Handicap System US vs UK

[ScottishGolfer]

Hi everyone,

I am young golfer in my early 20's and I've played golf for the past 10 years and in that time I have been lucky enough to get my handicap down to an index of 3.7. I am proud of getting myself down to this number and have put in a good amount of practice to do so. However, when I was growing up and entering to play in a number of Scottish National events and UK events I always found myself either on a waiting list or losing out to international players, many of whom were from the USA. I had no issue with this, however many of my friends who played in these competitions were paired with players from the US and they all really struggled, even those who were playing off extremely low handicap indexes. Whilst I always said course conditions, pressure and weather probably all affected them, many of my friends mentioned the USGA handicapping system was flawed and their handicaps weren't a true reflection of the golfer's abilities.

The CONGU system used here in Scotland is based on Standard Scratch Scores (Course Rating) and Competition Standard Scratch (calculated using Gross and Nett Scores compared to the par of course). Moreover, every competition we enter affects our handicap index. For example, I play 30 competitions a year and I play terribly in every one (nett score above the CSS) then my handicap would go up 3.0 (0.1 were competition) resulting in me now having a handicap index of 6.7. If i played well in a competition then my handicap would come down 0.1 for every stroke under the nett CSS.

I am wondering is this is similar to what happens in the US? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Really interested in peoples thoughts on the handicap system and if we can learn from each other on the fairest way possible to get our truest handicap index.

Thanks in advance!

[bkuehn1952]

Our system weighs rounds played in a tournament the same as a round played with a friend. Singularly high individual hole scores are adjusted downward (ESC). The 20 most recent differentials (score - course rating x [113/slope rating] are used.   The handicap index is 96% of the average of the 10 best differentials.  A player who does significantly better in tournaments than regular play may have his/her index adjusted downward via formula and the index is noted with an "R" (e.g. 2.3R).

We do not adjust for weather.  In most instances scores are self-reported online, including many tournament scores.

Does that make US handicap indexes too low?  Maybe a bit but I suspect a lot of the struggles USA players have on links style courses relates more to the differences in course characteristics, like very firm turf and deep sod-faced bunkers, than with the differences in handicap calculations.

[ScottishGolfer]

@bkuehn1952 interesting to here how the US system works. So if you play a social round with a friend and if you play well then you can self-report the score and it can decrease your handicap? If so, it seems a lot of honesty and integrity is placed on the individual to self-regulate. As those are two characteristics of the foundation of golf it is much admired and hopefully followed however seems like there is quite a bit of room for a few false scores to slip by. Also, how does the course rating/slope work? Are courses observed/played by USGA officials and a rating is given?

I agree with the difference in course styles, weather etc as conditions here are far different from the average club course in the US. I do suspect that this is the reason for higher scores when players play here. Just wonder if a universal handicap system would result in a fairer game? Especially for amateur players playing around the globe or someone moving country and wanting to take their handicap with them to a new club in a new country.

[No Mulligans]

28 minutes ago, ScottishGolfer said:

@bkuehn1952 interesting to here how the US system works. So if you play a social round with a friend and if you play well then you can self-report the score and it can decrease your handicap?

It's actually this:

If you play a social any round with a friend anyone and if you play well then you can you have to self-report the score.  (Unless it's a practice round and/or you don't play by the rules of golf).

29 minutes ago, ScottishGolfer said:

 Also, how does the course rating/slope work? Are courses observed/played by USGA officials and a rating is given?

A rating committee authorized by the USGA observes the course and gives the rating/slope.  How rating and slope works is better answered through a link. http://www.usga.org/handicapping-articles/course-rating-primer-e5bf725f.html

[ScottishGolfer]

So you do not submit a scorecard into a handicapping system or handicap official at your club? Your handicap is fully self-regulated? Does seem like a good way to be fully honest to yourself, competitors and the game. Also, it is a bonus that your handicap can be deducted for social rounds of golf too. Sadly we have to wait for competition days only to have the opportunity to lower our handicaps. Maybe this idea is something we should consider doing here.

[Lihu]

38 minutes ago, ScottishGolfer said:

@bkuehn1952 interesting to here how the US system works. So if you play a social round with a friend and if you play well then you can self-report the score and it can decrease your handicap? If so, it seems a lot of honesty and integrity is placed on the individual to self-regulate. As those are two characteristics of the foundation of golf it is much admired and hopefully followed however seems like there is quite a bit of room for a few false scores to slip by. Also, how does the course rating/slope work? Are courses observed/played by USGA officials and a rating is given?

People are usually part of a club when they get an official handicap. Some of the members of the club are elected to watch and regulate all the scores coming in. However, alternate members who don't compete just report their own scores. Once they start competing in the club, then their handicap becomes solidified and people are there to regulate their posting.

[bkuehn1952]

32 minutes ago, ScottishGolfer said:

... Just wonder if a universal handicap system would result in a fairer game? Especially for amateur players playing around the globe or someone moving country and wanting to take their handicap with them to a new club in a new country.

As luck would have it, the USGA, R&A, and other golf organizations are working toward a universal handicap system.  Maybe in a few years we will all use the same system.

[ScottishGolfer]

Thanks @bkuehn1952@No Mulligans and @Lihu for your insight. Going to read the USGA sloping guide to understand that better as it seems like it would benefit our system here too as some courses here should be weighted differently too. Glad to hear a universal handicap system might be on it's way too. Would make sense if they are simplifying the rules then they should also consider changing the handicap system too.

[DaveP043]

@ScottishGolfer, had some discussion about this very topic a little while back, you can read it here:

You've gotten good information from the other posters, so I won't add much more right now.  I do understand your friends' frustration, I've read that the CONGU system tends to produce slightly lower handicaps than the USGA system for the same player.

[Daddycool_83]

19 hours ago, No Mulligans said:

It's actually this:

If you play a social any round with a friend anyone and if you play well then you can you have to self-report the score.  (Unless it's a practice round and/or you don't play by the rules of golf).

A rating committee authorized by the USGA observes the course and gives the rating/slope.  How rating and slope works is better answered through a link. http://www.usga.org/handicapping-articles/course-rating-primer-e5bf725f.html

who do you report your scores to or is it the individuals say on what handicap he plays off come competiton day or an open event.In the UK you have a CID # (i think its CID) that is attached to the english golf union giving you an official handicap,its needed for certain competitions and some places that recquire a specific handicap before your even considered to play on said course..alot of open events state you have this number or a certificate proving handicap to deter bandits rocking up stating they play off a 20 when they dont.How do you regulate handicaps in the US?

[chilepepper]

1 minute ago, Daddycool_83 said:

who do you report your scores to or is it the individuals say on what handicap he plays off come competiton day or an open event.In the UK you have a CID # (i think its CID) that is attached to the english golf union giving you an official handicap,its needed for certain competitions and some places that recquire a specific handicap before your even considered to play on said course..alot of open events state you have this number or a certificate proving handicap to deter bandits rocking up stating they play off a 20 when they dont.How do you regulate handicaps in the US?

Well it's not a perfect system. It relies on honesty, the cornerstone of the game,in reporting scores. Of course there will be some miscreants. Sandbaggers, who actually play to a lower cap, and vanity cappers who actually play to a higher cap. Some club handicap committees , and regional organizations,will look at your tournament scores vs reported scores and make adjustments.

[bkuehn1952]

27 minutes ago, Daddycool_83 said:

who do you report your scores to or is it the individuals say on what handicap he plays off come competiton day or an open event.In the UK you have a CID # (i think its CID) that is attached to the english golf union giving you an official handicap,its needed for certain competitions and some places that recquire a specific handicap before your even considered to play on said course..alot of open events state you have this number or a certificate proving handicap to deter bandits rocking up stating they play off a 20 when they dont.How do you regulate handicaps in the US?

The USGA runs a handicapping service called "GHIN" or Golf Handicap and Information Network.  The USGA also licenses state or regional associations to perform the same handicapping services.  Everyone using GHIN for handicapping has a GHIN number.  In my state, Michigan, we use the USGA licensed state association, Golf Association of Michigan, and have a GAM #.

Scores are typically entered online by the player.  In the case of some tournament competitions, the scores may be entered by the association or the club but most scores are entered by the player via the internet.  There is no real oversight except by individual clubs or handicap committees.  Generally the presumption is a golfer will be truthful and honest.

When it becomes apparent that a player's handicap is badly out of line with his or her tournament play, we take them out behind the clubhouse and beat the crap out of them  (figuratively, of course). 

 

[Lihu]

1 hour ago, Daddycool_83 said:

who do you report your scores to or is it the individuals say on what handicap he plays off come competiton day or an open event.In the UK you have a CID # (i think its CID) that is attached to the english golf union giving you an official handicap,its needed for certain competitions and some places that recquire a specific handicap before your even considered to play on said course..alot of open events state you have this number or a certificate proving handicap to deter bandits rocking up stating they play off a 20 when they dont.How do you regulate handicaps in the US?

Well, typically etiquette prevents the average player from doing anything to the said perpetrators, but generally, there are usually lots of groups bunched together behind these dimwits who are clearly playing a course harder than their skill level allows. That's why I play ninja golf. . . and end up on empty holes all over the course. Usually in front of said groups.

 

38 minutes ago, bkuehn1952 said:

When it becomes apparent that a player's handicap is badly out of line with his or her tournament play, we take them out behind the clubhouse and beat the crap out of them  (figuratively, of course).

You're forgetting the teammates who just lost $100 or more a piece. . .