Handicap
Your handicap has changed! Everything you need to know about the new WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM!
The USGA and R&A have worked steadfastly to create a new world order … of handicaps. The result is a system that every golfer in the world can use at any course in the world. One that will allow you to compete equitably whether you’re playing a match in Dublin, Ohio, or Dublin, Ireland, Africa or Arkansas. The burning question for many golfers: Will my current index increase or decrease? It will, but not by much (look for it to go up or down a tick or two if keep your handicap in the U.S, maybe none at all.; look for it to rise slightly if you play in the British Isles). More important, the way you keep a handicap will be altered. Here’s everything you need to know with a little help from Steve Edmondson, the USGA’s managing director of handicapping and course rating.
What is happening to my handicap?
In short, it is getting better and global. For most folks who use the USGA Handicap System there will be little change. The old system computed your 10 best scores from your 20 most recent rounds. Under the new system only your top eight rounds will count toward your handicap, so if those 9th and 10th best rounds aren’t so hot, expect your index to improve. The 96% multiplier that existed in the old handicap system no longer exists, which should make calculating index changes in your head a bit easier for those quick with numbers.
I thought there already was a world handicap system?
Nope! There are actually six different systems in place around the world. Today, when American golfers want to post a score abroad, they might discover that that course may not have been rated via the USGA Course Rating System. Beginning next year all courses across the world — save for a few — will have the same grading system, dubbed “The Course Rating System.” This is a significant change that required raters to get out and assess roughly 3,000 courses around the world. No small job. Take a sprawling continent like Africa, for example. Raters there started in South Africa, Edmondson says, “and once they finished all their courses, they branched out to Angola, to Botswana, to Comoros, to DRC, Madagascar, Malawi.”
I don’t have a handicap, what should I do?
Get one! It is easier than ever. You’ll only have to play three rounds, or six nine-hole rounds, to create a Handicap Index. The old system required five 18-hole rounds. This change makes it easier for players to establish a handicap, so take advantage.
But I’m not good enough for a handicap…
Yes, you are! The new maximum index is 54.0 instead of what was 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women. Beginners are encouraged to take up a handicap, even if they’re just learning the game. “It’s all about greater enjoyment in the game,” Edmondson said. “Going out and having fun. This is a fun game. It would be hard to argue that a Handicap Index doesn’t help with greater enjoyment of the game. It allows us, no matter if we’re playing competitively or just having fun, to really have that fairness when we’re playing one another.”
What does it cost?
To create a truly worldwide system, there’s a lot of technology and man-hours involved. That isn’t free! But for LPGA Amateurs LA Chapter members, the annual charge for GHIN through SCGA is $36. That’s the price of one more bucket of balls a couple times a year! You can fit it into your budget. If not, you likely won’t be able to compete in officially sanctioned events. Find a USGA Allied Golf Association (typically your state golf association) website for more information. Contact Liz Gnerre to switch from Golfnet to GHIN.
How soon should I post scores after playing?
As soon as possible, and it’s worth it. The old system would revise your index bimonthly, on the 1st and 15th. The new system will update every single day. So your great round yesterday could impact your handicap tomorrow. The USGA has a GHIN App that makes it very easy to log scores immediately after a round. Scores can also be posted at most golf courses where you play.
What about nine-hole scores? Do they count?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s encouraged! The more data points, the more sound your Handicap Index will be.
~Reprinted from GOLF MAGAZINE
WHAT DO I DO WITH HANDICAP POPS?
For the competitive game of the day, each golfer SUBTRACTED her pops on a hole to get the NET SCORE for the hole. The Lucky person with the “HEART” ball had her NET SCORE recorded for the team on that hole.
For handicap adjusting purposes, after the round was over, each golfer ADDED her pops on a hole to Par + 2 (double bogey) to determine the maximum score for a hole. Generally speaking, if a golfer records a score higher than triple bogey on a hole, an adjustment for handicap purposes may apply.
Questions about handicaps can be directed to Liz Gnerre or other members of the Handicap Committee Kathy Malmfeldt or Pat Martzen.
Handicap Peer Review – It's Everybody's Responsibility!
Read about your role in handicap peer review HERE
SCGA Handicap Dues Notice and Rebate Info
For the 2020 membership year, anyone who is a member of the SCGA through more than one club is eligible to apply for and receive a rebate directly from the SCGA for any dues they pay the SCGA that exceed $55. To receive a multi-member rebate, the member must have paid SCGA membership dues to two or more clubs in a 12-month cycle. *Must be a multi-member for at least 60 days. If you are a member at multiple golf clubs, go HERE for a rebate of some of your dues. If you have questions about this procedure, please email Liz Gnerre, Handicap Chair.
