Perform Handicap Reviews

Recommendations for Handicap Index adjustments based on statistical data contained in the scoring record is available through the club’s administrative tool. These recommendations are provided using the probability for the scores posted and can be used by the Handicap Committee as part of their review. Whether to apply any adjustments remains solely at the discretion of the Handicap Committee after taking into consideration any other knowledge the Committee has relating to the player’s demonstrated ability.

It is recommended that the Handicap Committee perform a club-wide handicap review at least once every 365 days. This should be facilitated via use of the USGA Handicap Review Tool that will automatically identify players with certain scoring anomalies and provide recommended Handicap Index adjustments and supporting data, where appropriate. Handicap reviews can also be conducted for individual players at any time upon request. The purpose of the review is for the Handicap Committee to make certain the Handicap Index of the player is representative of their demonstrated ability.

The Committee should pay particular attention to any scores on a player’s scoring record that have been brought to the Handicap Committee’s attention by other members or players. This can be accomplished via peer review or through reporting tools available in the handicap software. The handicap review process should consider the data provided by the USGA, its recommended Handicap Index adjustment, and any other evidence the Handicap Committee may have to support or dispute any recommended actions.

Additional information the Handicap Committee may want to consider during a handicap review includes, but is not limited to:

  • How did the player perform in competitions?
  • Did the player have an illness or injury during the year?
  • Are scores being posted in a timely manner?
  • Have there been significant changes to the course most frequently played which may have impacted the fluctuation in the player’s scoring record?
  • Is the player applying the Rules of Handicapping procedure for net double bogey appropriately?
  • Did the player’s home Score Differentials vary drastically from their away Score Differentials?
  • Did the player have any of the WHS safeguards applied during the year (e.g., ESR or cap)?
    • The Handicap Committee should review a player who has multiple exceptional score reductions (ESR) or if a single score produces a -2.0 ESR. A single ESR of -2.0 may indicate the player posted an incorrect score.