Firstly, and for information only, the following is a demonstration of how “CLUB” handicaps are worked out.

Gross score = number of strokes - Standard Scratch
Adjusted Gross Score = Gross Score - hole adjustments (ie. you only count max net double bogey)
The following golf categories are then used:










So, for example the following applies:
Determine the Rounds Net Score. E.g. Gross Score - Current Golf Handicap
Determine what category this Golfer falls into based on current handicap
If net score is greater than Golfers Category Buffer Zone then simply add 0.1 to Golfers Handicap.
If Net Score Ranges from 0 to Buffer Zone the handicap is then unchanged.
If Net Score is negative then for each shot less than 0, the Golfers Handicap is reduced by the amount specified by the category he/she is currently in.
EXAMPLE
Your starting handicap of 24 puts you in Category 4. Following are the adjustments made to your handicap based on subsequent rounds submitted.










So if that isn’t confusing enough, we’ll now explain how our Society Handicap system will work.

As above, you will be placed into a category, depending on your current handicap.
Instead of using gross score for the calculation, your Stableford score will be used.
Your Stableford Score will be compared to a “target stableford score”which is generated for that particular day.
This target score will be calculated using a combination of the par for the course, the standard scratch score for the course, and the average of the percentage of the scores produced on the day. In some cases the target may also be modified due to general playing conditions.

Therefore, after the target score has been calculated:
If your points score is above the target, your handicap will be reduced by the appropriate amount ”per shot” above the target. Ie, if you score 3 points above the target and you are in category 3, your handicap will be reduced by 3 x 0.3 = 0.9
If your points score is below the target, but within the buffer zone, your handicap will remain the same.
If your points score is below the target and the relevant buffer zone, your handicap will increase by 0.6 (per round, not per shot) Note that this is a higher value than that detailed in the “club” system detailed above.










In addition, there will also be a small penalty for not playing in a Society Competition ie non-attendance of a Society Day (as we cannot evaluate any potential progress) and your handicap will be adjusted by 0.2 for each Society Day missed.

One thing to note is that as your handicap is reduced you get a couple of benefits:
     Your buffer zone is reduced, which means it is “easier” to get shots back.
      Your “reduction per shot” is reduced.
So, it’s not all bad news.

Now onto the “exciting” part and your new handicaps for 2010.
“But how did you calculate our new handicaps?” We here you ask!

Well we’ll tell you!

Andrew has generated a spreadsheet containing everyone’s society day scores from last year (10 rounds). He then added 4 shots to everyone’s handicap (to provide more realistic handicaps), and calculated the theoretical scores for round 1.
Using these new scores, the handicaps were adjusted using the new system, and then theoretical scores generated for round 2. This continued for all 10 rounds, and thus the new handicaps are born. We do hope you like them.

Please be aware that your playing handicap will be rounded. Ie. If your actual handicap is 22.4 your playing handicap will be 22; if your actual is 22.5 your playing handicap will be 23. You will ONLY be given your playing handicap, not your actual handicap.

Also be aware that the maximum handicap is currently 36, but this will reduce after a few games, and 34 by the end of the season. So it’s up to you high handicappers to get some practice in.

So, everyone has been given shots back and hopefully you will feel that you now have a realistic handicap. It’s now up to everyone to practice, improve and get your handicaps back down to 2009 levels.

Good luck and happy golfing