“The GOAL of the PMGA Handicap Committee is to maintain the integrity of the USGA Handicap System by making certain that each player has a Handicap Index reflecting potential ability.”
Congratulations on your fine play in the most recent PMGA member’s event! Do you know how unlikely it is for a player with your handicap to shoot the score you shot? Check out the “Odds of Shooting an Exceptional Tournament Score” table at: http://www.usga.org/playing/handicaps/understanding_handicap/articles/deanstable.html
This indicates to the PMGA Handicap Committee that your current handicap is not reflecting your potential ability. If you read on, this letter explains the Handicap Committee’s duty to monitor and adjust handicaps. We are therefore adjusting your handicap index to _____ for the next two PMGA events you enter. This is a manual adjustment we make when preparing for an event. It is not reflected in your AGA Handicap Index and does not affect any non-PMGA events. The handicap adjustment policies are applied equitably to all PMGA members.
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.
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.
- Improving Faster Than The System Can React
- Numerous Away or Internet Scores Change Index
- Temporary Disability (player must make written request to the Handicap Chair)
- Failure to Post
- Player Manipulates Round
- Continued violations of Section 5-1f (posting unacceptable scores)
When making adjustments the Handicap Committee evaluates the following criteria:
- Handicap trend and history
- Number of recent scores posted
- Potential ability as demonstrated in past events (watch list)
- Golf course and weather conditions that make a round more exceptional (i.e., 20 mph constant wind)
The general rule for adjustments is that if you shoot net 68 or better, you will be adjusted. Net 69 and 70 (and anyone who has been adjusted) go on the watch list for one year. If you shoot net 69 again within the year while on the watch list, you will be adjusted. The odds of shooting a net score one under par is about 10 to 1.
We strongly advise against managing your handicap to maintain an advantage! If your rationale is that everybody does it or that you have to in order to compete against the guys you play with, then choose a new golf crowd. Play with PMGA members who respect the game.
The USGA Handicap Manual suggests that a player’s handicap should not be adjusted until he has had a chance to address the Handicap Committee. The PMGA Board of Governors is the Handicap Committee and they meet once a month on the Wednesday following an event (generally). This is when the adjustment is considered. So, if you scored net 68 or better in the event and have a compelling argument as to why you shouldn’t be adjusted, you had better plan on being at that meeting. No other notice will be provided!
We appreciate the fact that you have chosen to associate with the PMGA and we hope you appreciate the fact that members are expected to promote respect for and adherence to the Rules and preserve the integrity of golf at all levels.
“The GOAL of the PMGA Tournament Committee is to provide fair competition in an enjoyable environment. The GOAL of player is to know the Rules of Golf, play hard, and have fun! ” |
