Last month your president gave you a scenario that would make anyone raise an eyebrow and question her handicap.  It led me to again go to our references about that confusing and often misunderstood subject of “Handicaps.”  To refresh our memories about this controversial subject I’ve asked three of our rules gurus:  Donna Brady, Mary Lucas, and PJ Wright, to give their input on the subject this month.

PJ frequently hears, “I don’t shoot to my handicap very often”.  To this she reminds us, “a 5 will shoot her handicap 1 out of 5 times, and a 21 will shoot her handicap 1 out of 6 times”.  She also points out a key word:  potential.  The index is representative of one’s potential, not one’s average of scores.

However, PJ asks us to put our math brains in gear as she briefly explains some of the system.  “Out of 20 scores, take your lowest 10.  Then multiply by 0.96.  So your score is not even based on the average of your 10 lowest!”  Want more?  Go to Section 10 of the USGA Handicap System Manual (and no, the answers are not in the back of the book).  The Manual gives a detailed explanation concerning slope and rating and how they factor in.

Mary also notes that USGA.org has a wealth of information on handicapping.  It is through the
 

Handicap System that players of differing abilities may compete on an equitable basis.  On occasion one may hear ladies question their handicap noted on the score card.  This usually comes from a less experienced player who does not realize “the handicap index is portable from course to course as well as from one set of tees to another on the same course.”

Mary states, “a player is responsible for knowing her handicap.  If a player is given a handicap by the committee that is greater than the true handicap, the player is disqualified if the information is known."

A mention of committee brings us to an item that Donna points out.  “All clubs should have a handicap committee that conducts a peer review of scores returned.  My experience is that most clubs do not diligently follow USGA guidelines for a handicap committee.”

Each of our three ladies agrees that all scores need to be properly posted.  After all the handicap system levels the playing field so that, as Donna states, “a 34 can compete alongside a 5 for a prize”.

 Hit them well!

Jeanne Parsley
President 2009-2010