May
14
How exactly do you calculate your handicap (index)?
Filed Under Decoding the USGA Handicap System | Leave a Comment
Most of you might already know the answer, but perhaps, there are others like me who think we know the answer but don’t really know. So let me share with you what I found out along the way.
First, the definition:
A “Handicap Index” is the USGA’s service mark used to indicate a measurement of a player’s potential ability on a course of standard playing difficulty. It is expressed as a number taken to one decimal place.
Now that you know the definition, let’s go through the USGA handicap formula:
Step 1: Determine the number of handicap differentials to use (see “Ever wonder what the Course Rating and Slope Rating represent” on “handicap differentials”). Under USGA handicap system, you need to submit at least five scores before the handicap index may be calculated. Some local clubs/association may demand more scores to be submitted because the accuracy of the handicap index is directly proportional to the number of acceptable scores submitted. For illustration purpose, let’s use 20 scores.
Step 2: Calculate your handicap differentials ((adjusted gross score - course rating) x 113 / slope rating)
Step 3: Average the number of handicap differentials being used. You do not average ALL the handicap differentials submitted. If you submitted 20 scores, you will only average the 10 lowest handicap differentials.
Step 4: Multiply the average by 0.96 (this factor is known as the Bonus for Excellence. It is the incentive for players to improve their golf games)
Step 5: Delete all number after the tenths’ digit. Do not round to the nearest tenth.
Example:
Total of 10 lowest handicap differentials (from the most recent 20 scores submitted) = 154.8
Average = 15.48
Multiply by 0.96 = 14.861
Delete all digits after tenths = 14.8
This is your handicap index … 14.8
Noticed how the formula only picks your 10 lowest handicap differentials from 20 scores submitted? So the next time you play a terrible game, don’t forget to submit your score. Submission of scores is mandatory and if it is an anomaly, rest assured that it will not be taken into account in calculating your handicap index.
In addition to the above, there is a provision under USGA Handicap System to reduce the Handicap Index calculated by the above method if the player posted exceptional tournament scores. We’ll save that for later.
Enjoy your game!
David
(reference: USGA Handicap System 2008-2011)
May
1
Ever wonder what the Course and Slope Rating represent?
Filed Under Decoding the USGA Handicap System | Leave a Comment
For beginners, have you ever wondered what is the meaning and purpose of the Course and Slope ratings you see on the scorecard? Golf lessons do not necessary explain these rather technical stuff … mine didn’t.
Well, let’s decode it:
1. Definition
Course Rating (or USGA Course Rating) is the USGA’s mark that indicates the evaluation of the playing difficulty of a course for a scratch golfer under normal course and weather conditions. In short, it reflects the probable score of a scratch golfer playing on the course. So the higher the number, the more difficult is the course.
Slope Rating is the USGA’s mark that indicates the measurement of the relative difficulty of a course for players who are not scratch golfers compared to the USGA Course Rating. The lowest Slope Rating is 55 and the highest is 155. A golf course of standard playing difficulty has a Slope Rating of 113. The higher the number, the more difficult is the course for players who are not scratch golfers.
Confused? Don’t worry, the explanation below is more intuitive.
May
1
Welcome Keppel Club
Filed Under Golf Courses | Leave a Comment
www.clickateeonline.com/keppel
We continue to grow our portfolio of golf clubs. Keppel Club is the second club to come on board in April.
Just 10 minutes away from the heart of the city, Keppel Club has been home to an appealing range of facilities for both the young and old for over a century. Its natural beauty provides golfers with an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Given their proximity and good club facilities, their participation is going to be a big hit among the golfers in Singapore. I’m going to personally try out the course with some golfers I ‘met’ in Facebook on Friday.
May
1
Welcome Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore
Filed Under Golf Courses | Leave a Comment
www.clickateeonline.com/sentosa
If Legends Golf & Country Club was the ignition for our business, Sentosa Golf Club was the engine that propelled us forward when we launched their real-time booking site on April 17th. We couldn’t have found a better club to endorse our product.
Undisputedly Singapore’s most exclusive and beautiful golf club; Sentosa Golf Club is the home to not one but two of the most scenic yet challenging golf courses in the region - Serapong and Tanjong. Serapong is the venue for Asia’s richest National Golf tournament Barclays Singapore Open. The completion of a year long multi-million renovation project has also resulted in state-of-the-art meeting and conferencing facilities and top class dining options. No where else can golf and business mix so eloquently, putting Sentosa Golf Club truly in a class of its own.
The inkling of this partnership marks a key milestone in the growth of clickateeonline.