Handicaps Archive 2008
2008 saw changes to the Unified Handicapping System and to the Rules of Golf. Details are below.
Further information can be found on the CONGU and R&A websites.
Amendments to the Unified Handicapping System in 2008 Several amendments to the Unified Handicapping System came into effect from 1st January 2008. To ensure these changes are fully understood by our clubs, BLCGA Handicap Advisor, Heddwen Molloy, held seminars in January for Handicap Secretaries of the Bedfordshire clubs and up to 2 more of their handicap committees (3 in all per club) at:
Saturday 19th January at Bedford & County
Monday 21st January at South Beds.
The revision is the result of 4 years of consultation, discussion, trials and statistical reviews by the women’s and men’s national organisations.
The AIMS of the changes are to:-
a) Take account of changing needs of the modern game, e.g. Supplementary Scores (previously trailed) and 9 Hole Competitions.
b) Make the system more understandable and “user friendly”
c) I mprove compliance
d) Clarify the language e.g. difference between may, should, must etc.
e) Emphasize the “spirit & integrity” of the system as in the Rules of Golf
Key Changes
a) Some changes to definitions section and on the administrative side.
b) Handicap allowances in singles, foursomes and fourball matchplay were recommendations only – now mandatory. Greensomes will still be recommendation only.
c) In Open competitions, if there are more than 20 home players and more than 20 away players competing then a separate CSS will be calculated for each.
d) A stableford adjustment of strokeplay cards MUST be calculated whether or not 18 holes are completed. ELGA requires all Away Scores as well as scores returned in Open Competitions to be returned to all participating clubs.
e) There is a change of emphasis from General Play (previously Clause 19) to an Annual Review of Handicaps (now Clause 23). Performance should be assessed over the long term.
Other Points of Note
a) Players’ responsibility:
(i) A player MUST (not may) product a current, validated CONGU handicap certificate when required to do so. It must be “dated in the current year”.
(ii) Entering competitions. Before commencing on the day MUST ensure her entry has been registered.
b) Rules of Golf & Decisions on the Rules of Golf. New, revised books will be in the clubs any time now. We would strongly recommend that you purchase copies of the Decisions book and keep them readily available for reference.
Rules of Golf – Changes as from 1st January 2008
a) Players will now be allowed to lift their ball to identify it in a hazard. Following on from this, they will no longer be exempt from penalty for playing a wrong ball from a hazard.
b) Several penalties have been amended from 2 strokes to 1 stroke e.g. Rule 19-2. If a ball in motion is deflected or stopped by a player, partner, caddy or equipment it will now be a 1 stroke penalty BOTH for STROKEPLAY AND MATCHPLAY i.e. no longer loss of hole in matchplay.
c) Rule 24-1 Movable Obstruction This has been amended to allow a flagstick, whether attended, removed or held up to be moved when the ball is in motion.