Section 11 HANDICAP CONTROLS
Definitions
Within each section, all defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in Section 2 - Definitions.
Handicap controls, a series of checks and balances, ensure that a Handicap Index will accurately measure a player's potential ability. These handicap controls prevent scores that are not representative of a player's potential ability from distorting the player's Handicap Index. The following handicap controls are incorporated into the USGA Handicap System to produce a reliable and equitable Handicap Index.
An essential element of the USGA Handicap System is the Handicap Committee. Every golf club utilizing the USGA Handicap System must have a Handicap Committee to ensure the integrity of the USGA Handicap System. The Handicap Committee sees that scores are posted, all elements of the USGA Handicap System are followed, and the integrity of each Handicap Index issued is maintained. (See Section 8.)
See definition of peer review.
A player's worst 10 of the last 20 Handicap Differentials are not used in computing the Handicap Index since these scores do not represent the player's potential ability. (See Section 10.)
A player who has posted fewer than 20 scores has a Handicap Index that is based on a lower percentage of scores than the 50 percent ideally used (best 10 Handicap Differentials of the last 20). The accuracy and reliability of the USGA Handicap System improves as the number of acceptable scores approaches 20. A Handicap Index based on 20 acceptable scores is more representative of a player's potential ability than one based on fewer than 20. (See Section 10.)
See definition of Equitable Stroke Control.
An alternate calculation may be used to determine the Handicap Index of a player who has two or more eligible T-Scores with T-Score differentials at least 3.0 better than the player's Handicap Index. (See Section 10-3.)
The Handicap Committee is authorized to modify or withdraw a Handicap Index of a player who does not return all acceptable scores, or does not otherwise observe the spirit of the USGA Handicap System. The Handicap Committee has the authority to increase the Handicap Index of a player who, because of exceptional circumstances, has a Handicap Index that is too low. The Handicap Committee must review a Handicap Index that is modified, reduced, or withdrawn at each revision. (See Sections 8-4d, 8-4e, and 10-3e.)
See definition of penalty score. (See Section 8-4b.)
All courses must be rated in accordance with USGA approved procedures by a course rating team representing an Authorized Golf Association. (See Section 14.)
Only a golf club or Authorized Golf Association that issues and maintains each Handicap Index in full accordance with the USGA Handicap System, as described in "The USGA Handicap System, and is authorized by the USGA for this purpose, may use the term Handicap Index and identify it as such on handicap cards or elsewhere. A golf club and golf association must obtain written authorization from the USGA in order to use the USGA's marks and to issue a Handicap Index.
The Authorized Golf Association plays a critical role in the administration and oversight of the USGA Handicap System within its jurisdiction and will have the following responsibilities. (NEW)
1. Approval of Club Authorization Application – The Authorized Golf Association must review all golf club applications for use of the USGA Handicap System, including those golf clubs required to affiliate with the Authorized Golf Association for handicap administration and oversight purposes. The Authorized Golf Association must have access to the appropriate handicap data and must conduct a review on a regular basis.
2. Review/Approve Handicap Adjustments – when a club handicap committee is going to modify the Handicap Index of a member, the Authorized Golf Association will have the opportunity to review the adjustment and ensure the committee has followed the proper procedures. If the Authorized Golf Association has evidence where the adjustment does not reflect the player's current potential ability, or in cases where an adjustment should have been applied, it has authority to overrule the golf club.
3. Removal of a Reduction – when a club handicap committee wants to override a reduction due to exceptional "T" scores, the club must contact the Authorized Golf Association with the supporting information where the AGA will perform the reduction override. The Authorized Golf Association must work with the local golf club’s handicap committee, and where there is a disagreement and evidence exists, the Authorized Golf Association has authority on the matter.
4. Notify Clubs When a Member's Handicap Index Increases or Decreases Substantially Using Scoring Data – The Authorized Golf Association must monitor the scoring records of all members (either those through Authorized Golf Association member clubs, or affiliated for handicap purposes), and when it increases outside of what would be considered a "normal range" notify the player's golf club(s) to take appropriate measures.
5. Tournament Rounds – The Authorized Golf Association should advise the golf club on what scores should be identified as tournament scores and if there is a dispute at the golf club level, the Authorized Golf Association has authority to make the final decision.
6. Withdrawal of a Handicap Index – The Authorized Golf Association must review all Handicap Index withdrawals and work with the golf club where a withdrawal is being considered. Where there is a conflict of interest on the matter, or where evidence exists, the Authorized Golf Association has final authority on the matter.
7. The Authorized Golf Association must have a Handicap Committee that meets on a regular basis to review and settle any disputes at the golf club level pertaining to any part of the USGA Handicap System. In extreme cases, these matters can be brought to the USGA for resolution.
8. Assist in determination of the eligible period when preferred lies may be in operation for acceptable scores under authorized formats to be posted.
9. Adjudicate questions of hole par and provide Stroke Allocation recommendations (par will be factored into the Course Handicap under the proposed World Handicap System).
10. Determine active season schedules within its territory for handicap purposes.
11. The Authorized Golf Association is to provide regular support on the USGA Handicap System, as well as offer educational opportunities to member and direct access clubs on an annual basis.
12. Ensure that all courses within the Authorized Golf Association territory have a current USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating issued within the last 10 years.
The USGA Handicap Department may be contacted at:
The United States Golf Association
77 Liberty Corner Road
P.O. Box 870
Liberty Corner, NJ 07938-0870
Telephone: (908) 234-2300; Fax: (908) 234-1513
E-mail: hdcpquestions@usga.org; Web site: www.usga.org