Written by:
5/4/2012 9:46 AM 

I'm going to start this blog by an important change that was adopted this year and explained in Mike O'Hare's email to everyone before the start of the season.

Handicap calculation change

We’re adopting a handicap calculation formula that is closer to the USGA’s. We’re no longer dropping a low score and we’re taking the difference between the two side ratings into account. Each player will have a handicap index based on the 3 best differentials out of the last 5 rounds. Your match will be based on your course handicap that corresponds to the side you’re playing. It is very likely that your course handicap for the front side will be different than your course handicap for the back.  

1. Starting handicap calculation.
   • Returning players will start the season like they start the second half. Your starting handicap is based on the new handicap formula. i.e. based on the best 3 differentials of your last 5 games from the previous season.
   • New players’ starting handicap is based on the lowest score they have thus far including this week’s game until we’re able to drop two high scores. In other words, we’re reevaluating the handicap after each game for the first three weeks. For example –  If a player shoots 45 – 48 – 43 – 42 – 50.  Their handicap will be based on the following scores each week.
     • 45  (best 1 of 1)
     • 45  (best 1 of 2 – this game included )
     • 43  (best 1 of 3 –  this game included )
     • 43  (best 1 of 3 previous games)
     • 43 and 42 (best 2 of 4)
     • 45, 43 and 42 (best 3 of 5).
2. Flight Position
   • For existing players, the new starting handicap index calculation will be used to place teams into the corresponding flights.
   • Secretaries will interrogate new players to verify the accuracy of their estimate. (ask how often they played, whether they have a USGA index, whether they belonged to a league, what courses they played….) When in doubt or if the new team has a similar handicap index total than a returning team the returning team will get priority for initial flight placement. So the new team might be dropped one flight depending on the data received. We decided to not automatically put new teams in third or second flights but we’re also not taking the estimated average at face value.

Trackback Print

Tags:

Categories:

Location: Blogs Rulings blog title - TODO: Revisit title.