Dear Fellow Nissequogue Golf Members,

Beginning in 2020 a brand-new set of Rules for Handicapping was introduced globally. The World Handicapping System (WHS) brings six different handicap systems together into a single set of Rules for Handicapping, enabling golfers of different abilities to play and compete on a fair and equal basis, no matter where they play. Following is what you need to know about WHS and posting scores.

POSTING SEASON: The posting season varies by region. Some regions have year-round posting (Florida) while others are seasonal. The posting season established by the MGA for our region is from April 1 through November 14.

HANDICAP INDEX: Your Handicap Index is a number that demonstrates ability based on the average of the best 8 (used to be 10) of your last 20 scores. This represents what you are reasonably capable of scoring on your better days. Your Index is then converted to a Course Handicap, which is based on the course and slope rating of the tees you are playing from. Your Course Handicap will likely be significantly different from each set of tees on a particular golf course. Know your Index.

NET DOUBLE BOGEY: Previously in the United States we used Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) to determine the maximum score we could post per hole. The WHS replaced the ESC chart by instead limiting the maximum possible score to a Net Double Bogey. This applies to all golfers regardless of their Course Handicap. Example: A golfer with a course handicap of 15 receives a stroke on 15 of the 18 holes. On a par 4 hole with one handicap stroke their max net double bogey would be par + double bogey + any handicap strokes that apply (4 + 2 + 1= 7).

POST ON THE DAY YOU PLAY: Another change is that rather than updating twice a month, our indexes are updated daily. Because of this, scores must be posted daily. The best way to accomplish this is by posting through the MGA app on your phone. It is imperative that scores are submitted promptly in order for the handicap system to be fair for all players. Score posting will be monitored and handicap modifications or penalty scores could be applied if deemed necessary.

PLAYING CONDITIONS CALCULATION (PCC): When abnormal course or weather conditions cause scores to be unusually high or low on a given day, Score Differentials may be modified to more accurately reflect each player’s actual performance. This is an automatic procedure done by GHIN and is more of a reason why scores need to be posted daily, prior to midnight on the day you play. Again, this is simple to do when using the MGA app.

HOLES NOT PLAYED: To submit a 9-hole score, a golfer must play 7-13 holes under the Rules of Golf. When 14 or more holes are played, the score submitted qualifies as an 18-hole score. One should add net par to their score for any holes not played.

COVID-19 & RULES: The USGA urges everyone to follow guidelines from health and government officials to keep you and those around you safe as it relates to COVID 19. From the perspective of the Rules for Handicapping, especially relating to modifications to the hole and not requiring a player to “hole out”, a temporary measure is in place to accept scores played under these conditions for handicap purposes using the “most likely score” guidelines. This means that for holes not finished you should apply the most likely score from the point you pick up. Example: On the green in 3 shots, 20 feet from the hole – most likely score will be a 5 after a 2 putt.

Please see either myself or one of the golf professionals with any questions about handicaps.

Dan Cichy
Handicap Chairman