Chapter Education
 

NEW RULES OF HANDICAPPING
NOW IN EFFECT!

On 1/1/20, the new Rules of Handicapping were introduced in the United States as part of the World Handicap System that will be adopted by countries all over the world.
 
As part of the transition to the new Rules, all GHIN and GolfNet services will be unavailable from January 1 to January 5. If you golf during that time, keep your scorecards and post with the correct dates when posting becomes available again. GHIN reactivates on January 6 and GolfNet on January 7. The posting location for either service (mobile app or online) will be the same as it was prior to the update, but the posting screens will have a completely new look and some additional features.
 
Maximum Allowed Score for Posting
Starting in 2020, the maximum score you can post on any hole is a NET DOUBLE BOGEY. In other words, the maximum score for each hole is Double Bogey + any Handicap Strokes applied on that hole based on your Course Handicap.
 
If you use the hole by hole posting option, the system will automatically calculate and make the adjustment for you based on the tees you selected. This is the recommended method for posting all scores.
 
If you post total scores only (9-hole or 18-hole), you will need to adjust each hole score on your own before posting. To do this, you must first determine your Course Handicap and then note on your scorecard where you receive strokes. Adjust any hole scores down to the maximum allowed and then total your score. You may use the Course Handicap Calculator found at usga.org
 
 and will need to know your Handicap Index, the Course Rating and Slope for the tees you played, and the Course Par .
 
Or, if you like to do the math, here is the new Course Handicap formula:
Handicap Index x (Slope Rating/113) + (Course Rating - Par)
Example: 26.2 x (126/113) + (72.1 – 72) = 29.31 rounded to 29.
 
You receive 1 stroke on each hole plus one additional stroke on the 11 holes that are rated as most difficult.
 
Handicaps Now Updated Daily
Your handicap index will update EACH DAY you post a score rather than twice each month. You should post your scores immediately after completion of each round and no later than midnight of the day you played. 
 
Questions? Email handicap@lpgaamateurs.com. For more information about the World Handicap System and the new Rules of Handicapping go to usga.org