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Handicap System

The TGAA uses the USGA Handicap System with one exception, only official TGAA tournament scores are used. Following is an overview of the USGA Handicap Basics:

1. Post only tournament scores. Under the U. S. Golf Association Handicap System you must post every score and mark tournament scores with a "T" even if you pick up on some holes. Any time you play 13 or more holes, you are required to post the score for handicap purposes. If you do not play a hole or play it other than under the principles of the Rules of Golf, the hole score is equal to par plus any handicap strokes you’re entitled to receive on the hole. (this is for handicapping purposes only)



2. Understand Equitable Stroke Control. There is a limit of strokes you can post on a hole depending on your course handicap. Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) is the downward adjustment of individual hole scores to make handicaps more representative of a player’s potential ability. If you have the following 18-hole Course Handicap, here’s your maximum score for each hole (again for handicapping purposes only):

 

Course Handicap 9 or less	Double Bogey
10 – 19	7
20 – 29	8
30 – 36	9



3. Post your most likely score. If you pick up on a hole, post your most likely score (provided it’s less than the maximum of ESC). For example, if you’re lying 3 on a green 20 feet from the hole and you pick up, your most likely score would be 5, so you post the 5, not a 7. Never in a TGAA tournament event, you MUST hole out.


 
4. Know how to use the Slope System. You never play with your USGA Handicap Index. The Handicap Index is a decimal number that you use only to convert to what is a called a Course Handicap, which is a whole number and the handicap you play with. The Course Handicap varies depending on the course you’re playing. Your Handicap Index is converted to a Course Handicap through the copyrighted software used by the Tournament Golf Association of America.



5. Playing from different tees. Occasionally we play from different tees and the software allows for these differences. The persons playing from the higher rated tees – the tees with the higher Course Rating – receives additional strokes equal to the rounded-off difference in Course Rating. For example, a player playing from the white tees with a USGA Course Rating two shots lower than those playing the blue tees then the players playing from the blue tees receive two additional shots against a competitor who is playing from the white tees.



6. How are holes handicapped? Who does it? Individual courses decide how to rank their holes. The common belief is that the numbers relate to the most difficult holes. That’s not generally the case. The data is to rank holes in the order the strokes are necessary to halve the hole with a better player. That’s why the longest hole, regardless of par, is usually the number one stroke hole. Average players can’t overcome distance as well as better players. The USGA suggests the sequence difficult par fives, followed by difficult par fours, and par threes. Only an exceptionally difficult par three would warrant being placed ahead of an exceptionally easy par four or par five.



7. All of this depends on the proper handicapping of golfers. Who polices them? Members in the foursome monitor all tournament scores and verify when the scorecards are signed and attested following the round. The TGAA handicap committee will preside over such matters. The Handicap Committee will adhere to the following guidelines:

• At least five active members will be on the committee, including a Local Tournament Director (LTD). However, the LTD should not be the chairperson.
• The Committee will meet regularly, reviewing results of TGAA tournaments and the posted scores. They will also verify members eligible for major 2-day events.
• The committee’s job is to see that every member posts scores and that those scores are not consistently out of line with that player’s usual game.

Figuring Your Handicap

All golfers playing in a TGAA event will have their scores entered into the computer at the tournament that works through a TGA of America affiliated regional, state or local golf association. This is how your Handicap Value is calculated. Determine the Handicap Differential for each score (Course and Slope Ratings vary from course to course):

Adjusted gross score minus the Course Rating:

89 – 73.5 = 15.5

Difference times 113 (the Slope Rating of a course of standard difficulty):

15.5 x 113 = 1,751.5

Result divided by the course’s Slope Rating:

1,751.5 ÷ 134 = 13.0709

Handicap Differential (rounded):

13.1

The USGA ideally uses the best 10 differentials of the most recent 20 scores to determine Handicap Value (Index). But you can have an official USGA Handicap with as few as five scores. The following is based on nine scores using the lowest three differentials.

Total of the lowest three Handicap Differentials:

51.8

Average (51.8 ÷ 3):

17.266

Multiply by .96 (a ratio that makes handicaps equitable for all players):

16.57

Delete digits after tenths:

16.5

*The Handicap Value (Index) is 16.5.

*USGA Handicap Index is base off all rounds including casual rounds. The TGAA uses only official tournament scores and therefore develops a USGA Handicap Value.