In an attempt to address some of the complaints with the current handicap method, the South Africa Golf Association (SAGA) has decided to align its system more closely with the USGA.
The handicap debate is one that is going to rage for as long as the game of golf is played, but that doesn’t mean we should stop trying to improve the way they are calculated.
The SAGA compared the South African handicap calculation to those used by the other major golfing countries, especially those countries that play similar handicap competitions to South Africa. The result of which being the decision to more closely emulate the USGA.
The SAGA also compared the percentage of time that a golfer recorded a score equal to or near net par in each of five handicap divisions.
Interestingly the percentages for the lower handicap divisions were lower than for the other handicap divisions, and also out of line when compared to international statistics.
As a result of these investigations the SAGA wished to make certain changes to the handicap calculation to bring all handicap divisions into line.
The proposed changes were then circulated, and golfers and clubs were asked to vote on them. An average of 73% of golfers voted in favour of the changes.
It is likely that these will be the last major changes made to handicap calculations in South Africa for the foreseeable future. So hopefully the system will work, otherwise we’ll just have to learn to live with it.
The following changes will be implemented with effect from the 1st February 2012
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Maximum score on any hole and adjusted gross
The maximum score allowed to be entered for handicap purposes on any hole will be revised with effect from 1st February to a maximum of 2 over par on any hole for handicaps below 18, and 3 over par for handicaps 19 to 36
This compares with the following countries:
USGA Handicap
9 handicap or less – a maximum of 2 over on any hole.
Handicaps 10 to 19 – a maximum of 7 shots on any hole.
Handicaps 20 to 29 – a maximum of 8 shots on any hole.
Handicaps 30 to 39 – a maximum of 9 shots on any hole.
United Kingdom and Ireland
Maximum of a net double bogey (i.e. a maximum of 3 over if you have a shot and 4 over if you have two shots.)
European Golf
Stableford Scores for handicapping – effectively a net double bogey.
Australia
Net double bogey.
NB: It should be noted that limiting the number of 2 overs to the same number as the players handicap is effectively the same as having no limit, because if a player has the same number of 2 over’s as his handicap it is unlikely the score will be one of his ten best.
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Handicap adjustments
With effect from 1 January 2012, there will be no limit on how many strokes a golfers handicap may move up or down, provided the club handicapper reviews and approves changes where handicaps increase by more than two shots at the month end recalculation. This follows the USGA system, where they also use an average of the 10 best scores of the last 20. The fact that the handicap is already an average of the best scores means it is unnecessary to further restrict the monthly movements. The system cannot control those players who wish to manipulate their handicaps – that is the job of the club handicapper and fellow players.
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Temporary suspension of the Calculated Rating (CR)
The above changes to the maximum score allowed on a hole, which will be implemented from the 1st February 2012, will have the effect of bringing the scoring records of all handicap divisions into line.
This will however also affect the scoring statistics of each handicap division, with a larger effect on the lower handicap divisions. The CR algorithms used for competition score adjustments internationally, are based on a variance, due to weather or course set up, outside a buffer zone, from the normal scoring patterns of each handicap division.
The CR calculation will therefore be suspended until the scores in each handicap division have stabilised to provide a statistically accurate average level.
General Information
Handicap calculations
Handicaps will be recalculated according to the following events:
- On the last day of every month.
- Each time a score is either entered or deleted for a round that was played prior to the last handicap calculation date in a player’s profile.
- Every time a player records a second exceptional score in his last 20 rounds, and for each additional exceptional score thereafter.
- Every time a 72-hour late score entry penalty is received.
Removal of the 72-hour delay in recording valid scores
With effect from 1st February 2012 scores for inclusion in the month end handicap calculation will be taken from the 1st of the month to the last day of the month both days inclusive.
The scores recorded on the day will therefore be valid as of the next day and not after 72 hours as is currently the practice.
Revised Handicap Manual
The revised handicap manual, effective as at the 1st February 2012, will be available for review at your club on the 15th of January and will also be available for review on the www.handicaps.co.za website.
Any thoughts on the changes?
