Why will scores made while playing alone no longer be eligible for handicap purposes?

Peer Review is a key principle of the Golf Canada Handicap System and these changes have been made in part to support this.  This change helps golfers form a better basis to support or dispute scores that have been posted to a player’s scoring record, which in turn assists with the integrity of the Handicap System.

The majority of handicapping authorities around the globe have employed this policy for some time. With them, Golf Canada believes it provides a more accurate view of a golfer’s ability, supporting integrity, fairness and equitable play among all golfers.

What constitutes not playing alone?

As long as someone accompanies the player during the round (e.g., fellow competitor, opponent, caddie, marker for a tournament, friend riding along in a cart) the player is not playing alone.

How can you stop me from posting my scores for handicap purposes if I do play alone?

The Handicap System has always relied on:

• golfers to post their scores in accordance with handicap system procedures
• golfers having the ability to review their fellow club members scores and handicap
• Club Handicap Committee to fulfill its duties and responsibilities (help maintain the system at the club).

This decision doesn’t change any of those requirements going forward – those pieces are key to the successful implementation of the Handicap System at any club.

How many holes can a player play alone to post the score?

Section 5-1 Acceptability of Scores in the Golf Canada Handicap Manual states the minimum number of holes that need to be played in accordance with the Rules of Golf for a score to be posted. This Rule holds true for the number of holes,  at least seven holes for a nine-hole score or 13 holes for 18-hole score, a player must be accompanied for a round to be acceptable for score posting.

For holes played alone (not accompanied), the player would treat these as not played under the Rules of Golf and post according to “par plus” any handicap strokes the player is entitled to receive.

(For more information, see Section 4-2).

Note: If a player plays nearly all holes accompanied but just a few alone, the holes played alone are determined using “par plus,” keeping in mind the maximum that can be played alone in a round eligible for posting is two holes for a 9-hole score and five holes for an 18-hole score. Some examples would be starting out alone and joining up with a player(s), or starting out accompanied and finishing the round alone.

I thought this was a game of honour and integrity which includes trust. This rule seems to go against that tradition of the game, it seems I’m presumed guilty if I play alone?

Golf Canada supports strengthening Peer Review in Handicapping – when scores are attested it adds to the integrity and credibility of the handicap system and Handicaps being issued.

Playing golf with others affords the benefit of having someone who can testify to your ability and acknowledge the accuracy of your Handicap when you happen to play that once-in-a-lifetime round to win an event.

Why the change/reversal by Golf Canada on the ‘rounds played alone’ position?

After much thought and discussion among our Board of Directors, our Handicap Committee, and after consultation with the USGA, Golf Canada now better understands all of the reasons and big-picture considerations that led to the adoption of the new rule regarding unaccompanied rounds.

Therefore, we have concluded that it is in the best interests of the game for Golf Canada to move towards adoption of all the new 2016 Handicap Rules, including the rule on unaccompanied rounds.

Isn’t one of your mandates to grow the game and be more inclusive? How does this decision support your mandates as it seems exclusive not inclusive?

This decision was twofold:

• to enhance “Peer Review” and thereby adding to the Integrity and credibility of the Handicap System
• to allow Golf Canada to be more aligned worldwide where the majority of rounds played alone are not accepted for handicapping purposes.

To be inclusive, Golf Canada is keenly interested in encouraging all golfers to maintain and post all of their scores. As such Golf Canada is working towards a solution to allow unaccompanied rounds to be entered into our Score Centre, so that golfers can continue to track their statistics, with the full knowledge that they will be excluded from the calculation of an Official Handicap.

Related Links

• Golf Canada’s position on 2016 Handicap System changes
• Changes to Golf Canada’s Handicap System for 2016 released
• Solo play: a global perspective
• Reference document

St. Andrews, Scotland – The R&A is conducting an industry forum in St Andrews this week to examine the issues surrounding pace of play and the time it takes to play golf.

The Time for Golf conference, which is taking place today and tomorrow, will bring together representatives of national affiliated bodies with figures from some of the key organisations involved in administering the sport to discuss factors such as the golf course, management and player behaviour.

Dale Jackson, chair of Golf Canada’s Rules Commitee, is there representing Canada.

The conference follows on from the results of an extensive pace of play survey conducted by The R&A between September 2014 and March 2015 that attracted more than 56,000 responses from 127 countries.

Among the key findings of the survey were that, while 70% of golfers are largely satisfied with the duration of their rounds, 60% expressed the view that they would enjoy golf more if they played in less time.

The forum is part of The R&A’s ongoing effort to identify ways to reduce the time it takes to play golf, and will provide an opportunity for industry partners to contribute their views and discuss potential solutions. One of the initial outcomes of the conference will be a set of guidelines on ways to improve pace of play that delegates will help finalize before distribution in spring 2016.

“We know that the time it takes to play golf is one of the barriers preventing many people from getting involved in the sport,” said Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A.

“It isn’t a problem that we can solve overnight, but it is clear that we must focus on making golf more enjoyable to play and watch. The Time for Golf conference is an opportunity to bring together representatives from some of the key organizations around the world to identify potential changes that can be made to improve the experience of playing golf, spectating at a live event or viewing the sport on television.”

The results of The R&A pace of play survey are available for download here.

Golf Canada’s Level 4 rules of golf seminars consists of a combination of classroom theory and interactive sessions furthering your understanding of the practical application of tournament officiating. In order to take full advantage of the curriculum, participants are expected to have a good understanding of the Rules of Golf and must be level 3 certified.

To see if you qualify and to learn more about our level 4 Rules of Golf Seminars, click here.

Registration is now open.  Click here to register.

2016 Golf Canada Level 4 Rules of Golf Seminars:

Level 4 is the pinnacle of our Rules Education Pathway (national certification) and we encourage everyone passionate about golf to gain some level of Rules knowledge.

Our Rules Education Program is designed for anyone wishing to learn the Rules of Golf including recreational golfers, competitive golfers, professionals and rules officials. Whether you have an interest in learning the basics to further your enjoyment of the game or you are setting your sights on national certification, Golf Canada’s four-level program is tailored to suit everyone’s goals.

Provincial associations conduct the Level 3 seminars (Provincial Certification). For more information on level 3 seminars in your area, visit the provincial links by clicking here.

And, if you want to get your Rules Education started with our online rules education program, click here.

Click here to view the Rules Education Pathway (PDF), a document which shows how you can progress from a rules beginner to officiating highly competitive golf events.

Due to the widespread use of an anchored putting stroke at both the professional and amateur levels, golf’s governing bodies felt that the challenges inherent within the game of golf needed to be preserved. The principles of the Rules, and specifically Rule 14, state that the ball must be fairly struck. The intention of the rule is that players must freely swing the club when striking the ball. Ultimately, anchoring enables players to physically “attach” the club to their bodies, thus gaining an advantage by providing support and stability.

Much consideration went into the wording and timeline that would lead to prohibiting an ‘anchored’ stroke. There was an unprecedented 90-day comment period for the proposed Rule 14- 1b, which allowed all stakeholders to provide feedback.

After all was said and done, May 20, 2013 marked the official announcement to approve Rule 14-1b. The extended period for implementation was agreed upon by all parties to ensure that golfers at all levels had enough time to adapt their method of stroke to the requirements of the rule.

The new Rule will come into effect on January 1, 2016, in accordance with the regular four-year cycle for changes to the Rules of Golf.

Currently, Rule 14-1 of the Rules of Golf does not have any subsections but it will be re-numbered as Rule 14-1a. The new Rule 14-1b will be as follows:

14-1B ANCHORING THE CLUB

In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either “directly” or by use of an “anchor point.”

NOTE 1: The club is anchored “directly” when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm.

NOTE 2: An “anchor point” exists when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.

DEFINING ANCHOR POINT:

The use of ‘anchor point’ within this rule is to prevent the player from using a forearm as an indirect means of creating the same effect as holding the club or a gripping hand against the body. Ultimately, holding a forearm against the body stabilizes a gripping hand on the club (stable point) and allows the hands to work independently of each other.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Rule 14-1b is not an equipment rule. Belly-length and so-called “broom handle” putters are still allowed, provided such clubs are not anchored during a stroke and conform to the Rules of Golf.

For more information about Rule 14-1b, please visit golfcanada.ca/rules-of-golf

Oakville, Ont. – As golf’s governing body in Canada, Golf Canada, in conjunction with the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA), announce the new revisions to the Rules of Golf for 2016.

In accordance with the Joint Rules Committee’s four-year review cycle of the Rules of Golf, the new changes came into effect January 1, 2016.

Along with the R&A and USGA, Golf Canada holds a unique position as the only other governing body that sits on the Joint Rules Committee which carries out the quadrennial review of the Rules of Golf. Golf’s governing bodies are committed to ensure the rules are constantly evolving and relevant to today’s game.

Among the most significant of the changes in the 2016 edition of the Rules are the following:

• Withdrawal of Rule on Ball Moving After Address – Rule 18-2b (Ball at Rest Moved by Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment) has been withdrawn. This means that if a ball at rest moves after the player addresses it, the player is no longer automatically deemed to have caused the ball to move. A one-stroke penalty under Rule 18-2 will be applied only when the facts show that the player has caused the ball to move.

• Limited Exception to Disqualification Penalty for Submission of Incorrect Score Card – A new exception has been introduced to Rule 6-6d (Wrong Score for Hole) to provide that a player is not disqualified for returning a lower score for a hole than actually taken as a result of failing to include penalty strokes that the player did not know were incurred before returning the score card. Instead, the player incurs the penalty under the Rule that was breached and must add an additional penalty of two strokes for the score card error. In all other cases in which a player returns a score for any hole lower than actually taken, the penalty will continue to be disqualification.

• Modification of Penalty for a Single Impermissible Use of Artificial Devices or Equipment – The penalty for a player’s first breach of Rule 14-3 (Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and Abnormal Use of Equipment) during the round has been reduced from disqualification to loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play. The penalty for any subsequent breach of Rule 14-3 will continue to be disqualification.

• Prohibition on Anchoring the Club While Making a Stroke – As announced in May 2013, the new Rule 14-1b (Anchoring the Club) prohibits anchoring the club either “directly” or by use of an “anchor point” in making a stroke. The penalty is loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play.

“As the game evolves, the rules need to stay current and every aspect of the game was reviewed during this exhaustive four-year review cycle by the Joint Rules Committee,” said Adam Helmer, Golf Canada’s Director of Rules, Competitions, and Amateur Status. “The ultimate goal when developing a single set of rules for all golfers around the world is to make the game more equitable under all playing conditions, and the feeling is that the 2016 Rules of Golf accomplished that goal.”

The 2016 publication has been designed, published and presented jointly by golf’s governing bodies. The book is reproduced in 36 official languages and distributed to millions of golfers around the world.

Golf Canada has the exclusive right to govern, publish and distribute the Rules of Golf throughout Canada. As the National Sport Federation, Golf Canada will also produce a French edition of the Rules of Golf.

The Rules of Amateur Status also underwent revisions in conjunction with the changes to the Rules of Golf.

Notable changes to the 2016 Rules of Amateur Status include:

• Prize Money to Charity – New Rule 3-1b enables an amateur golfer to participate in an event where prize money or its equivalent is donated to a recognized charity, provided the approval of the governing body is first obtained in advance by the organizer.
• Golf-Related Expenses – New Rule 4-3 clarifies that an amateur golfer may receive reasonable expenses, not exceeding actual expenses incurred, for non-competition golf-related activities.  Former Rule 4-3 becomes Rule 4-4.
• Reinstatement to Amateur Status – The recommended guidelines on periods awaiting reinstatement are amended to provide that a period in breach of the Rules of up to six years (previously up to five years) should result in a period awaiting reinstatement of one year.

For the full text of the 2016 Rules of Amateur Status, please click here.

Golf Canada will publish English and French copies of the 2016 Rules of Golf, available January 1, 2016. The companion publication to the Rules of Golf, Decisions on the Rules of Golf will also be available January 1, 2016.

You can order a printed copy of the 2016 version of the Rules of Golf on Golf Canada’s e-store.

More information about the Rules of Golf and Golf Canada’s Rules Education Program, please click here.

On this side of the pond, we’re very concerned about score for some reason. I don’t know when that became the norm, but we would do well to flip this thought and consider some great alternate forms of play on a regular basis. Want to have more fun? Try Match Play, Stableford, or combine both in a four-ball whether that be Stroke Play, Stableford or Match Play! No idea what we’re referring to, or why these are cool? Read on.

MATCH PLAY:

The beauty of this game is only understood by playing it. In Match Play, each hole is a game in itself, and a hole is won by the side that completes the hole in the fewest strokes. When applying the Handicap System to Match Play events, the lowest net score wins the hole. Generally, a match is won by the side leading by a number of holes greater than the number of holes remaining. In singles match play, Golf Canada recommends using 100 per cent of the course handicap (CH). The percentage is known as a Handicap Allowance, and allowances exist to provide equity in handicapped events. The higher-handicapped player receives the full difference in Course Handicap between the two players; and the lower-handicapped player plays from scratch (0). At Golf Canada we receive an extraordinary number of inquiries about Match Play, and the two most frequent questions asked are:

1. An alternate allowance is being used in singles Match Play (75 to 80 per cent); and
2. Each player in the match should take their full CH, and not bother applying the difference between the two players (each player takes their strokes as they would fall).

Although it is certainly up to a Committee conducting an official competition to determine allowances, we use this example when responding to singles match play allowances: If 80 per cent is taken, a 1 handicapper becomes a 0.8 which rounds to 1, and 80 per cent of a 30 handicapper is 24 (6 strokes less). Does that setup really provide equity? Second, in singles matches, it is not permissible to allow each player to use their handicap and apply it fully to the allocation table. This is because the majority of handicap stroke holes are established to maximize the number of halved holes in a match by assigning strokes where higher handicapped players most need them. If matches are conducted by taking full CR, the lower handicapped player has a slightly greater advantage, and the result is more holes won on those higher stroke holes by the lower handicapped player. That’s a fact, and you’ll have to trust that some very smart people set up the system for equity, and differing substantially from their recommendation breaks the model down (and believe me these guys have run serious statistical data modelling to base their decisions from).

As a quick aside, there are some unique Match Play formats that allow you to play your partner’s ball, or take a total score for your team on each hole. I recommend reading Section 9-4 of the Golf Canada Manual that outlines many formats/games in detail.

STABLEFORD:

Our friends in Australia use Stableford more than any other golfing nation. Scoring is simple, points are awarded in relation to a fixed score (usually par or net par) on each hole. Points are accumulated and the highest point total at the end of the round wins. Have a look at the table for the point breakdown.

An alternative is Modified Stableford, which the PGA TOUR has glamourized, that uses the following point system:

• Double Eagle: 8 pts
• Eagle: 5 Pts
• Birdie: 2 Pts
• Par: 0 Pts
• Bogey: -1 Pt
• Double Bogey or higher: -3 Pts.

FOUR-BALL:

Would you like a partner to help out once in a while? If yes, then this is your game. Four-Ball is also known as “Better Ball” where you and your partner both play your own ball but the lowest score between partners counts for the team. At times, you’ll find having a partner to rely on a relief, and you may even putt a little bolder knowing you have a backup. Partnered events are great for strategy, camaraderie and fun. And, a four-ball game can be played as stroke play or match play. Fourball is a fairly popular format played in Member/Guest events.

What’s the coolest thing about playing Stableford, Match Play, Four-Ball games, or combining them? For one, these forms play fast (that’s a fact). Think about it, you don’t have to grind out a messy hole for a high score. If you aren’t able to score any points or better your competitors or partners score, just pick your ball up knowing you start fresh on the next hole. That equates to a good pace of play (in competitions or fun play). For clubs struggling to get participation in some of your Club Championships, especially in higher handicapped flights, try using Stableford; it will help participation/sign-ups. Second, we believe new golfers and higher handicapped golfers will appreciate being introduced to these partnered formats. They certainly won’t feel as much pressure or intimidation knowing they have a partner to rely on, or that they could pick up their ball with no real harm.

Let’s start a movement towards team play and match play. In one of your upcoming rounds, try one of these formats or make a push to try it at your club, league, men’s/women’s night. We think it will add to the enjoyment of your round. These games are all used on Tours in one shape or form whether it’s in the PGA TOUR’s President’s Cup, LPGA’s Solheim Cup, or the Ryder Cup. Don’t those players look like they’re having fun?

When asked for my ‘Handicap’, how should I answer? Have you ever been asked on the golf course: “what’s your handicap?” Responses vary.  Some say: “a bad 8,” or “a happy 14,” or joke, “my whole game.” My personal favourite is the following reply: “I’m a 22.9 and willing to engage in any friendly wager”!

Golf certainly lacks clarity in some of its definitions.  You don’t have to look far: how about club or golf club, do you mean the club I belong to and where I play my golf, or the weapons I use to damage and advance the ball with?  Handicap is another term that has multiple meanings in golf.  It can refer to a Course Handicap or it can refer to a Handicap Factor (in the United States, this is known as Index).  The term handicap has been around for ages; its origins generally relate to odds making (and yes that usually means wagering) in several sports, but none so deeply as horse racing and golf.

First, let’s look at the two terms. Then, we’ll define them and explain their meanings to clear up any misconceptions and confusion.  A Handicap Factor is Golf Canada’s service mark that indicates a measurement of a player’s potential ability on a course of standard playing difficulty.  It is expressed as a number taken to one decimal place (e.g. 19.4); this number is then used for conversion to a Course Handicap.  There are a couple of items worth exploring here:

1. Potential scoring ability in a Handicap Factor calculation, we only use a certain number of LOW scores, and for most avid handicappers, it’s the better half of your most recent 20 scores. Many assume it’s an average of all your scores, but that’s not true.
2. The conversion to a Course Handicap. A Course Handicap is Golf Canada’s mark that indicates the number of handicap strokes a player receives from a specific set of tees at the course being played to adjust the player’s scoring ability to the level of scratch golfer or 0-handicap golf. A Course Handicap is determined by applying the player’s Handicap Factor to a Course Handicap Table or Course Handicap Formula. Check out Golf Canada’s App that does this for you automatically: www.golfcanada.ca/mobile; this is the conversion process.

Herein lies the beauty of the Golf Canada Handicap System.  From course to course, even tee to tee, your Handicap Factor “travels” with you and the system allows you to still have a fair and equitable match/ game NO MATTER the ability of the players involved.  The higher the slope rating the more strokes the higher handicapped player simply receives.

One final thought.  I know some leagues love to cook up their own version, and believe they’ve created the perfect Handicap system—even making claims to have eliminated sandbagging.  I’m not picking on any of them, but it would take a small dissertation to explain why alternative methods aren’t better than tracking and using a Golf Canada Handicap Factor.  Unfortunately, there just isn’t enough space here.  Any club, group or league properly administering the Golf Canada Handicap System experiences its benefits; all other versions are simply pretenders.

I hope this clears up any confusion and that you can educate some of your playing partners on the difference between Handicap Factor (transportable number) and Course Handicap that which you are awarded that day for that course and tee. The next time someone asks you “what’s your Handicap” you can provide a detailed answer.

With summer just around the corner, many courses are completing spring maintenance to prepare for the busy season ahead. The grounds crews at golf courses around the world work tirelessly to have their courses in prime condition for golfers and tournament play. The Etiquette section in the Rules of Golf aims to assist maintenance departments and help in caring for the course; the rules serve as guidelines for play and are not there to penalize players.

Decision 1-2/07 provides guidance on the meaning of ‘sole purpose of caring for the course’ in respect to Rule 1-2:

Decision 1-2/0.7

“The phrase “sole purpose of caring for the course” in the Exception refers to the performance of acts that are encouraged in the Etiquette Section of the Rules of Golf provided they are taken at the appropriate time and manner permitted by the Rules. The provisions of Rule 1-2 do not prevent a player from taking acts that conform with the Etiquette Section, so long as the player does so for the sole purpose of caring for the course and without intentionally influencing the movement of a ball, or the physical conditions affecting play, of a player in the player’s group or match.”

One of the more popular questions we are asked is whether a player whose ball lies in a bunker is allowed to rake footprints near the ball before playing his shot. The Rules of Golf book touches on ‘Care of the Course’ in the Etiquette Section, and simply put, it encourages all players to rake their footprints (and nearby footprints made by others) before leaving a bunker.

In this situation, the player will not be penalized if his purpose for raking footprints is for the sole purpose of caring for the course. However, doing so on the player’s line of play to affect his stance, the lie of the ball or the area of his intended swing will result in a penalty.

The game of golf relies on players conducting themselves in a respectful, disciplined manner. It is important to remember that the course must also be respected.  Whether made during the normal course of play, in practice or otherwise, players should avoid causing damage to the course by replacing divots – no matter when or how they are created.

Although caring for the course is encouraged by the Rules of Golf, a player must ensure their actions do not breach the following Rules:

• Rule 1-2 Exerting Influence on Movement of Ball or Altering Physical Conditions
• Rule 13-4 Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions

Putting greens are no different. This video demonstrates the effect your shoes can have on your competitors and the course itself. Don’t forget to respect the game and the course whenever you play.

Since the first known set of rules, “Articles and Laws in Playing at Golf,” written in 1744 for a tournament at Leith Links, a lot has changed, but a few key principles are still part of this great game.  The language in these original 13 rules relate to order of play, outside interference, and the stroke and distance penalty for the loss of a ball; they still have some similar elements with today’s official rules.

To illustrate, here are a few of the original 13 rules, copied verbatim:

If you should lose your ball, by its being taken up, or any other way, you are to go back to the spot, where you struck last, and drop another ball, and allow your adversary a stroke for the misfortune.

If a ball be stopp’d by any person, Horse, Dog, or anything else, the ball so stop’d must be play’d where it lyes.

He whose ball lyes farthest from the hole is obliged to play first.

Aside from these similarities, the rules have transformed and evolved over the last few centuries, just like the equipment and the courses.  See below for some of the most dramatic rule changes.

Teeing ground

In the beginning, the player had to tee their ball within a club-length of the hole.  With all the attention on pace of play these days, imagine how slow the game would be if groups had to wait until the group ahead teed off on the next hole?  This one club-length stipulation soon turned into two and four club-lengths respectively, until it finally became a separate area away from the hole on the putting green in 1875.

Current wording in today’s Rules of Golf: The “teeing ground” is the starting place for the hole to be played.  It is a rectangular area two club lengths in depth, the front and the sides of which are defined by the outside limits of two tee-markers.  A ball is outside the teeing ground when all of it lies outside the teeing ground.

The course and putting green

For a long time, the term green meant the entire course.  Putting green wasn’t even contemplated in the rules until 1812, and not truly defined until 1815, which stated that it was the area within 15 yards of the hole.  The area around the hole was sometimes called hole green or table-land by many with reference to the area we now call a putting green.  This area wasn’t even specially prepared for putting and was not distinct from the rest of the course until a separate teeing ground came into use.

Current wording in today’s Rules of Golf: The course is now defined as the “whole area within any boundaries established by the Committee.”  The putting green is now defined as “all ground of the hole being played that is specially prepared for putting or otherwise defined as such by the Committee.”

The stymie

The stymie was finally eliminated in 1952.  Previously, in singles match play, you were essentially playing defence against your opponent if your ball was on the green and directly in an opponent’s path – hence the term stymied!  Before it was abolished, there were variations that contemplated provisions that a ball could be lifted if it was within six inches of each other.  After that, the wording changed to say the owner may lift the ball if they felt it may be of advantage to the other player, or ‘throughout the green’ a player could have any ball lifted that might interfere with his stroke. You won’t be stymied anymore, but there is a trace of this rule in match play stating that there is no penalty on the putting green if a player’s ball strikes an opponent’s ball.  In stroke play, the player incurs a two-stroke penalty if both balls lay on the putting green and your ball strikes your fellow-competitor’s ball.

Dropping the ball

We’ve not only seen the method of dropping the ball incorrectly by the world’s best golfers, some of them also get confused on where to drop.  The first procedure for dropping a ball came in 1754.  If a player’s ball entered a hazard, you were at liberty to throw it at least six yards behind the hazard.  Many years later, a principle that originated in 1858 and which still exists today, allowed a player to drop on a line from the hole behind the hazard.

One of the most iconic dropping procedures was introduced in 1908, which stated that the player “shall face the hole, stand erect, and drop the ball behind him over his shoulder.”  This method of dropping it over the shoulder lasted until 1984, when the present method of dropping was introduced.

Current wording in today’s Rules of Golf: A ball to be dropped under the Rules must be dropped by the player himself.  He must stand erect, hold the ball at shoulder height and arm’s length and drop it.

Looking ahead, the rules of golf will continue to evolve to preserve the spirit and integrity of the game.  Golf’s governing bodies constantly review and analyze all conditions under which the game is played.  The most recent four-year cycle culminates at the end of 2015 with the new rules code coming into effect January 1, 2016.

This is so misunderstood in this great game, and periodically leads to a heated argument hopefully not leading to blows.  Maybe golf needs a Seinfeld themed day such as “Festivus” to air golf grievances like these?  We’ve all heard the debates on which is the No.1 stroke hole at your course; you may have taken part in them.  It usually goes something like this: “There’s no bloody way the 4th is our No.1 hole, it’s a simple 404-yard par 4.  The 7th is our hardest hole; it’s a monster 438 yard par 4, and I never par it.”

STROKE ALLOCATION

What is “Stroke Allocation”?  It’s that table you see on every scorecard, you may see it referenced by “HDCP” or “Handicap” showing each hole ranked 1 through 18. This is far too often thought of as ranking each hole by pure difficulty.  You might also think Golf Canada or your Provincial Golf Association assigns these for every course too.  In both cases, your assumptions are wrong.  Golf Canada does have guidelines and recommendations to setting your stroke hole table (in Section 17 of the Golf Canada Handicap Manual) but it is carried out by each course/club, preferably the Handicap Committee.  There are two main methods: The Comparison Method and The Regression Method (linear regression).

DARE TO COMPARE

The Comparison Method is an allocation based on scores where the committee collects 200 hole-by-hole scores for lower handicap golfers (Course Handicaps of 8 or less) and 200 scorecards for higher handicap golfers (15 to 20 strokes higher than the average of the low handicap group).  The average score for each hole is calculated for both groups, and the holes are then ranked from one to 18 where one is the hole with the largest differential between the scores of the two groups and 18 is the lowest differential. There is another option comparing scores to par, but we’ll stick to the main method for simplicity.  There is some fine tuning, picking the hole to be ranked as No.1 so as to award a stroke most useful in matches with same/similar Course Handicaps, and also assigning odd numbered handicap holes to the front nine and even numbered handicap holes to the back nine.  For specifics please reference section 17-2a in the Golf Canada Handicap Manual.

While difficulty plays a part, the true purpose of allocating strokes is to give the higher handicap golfer strokes where they will most need them as an equalizer when playing a match against a low handicap golfer.  Difficulty in making par on a hole is not an effective indicator of the need for a stroke.  And the more you read about this you’re thinking this certainly makes sense.  We also recommend allocating low numbered strokes at the end of each nine because you want players who are to receive strokes to use them before a match is decided.  In the event of a hole-by-hole playoff, we should avoid placing lower numbered strokes on the first and second holes.

REGRESS FOR SUCCESS

The Regression Method allows the collection and analysis of at least 400 gross scores from players of all handicap levels from the most frequently played tee.  Each hole uses the score and player’s Course Handicap to help determine the ranking. There is a complex mathematical function involved that you can review in Section 17-2b of the Handicap Manual.

When should a club/course review its table and consider modifying it? If your course hasn’t used one of the two methods described especially in the last 10 years, or if your course has been significantly renovated, we highly recommend going through the process. How can you do this?  Here’s where the Golf Canada Score Centre comes in handy.  Should your club want to evaluate this data, you can run a report that will automatically produce the results for you. There is one catch.  Your club will require hole-by-hole entry to calculate the results, but that can be collected over the summer from your members.  Contact Golf Canada or your Provincial Golf Association for spreadsheet templates that you can use to help in your analysis.

Don’t have a stroke over a stroke.  Sure, have the friendly “discussion.” But, now that you know the process, do so cordially.