Dear golfer,
We trust that you had a restful Festive Season and hope that you were able to squeeze in some golf over the break.
This month, we provide a brief summary of some key aspects of the handicap system.
Applying the Maximum Score Rule
For handicapping purposes, the maximum score for each hole is limited to a Net Double Bogey, which is equal to the par of the hole + two strokes + any handicap strokes the player is entitled to on that hole. Put another way, this is the score on which you earn zero Stableford points.
Closing your round on the day of play
When you finish your round, it is essential that you close it (by submitting either a score or a No Return) as soon as possible, and by no later than midnight. This will ensure two important things: 1) that your Handicap Index (HI) is up to date the next day, and 2) that as many scores as possible are taken into account when the Playing Conditions Calculation is run overnight.
Failure to close your round within 24 hours after midnight on the day of play will result in a Penalty Score automatically being applied to your round. The Penalty Score will equal the lowest score differential from your previous 20 submissions.
Closing your round correctly
The onus is on players to ensure their rounds are closed accurately and successfully. You can confirm your entries by visiting your ‘Handicap Record Sheet’ on the HNA system. If a score doesn’t show here, then it hasn’t been entered successfully, and you will have to resubmit it.
If you have submitted an incorrect score, your home club’s handicap administrator will be able to correct it.
Achieving an exceptional score
If your score differential is between 7.0 and 9.9 strokes better than your HI, you will have submitted an exceptional score, and the system will cut your HI by 1 stroke. If your score differential is equal to or greater than 10.0 strokes better than your HI, then the system will cut your HI by 2 strokes.
Checking up on your fellow players
Peer review is the handicap system’s main control measure. You can, and should, check the entries of golfers you play with, especially if you have a question in your mind about their ability when compared with their Handicap Index. You can do this via the Lookup Golfer function on the HNA app, terminal, or website.
Entering foreign rounds
You can and must enter scores for foreign courses that are not registered on our system. To do so, select the ‘Foreign Round’ option during Step 1 of the score-entry process.
Calling on all job seekers!
We have an exciting opening at HNA. If you have the skills and experience we’re looking for, we’d love to have you on our team. Please click HERE to learn more.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us at editor@handicaps.co.za if you have any handicap-related queries or questions.
Quote of the Month
‘Golf is like a love affair. If you don’t take it seriously, it’s no fun; if you do take it seriously, it breaks your heart.’ — Arthur Daley