Common Handicap Committee Q & A

Q: May a Handicap Committee require returning of scorecards from players before allowing a score to be posted?

A: No. You can ask that a scorecard accompany a score, but you cannot take punitive action regarding the player's scoring record or Handicap Index if they do not turn in a card with the score. You can request, however, that from time-to-time that cards be turned in for review reasons. You cannot refuse a score that doesn't have an accompanying scorecard.

Q: What scores can/cannot be used for Handicapping Purposes?

A: Please see Rule 2 in the Rules of Handicapping for an explanation on "Acceptable Scores."

Q: When should a golfer adjust their scores?

A: Please see Rule 3 in the Rules of Handicapping for an explanation of the three situations a player must adjust their hole scores for handicapping purposes (Unfinished holes and Conceded Strokes, Holes Not Played or Not Played Under the Rules of Golf and Maximum Hole Score).

Q: If a Handicap Committee has modified a member's Handicap Index, how long should the modification remain in effect?

A: As long as the Handicap Committee determines is fair and necessary. Twice a month the Committee should compare the modified Handicap Index to the Handicap Index the player would have received had they not been subject to an adjustment.

Q: What is the effect of a competition score on a player's Handicap Index?

A: A competition score does not effect the player's Handicap Index any differently than a home or away score.

Q: What qualifies as a Competition Score?

A: The Committee in charge of a competition must announce or publish before play whether the competition will result in a "competition score" being posted. Daily, Weekly, or Monthly play days can be designated as Competition Scores.

Q: Should the Handicap Committee make recommendations to the Competition Committee about a Handicap Index in competition?

A: Yes. It should follow World Handicap System guidelines in recommending that:

1) A current, active Handicap Index be used in order to enter competitions.

2) When a Handicap Index is required for entering a competition, the player must submit the Handicap Index in effect on the date required by the competition.

3) The Competition Committee should decide on the date of a Handicap Index to be used in the competition.

4) When a competition is played over multiple days, the Competition Committee should make the decision to use the same Handicap Index for all rounds or have set dates to use for each round.