See below the results of the SAGA Handicap System Survey which HNA conducted in January and February 2013. These results were fed back to the SAGA along with the results from the Club Captains survey as well as feedback received directly from the Clubs.

The South African Golf Association, (SAGA) will make the following changes to the South African Handicap Manual with effect from 1 April 2013 based on extensive feedback from golfers, club captains and club managers.

The Castle Lite Player Challenge came to an end on 31 October and has been very keenly contested over the past two months, as club golfers competed to win a trip for themselves, and a partner of their choice, to the finals at the Legend Golf & Safari Resort from 7 to 9 December 2012.

We would like to share a few interesting statistics that we have extracted from the handicap system as well as the results from our club survey of who is winning the majority of club Better Ball competitions.

We are also pleased to advise that the changes to the handicap calculation, introduced by the SAGA in February 2012, have been effective.

Handicaps Network Africa and their system partner Albatros are pleased to announce the release of a handicap application for iPhones called SAGA Golf.

The South Africa Golf Association (SAGA) compared the South African handicap calculation to those in use by the other major golfing countries, especially those countries that play similar handicap competitions to South Africa. This investigation resulted in the decision to align South Africa more closely with the USGA and other international Handicap System.

We have received many emails about handicap manipulation, including concerns that the proposed changes to the system will assist cheats.

Changes in the Rules, released by the The R&A and United States Golf Association (USGA) include exonerating a player from penalty if it is known their ball was moved by the wind after address.

New Handicap Calculation changes will be implemented with effect from 1 November, 2011.