Update: Australian golf handicapping changes
As you may be aware, Golf Australia is due to roll out new handicapping changes across Australia next year which will change the way your handicap is calculated.
Initially scheduled for a February 1, 2010 implementation date, the roll out has been delayed to probably more like March or April. Simon Magduski, the rules and handicapping manager at Golf Australia has said the changes have taken a little longer than expected.
“From the outset, GA has been determined to design the implementation strategy in such a way as to minimise cost and logistical challenges for all interested parties. This has involved GA and Golf Link working through a comprehensive analysis of each of the potential regulations considered for inclusion in the first package of changes.”
This first package includes two changes:
- Commencement of USGA’s “rolling sample” handicapping. This is the handicapping method employed many parts of the world including the US and looks at a golfers previous 20 rounds to calculate a handicap. See my previous article here for more information.
- Remove CCR (Calculated Course Rating) for men’s handicapping. This will be removed from all handicapping and competitions and handicapping will be based on AMCR (Australian Men’s Course Rating). Incidentally, this was removed from women’s handicapping in 2007.
So we have a little more time before this rolls in just yet but it will affect all amateur golfers who possess a golf handicap.
I’ll explain a little more over the coming months how these changes will effect you, your club and your handicap.
Related articles
New handicapping set for Australian golf
Australian handicapping changes
Australia adopts US course rating system
Reasons for Australia’s new course ratings
Golf handicapping: What’s with the 0.96?
New handicap system: how does it work?
Course ratings, slope ratings, 0.96 and most everything else mathematical are the least important portions of a genuine handicap formula and policy. By far, the most important is knowing what score you had on each hole that you must actually use for posting. Secondly, actually putting the score into the computer (or system) is most important. Without the last two, there is no handicap system.
So, before you embrace a new system, learn why it will work only if everyone knows the following:
1. Post EVERY eligible score
a) If you play 7-12 holes by the rules of golf, you MUST post a nine-hole score
b) If you play 13-18 holes, you must post an eighteen hole score
2. Learn Equitable Stroke Control and ‘most likely score’ rules. http://tiny.cc/0sFKe
3. Input every eligible score in the computer as soon as possible upon finishing a round
Okay, now we must forget about the ‘how’ of handicapping and remember the ‘why’. It is to present a level playing field that all golfers can compete against each other as fairly as possible. Regardless of the system, if you not follow 1-3 above, you do NOT have a handicap. You are a cheater.
You would not move the ball in the rough and you would not take a four on the card when it was a five you made, would you? That’s cheating, you say? No more so than handicap manipulation by not adhering to every aspect of the rules, Australian, R&A or USGA.
Yes Vince. cheating is cheating. Handicap or no handicap. Anyway, for 98% of us that don’t cheat, we’re looking forward to this new handicap system.