What is the point of having a handicap and then playing at 95% or whatever of that handicap!
Logic tells me that I am playing the course, and my prowess has already been calculated, that’s why I have a handicap!
If it is to stop cheating, why must I be penalised because of dishonest players?
Since higher-handicap players typically have more variance in their scores and an increased potential to shoot lower net scores, when full Course Handicaps are used in certain competition formats, players with lower Course Handicaps are generally at a disadvantage. By taking a percentage of Course Handicap, the higher handicap players are impacted more, which brings the expected scores for all players or teams to a more consistent level. Handicap allowances are mainly applied in team formats, where the combination of players can produce lower scores compared to other teams.
Millions of scores and/or simulations were used to determine and validate the handicap allowances used under the WHS.
The allowances have not been introduced to curb cheating, but rather to compensate for inequalities in certain competition formats. They also have no influence on your Index, as Course Handicaps must still be used to adjust your scores for handicap purposes. They are only relevant to competitions.
Hi. Thanx for the explanation of the 95% playing handicap. Do I understand you correctly that is is only for team competitions? Is it compulsory for normal individual club competitions? When do you use for instance 85 % of your handicap? There are many different opinions about the implementation of this percentage calculations
Hi Johan, The application of the 95% playing handicap adjustment, as well as other percentage adjustments, can vary depending on the specific competition and the rules set by the club or organizing committee.
In team competitions, it is common to apply the 95% playing handicap adjustment to create a more level playing field between teams with different combined handicap totals. This adjustment aims to account for the potential advantage that a team with lower handicaps may have over a team with higher handicaps.
For individual club competitions, the decision to apply 95% or other percentage’s is typically at the discretion of the club or organizing committee. Some clubs may choose to use 95% for all individual competitions, while others may have specific conditions or formats where a different percentage adjustment is applied.
The use of other percentage adjustments, such as 85%, can be considered when the committee determines that the competition format or conditions warrant a different level of adjustment. These adjustments are intended to maintain the fairness and integrity of the competition based on the specific circumstances.
It’s important to note that the World Handicap System allows flexibility for clubs and committees to make decisions regarding handicap allowances, provided they are consistent with the principles and guidelines outlined in the system.It is important for clubs to communicate and provide clear guidelines on the handicap allowances used in their competitions, allowing golfers to understand and participate accordingly.
What is the point of having a handicap and then playing at 95% or whatever of that handicap!
Logic tells me that I am playing the course, and my prowess has already been calculated, that’s why I have a handicap!
If it is to stop cheating, why must I be penalised because of dishonest players?
Hi Lindsay,
Since higher-handicap players typically have more variance in their scores and an increased potential to shoot lower net scores, when full Course Handicaps are used in certain competition formats, players with lower Course Handicaps are generally at a disadvantage. By taking a percentage of Course Handicap, the higher handicap players are impacted more, which brings the expected scores for all players or teams to a more consistent level. Handicap allowances are mainly applied in team formats, where the combination of players can produce lower scores compared to other teams.
Millions of scores and/or simulations were used to determine and validate the handicap allowances used under the WHS.
The allowances have not been introduced to curb cheating, but rather to compensate for inequalities in certain competition formats. They also have no influence on your Index, as Course Handicaps must still be used to adjust your scores for handicap purposes. They are only relevant to competitions.
Hi. Thanx for the explanation of the 95% playing handicap. Do I understand you correctly that is is only for team competitions? Is it compulsory for normal individual club competitions? When do you use for instance 85 % of your handicap? There are many different opinions about the implementation of this percentage calculations
Hi Johan, The application of the 95% playing handicap adjustment, as well as other percentage adjustments, can vary depending on the specific competition and the rules set by the club or organizing committee.
In team competitions, it is common to apply the 95% playing handicap adjustment to create a more level playing field between teams with different combined handicap totals. This adjustment aims to account for the potential advantage that a team with lower handicaps may have over a team with higher handicaps.
For individual club competitions, the decision to apply 95% or other percentage’s is typically at the discretion of the club or organizing committee. Some clubs may choose to use 95% for all individual competitions, while others may have specific conditions or formats where a different percentage adjustment is applied.
The use of other percentage adjustments, such as 85%, can be considered when the committee determines that the competition format or conditions warrant a different level of adjustment. These adjustments are intended to maintain the fairness and integrity of the competition based on the specific circumstances.
It’s important to note that the World Handicap System allows flexibility for clubs and committees to make decisions regarding handicap allowances, provided they are consistent with the principles and guidelines outlined in the system.It is important for clubs to communicate and provide clear guidelines on the handicap allowances used in their competitions, allowing golfers to understand and participate accordingly.