I VISITED around 20 clubs last month and in every single one of them I could hear members talking about the new rolling handicap system and how it had affected them. Some of the conversations were extremely positive and some were critical, but opinions aside – has there been a more topical issue to hit club golf in recent years?
It’s certainly created immense interest in the game and no-one can deny that’s a wonderful thing. Old Bill is coming to grips with losing two shots after a recent purple patch of form, while Beryl is thanking her lucky stars after gaining a couple of shots following a few forgettable weeks. But for both, the changes have been fair and just because it all comes down to the average of their last 20 rounds and finally, once and for all, recent form is dictating what handicap we play off.
Much talk has centred on the need to eradicate ‘burglars’, or those that exploited the previous handicap system when it came to corporate and charity days. But this new system is about much more than that. After chatting with Golf Australia Rules and Handicapping manager, Simon Magdulski, he made a very pertinent point when he said there was a belief that the previous system took shots off a player too quickly for a good round and then took too long for them to regain those shots after a string of poor performances.
“We were also amazed at how many ‘no scores/not approved’ were recorded at clubs previously. We knew it was a problem but I don’t think anyone realised on what scale,” Magdulski told Editor’s Inbox.
“There was no way of telling if these no scores were good or bad rounds, but it’s clear people were looking after their handicaps for various reasons. This new system will certainly encourage people to put more cards in because in time it will accurately reflect their abilities and reward them for their form.”
Magdulski said the feedback he’d been given by clubs already had been very positive with most believing it will be a ‘fairer system’ and that it will put Australian club golf ‘on the right track’. He also praised the work of every single club in the country for their cooperation during the controversial changeover.
“Throughout this process a lot of hard work and patience has been shown by our clubs and they should all be congratulated on the way they have helped put this new system in play,” he said.
Well said, and for the rest of us – now that the new system is here – we must remain open-minded and constructive during this ‘honeymoon period’. Constructive feedback is important and will help iron out any speed bumps along the way.
So let’s give it six months and then see where it is at – I’m assured it won’t be far off reflecting your true ability once your next 20 rounds are taken into account. And if you’re feeling the pinch after a recent ‘reduction’, don’t worry, you’re not alone. I just found out I have to kiss my five handicap goodbye for a very generous 0.9. Oh well, looks like I’m giving those stableford events a miss for a while.
Working out your new handicap - How the Rolling Sample method works
1. Pick best 10 scores (against par) from last 20 rounds.
Example: 17 (over), 17, 12, 15, 13, 18, 13, 15, 18, 13
2. Calculate the average for those 10 rounds (15.1)
3. Multiply average by the bonus for excellence (0.96) = 14.4
4. Delete numbers after the first decimal and round out.
5. New handicap is 14.
If you have any questions about our new handicap system, email Golf Link at handicapchanges@golflink.com.au
Tell us your thoughts on the new handicap system, email brad@golferpacific.com.au
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