The 2019 rules change regarding maximum score on a hole, together with the HNA December Handicap Newsletter, may have unfortunately created some confusion regarding the maximum score allowed on a hole for handicap purposes.
As per the GolfRSA Handicap Manual, the current South African Handicap Rule on the Maximum Score allowed on a hole for handicap purposes is as follows:
“The maximum score on a hole for handicap score entry is 2 over par, except if a player has two handicap strokes on a hole in which case the maximum score allowed for that hole is 3 over par.”
The new Rules of Golf, effective 1 January 2019, recommends for stroke play competitions:
- A player’s score for each hole is capped at a maximum set by the Committee, which may be fixed (such as 6, 8, 10, etc), relative to par (such as two times par or triple bogey), or related to the player’s handicap (such as net double bogey).
- A player who does not complete a hole (often referred to informally as “picking up”) will not be disqualified, but simply gets the maximum score for the hole.
The World Handicap System is only set to be introduced globally on 1 January 2020 and will specify the maximum score on a hole to be Net Double Bogey (net two over par, zero Stableford points).
Until then, there is no change to the maximum score allowed on a hole in South Africa.
Good day,
Please clarify the following example:
1) A player has a handicap of 19
What score must he enter for handicap purposes if he blow out stoke 1 hole – par 4 with 9 shots ?
2) Player with handicap 38
What score should he enter if he blow out stroke 1-par 4 hole with 9 shots ?
Hi Johan, in scenario 1 the player must record an 8. In scenario 2, a 9.
i am a 10 handicap, if i make a 7 on a par 4 number the number 1 stroke hole, what is my score
Hi Mike. You would have to submit a 7 for handicap purposes.
What is your opinion if your club discards the % system and everybody in club comp. Plays off 100% of handicap .is that fair and acceptable?
Hi John, The decision to use the handicap allowances, such as playing off a percentage of handicap, is ultimately up to each individual golf club. While the World Handicap System provides recommendations for handicap allowances, clubs have the flexibility to determine their own competition allowances.
It’s important to consider that handicap allowances are designed to create fair and equitable competition by adjusting handicaps based on the difficulty of the course and the format of play. While playing at 100% of handicap may simplify the competition format, it may not fully account for variations in course difficulty and player skill levels.