Handicap Basics or what a CCR member needs to know about the USGA Handicap System                                                                

The purpose of the USGA Handicap System is to make the game of golf more enjoyable by enabling players of differing abilities to compete on an equitable basis.

In order for the Handicap system to work at CCR, there is a basic premise that each player will try to make the best score at every hole in every round. Secondly, the player will post every acceptable round for peer review by their fellow CCR members.

• If you are a new member to CCR, and have a handicap index from another course, the golf shop will transfer your handicap index to CCR.

• If you do not have a handicap index you can establish a handicap index by posting five scores at CCR.

• Every member is expected to post his or her score at the completion of each round of golf played.   If 13 or more holes are played, you must post an 18- hole score. If 7-12 holes are played you must post a 9- hole score.

• If you do not finish a hole, you must record the score you most likely would make on that hole. The score cannot be greater than your equitable stroke control limit.

• If you do not play a complete hole (example:  the siren sounds after you complete the 17^th hole and you return to the clubhouse) you would record the 18^th hole par plus the number of handicap strokes your handicap allows you on the 18^th hole.

• Equitable Stroke control –Maximum allowed strokes on any hole

COURSE HANDICAP                                   MAX. NUMBER ON ANY HOLE     9 or less                                                           Double Bogey

10-19                                                                                                                   7

20-29                                                                                                                   8

30-39                                                                                                                   9

40 or more                                                  10         

• Scores can be posted in the men’s locker room; women’s locker room; the golf pro shop; or on line at www.GHIN.com.

• Handicap Type: when posting a score you will see different letters after your handicap. Each “handicap type” is identified as follows:

L= Local Handicap

M= Handicap modified by the Handicap Committee

N= Nine-hole Handicap Index

NL= Local nine-hole handicap

R = Handicap automatically reduced for exceptional tournament performance

SL= Short Course Handicap

WD= Handicap withdrawn by the Handicap Committee

• Scores in both match play and stroke play must be posted for handicap purposes. This includes multi-ball or in team competition in which a player may have not completed one or more holes or which a player may be requested to pick up when out of contention on a hole.

• If you are playing in a CCR tournament, the pro shop will post your score. The instruction sheet for a given CCR tournament will normally note this. If in doubt about who is to post your score after a given round of golf, please check with the pro shop.

• Handicap indexes are updated every two weeks.

While the above does not include all aspects of the handicap system, your Handicap Committee felt it was important to highlight some of the basics to assure that all CCR members clearly understand the basics. If you have any questions on the above please feel free to contact any member of the Committee or a member of the Professional Staff.