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What the new golf handicapping system could mean to you

Written by Richard Fellner   

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Handicapping set for a shakeup
While it barely made headlines when announced last year Golf Australia and Golflink have adopted the USGA system for golf handicapping. 

Having played extensively in both the USGA and Australian handicapping systems, I whole-heartedly welcome the move, as I believe the USGA system is not only easier for players to understand, but it also makes it much fairer to the average golfer.

There are two major differences that Australian golfers will experience with the new handicapping system:

Course Rating vs Slope (not yet rolled out - in progress):
The current Australian system factors in a Course Rating which, while beneficial in comparing courses, does not really assist a golfer at the more difficult tracks. For example, if your handicap is 15, then under the current system you will play at a 15 at any course, regardless of its level of difficulty. In the USGA-based Slope system, however, your 15 “handicap index” would be converted to a “course handicap” based on the difficulty of the course. (Slope can range from 55 to 155, with 113 being considered a course of average difficulty.) So on a local/easy track, your handicap for the day may be, say, a 12, while on a monster it could be a 17 or 18. (Luckily, the USGA has calculators and charts to make this all simple for you.)

Calculating your Handicap (now live):
The second major difference is how your handicap is calculated. Whereas the old Australian system had an intricate scheme of differentials and buffer zones, the USGA’s “handicap index” is calculated by averaging the best 10 of your last 20 scores. Simple.

This should produce a more accurate handicap that better reflects your current/ recent playing status as well as your future potential. It will also be very beneficial to players who, for example, only play once a month and who may have suffered a dip in form, or conversely, those who may have had one lucky “day out” round. Thus, whereas players can currently only “blow out” by just 0.1 of a shot each time they fail to play to their handicap, the USGA system allows players undergoing a “rough patch” to see a few more strokes added to their handicap a bit faster than before. Of course, this opens the door to the potential handicap “manipulation” by dishonest players. To combat this (and other concerns), the USGA has an Equitable Stroke Control system in place.

Equitable Stroke Control sets a maximum score per hole when calculating your handicap – and it is used to minimise the effects of “blowout holes” on your handicap.

For example, say you take an 8 on a par-3 (we’ve all been there). On its own, that snowman could potentially throw your handicap well out of whack. With Equitable Stroke Control, the 8 will count towards your total score for the daily comp, but not all of those extra strokes will count towards your handicap. Depending on your course handicap, the maximum you could claim towards your handicap might be a double-bogey 5. After subtracting all the “extra” shots from your round, the resulting score is your adjusted gross score, which is what is used to calculate your handicap.

Note that Golf Australia has applied for an amendment to Equitable Stroke Control, which would use a Stableford-type adjustment system, which would require players to adjust their score downward to what is effectively a net double bogey…effectively the lowest score that would give no Stableford points. If this still seems a bit complicated, don’t worry. In the US, they have a fully computerised system to do most of this work for you, and it would seem that a system like GolfLink could easily be tweaked to fit. In addition, tournament directors and club managers will likely be instructed on the “ins and outs” of the system.

This is just a bare-bones explanation of what the system will accomplish. 

For more on the proposed changes, check out our articles on The Proposed changes, the course rating changes , and the Golf Australia website:

Comments
Add New
Sue D  - Happy Hacker   |2010-08-16 09:41:50
Since the new handicap system has been introduced, I have been playing fairly
consistently to the same handicap so my handicap has only gone up or down by a
shot. I don't know how anyone can say a regular golfer could cheat as why play
if you are going to play badly each week to maintain a high handicap?
It is a
much better reflection of how you are playing golf unless you only play a few
rounds each year. As golf is very much a "mind game", it's working for
me!
Happy with the change and looking forward to the course ratings being
completed. I can then play at a more difficult course with an extra shot or two
up my sleeve!
phil rosser  - new system is crap   |2010-07-02 00:42:39
what a horrible idea this was, since it was brought in ony the very high
handicappers seem to be winning everything.Just check out your club results for
high handicappers in the top 10. There was nothing wrong with the old system and
this one will be plagued by people who will cheat the system, worst thing to
happen to golf in 20 years.
David Sandquest  - Mr   |2010-05-31 08:49:09
Under the new handicapping system is it possible to handicap a 4BBB event? If so
how do you go about adjusting the handicap in "Golflink"?
Ken Bowditch  - ****   |2010-05-18 17:49:29
At my course - Tuncurry we have three tee sections. Black AMCR 73, Blue AMCR 71
and White AMCR 69. When we go to the Slope sytem will I have a handicap of say
22 on the Black which will be 20 on the Blue and 18 on the White?
Mark   |2010-04-23 17:18:06
Question: I read somewhere, (although now I can't find it) that under this new
handicap system you can put your card in on social golf days. So in other words
you have a good social round, with someone else marking your card, you can put
that card in and help your handicap without having to pay to be in a
competition. I ask this as our course pro has specifically stated that he will
not accept cards from a social round as I have depicted here. Any answers?????
Edward Smith  - fourball handicapping   |2010-04-20 15:59:42
Could you tell me the correct handicapping system with the new system or is thye
old system still in use.

Thanks Ted
singkenken  - Hole in one   |2010-04-13 08:35:11
On Sun I had a good round. Even got a birdy and a hole one. But it was at Yarra
Bend and not in a comp. Given there is no CCRs anymore, can I take this card and
ask my club to put it into the system as a Valid Score - or not.

Normally I
wouldnt even think about it. But a hole in one is a Hole in one..
liam  - gun golfer   |2010-04-10 21:46:14
i just recieved my new handicap of 14.4 and i had a bad round of 91 playing to a
19 handicap.. and i went out .6 why is this ???
Richard   |2010-04-12 18:22:20
Hi Liam

It all depends on the average of the 10 best scores from your last 20
rounds. When you go to golflink, you'll notice a bunch of orange flags on the
right column. Those are the scores that will count for your handicap. Is that 91
flagged?
kevin fitzgerald  - new handicap system   |2010-03-31 07:33:40
we are a social club with 50 members and we are keen to bring in this new
handicapping system.Is there a computer software package we can purchase if so
would you kindly give details of where to purchase this
package.

Kevin,Heathcote nsw
Richard   |2010-04-12 18:24:38
Hi Kevin

There are plenty of software packages based on the US system, however
none of them are exactly right for the Aussie variant of the system.

If you
want to get proper handicaps, why not try Bushranger Golf?
www.bushrangergolf.com.au. They can help you get sorted.
Trevor Thornhill  - Mr   |2010-04-15 22:16:42
Hi Kevin,

I suggest you check out the website for 'overall golf'.

It
offers to manage player scores and automatically adjusts handicaps and provide
rteports, but best of all is free for social golf groups.

I'm checking it out
for my group which is just a bit smaller than yours.
Denis Dawkins   |2010-03-26 10:48:01
Under the new system there will be no more CCR. However, for the initial
handicap when the switch is made, will it be calculated on scores under the CCR
that applied over the past 20 rounds, or will it be under the AMCR that will
apply as we go forward?
troy  - what about NSR   |2010-03-18 08:47:37
what happens in the scoring process if you had such a crapper of a round you
decided not to put in your competitian card, for under the old system it was
allways a 0.1 penalty? how is this calculated on the rounds you may have had in
the 20 latest rounds under the new system?
Steve  - Keep on hacking   |2010-03-25 11:59:53
If you don't put in a card it will usually be treated as equal to your worst
round, unless of course the handicapper knows you had a good round and didn't
submit it, then I think it can be treated as equal to your best round (these
types of adjustments can be made in the current system too, but are rare).
Trevor Wilton  - Trevor   |2010-03-25 18:49:59
this question is the one that has caused most comment at our club ie players
trying to protect their handicap Under the presnt system it is quite clear--.1
back for a poor round card lodged or not!
Tim74  - The hack   |2010-03-05 10:27:01
On golflink I have only played 17 competition rounds in the last two years. How
will they work out my handicap.
paul  - new player   |2010-03-13 17:23:36
I am a new player to golf and have only played nine rounds, how will my handicap
be worked out under the new system
Ted Buick  - Mr   |2010-03-22 11:40:18
I am looking for the answer to the question
"If I have only played 17
rounds in the last 2 years how is my handicap adjusted" I am of 17.6 at
present.

Thanking you in anticipation

Ted
Trevor Thornhill   |2010-04-15 22:10:47
Hi Teddy,

I haven't been able to confirm this, but my bet is that they'll
take your best 10 scores from your 17 games.

While this new system will be
even for everyone, I reckon I can hear you giggling from my place!
Trevor Thornhill  - Mr   |2010-04-15 22:43:23
Hi Ted,

You can get more information on this new system and the answer to
your question at the golflink site
http://www.golflink.com.au/handicapchangesqanda.as px?frm=homeban#f

In your
case (17 games) the best 7 scores would be used to calculate your new handicap.
Steve  - Keep on hacking   |2010-03-25 12:01:55
I think you will find they take the best 1/2 of your scores until you get 20
rounds under your belt. So, the best 8-9 out of 17. You will be able to put in
non-competition rounds going forward too.
Tim  - Tim74   |2010-03-26 15:54:47
Go to the golflink website. They detail all the rules for players with less than
20 rounds.
GP3  - Hooray!   |2010-03-03 14:59:22
About time golf in Australia came to the 20th century - I can't wait. Just
bring in the USGA system so there's continuity. Trust me the USGA system is
great!!

BTW - I cannot believe that no public courses in my area (Perth) have a
slope or rating - and when you mention it, they have no interest in finding out
how their course rates. Come on people - when considering a course to play, I
want to make sure it's appropriate for my game.

Come on people let's do it!
Khristian Kerrigan  - tryhard   |2010-03-01 09:47:30
So under the current system, most golfers can have 20 bad rounds and blow out a
maximum of 2 shots. Under the new system it is possible for a male golfer to go
from Scratch to 36 in the same period.
The honest and consistent golfer will
never win a nett event again.
Burglars will now be able to win even more often
now.
Richard  - tryhard   |2010-03-01 18:24:30
Khristian - you're right. However, tournament scores (T-Score) will get a
different weighting, so if a burglar does really well in a tournament, their hcp
will be adjusted accordingly, and if they regularly beat their hcp in T rounds,
then red flags will go off everywhere. Plus, it is up to the club
manager/handicapper to keep an eye on things, so there is an extra
checks/balances in place.
interested  - slope scale   |2010-02-02 15:59:53
just wondering who gets to rate all the courses in Australia regarding slope
scale?? and can i participate?
getting paid to play golf would be sensational.
Steve  - Keep on hacking   |2010-03-25 12:04:08
They were training people in Melbourne for it recently. Check with your club or
the state golf assocation. The first course they did took 8 hours and they
didn't even get to finish. I doubt whether you'd be able to it either, you
spend all your time walking around measuring stuff (not as fun as you think)
greg  - chopitup72   |2010-01-25 14:15:24
just worked out my new h/cap with the best ten of last 20 ..h/cap went up .1

4.6 to 4.7 . regardless of what system is in some people will allways find a
way to rort it.. is it worth it to win a $40 voucher ,,,i think not , thats not
the reason i play golf anyway ..let the new system work the way its designed and
let the burglars keep burgeling ,, it would give us honest golfers nothin to
winge about if there were no burglers
Mike Lowry  - New System and it's value   |2010-01-23 12:10:53
Whilst I wrote some time ago that the new system is to come into force on 1st
Feb 2010 there seems to be no correspondence lately in this regard. Has anyone
an update on its implementation?Re the value of the system - think of the 30
marker on the present system who has a 20 over - 10 under their handicap - they
lose 10 times 0.4 or 4 full strokes. For them to regain their current handicap
they have to play 40 poor rounds at 0.1 per round. I am a nine marker (8.7) and
on the new system my handicap will be 8.7.
Jeff14  - Handicaps?????   |2010-03-03 19:08:45
As a new golfer I am constantly amazed at the many golfers I meet who talk about
how long it takes to get shots back after a good round. Maybe I am looking at it
all wrong. I recently lost 3.5 strokes in two rounds and could not be happier.
My plan is to get "better" week by week and end up with a low handicap
not pad it out so I can have a win. I'd be happy to run third every week and be
a scratch golfer.
Stephen Kazoullis  - Handicapping system.   |2010-01-16 17:29:27
I agree that handicapping should take into account the difficulty of a golf
course, but the current system in Australia should be left as is.Taking the
scores of the best 10 of one's last 20 games may tend to create a lower handicap
than one can cope with, though empirical evidence might be necessary to sustain
my thesis.
Steve Reeves  - Handicappng System   |2010-01-25 20:26:06
Quite the opposite I would suggest and everything I read suggests that it is a
much fairer system to those of us who are very erratic, although have the
ability somewhere, on occasion, to put together a decent score. Every now and
then I put together a decent score and then spend the next 6 months returning to
a fairer handicap, whilst assuming ownership of a place in the bottom ten of
every comp I compete in, which is very soul destroying.
steve   |2010-02-28 17:24:58
I have been in pretty good form of late. I am a 7 handicap and under the new
system I will be off 5, 4 if i can shoot a decent round in the next 2 weeks. I
will struggle to play off 4 or 5!!
Richard  - Struggling   |2010-03-01 17:19:30
Actually, Steve, you will play off a 4 or 5 on some courses (the easy ones), and
as a 7 or 8 (or more) on other (tougher) courses. So it will balance out.
Ray Robards  - burglar   |2010-01-14 20:33:53
As i tend to play a really good round every 5 or 10 games when I've managed to
get some sleep and stay off the piss, this system will blow out my handicap and
as a result give me more wins. In fact my handicap will go from 12 to 17. So
instead of a 38 next good round, it'll be a winning 43. I'll get a criminal
record!
Alan Walton  - Heatherdale Social Golf Club   |2010-01-13 11:58:38
The new system sounds good. We are a small social golf club 35 members and have
been looking for a basic handicapping software package for the new handicapping
system without much luck, can anyone recommend anyone?
Dave Duncan  - Club Captain   |2010-02-10 09:44:57
Alan,
There is only one way - "Golflink". With more than 20 members you
can become your own "Golf Access Provider" (as we are), thereby
processing your own comps and maitaining all your members handicaps via the
AGU's internet based GolfAccess program - they do all the thinking for you.
Contact me 98741753, come around to my place and I'll give you a demo or contact
Anne Maddock at the VGA on 98896731.
Stephen Te Whare  - Await the change..   |2010-01-05 17:33:24
I for one am looking forward to the change..This system has been running in NZ
for a few years now..No system is perfect but this is fimnally a change for the
better..
alan holt  - timing   |2009-08-19 16:05:37
when will new handicap system start in australia?
Mike Lowry   |2010-01-02 15:24:50
I believe that the new system will start on 1 February 2010 with the new
stableford restriction to come in later in the year, I presume when a
satisfactory computer system can be put in place.
maccagul   |2009-07-16 19:52:15
Yep - worries me too.
Does that mean we need to edit every card (at least in a
stroke round) before we send off the score to GolfLink?
e.g. a bloke might have
had 100 gross - but it might be brought back to 96 due to a couple of these
blowout holes.
That means one entry of one score to sort out the comp results
(the 100) - and another for handicapping purposes (the 96).

More work for the
handicapper - or the person entering the scores on the PC.
Stephen Cox - Handicapper (Mui   |2009-06-11 11:13:54
Seems a much better system. The Equitable Stroke Control concept has me
intrigued - will individual hole scores need to be tracked? Will players make
adjustments to their scores themselves? Will this mean a redesign of score
cards? Will we have some sort of technology to track these? .... we await with
interest!
Vicente P.  - Equitable Stroke Control   |2009-06-30 13:59:24
Equitable stroke control is used to ensure that someone can't sand bag there
handicap up by having one or two terrible holes. For example dependent on
course handicap if your a 10-19 course handicap then your max score on any hole
will be a 7 therefore, if you shoot an 8 on any hole you would reduce your score
by 1 stroke and submit the net after ESC. You still track your whole score but
only submit the net esc score for handicapping. A great website if AUS adopts
the system is oobgolf.com. It will basically do all the ESC work for you so
after you enter it you know what to submit for handicap.

BTW i'm from the US
and was basically trying to find out if I needed to submit my scorecard from
Melbourne.
Tony Holding  - President Kapunda Golf Club Sth Aust   |2009-06-10 22:36:48
Sounds a lot better way to be fair to every player.It will also be good for
clubs to really know where their course is at regarding playability.
Guy  - Who will be the toughest?   |2009-06-11 11:48:51
Question will be: Who is playing the toughest course in Australia? You'll have
bragging rights as a member at a club with a higher slope rating...and a reason
to toughen up the course, should it be rated lower. Having gone through the
switch as a Canadian PGA Member - probably take a couple years to get the slopes
correct. Different teams of 'judges' have to stick to the criteria: length,
elevation changes, landing area width, hazard numbers/locations, green size,
green speed....the process takes some time and uniformity in comparison.
Rob Lugton  - Hack   |2009-06-10 16:52:21
Any word on the maximum handicaps? Still set at 36 for men?
Guy  - 36 still....   |2009-06-11 11:44:29
yes, mate....36 for men, 40 for women...at least in Canada.
Graeme Roberts  - Handicapper (Serpentine & Districts Golf Club)   |2009-06-02 14:51:33
It sound like a good system. Hopefully it will make it easier to understand than
GL is when fields are less than 20 players.
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