Two basic premises underlie the World Handicap System, namely that each player will try to make the best score at every hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played, and that the player will post every acceptable round for peer review. The player and the player's Handicap Committee have joint responsibility for adhering to these premises.
Posting scores in person immediately following the round at the course where the round is played is the preferred way to expose scores to peer review. If a player fails to post a score, the Handicap Committee may post the score without the player's authorization. After a competition, the Committee in charge of the competition may post the scores of all competitors. The Committee must notify the players that it will post the scores in order to prevent scores from being posted by both the players and the Committee.
It is advisable to send a notice to members before the season starts in order to outline the World Handicap System, to stress the importance of reporting all acceptable scores and to report the Handicap Committee's policies.
If a player fails to post an acceptable score as soon as practical after completion of the round, the Handicap Committee has three options:
The Handicap Committee is not required to notify the player prior to posting a penalty score.
The Handicap Committee has the responsibility of making certain that each player has a Handicap Index reflecting potential ability. Under the following circumstances, it will be necessary for the Handicap Committee to adjust the player's Handicap Index. However, the following list is not all-inclusive, and a Handicap Committee has the ultimate authority to adjust a Handicap Index under any circumstance that it feels necessary to do so. Before an adjustment becomes effective, the Handicap Committee must give the player an opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the proposed adjustment, either in writing or by appearing before the Committee. When an adjustment does become effective, it must be identified with the letter M, indicating that the Handicap Committee has modified the Handicap Index (e.g., 4.9M).
Player Manipulates Round
The Handicap Committee must adjust or withdraw the Handicap Index of a player who manipulates scores. (See Rule 8-4f.) Examples of manipulating scores include the following:
Continued violations of Appendix A.
The Handicap Committee is responsible for identifying and notifying a player who regularly violates any provision within Appendix A that such rounds are unacceptable for handicap purposes. If the player persists in violating clause(s) within Appendix A after being notified by the Handicap Committee, the Handicap Committee is authorized and encouraged to consider withdrawal of the player's Handicap Index.
The Handicap Committee must determine how long a player's Handicap Index is to remain modified or withdrawn. The Handicap Committee should routinely compare the modified Handicap Index to the value determined by the normal computation method. For example, the Handicap Committee may lift a modified Handicap Index of 4.9M, when subsequent scores posted to a player's scoring record produce a lower Handicap Index (e.g., 4.0).
The Handicap Committee must withdraw the Handicap Index of a player who repeatedly fails to meet the player responsibilities under the World Handicap System. Before any action is taken, the player must be advised of the information available to the Handicap Committee and be invited to respond to the Handicap Committee either in writing or by appearing in person. A withdrawn Handicap Index may be reinstated under conditions set forth by the Handicap Committee.
Sample Letter Applying Rule 7.1a – Resetting the Handicap Index
[Written on Club Stationery]
[Date]
Dear [Player Name],
After performing a review of your scoring record, the Handicap Committee has determined that your Handicap Index® is not reflective of your demonstrated ability.
In accordance with Rule 7.1a of the Rules of Handicapping, we have determined an adjustment to your Handicap Index is warranted due to [state reason – incapacitating injury, lack of score submissions, improvement of play following lessons, etc.].
In the interest of fair play, your Handicap Index will be adjusted to a [e.g., 7.6M]. Before the adjustment becomes effective, you may appeal to the Handicap Committee either by letter or in person by [date]. If the Handicap Committee does not receive a response either in writing or verbally from you or determines that the reasons for adjustment are still valid, the adjusted Handicap Index will become effective on [date].
As new scores are posted, your Handicap Index will be updated accordingly thus allowing you to play out of the adjustment. The Handicap Committee will continue to review your scoring record to determine whether further action is required, or if the adjustment remains appropriate. In the meantime, please continue to post all acceptable scores and observe all aspects of the Rules of Handicapping.
Sincerely,
Handicap Committee