Handicap Information
We are implementing two measures that we feel will improve the competitiveness and integrity of our competitions.
Please read this entire email and use the links to get answers to any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or comments.
Remember, we post all tournament scores!
*Handicaps used for flighting players for our events will be the lowest handicap index between the day after our previous event, through the Wednesday prior to the next event. We believe this will deter any rounds between our events from being added or not added in an effort to influence a players handicap between events. All rounds played during this period must be posted per WHS / USGA handicap rules.
*Guests will be allowed to participate in only 3 Phoenix Golf Association events. At that point they must join our organization. Guests must have a WHS / USGA compliant, verifiable handicap to be flighted. Guests without a verifiable handicap can play only in the champ flight.
How well do you know the USGA GHIN / World Handicap system?
We are committed to ensuring fair competition at our events, but most of the responsibility really rests on you during our events, when you golf on your own, and when you know other players have played golf.
Do you know that peer review is one of the cornerstones of the handicap system? It is everyone’s job to make sure that all players are following proper procedures and bringing an accurate handicap index to whatever events they choose to play in.
Do you know you are expected to post every round of golf you play that is at least 9 holes on a rated course?
Do you know that the max score you can post on any golf hole is net double bogey? This is why posting hole by hole score on the GHIN app is the easiest way to post, it makes that calculation for you.
Fundamentals of Handicapping
Q. What is peer review and why is it important?
A. Peer review is the process by which either a player’s score or Handicap Index can be confirmed or challenged. While the Handicap Index calculation has built in safeguards to protect against handicap manipulation, the human element is equally important to ensure fair play.
Peer review is normally conducted by someone playing in the same group during a round, or by someone who has knowledge of a player’s demonstrated ability and can reasonably verify or challenge the player’s Handicap Index.
To facilitate the process of peer review, scores must be posted as soon as possible after completion of the round. Challenges and disputes should be raised with the player and/or reported to the Handicap Committee of the golf club where the player is a member for consideration. (Rule 4.4, Rules of Handicapping)
World Handicap System (WHS) Background and Overview
- What is the World Handicap System all about?
- What are the benefits of the World Handicap System?
- Has the World Handicap System impacted the way the game is played in the United States?
- Did you consult with golfers and golf club administrators about the World Handicap System?
- What is the timeline for implementation of the World Handicap System around the world?
- How and when are golfers and club administrators being educated on the WHS and Rules of Handicapping?
Fundamentals of Handicapping
- How do I get a Handicap Index?
- How many scores do I have to post before I get a Handicap Index?
- My Handicap Index changed under the World Handicap System. Why?
- Someone asks me what my handicap is when we are standing on the first tee. What do I tell them?
- What is peer review and why is it important?
- I recently posted scores, but my Handicap Index has not changed. Why?
Handicap Index Calculation 101
- What is a score differential and how is it calculated?
- How is a Handicap Index calculated?
- I always play the same tees at the same course. Is my Handicap Index "established" from that set?
- What is the maximum Handicap Index?
- How often is a Handicap Index updated?
Handicap Index Safeguards
- What is the Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) and how does it work?
- I forgot to post my score the day I played. Will I still get the PCC adjustment?
- What is an Exceptional Score and what happens when I post one?
- What is my Low Handicap Index and why is it displayed in my scoring record?
- Is there a limit on how much a Handicap Index can increase?
Adjustment of Hole Scores
- What is the maximum hole score for handicap posting purposes?
- I started a hole but did not complete it. What score do I post?
- I did not play a hole. What score to do I post?
- How many holes must be played to post an acceptable score?
Course Handicap and Playing Handicap
- What is the difference between a Course Handicap and Playing Handicap?
- How do I calculate my Course Handicap and Playing Handicap?
- When players compete from different tees, do we have to make any adjustments?
- Where does rounding occur within the Playing Handicap calculation?
Posting Scores
- I accidently posted the wrong score - how can I change it?
- I would like to play from a set of tees that are not rated for my gender. How can I post a score?
- Are scores designated as "Competition" scores treated any differently?
- I played a round by myself. Why can't I post the score?
- I don’t know the Course Rating and Slope Rating for the tees I played, how can I post the score?
- Can I manually enter the Course Rating, Slope Rating and par for a course I played?
Handicap Competitions
- What are handicap allowances and why are they recommended for various formats of play?
- When running a multi-round competition, should the Handicap Index be updated between each round?
- Should match play scores be posted even if I do not hole out on every hole?
- Why does the player with the lowest Playing Handicap play at scratch (0) in match play?
- At what age should a golfer be allowed to play the forward tees?
- On which holes do players receive strokes in a competition?
- What scores should be posted as "Competition" scores?
Handicap Committee
- I had a recent injury and can no longer play to my handicap. Can the Handicap Committee make an adjustment?
- There is a player at my club who always tends to play well during net events and wins often. Are there any provisions in place to ensure that everyone is playing on a fair level?
- What is a Penalty Score? How and when is it applied?
- How does the Handicap Committee determine the stroke index allocation at their course?
- I am a member of multiple clubs, why do I have to designate a "home club"?
The Golf Course
- Who provides the Course Rating and Slope Rating for each golf course?
- What is a Course Rating and what does it represent?
- What is a Slope Rating and what does it represent?
- Does a course have to be a certain length to have a Course Rating and Slope Rating?
You can also contact the USGA Handicap Department by phone at (908)234-2300 extension 5 or by email at hdcpquestions@usga.org.