HANDICAP GUIDELINES

Handicap Guidelines
A basic premise underlies the USGA Handicap System, namely that every player will try to make the best score he/she can at each hole in every round he/she plays, regardless of where the round is played, and they will post every acceptable round for peer review.
 
The Handicap Committee recognizes the diversity of the St. James golf community and that not everyone plays the game for its competitiveness. While we fully endorse people playing the game for the sake of enjoyment, without any competitiveness, the USGA provides the Rules of Golf by which the game is to be played, here and across the country. In order to have a USGA Handicap, golfers must play the game according to USGA Rules.
 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES & PROCEDURES
 
St. James handicaps will be established and maintained in accordance with USGA policy. Our computerized system includes handicap indexes, course ratings, slope ratings, and scoring records (best 10 out of 20 plus eligible Tournament Scores).
 
Responsibilities:
  1. The timely posting of ALL "acceptable" (see definition) gross scores.
  2. Recorded scores are to be made available for peer review.
Procedures:
  • Computer terminals, with instructions for entering scores, are located in each of the Golf Shops.
  • An individual’s score is to be posted within three (3) days of the played round.
  • Individual handicap cards and monthly revision labels are available in The Members Club Golf Shop.
  • Handicap Indexes are revised bi-monthly and posted on the first and fifteenth day of the month.
  • Since St. James Plantation does not have a designated “inactive season,” ALL acceptable rounds played on our courses are to be posted. All “away” scores are to be posted, unless played on a course that has designated an “inactive season.” Follow the instructions on the computer terminal for entering “away” scores.
  • All of The Clubs “tournament (T) scores” will be entered/posted by individual players. In accordance with the USGA System, a tournament will be identified as such, prior to play.
  • “Peer Review” — each morning, The Clubs Golf Shops will run a program that updates the computer system with all of the scores that were entered the previous day. Also, all players will have their scoring record (most recent 20 scores) posted at the beginning and middle of each month. All golfers are encouraged to review the scores of others.
  • A Handicap Index determined from scores to which Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) has not been applied may not be termed a USGA Handicap Index. ESC sets a maximum number that a player can post on any hole depending on the player’s Course Handicap. See the following for maximum strokes allowed under Equitable Stroke Control.
Equitable Stroke Control

18 Hole Course Handicap
 Max. # on Any Hole 9 Hole Course Handicap Max. # on Any Hole
9 or less Double Bogey 4 or less Double Bogey
10 thru 19 7 5 thru 9 7
20 thru 29 8 10 thru 14 8
30 thru 39 9 15 thru 19 9
40 or more 10 20 or more 10

NOTE: Individuals with single digit handicaps are allowed to take a double bogey on all holes, including a par 5. The maximum of 6 for a single digit handicapper was changed in 1999.
 
Handicap Index Adjustment and Withdrawal
"The Handicap Committee has the responsibility of making certain that a player’s USGA Handicap Index reflects his/her potential scoring ability."
 
Under the following circumstances it will be necessary for the Handicap Committee to make adjustments to an individual’s USGA Handicap Index:
  1. Improving Faster than the System Can React — A new player improves too rapidly for their Index to be calculated by standard procedure.
  2. Numerous Away Scores Change Handicap Index — If a player’s index changes by 3 or more strokes due to numerous away scores.
  3. Temporary Disability — example: A player having recent surgery may be given a higher handicap while recovering.
  4. Failure to Post — A Handicap Index shall be adjusted up or down if a player does not post all acceptable scores or does not observe the spirit of the USGA Handicap System. The Handicap Committee will determine the amount of adjustment. (see “Penalty Scores”)
  5. Player Manipulates Round — examples:
    -Posting erroneous scores
    -Stopping play after 12 holes to avoid posting
    -Not adjusting hole scores (ESC, Conceded Strokes, Unfinished holes)
    -Deliberately reporting more or fewer strokes than actually scored
    -Deliberately taking extra strokes to inflate a score
PENALTY SCORES
A penalty score will be posted by the Handicap Committee for a player who does not return a score or otherwise does not observe the spirit of the USGA Handicap System. The Handicap Committee will adhere to the following, when a score is not posted within 3 days of playing:
 
*1st Occurrence—individual receives a notification of their failure to post.
*2nd Occurrence—individual receives a penalty score equal to the lowest score (Including course rating) in their record.
*3rd Occurrence—individual receives a penalty score of 72.
*4th Occurrence—individual receives a penalty score of 72T.
 
(Before a penalty score is issued, the Handicap Committee will offer the golfer an opportunity to explain. If a player repeatedly fails to meet his responsibilities under the USGA Handicap system, the Handicap Committee shall withdraw that player’s Handicap Index.)
 
Definitions and Policy
 
"Preferred Lies" (Winter Rules) is a local rule that is to be determined by each of The Clubs Golf Shops in the event of adverse conditions that are so general throughout a course that improving the lie of the ball in a specified way would promote fair play or help protect the course.
 
Unless informed otherwise by the appropriate Golf Shop, golfers are to "play the ball as it lies".(Specifics related to "preferred lies", "lift, clean, & place", etc. will be published in the near future.)
 
"Acceptable Scores"
Scores to Post—If 13 or more holes are played, the player shall post an 18-hole score. If 7 to 12 holes are played, the player shall post a nine-hole score.
  • Scores on all Courses—Adjusted gross scores from all courses with USGA Course and Slope Ratings made during their active seasons.
  • Scores in all forms of Competition—Scores in both match play and stroke play shall be posted for handicap purposes. This includes scores made in match play, multi-ball or team competitions in which players have not completed one or more holes or in which players are requested to pick up when out of contention on a hole.
  • If a player starts but does not complete a hole or is conceded a stroke,that player shall record for handicap purposes the score he/she most likely would have made. The most likely score consists of the number of strokes already taken plus, in the player’s best judgment, the number of strokes they would need to complete the hole from that position more than half the time.
  • If a player does not play a hole or plays it other than under the Rules of Golf (except for preferred lies), their hole score for handicap purposes shall be par plus any handicap strokes they are entitled to receive on the hole. This hole score, when recorded on their scorecard, should be preceded by an “X.”.
  • Scores Made under the Rules of Golf—scores must be made in accordance with the Rules of Golf.
  • Disqualification-A player who is disqualified from a competition, but has an acceptable score, shall record his adjusted gross score for handicap purposes.
"Unacceptable Scores"
Scores made under the following conditions are not acceptable for handicap purposes:Which might assist him in making a stroke or in his play: or
  • When fewer than seven holes are played.
  • When made on a course in an area in which an inactive season is in effect.
  • When a majority of the holes are not played in accordance with the principles of the Rules of Golf.
  • When the length of the course is less than 3,000 yards for 18 holes.
  • When, as a condition of competition, the maximum number of clubs allowed is less than 14, or types of clubs are limited. Example: only irons.
  • When scores are made on a course with no USGA Course or Slope Rating.
  • When a player carries or uses non-conforming clubs or non-conforming balls.
  • When artificial devices (as defined under Rule 14-3) are used during the execution of a stroke. Except as provided in the Rules, during a stipulated round the player shall not use any artificial device or unusual equipment:
For the purpose of gauging or measuring conditions other than distance which might affect his play: or
 
Which might assist him in gripping the club, except that:
  1. plain gloves may be worn
  2. resin, powder and drying or moisturizing agents may be used, and
  3. a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 14-3: Disqualification
 
 
Comments
All of the above information has the same purpose as the USGA Handicap System, "…to make the game of golf more enjoyable by enabling golfers of differing abilities to compete on an equitable basis."
 
Hit ‘em long! Hit ‘em straight! Enjoy the game!
 
Jim Funka
Handicap Chair
(910) 454-8140


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