The South African handicap system is broadly based on international handicap systems, but more closely aligned with the American USGA System.
The South African Golf Association (SAGA) and Handicaps Network Africa (HNA), have canvassed both the golfers and the clubs, to establish which aspects of the system they would like to change.
As a result of that feedback, the following changes have been adopted, and will be implemented with effect from the 1st of November 2011.
Further changes are proposed with the aim of aligning the South African system more closely with the USGA system. Prior to any further changes being implemented, the SAGA would like feedback from members and clubs to ensure that the majority of golfers in South Africa are in agreement with the proposed changes. These proposed changes are detailed here.
Handicap Calculation Changes to be implemented with effect from the 1st November:
1. 72 Hour Late Score Entry Penalty
The SAGA have decided to change the penalty for the late entry of scores, to follow the American system, whereby a late score entry penalty will be equal to the lowest differential score of the last 20, added to the standard rating.
2. Removal of section 9.2.2 – 3 Under par handicap recalculation
Due to discrepancies that can arise with the CR calculation and the fact that the current calculation is based on par and not the stroke rating of the tee played, section 9.2.2 of the handicap manual, whereby a players handicap is immediately recalculated if a player records a net score of 3 under par or better, will be removed. The exceptional performance calculation will however remain in place whereby if a player enters two or more exceptional scores, then the best 8 scores from the last 20 will be used to compute the players handicap.
Decisions pending feedback from the clubs and their members
1. Removing the limit on the number of shots a handicap can move out per month.
2. Removing any restriction on the number of 2 over’s allowed to be entered for handicap purposes for handicaps 1 to 18, and limiting handicaps over 18 to a maximum score of a net 1 over par for handicap purposes i.e. they can only enter a 3 over par score if they have 2 handicap strokes on a particular hole.
Results be to released December 2011.