Handicapping Policy and Procedures – Notice to Members (May 1, 2017)

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 – Men’s co-Chair, Ron Crasilneck.

The Handicap Committee has set forth the following policies and procedures for all members carrying USGA Handicap Indexes:

• Each player will try to make the best score at every hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played.
• All acceptable rounds must be posted for peer review, including 9-hole scores.
• Scores must be posted within 72 hours of the round being played.
• Scores must be adjusted properly for handicap purposes – for ESC (Equitable Stroke Control), for holes not played, and for holes that are started but not finished.
• The principles of the Rules of Golf must be followed.

Scores in both match play and stroke play, 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 verbal warning.
2. Second failure will result in a written warning
3. Third failure will result in the appropriate penalty round 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.

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

• Handicap Indexes will be updated on the 1^st and 15^th of each month, as per the USGA National Revision Schedule.
• 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 in a timely fashion.

Please do not hesitate to direct any questions or concerns to the Handicap Committee.  We encourage any and all member feedback.