to get used to than just using one number for a whole range of handicaps, it is a lot more fair. For example, a 20 handicap will now take 4 over par on 2 holes and 3 over on the rest as her maximum score, whereas she would have taken 8 on all holes as her maximum. By comparison, a 29 handicap now takes 4 over par on 11 holes and 3 over on the rest. Before she would have taken 8 on all holes. A lot of players never thought it was fair to have to take the same maximum on a par 3 as a par 5. And, it is also reflective of your specific handicap, not a range of 20-29, for example. Q.  How many scores are used to in the calculation? A.  The best 8 scores out of 20 are now counted to calculate your index.  Q.  How do new players get a handicap? A.  New players need to play only 54 holes (any combination of 18 and 9 holes) to establish a handicap. In the beginning, they will count par + 5 as their maximum score until a handicap is established. Q.  Is 44 still the maximum handicap? A.  No. The maximum index is 54.0, which translates to a course handicap of 57 on our Red course. Where a course handicap is over 54, the player's maximum is par + 5 for handicap purposes (which is better than taking 10 across the scorecard, under the old system). Q.  What happens when the player doesn't finish a hole? A.  Other than in stroke competitions (like the Club Championship, for example) if the player has already reached her Net Double Bogey, she may pick up her ball and use that score. If she doesn't finish a hole because the hole has been conceded, such as in match play, she would use her "Most Likely Score". It is recommended that if the ball is less than 5 feet away, add one stroke. If it is 5 feet to 20 yards, add 2 strokes; more than 20 yards, add 3 or 4 strokes depending on the difficulty of the shots remaining. Again, NDB would still be the maximum. Q.  What happens when a player doesn't complete a round? A.  If a player has completed 7 holes, then a 9-hole score is used for the computer. If a player plays 10 to 17 holes (new in 2024), she may enter 0's for the holes not completed. (Obviously, she would be entering her score hole-by-hole.) The computer will enter the scores based on prior play. It will appear as 75 (18) and 93 will appear for a differential. Q.  Why is important to enter scores on the day of play? A.  A player should submit her score as soon as possible on the day of play, after completion of her round, and before midnight (local time). If a player does not submit her score on the day of play: her Handicap Index will not be updated in time for the next day, and her score will not be included in the daily playing conditions calculation (PCC). Q.  How is a tournament score posted? A.  There are no Tournament Scores. Under the World Handicap System, tournament scores will not be weighted the same way they previously were. Now, any exceptional scores (whether competitive or recreational) could impact your index to ensure that it is accurate based on your demonstrated playing ability.