World Handicap System - CSGA Memo #3

This is the third in a series of weekly emails introducing CSGA golfers to the new World Handicap System and GHIN Golfer tools. This week we will discuss how your Handicap Index is calculated.

A player’s Handicap Index should represent their demonstrated ability and, where appropriate, be responsive to scores that are inconsistent with their demonstrated ability. A Handicap Index will be issued to a player after three 18-hole scores are submitted and a revision takes place.

Scores can be made up of any combination of 9-hole and 18-hole scores. Revisions occur daily, so a player’s Handicap Index will become active the day after their third 18-hole score is submitted.

When a score is submitted, it is converted to a Score Differential based on the Course Rating and Slope Rating of the tees that were played. A Handicap Index will then be calculated by averaging a player’s 8 best Score Differentials out of their most recent 20. For the calculation of a Handicap Index with fewer than 20 scores, see Rule 5.2.

Your Handicap Index will be updated the day after a score is submitted. You may view your Index and past scores in the Connecticut State Golf Association newsletter that we will continue to email to you on the 1st and 15th of every month. You may also view your current Handicap Index and review your scores on a club Kiosk, GHIN.com or the GHIN Mobile App.

Rule 5 of the Rules of Handicapping covers the process of calculating a Handicap Index and incorporates the safeguards needed to help ensure that a player’s Handicap Index remains reflective of their ability and that equity is retained for all golfers. It includes mechanisms that:

• Take into consideration the conditions in which a round was played.

• Remember previously demonstrated ability within a defined period of time.

• Cap the upward movement of a player’s Handicap Index within a defined period of time.

• Apply additional adjustments to a player’s Handicap Index when an exceptional score is submitted.

We will provide information on the above safeguards in next several emails.

Stay tuned and, as always, if you have any questions about the World Handicap System or the new GHIN golfer tools, please reach out to us via email.

Regards,

Bill Bigler

Director, Member Services

Connecticut State Golf Association

35 Cold Spring Road, Suite 212 | Rocky Hill, CT 06067 | (860) 257-4171