A number of SCGA (Southern California Golf Association) clubs are using data from their competitions and/or pulling data from the USGA Admin Portal while doing research about their members to determine if any type of action is necessary to promote equitable competition and make sure that the Handicap Index® value is indicative of a golfer’s demonstrated ability. This aligns with the general requirements of Rule 7.1 and Appendix D from the Rules of Handicapping. The SCGA supports club handicap committees analyzing data, hoping that clubs realize that oddities can occur more frequently with a small sample size. Doing something like looking at the average differentials of certain score types, including focusing on competition scores, is acceptable. When a club sees a significant deviation in a specific score type in comparison to the Handicap Index this might warrant further investigation or potential action, like the modification of a Handicap Index. In addition, the USGA has implemented a Handicap Review tool, which adds to the ability to analyze data and includes a recommended amount of a Handicap Index adjustment if warranted.
We periodically run into clubs computing a value of some type, either based on score type, or local club competitions, or something similar, and not just using this for analysis, but for conducting a competition. For instance, we are aware of clubs where they will compute some number, compare it against the Handicap Index, and use the lower of the two values in their club competitions. Unfortunately, using some elements of the World Handicap System™ is in violation of the authorization requirements defined by the USGA and that the SCGA signs as an Allied Golf Association (AGA) with the USGA. Clubs must use all elements in the World Handicap System to remain in compliance. The USGA has pursued organizations, including clubs, that have attempted to utilize a "Tournament Index" or “Local Club Index” and required them to eliminate utilization or lose the ability to use the World Handicap System. The SCGA's agreement with the USGA requires us to enforce these policies and report violations to the USGA if we are not able to remedy them.
To reemphasize that point from the previous paragraph. The USGA and SCGA do not endorse or support an alternative “Index calculation” that uses some elements of the World Handicap System, which is then used by a club in its competitions. The World Handicap System is not made up of pick and choose options.
We want to support our member clubs in relation to handicapping, as we know this can be a difficult topic. If a club feels that something needs to be changed handicap wise for certain members, the SCGA strongly suggests that a club follows Rule 7.1 and Appendix D from the Rules of Handicapping, most likely modifying/adjusting the Handicap Index and that the action applies to the Handicap Index value itself. If a club feels that addressing a situation internally is the best remedy, then it is not upholding the tenets of Rule 1.3 regarding Golf Club/Handicap Committee responsibilities and guidance associated with Rule 7. If other clubs took a similar local only approach, there would be times where a player from another club, who has a lower local value, might negatively impact the equitable aspect of a competition. Similarly, if a club uses a local value and a member participates in an SCGA competition, we have no idea about that local value and use the Handicap Index. Clubs should desire to have a reputation for being transparent and proactive when it comes to the Handicap Index of their members. We want all clubs to do their part.
It has been our experience that some clubs feel enacting an internal/local value will not be perceived negatively by a member. Yet doing something like that impedes both the SCGA and the USGA from supporting the club in its actions, whereas if a club follows steps necessary to modify a Handicap Index both associations are able to assist and show legal precedent in support of the World Handicap System.
If a club wants to consider something for local play and the Course or Playing Handicap is used, it has that right, recognizing that some clubs have used the Knuth Point System or for those that subscribe, Cap Patrol. The Knuth Point System very clearly acknowledges that what is done is a modification to the Course or Playing Handicap, not to the Handicap Index, and there is no partial usage of any element of the World Handicap System – this point system is all based on where players place in competitions over time. Similar utilization is available for clubs that subscribe to the Cap Patrol program – modifying a Course or Playing Handicap, not the Handicap Index. If a club does do something “internal” it should be very clear in its terms of competition as to what these policies are so that participants are aware in advance of a competition what parameters are being used.
A term of competition where a club chooses to use the Low (LHI) or lowest Handicap Index over a certain time period is not consistent with the USGA’s recommendation that the (current) Handicap Index in effect on the date that a competition commences, but is not a violation of the System as this is not using a partial or different formula, just picking from a timeframe of Handicap Index calculations. We could discuss the LHI, by itself, in detail, with our position being that using the condition does not improve the equity of a competition.
We strongly encourage clubs to actively review members’ records and consider behind the scenes data analysis but ask that you focus on the Handicap Index as the key and universally accepted value. If you believe that there are potential improvements to the World Handicap System that should be considered for adoption, we are more than happy to discuss those ideas with you and potentially forward them to the USGA for consideration. A single, universal system is the real key for success locally, regionally, nationally, and worldwide.
