After working in handicap administration for years, we have to conclude that the USGA Handicap System makes good sense, especially when it’s followed and applied uniformly.  The formulas, and other policies and procedures have solid concepts behind them that are necessary in promoting and creating equitable handicaps.  Still, there seems to be a lot of explaining to do to surprised golfers! Here are a few interesting and unusual handicapping rules that you might not have contemplated:

Decision 1-1/2 Player Discontinues Playing Left-Handed and Begins Playing Right-Handed
Q: A player discontinues playing left-handed and begins playing right-handed.  What is the status of the player’s Handicap Index based on scores made playing left-handed?
A: The Handicap Index established by the player when playing left-handed is invalid. The player is in effect beginning golf anew and is required to establish a new Handicap Index based on scores made when playing right-handed.

Definition of Par
“Par” is the score that a scratch golfer would be expected to make for a typical hole. Par means expert play under ordinary conditions, allowing two strokes on the putting green. Par is not a significant factor in either the USGA Handicap System or the USGA Course Rating System.

Disqualification
A player who is disqualified from a competition, but has an acceptable score, must still record an adjusted gross score for handicap purposes.

Decision 5-1c/1. Status of Scores Made When Match Play and Stroke Play Combined
Q: Two players competed in a match in the club championship and at the same time competed in a stroke play competition. Such practice is prohibited under Rule 33-1 of The Rules of Golf. May the players return their scores for handicap purposes?
A: The stroke play score is an acceptable score for handicap purposes.

Decision 5-2a/9. Website Computation
Q: Can an individual get a Handicap Index from a website?
A: No. However, an individual can obtain a Handicap Index from a licensed golf club that follows the USGA Handicap System in its entirety and communicates with its members primarily through a website.

Penalty Score for Failure to Post
The Handicap Committee is not required to notify the player prior to posting a penalty score.

Handicap Index Withdrawal
The Handicap Committee must withdraw the Handicap Index of a player who repeatedly fails to meet the player responsibilities under the USGA Handicap System.

Decision 9-4a/3. Result of a Hole if Men’s and Women’s Par is Different
Q: In a match-play competition, one hole is par four for men and par five for women. In a match between a man and a woman, if both score par, what is the result of the hole?
A: Par is irrelevant. The player who completes the hole in fewer strokes wins the hole.

Decision 10-3/2. Designation of Tournament Score when the Prize is a Golf Ball
Q: Is a score from a competition that offers only a golf ball as a prize posted as a T-score?
A: The value or nature of a prize is not a factor in determining whether a score is posted as a T-score.

Questions? Contact our Handicapping Department.