HANDICAP ADMINISTRATION FAQ

A fellow golfer told me that if we are in a Match Play Tournament, we don’t have to post the scores. Is that correct?

That is not correct. The USGA Handicap System Manual, in section 5-1/f, lists the eight circumstances in which scores are not to be posted. They are:

1. When fewer than seven holes are played;
2. When made on a golf course in an area in which an inactive season established by the authorized golf association is in effect.
3. When a majority of the holes are not played in accordance with the principles of the Rules of Golf (a scramble tournament, for example).
4. When the length of the course is less than 3000 yards for 18 holes.
5. When, as a condition of the competition, the maximum number of clubs allowed is less than 14, or types of clubs are limited as, for example, in a competition that allows only iron clubs.
6. When scores are made on a course with no USGA Course or Slope Rating
7. When a player carries or uses non-conforming clubs or uses non-conforming golf balls.
8. When artificial devices (as defined under Rule 14-3) are used during the execution of a stroke.

These are the only situations in which scores are not to be posted.

What if I play 18 holes by myself. Do I post that score?

Yes you do. There is nothing in the handicap manual that requires you to play with another person, or have a person attest your score.

It seems that with these rules, it would be very easy for someone to manipulate his or her handicap index. What safeguards are in the system to prevent that from occurring?

First and foremost, the basic premise of the USGA Handicap System is honesty. In section 1-1 of the manual, it states:

A basic premise underlies the USGA Handicap System, namely that every player will try to make the best score at each hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played, and that the player will post every acceptable round for peer review.

There are checkpoints built into the system, and they revolve around peer review and the Handicap Committee. The definition of peer review is:

Peer review is the process of providing a reasonable and regular opportunity for members of a golf club to play golf with each other, and of providing access to scoring records and USGA Handicap Indexes for inspection by others, including but not limited to fellow members and the club’s Handicap Committee.

The definition of the Handicap Committee is:

A Handicap Committee is the committee of a golf club that ensures compliance with the USGA Handicap System, including peer review. A majority of the Handicap Committee must be members of the club; club employees may serve on the Handicap Committee, but an employee may not serve as chairman.

We had a problem a couple of years ago when we allowed the winter scores to be posted and a couple of members handicap indexes increased quite substantially. Then, when we started our tournament play in the spring, they won all the events. This doesn’t seem fair so what are we suppose to do?

The Handicap Manual allows the committee to make any necessary adjustments. Section 8-4/b(i) states:

If a player’s USGA Handicap Index increases by three or more strokes due to the posting of numerous away or Internet scores, and subsequent scores at his club clearly indicate that his increased USGA Handicap index is too high, the Handicap Committee shall adjust his USGA Handicap Index downward.

As stated, this provision allows the committee to make any necessary adjustments.

If the weather is good in November or March and we play a round of golf here in Chicago, how come we cannot post the score for handicap purposes?

Since we live in a part of the country that experiences winter weather, where the grass goes dormant and the leaves fall from the trees, we are considered to be a seasonal association and have to establish an inactive season. When we rate courses, we do so based on the condition of the course during the heart of our season. Needless to say, no matter how nice a day we could have in December, the conditions on the course are not the same, as during our growing season, so the course rating and Slope rating don’t reflect this different condition. Because of that, we do not accept the scores for handicap purposes during our inactive season.

Our club has a rule that prohibits the posting of winter scores. That is OK isn’t it?

No it is not. Section 5-1/b of the USGA Handicap System Manual states:

Adjusted gross scores from all courses with USGA Course and Slope ratings made during their active season, both at home and away, shall be posted by the player along with the appropriate USGA Course Ratings and USGA Slope Ratings

So, if one of our members spends the winter in Florida or Arizona, or they go on a golf trip to the “sunbelt” during the winter, they must post those scores?

Yes, as those areas of the country are in their active season.

How does a club “open” the Internet option for their members?

All it takes is a letter sent to the CDGA office asking that this feature be activated. Normally, it is operational within 24 hours.

What about posting scores on the Internet. Is that an option that is open to everyone?

In 2002, the option to post scores via the Internet became available. However, it is very important to point out that the decision to “open” this option rests with each individual club. The USGA and/or CDGA do not make the decision.

If we allow Internet posting, what are the safeguards to assure that only our members will be able to post scores, and that they can only post scores to their own record?

When going into the initial log in on the CDGA site, the person must select their club and then enter in their local number or their association number. Our software runs a quick check to insure that the data matches. If it does, then the individual will need to enter their number and password to gain access to the score posting section. The first time a user goes to post a score, they will be asked to input a password and verify it. From that point forward, they should be the only person to know their password and that is how the score posting is controlled to only allow the member to post a score to their record.

The score posting option is a club decision, yet I can go onto the site and look-up the scoring record of any member of the CDGA. Why?

In order to comply with the definition of Peer Review, the scoring record of every CDGA member is available via the web. We take safeguards by not showing the club the person is a member of and not showing the person’s CDGA number or other information. However, the basic scoring record is available for anyone to examine.

Is the Handicap Committee responsible for reducing a player’s index because of tournament scores?

The role of the handicap committee is to select which events at the club are to be considered tournament rounds, and then to ensure that the scores are posted as “T” scores. Once that is done, the mathematics of the system takes over the process.

What causes a player’s index to be reduced and how long does the reduction remain in place?

That is a good question and a very difficult one to answer. While the process of determining what rounds are tournament rounds and posting the scores as “T” scores is very straightforward, the mechanics that take place behind the scenes are quite complicated. We’ll do our best to summarize for you:

1. It takes a minimum of two (2) eligible tournament scores before the “T” score reduction process will even begin.
2. In order to be reduced, the golfer will need to shoot a minimum of two (2) exceptional tournament rounds. One good round will not do it.
3. In order for a golfer’s index to be reduced, there is a somewhat complex mathematical formula that is used. It takes into account the two lowest eligible tournament scores, the golfer’s unadjusted index, and number of eligible tournament scores.
4. The reduction can remain in effect for up to 12 months; however, there are factors that can modify the reduction or remove it completely, and they are:
   • Additional Tournament Scores
   • Expiration of “T” Scores
   • Variation in the calculation process
   • Fluctuation of the calculation in relation to the 2 lowest “T” Scores
   • Handicap Committee Review

If a person is not reduced because of “T” scores, can the committee decide to reduce the individual?

Yes, but they must have a valid reason and before any reduction takes effect, they must give the golfer a chance to tell their side of the story. This can be either in person or by writing.

What are some of the circumstances a committee can use to reduce a handicap index?

Section 8-4 of the Handicap System Manual clearly defines the circumstances and procedures, but we must point out that there are circumstances where a committee might have to raise a handicap index. Some of the reasons for modifying (either down or up) an index are:

• The Player is Improving Faster than the System can React – this usually involves a person who is just learning the game. Many times, they improve so quickly that the standard calculation process is not able to reflect their current ability so the committee would have to look at modifying the index down.
• Temporary Disability – it is possible that someone is recovering from surgery or an injury, for example, and is not able to play to their prior ability. The committee needs to look at this and potentially adjust the index up.
• Failure to Post – the committee needs to monitor this and might have to adjust a person’s index up or down, based on the scores they are not posting. If a person forgets to post one score, the committee should not immediately take action, but if there is a history of not posting scores, and the person has been advised of this before, the committee needs to act.

These are some examples. Section 8-4 is a very important part of the Manual and the committee should refer to it for all of the details regarding the modification, the length of the modification, etc.

If the committee adjusts a player’s index, does that just apply at the club?

No, the modification applies “across the board.” It is very important that once the committee has implemented a modification, the change be made to the golfers scoring record. The index will appear with the letter “M” behind it and it will be effective throughout the handicap system. This is done to “protect the field.”