World Handicap System - CSGA Memo #7

This is the seventh in a series of weekly emails introducing CSGA golfers to the new World Handicap System (WHS) and GHIN Golfer products. Last week, we discussed the Submission of an Exceptional Score.

This week we present Scores Acceptable for Handicap Purposes. The scores a player submits for handicap purposes are at the core of the calculation of their Handicap Index. Scores must satisfy specific criteria to be acceptable for handicap purposes. These scores provide confidence that they will produce reasonable evidence of the player’s ability and, ultimately, a Handicap Index that is reflective of demonstrated ability.

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A score is acceptable for handicap purposes if the round has been played:

• In an authorized format of play (see Rule 2.1a Played in an Authorized Format of Play) over at least the minimum number of holes required for either a 9-hole or an 18-hole score to be acceptable (see Rule 2.2 Minimum Number of Holes Played for Score to be Acceptable),

• In the company of at least one other person, who may also act as a marker (subject to satisfying any other requirements of the Rules of Golf),

• By the Rules of Golf (see Rule 2.1b Played by the Rules of Golf),

• On a golf course with a current Course Rating and Slope Rating, where length and normal playing difficulty is maintained at a consistent level (see Appendix G: The Golf Course, Course Rating and Slope Rating),

• On a golf course during its active season.

If one or more of the requirements set out above is not met, the score is not acceptable for handicap purposes.

Scores Not Acceptable for Handicap Purposes

Some formats of play and scores played under certain restricted Terms of the Competition are not acceptable for handicap purposes and must not be posted to a player’s scoring record.

The following illustrative list is not exhaustive and if a player is in doubt as to the acceptability of a score, it is recommended that they check with the golf club where they are playing or the Authorized Association

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