Adjusting Scores Section I Incomplete Holes or Conceded Strokes
If you pick up on a hole or are conceded a stroke, record the score you most likely would have made. It is the number of strokes (including penalty strokes) taken thus far, plus the number of strokes it will take to complete the hole from that point. An "X" should precede the score on the scorecard. I played a hole like a champ in only 4 strokes but Woodstock was left with a putt for a 6 from 15 feet away so I conceded his putt to him. Therefore, Woodstock would record an X-7 on the card. He had taken 5 strokes already and would have needed two more strokes to finish the hole. Pretty simple, just record what you think you might have made on the hole. (See sample scorecard).
Holes Not Played
When a hole isn't played, your score for the hole is par, plus any handicap strokes to which you're entitled, based on your full Course Handicap. This also applies to any hole that you do not play by the Rules of Golf. For example, when I beat Woodstock in our match on the 17th hole, if we hadn't played the 18th hole, I would have written down an X-5 for me and an X-6 for Woodstock for the hole not played (See sample scorecard) .
Equitable Stroke Control
Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) keeps an exceptionally bad hole from changing your Handicap Index too much. For example, I occasionally make a mess of a water hole and wind up playing the hole like a hound. In cases like this, Equitable Stroke Control is used to adjust my score back into its normal range.
Equitable Stroke Control sets a maximum number that a player can post on any hole depending on the player's Course Handicap.
For Handicap purposes, after the round you are required to adjust your hole scores (actual or probable) when they are higher than your maximum number you can post.
All scores, including tournament scores, are adjusted for ESC. There is no limit to the number of holes on which you can adjust your score.
Adjust Your Scores With Equitable Stroke Control
18 Hole Course Handicap
Maximum Score on any Hole
9 or less
Double Bogey
10 through 19
7
20 through 29
8
30 through 39
9
40 and above
10
It takes just a few seconds to scan your scorecard once you know how the system applies to you. Just look at the sample scorecard to see how Woodstock and I did it. My maximum is 7, so I adjusted my total score by one when posting.
