Poll: Equitable Stroke Control?

[pjsnyc]

This is quite possibly the best thread I've read on this forum to date. It is because of this thread that I now fully understand the merits of the handicap system and ESC's inclusion in it.

Question - if I were to completely recalculate my handicap starting now (or if I were a complete newbie if you will), when does ESC come into play if you haven't fully established a handicap? My assumption - after 20 rounds of posting raw scores...am I correct in this assumption?

Also, I second the notion of having that scorecard program keep track of both RAW and ESC adjusted scores...unless it already does? I think it would be nice to be able to see how well you typically perform on a particular hole on your home course over time. Tried the beta, and its a pretty nifty program! I used digitaldivot.com up until now. Gonna buy me a license right after the end of my next round. CHEERS GUYS!!!

[Harry Longshanks]

when does ESC come into play if you haven't fully established a handicap?

PJ-

The USGA rules say that if you do not have a handicap index yet, then for purposes of calculating ESC, you should use the maximum of 36.4 (men) or 40.4 (women) until you have enough rounds to get your index.

[pjsnyc]

PJ-

36.4 it is!

[iacas]

Also, I second the notion of having that scorecard program keep track of both RAW and ESC adjusted scores...unless it already does?

You enter your raw scores in, and Scorecard will automatically adjust for ESC appropriately when calculating your handicap.

So yeah, it does it properly. It won't cap you at 36.4 to start, but that's more of an arbitrary competition limit rather than a mathematical one.

[cwcaesar]

I will play it out if there is no one behind me on the course. Otherwise, I will take my max and move on for the sake of pace of play.