1-1. Purpose
The purpose of the USGA Handicap System is to make the game of golf more enjoyable by enabling players of differing abilities to compete on an equitable basis. The System provides a fair Course Handicap for each player, regardless of ability, and adjusts a player's Handicap Index up or down as the player's game changes. At the same time, the System disregards high scores that bear little relation to the player's potential ability and promotes continuity by making a Handicap Index continuous from one playing season or year to the next. A Handicap Index is useful for all forms of play, and is issued only to individuals who are members of a licensed golf club.
Two basic premises underlie the USGA Handicap System, namely that each player will try to make the best score at every hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played, and that the player will post every acceptable round for peer review. The player and the player's Handicap Committee have joint responsibility for adhering to these premises.
A Handicap Index, issued by a golf club or authorized golf association (through its member clubs), indicates a player's skill and is a number taken to one decimal place, e.g., 10.4.
A Handicap Index compares a player's scoring ability to the scoring ability of a scratch golfer on a course of standard difficulty. A player posts scores along with the appropriate USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating to make up the scoring record. A Handicap Index is computed from no more than 20 scores plus any eligible tournament scores. It reflects the player's potential because it is based upon the best handicap differentials posted for a given number of rounds, ideally the best 10 of the last 20 rounds.
A Handicap Index is portable from course to course, as well as from one set of tees to another set of tees on the same course. A player converts a Handicap Index to a Course Handicap based on the Slope Rating of the tees played.
A USGA Course Rating is the USGA's mark that indicates the evaluation of the playing difficulty of a course for a scratch golfer under normal conditions based on yardage and other obstacles that affect scoring ability. A Slope Rating is a measurement of the relative difficulty of a course for players who are not scratch golfers. Each course is rated from each set of tees for both the scratch golfer and the bogey golfer. The USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating together reflect the difficulty of the course for a player who is not a scratch golfer. The greater the difference between the scores of the scratch and bogey golfers on a certain course, the higher the Slope Rating will be and the more strokes players will receive. Conversely, the less the difference, the lower the Slope Rating will be and the fewer strokes players will receive.
Each player locates the Handicap Index on the appropriate Course Handicap Table and finds the corresponding Course Handicap. A Course Handicap Table can be found in the clubhouse or near the first tee of a golf course. There will be a Course Handicap Table for each set of tees used by men and by women. The number of strokes a player receives (Course Handicap) is based upon the relative difficulty (Slope Rating) of the course.
Use of this manual, which provides a detailed description of all aspects of the USGA Handicap System, will make all competitions more enjoyable.
8-4. Penalty Scores, Handicap Index Adjustment, and Withdrawal
a. General
A player must earn a Handicap Index. No player has an inherent right to a Handicap Index without providing full evidence of ability to the golf club's Handicap Committee. A Handicap Index must be changed only as warranted by the USGA Handicap System. Only the Handicap Committee where a player maintains a handicap can adjust that player's Handicap Index. There must be no automatic increases at the beginning of a playing season or year. A Handicap Index is continuous from one playing season or year to the next. (See Decision 8-4a/1 and Section 6-1.)
b. Penalty Scores
If a player fails to post an acceptable score as soon as practical after completion of the round, the Handicap Committee should post the score and/or a penalty score and ratings equal to the lowest Handicap Differential in the player's scoring record. However, if the score not returned is unusually high, the Handicap Committee should enter the score and/or a penalty score and ratings equal to the highest Handicap Differential in the player's scoring record.
c. Handicap Index Adjustment by Handicap Committee
The Handicap Committee has the responsibility of making certain that each player has a Handicap Index reflecting potential ability. Under the following circumstances, it will be necessary for the Handicap Committee to adjust the player's Handicap Index. However, the following list is not all-inclusive, and a Handicap Committee has the ultimate authority to adjust a Handicap Index under any circumstance that it feels necessary to do so. Before an adjustment becomes effective, the Handicap Committee must give the player an opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the proposed adjustment, either in writing or by appearing before the committee. When an adjustment does become effective, it must be identified with the letter M, reflecting that the Handicap Committee has modified the Handicap Index (e.g., 4.9M).
Note: See Appendix B for a sample letter notifying a player of Handicap Index adjustment.
(i) Improving Faster Than The System Can React
A player recently taking up the game may improve too rapidly for a Handicap Index calculated by the standard procedure to reflect potential ability. For example, a player who is working on their game by practicing aspects of their game and/or taking playing lessons (see Decision 5-1d/1) may not have a scoring record that exhibits potential ability and may need a Handicap Index adjustment. Also, if the player's Handicap Index is only updated once a month, for example, then the Handicap Committee may consider adjusting the player's Handicap Index to account for the player's improvement within the next month.
(ii) Numerous Away or Internet Scores Change Index
If a player's Handicap Index increases by 3.0 or more strokes due to the posting of numerous away or Internet scores, and subsequent scores at the player's club clearly indicate that the increased Handicap Index is too high, the Handicap Committee must adjust the player's Handicap Index downward.
(iii) Temporary Disability
An increase in a Handicap Index must not be granted because a player's game is temporarily off or the player has discontinued play. However, an increased handicap may be given for a temporary disability. The increased handicap is not a Handicap Index, and it must be identified by the letter "L" to indicate that it is for local use. For example, a player having had recent surgery may be given a higher handicap while recovering. (See Decisions 8-4c/1, 8-4c/2, and local handicap.)
(iv) Failure to Post
A Handicap Index must be adjusted up or down if the player does not turn in all acceptable scores or otherwise does not observe the spirit of the USGA Handicap System. The Handicap Committee must determine the amount of adjustment.
(v) Player Manipulates Round
The Handicap Committee must adjust or withdraw the Handicap Index of a player who manipulates scores. (See Section 8-4f.) Examples of manipulating scores include the following:
(a) Posting erroneous scores;
(b) Stopping play after 6 holes to avoid posting scores;
(c) Repeatedly playing more than one ball to avoid posting scores;
(d) Not adjusting hole scores under Section 4;
(e) Deliberately reporting more or fewer strokes than actually scored;
(f) Deliberately taking extra strokes to inflate a score.
(vi) Continued violations of Section 5-1f.
The Handicap Committee is responsible for identifying and notifying a player who regularly violates any provision within Section 5-1f that such rounds are unacceptable for handicap purposes. If the player persists in violating clause(s) within Section 5-1f after being notified by the Handicap Committee, the Handicap Committee is authorized and encouraged to consider withdrawal of the player's Handicap Index.
d. Duration of Adjustment by Handicap Committee
The Handicap Committee must determine how long a player's Handicap Index is to remain modified or withdrawn. At each handicap revision date, the Handicap Committee should compare the modified Handicap Index to the value determined by the normal computation method under Section 10-2. For example, the Handicap Committee may lift a modified Handicap Index of 4.9M, when subsequent scores posted to a player's scoring record produce a lower Handicap Index (e.g., 4.0).
e. Tournament Performance Review
The Handicap Committee must review the reduction of a player's Handicap Index for exceptional tournament scores. The procedure for reducing a player's Handicap Index is explained in Section 10-3 and is an automatic calculation.
After each handicap revision, the Handicap Committee should re-evaluate the player's reduced Handicap Index under Section 10-3, choosing one of the following:
• Continue to allow the reduction to run its normal course, as described in Section 10-3d, or
• Further reduce the Handicap Index (See Section 10-3e), or
• Override the reduction. For example, the Handicap Committee may override, or cancel a reduction of the Handicap Index of a player who has returned, say, 50 tournament scores, and whose Handicap Index reduction was based on early scores.
f. 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. Before any action is taken, the player must be advised of the information available to the Handicap Committee and be invited to respond to the Handicap Committee either in writing or by appearing in person. A withdrawn Handicap Index may be reinstated under conditions set forth by the Handicap Committee. (See Decision 5-2a/4.)
5-1. Acceptability of Scores
Fair handicapping depends upon full and accurate information regarding a player's potential scoring ability as reflected by a complete scoring record. Every player must be responsible for returning all acceptable scores, as defined in this section. For handicap purposes, all Section 4 adjustments, including Equitable Stroke Control, must be applied to all scores including tournament scores.
a. Scores To Post
If 13 or more holes are played, the player must post an 18-hole score. If 7 to 12 holes are played, the player must post a nine-hole score. (See Decision 5-1a/3.)
b. Scores on All Courses
Adjusted gross scores from all courses with a USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating made during an active season, both at home and away, must be posted by the player along with the appropriate USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating. (See Decision 5-1b/1.)
c. Scores in All Forms of Competition
Scores in both match play and stroke play must be posted for handicap purposes. This includes scores made in match play, in multi-ball, or in team competitions in which players have not completed one or more holes or in which players are requested to pick up when out of contention on a hole. (See Decision 5-1c/1 and Section 4.)
d. Scores Made under the Rules of Golf
Scores must be made in accordance with the principles of the Rules of Golf. (See Decisions 5-1d/1 and 5-1d/2.)
e. Disqualification
A player who is disqualified from a competition, but has an acceptable score, must record an adjusted gross score for handicap purposes. For example, a player who is disqualified from a competition for failure to sign a scorecard has an acceptable score for handicap purposes.
f. Unacceptable Scores
Scores made under the following conditions are not acceptable for handicap purposes and must not be entered in the player's scoring record:
(i) When fewer than seven holes are played;
(ii) When made on a golf course in an area in which an inactive season established by the authorized golf association is in effect;
(iii) When a majority of the holes are not played in accordance with the principles of the Rules of Golf (except for preferred lies);
(iv) When the length of the course is less than 3,000 yards for 18 holes (or less than 1,500 yards for 9 holes);
(v) 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;
(vi) When scores are made on a course with no USGA Course Rating or Slope Rating;
(vii) When a player uses non-conforming clubs, non-conforming balls, or tees;
(viii) With respect to Rule 14-3 (Rules of Golf), when an artificial device or piece of unusual equipment is used during the execution of a stroke or when equipment is used in an unusual manner during the execution of a stroke. (See Decision 5-1f/2 for an exception.)
5-2. Posting Scores
a. General
Posting scores in person immediately following the round at the course where the round is played is the preferred way to expose scores to peer review. This method of posting must be used whenever possible. The place for returning scores from all courses should be convenient to make it as easy as possible for players to record every round played. The form of reporting is the responsibility of the golf club or the authorized golf association, and will depend upon the procedure adopted by the Handicap Committee. The posted scores for the day must be immediately available to all members for peer review. (See Decision 5-2a/1.)
For handicap purposes, the following information must be returned in person immediately following the round at the course where the round was played or, if that is not possible, as soon as practical prior to the next revision so that a scoring record is up-to-date (See Decision 5-2a/2):
(i) Player's name or identification number;
(ii) Date;
(iii) Course Name*;
(iv) USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating of the course played;
(v) Adjusted gross score;
(vi) Score type for tournament scores or scores posted via the Internet. (See score type.)
*Type 1 and Type 2 golf club recommendation. Type 3 golf club requirement.
The Handicap Committee may adopt a policy to accept scores returned by e-mail, facsimile, Internet, or surface mail. Scores may not be returned verbally by the telephone.
Scores returned to the club by e-mail, facsimile, Internet, or surface mail must be exposed to the same peer review as scores posted in person at the club. If a club adopts a policy to accept scores via e-mail, facsimile, Internet, or surface mail, the Handicap Committee must designate an official at the club who is authorized to receive these scores. If a golf club adopts a policy to accept scores posted via the Internet, the club must also provide the ability to review all scores of all members via the Internet.
Total scores may be returned and need not be recorded hole-by-hole. The Handicap Committee may require the returning or attesting of scorecards periodically in order to assist in its responsibilities, but this requirement must not be used to affect the acceptability of a score. A score is acceptable for handicap posting purposes regardless of whether a scorecard accompanies it. (See Decisions 5-2a/3 and 5-2a/4.)
b. Posting a Score When a Complete Round is not Played
If 13 or more holes are played, the player must post an 18-hole score. If 7 to 12 holes are played, the player must post a nine-hole score. In either case, scores for unplayed holes must be recorded as par plus any handicap strokes that the player is entitled to receive on the unplayed holes. (See Section 4-2 and 5-1a .)
Example: A player with a Course Handicap of 30 stops playing after 16 holes because of darkness. Hole 17 is a par 3 and is the number 18 handicap-stroke hole. The player will record 3 (par) plus 1 handicap stroke for an X-4 on hole 17. Hole 18 is a par 4 and is the number 12 handicap-stroke hole. The player will record 4 (par) plus 2 handicap strokes for an X-6 on hole 18.
c. Posting Nine-Hole Scores
To be acceptable for handicap purposes, nine-hole scores must meet the following conditions:
(i) The course must have a nine-hole USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating;
(ii) At least seven holes must be played.
There is no restriction on the number of nine-hole scores posted to a player's scoring record. Even if a player plays a majority of nine-hole rounds, that player can still utilize a Handicap Index (See Section 10-2) rather than a Handicap Index (N). (See Section 10-5 for computation of a Handicap Index (N).) (See Decision 5-2c/1.)
d. Treatment of Nine-Hole Scores
Once posted, a nine-hole score will be treated as follows:
(i) Nine-hole scores must not be designated as T-Scores;
(ii) When two nine-hole scores are combined, the USGA Course Rating is the sum of each nine-hole USGA Course Rating and the Slope Rating is the average of the Slope Rating of the two nines (if the average is .5, it is rounded upward to the next whole number);
(iii) Two nine-hole scores combined to create an 18-hole score should be designated with the letter C (e.g., 85C). If either of the two nine-hole scores was posted via Internet (See Section 5-2a(vi)), the score should be designated CI;
(iv) Nine-hole scores are combined in the order that they are received into the player's scoring record from any club or from any combination of nines, regardless of score type. For example, a front nine middle tee score could combine with a front nine back tee score made from any course.
An 18-hole score created by the combination of two nine-hole scores will display the date and course name (if applicable) of the latest nine hole score (e.g., April 29 and May 4 = May 4).
A nine-hole score will be retained for combination with another nine-hole score until it is older than the twentieth oldest eighteen-hole score in the scoring record, and nine-hole scores will be combined in the order they are received in the player's record, and "not necessarily by date."
e. Posting a Tournament Score
A tournament score is a score made in a competition organized and conducted by a committee in charge of the competition. The competition must identify a winner(s) based on a stipulated round(s), and must be played under the principles of the Rules of Golf.
The committee (preferably the Handicap Committee, in consultation with the committee in charge of the competition) must determine in advance if these conditions are met, and announce in advance whether the score must be identified by the letter "T" when posted. Routine events such as regular play days normally are not to be designated as T-scores because they are not significant in the traditions, schedules, formats, and membership of the club.
f. Committee Posting a Score For a Player
If a player fails to post a score, the Handicap Committee may post the score without the player's authorization. (See Section 8-4b.) In a competition, the committee in charge of the competition may post the scores of all competitors. The committee must notify the players that it will post the scores in order to prevent scores from being posted by both the players and the committee. |
