Handicapping Policies and Procedures -2021

Handicapping Policies and Procedures

Notice to Members (March 1, 2021)

The Handicap Committee, appointed by officers of our golf club, is responsible for all aspects of the USGA Handicap System. Our Committee includes a Handicap Chair who has been certified by the Oregon Golf Association. We are obligated and committed to ensure the integrity of each Handicap Index we issue. In the interest of fairness, and because we are compelled by our license with the OGA / USGA, we will provide education as well as uphold the rules of the Handicap System. While this sounds very serious, these regulations are required so our club can assure equity in our games. More equity = more fun!

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

Our Committee is: Marilyn France – Women’s Chair, Carol O’Keefe – Women’s co-Chair, Ron Willis – Men’s Chair, Steve Mason and Ron Crasilneck – co-Chairs.

The Handicap Committee has set forth the following policies and procedures for all members carrying USGA Handicap Indexes. A player is expected to:

• Act with integrity by following the Rules of Handicapping and to refrain from using, or circumventing, the Rules of Handicapping for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage,
• Attempt to make the best score possible at each hole,
• Submit acceptable scores for handicap purposes as soon as possible after the round is completed and before midnight local time,
• Play by the Rules of Golf, and
• Certify (Peer Review) the scores of others.

Scores in both match play and stroke play (9 or 18 holes), as well as under ‘Preferred Lies / Winter Rules’ must be posted for handicap purposes. This includes scores made in match play, in multi-ball, or in 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.

Disciplinary Actions for failure to post or player manipulating their Handicap Index:

1. First failure to post or manipulation of your score will result in a written (email) warning.
2. Failure to respond to first notice will result in a second and final written (email) warning.
3. Third failure will result in the appropriate penalty round score issued for scores not posted
4. After your fourth failure to post your score or continued manipulation of your scores, further disciplinary action will be taken as the Handicap Chair / Committee deems fair and equitable.

A player must earn a Handicap Index. No player has an inherent right to a Handicap Index without providing full evidence of ability to our club’s Handicap Committee. The Committee has the ultimate authority and obligation to adjust or withdraw a Handicap Index if it deems it necessary to do so.

Handicap Revisions, OGA Season Dates, Active / Inactive Season:

• Handicap Indexes will be updated the day after a score was submitted.
• OGA active handicapping season begins March 1^st. Last day to post a score is November 30^th. Last official Handicap Index update of the season is December 1^st.
• No local scores can be posted during the off-season, which is December 1^st through the last day of February. Rounds played in sun-belt states must be posted the day of play.

Please do not hesitate to direct any questions or concerns to the Handicap Committee.  We encourage any and all member feedback. You can email the Handicap Committee at handicapchair@shadowhillscc.org. All correspondence is confidential.