The purpose of the Council of National Golf Unions Limited (CONGU®), in consultation with the constituent Unions, is to monitor and develop the UHS as, and when, necessary.

Manual Reference: Page 18 – Clause 3

CONGU® has delegated to the Union the responsibility to monitor and maintain the application of the UHS in all Affiliated Clubs under its jurisdiction. Detailed responsibilities are set out in Clause 4 of the UHS manual.

Manual Reference: Page 18-20 – Clause 4

Any part of the overall jurisdiction of the UHS may be delegated by the Union to an Area Authority. Detailed responsibilities are set out in Clause 5 of the UHS manual.

Manual Reference: Page 20 – Clause 5

Handicapping within the UHS is delegated to Affiliated Clubs subject to the overall jurisdiction of the Union. Detailed responsibilities are set out in Clause 6 of the UHS manual.

Manual Reference: Page 20-21 – Clause 6

Subject to the overall jurisdiction of the Union, the Handicap Committee has specific responsibility for the allotment and maintenance of handicaps as delegated to affiliated clubs. Detailed responsibilities are set out in Clause 7 of the UHS manual.

Manual Reference: Page 22 – Clause 7

The term Committee is context-dependent. It is important to recognise that at club level there can be several Committees each with their own areas of responsibility and that a Committee Decision does not necessarily mean that a full meeting of the club’s or section of a club’s governing members needs to be convened for some decisions to be made.

In terms of the Rules of Golf the Committee is defined as the committee in charge of the competition or, if the matter does not arise in a competition, the committee in charge of the course. At club level it is common to have various sections e.g. Mens, Seniors, Ladies and Juniors each of which administer their own competitions. In such cases it is for each Committee to determine who is responsible for the day-to-day tasks and, importantly, how to deal with problems such as bad weather, decisions on rules breaches including the possible disqualification of competitors. It is permissible for such responsibility to be delegated fully or in part on a day-to-day basis to a single person e.g. the club manager, professional or to a specific member e.g. the Handicap or Competition Secretary. Whatever the case, it should be made clear to members what the lines of responsibility are to be.

In terms of CONGU® Handicapping the Handicap Committee is the committee set up under Clause 6.3 to take responsibility for the tasks detailed in Clause 7 of the CONGU® UHS. In practice a club may have more than one such committee, particularly if the men and women administer their handicaps separately.

Also the Handicap Committee may take on some of day-to-day responsibilities of the Committee in regard to competition administration or vice versa the Committee may assist with some handicapping matters.

Manual Reference: Page 22 – Clause 7

Yes. An Affiliated Club must appoint a Handicap Committee consisting of a minimum of three persons, the majority of whom must be Members.

Although it is perfectly acceptable for the day-to day administration of handicaps to be carried out by club staff there a number of reasons why Members should be involved in a Handicap Committee including:

1. Peer review is a key feature of the CONGU® UHS, particularly when carrying out the Annual Review or considering any General Play adjustments. This is best carried out by fellow Members.

2. At times it may be necessary to make decisions that are difficult or contentious. Having a Committee rather than one person helps to avoid any accusations of unfavourable treatment that could arise if one person has sole responsibility for such matters. In addition, having a Committee gives the opportunity for more than one view to be considered.

3. Clubs should not be over-dependent upon one person. Although one person may carry out the day-to-day administration of handicap matters it is important that this role can be covered in that person’s absence.

Manual Reference: Page 20 – Clause 6.3

There is no hard and fast rule and clubs may operate in the way most suited to their specific needs and culture. There are, however, several issues to consider including:

1. What procedures and personnel are needed to ensure that all Qualifying Competitions held at the club are closed in a timely manner and the results and handicap adjustments are made and posted (internally and to a national Central Database of Handicaps) promptly;

2. What procedures and personnel are needed to ensure that incoming Away scores for all Home Members are processed and posted promptly;

3. The computer facilities and configuration used by the club;

4. The degree to which club competitions for each gender are integrated or whether men and women almost exclusively run their own competitions.

If a club has a single joint Handicap Committee CONGU recommends that both genders are represented on this committee.

If a club operates separate committees for each gender it is advisable that there is a mechanism in place to deal jointly with any potentially contentious issues such as possible disciplinary action including suspension of handicap.

Manual Reference: Page 21 – 2nd blue box

No.

It is far more important to have capable, knowledgeable and willing volunteers to do any day-to-day tasks and deal with the handicapping issue that arise than it is to find a role for members who happen to be on another committee.

Continuity is important. Clubs may, for example, have very experienced golfers as non-playing members who are now unable to play golf, but who retain a connection with the club and may wish to contribute to the club’s affairs by assisting in this area.

Manual Reference: Page 21 – 2nd blue box

No. To be disqualified a player must be in breach of a Rule of Golf. Rule 6-6 of the Rules of Golf sets out the responsibilities of players and markers regarding scoring and submission of cards in stroke play competitions and this does not include to entering scores into a computer.

The R&A has confirmed that if players comply with the requirements of Rule 6-6 the player should not be disqualified although the Committee may impose disciplinary sanctions e.g. suspension of right to compete in Club competitions for a specified period.

Under Rule 33-4 of the Rules of Golf the Committee is responsible for publishing the stroke index.

Under Rule 33-5 of the Rules of Golf the Committee is responsible for:

1. Issuing a scorecard with the player(s) name(s) on it and the date. The Committee may, however, request the players to do this and in fact in many clubs this is what happens for club competitions;

2. The addition of scores and the application of the handicap on the scorecard;

3. The application of the handicap for each hole and the recording of the better ball score for each hole in four ball better ball and the addition of the scores;

4. The application of the handicap for each hole and the recoding of the score for each hole in Stableford, Par and Bogey competitions and for the addition of the totals.

Manual Reference: Page 22 – Clause 7.7

Players who fail to do such administrative tasks may not be disqualified but may be subject to a club’s disciplinary procedures.

Clubs considering the use of such sanctions should make their players fully aware of the likely penalty for failure to comply with such administrative requirements clearly in their club rules or conditions of their competitions.

Manual Reference: Page 21 – Clause 6.8/1

The score on the scorecard is the one that must count. Provided that the difference in the computer entry is merely an input error the Committee should adjust the entry in the computer and accept the score as per the scorecard.

Yes, as long as the correct handicap is on the card, it is acceptable (Rule 6-2b).

The CONGU® Definitions require that Qualifying Competitions may be played if Competition Play Conditions prevail. These conditions, in turn, require that competitions are played in accordance with the Rules of Golf.

Rules 33-1 and 33-8 make it clear that Committees cannot waive or modify any Rule of Golf and that Local Rules must be consistent with the policies set out in Appendix 1 of the Rules of Golf.

Committees are given some options regarding specific Conditions of Competition within the Rules of Golf and the specimen wording for these is given in Part C of Appendix I. Breach of some of these Conditions may result in a disqualification but Committees have no other powers to introduce other Conditions that could result in a disqualification.

Manual Reference: Page 21 – Clause 6.8/1

Sometimes the failure to complete administrative tasks relating to a competition by a player is an oversight for which the player is apologetic.

If, however, players repeatedly fail to assist Committees then disciplinary action under club rules may be appropriate. Such sanctions could include suspension of the right to compete in a specified number of club competitions or, for serious offences, suspension of handicap for a specified period.

A list of the players’ responsibilities is given in Clause 8 of the CONGU® UHS.

Manual Reference: Page 23-24 – Clause 8

Whilst not exhaustive, players should give their attention to the following:

• Ensure that they have registered to play on the day of the competition before teeing off;
• Ensure that they have details of their ID number for their National Handicap Database when playing at Away clubs and in Opens;
• Put the correct handicap on the scorecard;
• Assist the Handicap/Competition Committee by ensuring that all other details, ie Name, Date, Competition etc. are clearly entered on the scorecard and that the scores for each hole are legible;
• Check the gross score for each hole carefully with the marker before signing the card. If there are any doubtful issues, such as possible penalty strokes, discuss these with the relevant competition official before finalising the scorecard;
• If requested, enter the scores into a computer;
• Return the scorecard promptly, including any No Return card. When entering No Returns enter the gross scores for all completed holes;
• Ensure that all Away scores are returned promptly;
• Learn how handicaps are adjusted and make any downward handicap adjustments after playing in an Away competition if playing in another competition before the adjustments have been made by the Home club;
• Do not self-adjust any handicap upwards – upward adjustments must be posted by the Home club before they are effective;
• When in doubt, ask a member of the Handicap Committee.

Players will also get more from their competitive golf (and incur fewer penalties) if they understand the most commonly used Rules of Golf and different formats of play, including how to calculate Stableford scores and scoring in Par/Bogey competitions.

Manual Reference: Page 23-24 – Clause 8

Before commencing play on the day of a Qualifying Competition, a player must ensure that his entry has been registered in the competition record, manually or by computer in the manner required by the Club.

Manual Reference: Page 23 – Clause 8.6

It is important for the Handicap Committee to know exactly how many players have actually played (which may not be the same as those who have entered prior to the day) as all the cards must be accounted for at the end of play. The number of scores in the computer must be reconciled to the number of players who started. A player who does not return a card will have a No Return resulting in an increase of 0.1 to his/her Exact Handicap.

This will vary from club to club but will usually be:

• Signing a book or sheet prepared for the purpose; or
• Swiping in by card or manually registering into a computer; or
• Registering in person with a member of the Committee – more usual for Open competitions.
• Signing a book or sheet of paper prepared for the specific competition; or
• Registering in person with a member of the Committee, the Club Management or Club Pro.

Manual Reference: Page 23 – Clause 8.6

No

Manual Reference: Page 22 – Clause 7.2

No – the CONGU® Regulations do not require this. It is, however, up to the club to specify the procedures but CONGU recommends clubs to require only one method.

If players are required to both swipe the computer and sign in in writing then inevitably from time to time someone will forget to do one of the procedures. The Committee then has to decide whether or not that player’s score is acceptable and will have brought upon itself an unnecessary issue to resolve.

Manual Reference: Page 23 – Clause 8.6

Any player who has not registered his/her intent to play on the day in the required manner has not entered the competition; there is no question of disqualification.

Any entry in the computer must be removed. The player’s score is not acceptable for handicap purposes.

Manual Reference: Page 23 – Clause 8.6

A player who has not registered on the day in the manner set out by the Committee has not entered the competition and does not have a valid score for handicap purposes. Any entry in the computer must be deleted by the Handicap Committee.

Manual Reference: Page 23 – Clause 8.6

Under Rule 6-2b players are responsible for entering their correct handicaps on the scorecard.

Under Rule 6-6 players are responsible for:

• checking their gross scores for each hole with their marker and where they are a marker themselves checking the scores they have marked with the player concerned;
• settling any doubtful points with the Committee prior to signing and returning the card;
• signing their cards and any the cards of any players for whom they have been the marker;
• returning the completed scorecard to the Committee (or in a designated place) in a timely manner.

So although a Committee may ask players to do certain additional tasks the players are not responsible for:

• totalling the scores and applying the handicap;
• calculating the nett score for each hole a four-ball stroke play competition;
• entering and totalling the Stableford points on their cards;
• entering scores into a computer terminal;
• entering a computer reference number onto their scorecards;
• indicating on the scorecard the holes at which a nett double bogey adjustment is applicable.

Manual Reference: Page 23 – Clause 8.7; 8.8

No. Although a player has no score as far as the medal is concerned the computer will calculate an adjusted gross score using the nett double bogey adjustment. This may result in players having scores in their buffer zones or even handicap reductions, particularly if the CSS goes up.

In addition, the entry of No score for a hole or holes at which there is a valid score may affect the annual review at the year end.

Many players do this in ignorance and/or so that their bad scores are only visible as NR rather than in full detail.

Committees should explain the reasons for entering the scores for all completed holes to individuals who do not enter scores for all completed holes.

Persistent offenders could be subject to club disciplinary procedures.

Manual Reference: Page 23 – see note to Clause 8.8

The player is responsible for returning Away scores from Open competitions or, if a player is a Member at more than one club, from an Away club to the Home club?

The following information must be returned:

• Player’s name
• Details of the host club/course, competition and date;
• Par, SSS and CSS;
• Whether medal play or Stableford;
• Handicap, Gross Score or Stableford points and if medal play the Adjusted Gross Score if any Nett Double Bogey adjustments are applicable.

Even if the player understands that the score is to be returned via a national Central Database of Handicaps (CDH) the responsibility for ensuring that the score has been returned rests with the player.

Manual Reference: Page 24 – Clause 8.10

Under Clause 8.8, the player is responsible for entering the score on the computer. However under the rules of golf (Decision 6-6b/8 he cannot be disqualified for not doing so. However the Club may introduce disciplinary procedures for repeat offenders. See also Dec 1(m) on Page 98 of the manual.

Under the Rules of Golf the Committee has the responsibility for the processing of the completed scorecards but at club level Committees frequently ask players to perform this and other administrative tasks to ease the burden of work on the volunteers/staff who run the competitions.

Whilst a Committee should not disqualify a player for failure to attend to such administrative matters players who persistently offend may be subject to disciplinary action under the club’s rules.

Manual Reference: Page 24 – Clause 8.8

The player should enter the gross scores for all the holes that have been completed and should enter No score for the hole at any hole at which the ball has been picked up.

In medal play it is not infrequent for a player who is danger of running up a high score at one or more holes and is sure that the score will not be good enough to qualify for a prize to pick up rather than holing out.

This saves time, particularly if the alternative would be to return under penalty to the place from which the previous stroke was made. Such a score for medal play is a disqualification under Rule 3-2 but most handicap software records this as a No Return.

For handicap purposes, however, the score for the remaining holes is valid as the Nett Double Bogey provisions calculate an adjusted Gross Score for any holes at which “No score for the hole” is returned. This effectively calculates a result equivalent to what the player would have scored under Stableford conditions.

It is possible, therefore, for such an adjusted gross score to be in the player’s Buffer Zone or even to be below the CSS for the day thus resulting in a cut in handicap.

Manual Reference: Page 23-24 – Clause 8

Absolutely not. A fundamental principle of the CONGU® Handicap system (and other major handicap systems of the world) is that the player will make every effort to score his/her best in each round.

All a player’s scores are taken into account when the Annual Review is run and it is important that such No Returns reflect the actual performances of the player. Simply entering “No score at the hole” for every hole distorts this and makes additional work for Handicap Committees.

It does not save anybody any time or trouble and is outside the spirit of the system. A Club is entitled to take disciplinary action against players who persist in entering “No score for a hole” when a valid score has been achieved.

A player must authorise his/her club to provide relevant information to the Union for the establishment of a CDH. When playing in Qualifying Competitions away from his/her Home club a player must provide the CDH Number to the host club.

In Ireland this is achieved by carrying the swipe card for the host club to swipe the competitor’s details into the computer.

Manual Reference: Page 23-24 – Clause 8

No. It is the score on the card which counts.

No. Handicaps may only be adjusted upwards by the Home club. Even if a player believes that he/she is due to receive a 0.1 stroke uplift that will increase his/her Playing Handicap such an increase is not effective until it has been posted by the Home club.

In this context “posted” should be interpreted as being listed on a club noticeboard or uploaded to the national CDH.

Manual Reference: Page 45 – Clause 20.11

Yes. Such handicap reductions are immediate.

This prevents a player from being disqualified for breaching Rule of Golf 6-2 in a subsequent competition if the score has not yet been processed by the Home club. The player must make the appropriate reduction to his/her Exact Handicap. If the player knows the CSS of the competition then the adjustment should be made against the CSS but if the player does not know the CSS before the next competition then the reduction must be made against the SSS.

In either case, in respect of medal play, any nett Double Bogey Adjustments should be made to the gross score.

Example: player with an Exact Handicap of 16.8 returns a Nett 71 (after Nett Double Bogey Adjustment) against a course of SSS 72. The player leaves the course before the end of play.

The player is due to play a match before being able to find out the CSS. Since the player does not know the CSS for the match the adjustment should be against the SSS i.e. a reduction of 0.3 strokes bringing the Exact Handicap to 16.5 (Playing Handicap 17) even though, when the CSS was known, it reduced the Exact Handicap to 15.9 (Playing Handicap 16).

Manual Reference: Page 45 – Clause 20.11

The Standard Scratch Score (SSS) is a measure of the playing difficulty of a golf course for a scratch golfer under normal midseason course and weather conditions. It is determined in accordance with the Course Rating System of the United States Golf Association.

It is expressed as a whole number e.g. if a course has a SSS of 72 from a particular set of tees then a scratch golfer would be expected to play the course in 72 strokes.

Manual Reference: Page 28 – Clause 9

The USGA Course Rating System takes account of the measured length of a golf course together with factors that affect both the playing length and the playing difficulty (obstacle factors).

The factors that affect the course playing length are:

• Roll
• Wind
• Forced lay up
• Dog leg
• Elevation

The ten obstacle factors that determine the playing difficulty of a golf course are:

• Topography
• Fairway
• Green Target
• Recoverability/Rough
• Bunkers
• Water Hazards
• Out of Bounds / Extreme Rough
• Trees
• Green surface
• Psychological

Each hole on the golf course is evaluated on a scale 0-10 for each of the above ten obstacles and account is taken of the effective length correction factors e.g. the effective playing length of a fast running links course is quite different from that of a moorland course with soft fairways.

Manual Reference: Page 28 – Clause 9.3

The Course Rating System approved by CONGU requires that course raters are trained and tested before being qualified to determine Course Ratings. Training materials have been developed to assist uniformity and national associations carry out calibration seminars and workshops. In addition the USGA also conduct regular calibration seminars and workshops which all associations licensed to operate its system are required at attend. As a final step in the assurance and standardisation process, all Course Ratings, prior to release, are vetted by national assessors. Established courses are required to be re-rated at least every ten years and new courses every five years until they reach maturity. This takes account of course changes and evolution.

Manual Reference: Page 28 – Clause 9.3

A Competition Scratch Score (CSS) is the Standard Scratch Score (SSS) for the tees used in a competition adjusted – based on the scores returned in the competition – to reflect differences between the normal mid-season conditions under which the course was formally rated and the SSS calculated and the actual conditions under which each qualifying competition is played. The CSS is calculated on the percentage of players within or below their buffer zone.

Manual Reference: Page 39 – Clause 18

The SSS is assessed under normal mid-season conditions but golf in GB&I is played in a wide range of weather and course conditions, some adverse, some favourable, both of which can affect the scoring ability of golfers in all Handicap Categories.

The CSS is the mechanism employed on the day of competition to quantify the influence of weather and course conditions on the scoring ability of the field and to regulate adjustments to Handicaps accordingly.

The object of the CSS is to bring the improved pattern of scoring resulting from conditions more favourable than average and the inferior scoring pattern related to conditions more difficult than average, into line with the expected scoring pattern established for golfers in each of the Handicap Categories in normal midseason playing conditions.

Manual Reference: Page 39 – Clause 18

Falling rain and wind strength and direction are obvious factors that most frequently affect scoring but course conditions can also be influential e.g. bumpy greens, awkward pin positions, exceptionally soft, wet fairways, very heavy rough and lying casual water can all make scoring more difficult.

On the other hand, dry, fast-running fairways, favourable pin placements or lack of wind (particularly on links courses), receptive greens can make scoring generally easier.

Manual Reference: Page 39 – Clause 18

The Committee is responsible under the Rules of Golf (33-4) for the Stroke Index. The relevant Union will issue a course with a Standard Scratch Score when a course has been rated but it is up to the club to determine the Par for each hole and the Stroke Index.

Guidance on how to determine the Par for each hole is given in CONGU® UHS Clause 10. Guidance on how to determine Handicap Stroke indices is given in Appendix G in the CONGU® UHS Manual

Manual Reference: Page 29 – Clause 10; Page 75 – Appendix G

It depends. Where the par for each hole is the same for both men and for women then often a single stroke index will suit both genders. If there are several holes with different pars then it may better to have different stroke indices.

Usually a single stroke index can be devised that works for both formats and this has benefits for a club in that the same scorecard can be used for both types of competition.

It is, however, permissible to separate Stroke Indices for Stroke Play and Match Play and if so, it is recommended that separate scorecards are produced for the purpose.

Manual Reference: Page 75 – Appendix G

There is no hard and fast rule but Appendix G of the CONGU® Manual gives a recommended approach.

Inevitably, compromises may need to be made due to the particular sequence of “difficult” and “easy” holes on a course. In such situations precedence should be given to the requirements of a balanced stroke index for Match Play over considerations for Stroke Play competitions.

Experience has shown that the overall scoring in Stableford competitions is little affected by the sequence of the stroke index.

Manual Reference: Page 75 – Appendix G

A ‘Measured Course’ is any course of an Affiliated Club the measured length of which has been certified in accordance with the requirements of Clause 11 and for which a Standard Scratch Score has been allocated by its Union.

Each hole on the course must be measured horizontally, by a qualified person, from a permanent marker on the teeing ground along the line of play to the centre of the green to which a SSS has been allocated. The permanent marker should be placed not less than four yards from the back of the tee.

Manual Reference: Page 14 – Definitions; Page 29 – Clause 11; Page 60 – Appendix A; Page 103 – Decision 7(b)

Not necessarily – it will depend upon the circumstances.

All permanent alterations to the length of a course, both shortening and lengthening changes, must be reported to the relevant Union or Area Authority and a revised Certificate of Measurement provided.

Depending upon the severity of the alterations a revised SSS may be issued or the course may be re-rated or there may be no change in the SSS.

Manual Reference: Page 30 – Clause 12.2

Yes, providing that:

• The use of fairway mats is restricted to the Preferred Lie Period (outside of this Union or Area Authority permission would be required for their use in Qualifying Competitions); and
• The use of mats through the green is restricted to closely-mown areas only: and
• All other requirements for Competition Play Conditions have been met; and
• The ball must be placed on the mat itself and not on a tee peg, unless the ball is played from a teeing ground. The mat may, however, be held in place on the ground using a tee peg or similar implement.

In such circumstances the competition should be run as a Qualifying Competition.

Note: In such competitions the use of mats MUST BE OBLIGATORY to ALL Competitors.

Manual Reference: Page 96 – Decision 1(a)

“A ball that comes to rest on a closely mown area through the green must be lifted, placed on and played from an Astroturf, or similar type of mat. The mat must be placed as near as possible to where the ball originally lay. The ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Local Rule.

If a ball when placed rolls from the mat it may be replaced without penalty. If it still fails to remain on the Astroturf, the Astroturf must be moved to the nearest spot not nearer the hole where the ball, when placed on it, will remain at rest. There is no penalty should the ball move or be moved after being placed on the Astroturf and before making a stroke, including when addressing the ball or taking a practice swing.

Should a tee peg be used to secure the mat the ball must not be placed on the tee.

Penalty for Breach of Local Rule: Match Play – Loss of Hole; Stroke Play – Two strokes”

No. The wording of the Local Rule for the use of fairway mats specifies that the ball must be lying on a closely mown area (i.e. fairway) for any competition to be Qualifying for handicap purposes.

Yes. Such a Local Rule is allowed by Rules of Golf [Appendix 1 Part B 4 (a) Relief for Embedded Ball; Cleaning Ball (page 127)] and adoption of this Local Rule as a Condition of Competition will not prevent it from being a Qualifying Competition.

Manual Reference: Page 96 – Decision 1(c)

The Local Rule should be worded as follows:

“Through the green, a ball that is embedded in its own pitch mark in the ground may be lifted, without penalty, cleaned and dropped as near as possible to where it lay but not nearer the hole. The ball when dropped must first strike a part of the course through the green.

Exceptions:

1. A player may not take relief under this Local Rule if the ball is embedded in sand in an area that is not closely mown.
2. A player may not take relief under this Local Rule if it is clearly unreasonable for him to make a stroke because of interference by anything other than the condition covered by this local rule.

Penalty for Breach of Local Rule: Match Play – Loss of Hole; Stroke Play – Two strokes.”

Rules of Golf Appendix 1 Part B 4 (a)

Yes. Such a concession is not within the Rules of Golf. To make competitions qualifying, alternative solutions such as the use of preferred lies or fairway mats are required.

Manual Reference: Page 97 – Decision 1(d)

No. Clearly the condition of parts of the course will have changed for some competitors. It would be better if the course condition were the same for all players, but sometimes, particularly for mid-week competitions, this is not possible due to course maintenance.

Manual Reference: Page 97 – Decision 1(d)

Yes – in some circumstances. Rules of Golf Decision 25/13 confirms that when bunkers are being renovated and have, in their entirety, been designated as Ground Under Repair they lie Through the Green (thus removing their status as a hazard). Nevertheless, whilst Qualifying status is acceptable for competitions run when a few bunkers are being renovated, if a significant proportion of bunkers are affected it would not be appropriate to run Qualifying Competitions and clubs should consult their Union or Area Authority for guidance.

Manual Reference: Page 97 – Decision 1(e)

No. Rules of Golf Decision 33-8/27 permits a Committee to declare specific bunkers that are completely flooded to be designated as Ground Under Repair in their entirety in order to deal with exceptional circumstances. Such bunkers must be so designated before a round commences and must be individually identified and the decision provides the wording for a Local Rule to deal with such a situation.

In wet weather it is not unusual for casual water to lie in bunkers but for the bunker not to be completely flooded. Rule 25-1b(ii) provides relief either without penalty within the bunker or under penalty of one stroke outside the bunker for such situations. Any Local Rule that would treat all bunkers regardless of the amount of water therein as Ground Under Repair in their entirety would waive this Rule and would be contrary to Rule 33-8b.

No – the CSS calculation is designed to take into account the impact on the scoring pattern of golfers due to varying course conditions.

At club level competitors who play a round in which several of their shots finish in bunkers will rarely play within their buffer zones even if the bunkers are in pristine condition. Indeed for golfers who find bunker play challenging finding their ball in casual water in a bunker and electing the option of dropping under penalty outside the bunker (Rule 25-1b (ii)(b)) may actually improve their scoring.

Extensively flooded fairways, on the other hand, can have a much greater detrimental impact on the scoring of players especially if the casual water is in landing zones as this affects the distance reached by good shots as well as by poor ones.

It depends. If the forward tees relate to a Measured Course that has an allocated SSS then Qualifying Competitions may be played from these tees provided that all other conditions for Competition Play exist.

Yes. Clubs may obtain SSS ratings for both men and women for any set of tees from which either gender is likely to play Qualifying Competitions and/or submit Supplementary Scores. The recommended tee colours are not reserved for either gender.

Whilst it not usually necessary to obtain a ladies’ rating from the farthest back men’s medal tees a rating from the traditional men’s forward tees may be appropriate if the low handicap ladies are likely to play from there. Similarly, clubs may wish to have a men’s rating from the traditional ladies’ tees if juniors and/ or the senior men may find play from these more appropriate than from the existing men’s tees. CONGU does not limit the number of different tees that are rated for either gender.

No. Strictly according to paragraph [c] Decision 7(b) of the UHS Manual it may appear that the answer should be ‘yes’, unless the artificially surfaced base is at least two club-lengths in depth. However paragraph [d] does allow the use of a Teeing Ground that does not satisfy the requirements ‘in exceptional circumstances’.

When artificial tees are provided in winter to provide a durable teeing surface, because grass tees are out of play, this constitutes exceptional circumstances. Thus Competition Play Conditions can still prevail, provided that all other conditions are satisfied.

Manual Reference: Page 103 – Decision 7(b)

Yes – Clubs should, wherever practicable, play competitions as Qualifying during the preferred lie period, subject to acceptable playing conditions. A Local Rule should also be published – see Rules of Golf Appendix 1 Part A 3b.

The following conditions must also be applied:

• The maximum distance that the ball may be moved is 6 inches (15 cm); and
• If outside the preferred lie period, permission for the use of preferred lies has been granted by the relevant Union or Area Authority.

Manual Reference: Page 31-32 – Clause 15

Each Union decides the period during which Preferred Lies may be used, if required. During this time a club or organising Committee may introduce the Local Rule for preferred lies without prior consent from its Union or Area Authority.

Outside this period consent must be obtained if a competition(s) is to be run as Qualifying for handicap purposes. Consent may be given for a specific competition or, more usually, for a defined period of time.

Not as standard. The start and end dates for the period when “Preferred Lies” may be introduced at the discretion of the Club is determined by each Union.

Outside this period Clubs in England and Ireland must apply to their local Area Authorities for such permission – clubs in Scotland and Wales must apply to the Union.

Manual Reference: Page 31 – Clause 15.2

Whenever possible clubs should apply for permission in advance as soon as it is recognised that the course conditions may justify the use of preferred lies.

Nevertheless, there are occasions when the course conditions deteriorate suddenly, e.g. after very heavy overnight rain on a Friday or Saturday night, and the relevant consent cannot be obtained in time. In such circumstances Unions and Area Authorities are permitted to give consent retrospectively.

To get a CONGU® Handicap a golfer must:

Join a golf club that is affiliated to the relevant Union of the country;

Submit the required scores in accordance with the club’s rules. Scores for an initial handicap may only be submitted at a player’s Home club. A Member should always check the precise requirements with the Handicap Secretary / Club Manager before submitting any cards as the rules may vary from club to club and even within a club the requirements may be different for the men and the women due to the different tees etc. In particular a player should establish:

• How many scores must be returned. There is a minimum requirement for a total of 54 holes to be played but clubs have discretion as to whether this is to be completed as (i) three scores over 18 holes, (ii) six scores over 9 holes or (iii) a combination of 18-hole and 9-hole scores.
• What tees must be used. Handicaps can only be obtained if the scores have been made by playing over a Measured course . This will have a Standard Scratch Score (SSS) determined by the relevant Union. Clubs often have more than one set of tees and some clubs will have more than one course. It is possible that not all the sets of tees will have a SSS and some will only have a SSS for one gender. This is particularly relevant for nine hole scores which must be returned from a designated nine hole course. It is important to find out which tees to play from when submitting scores that are to be considered for getting a CONGU® Handicap;
• Who can act as a Marker. All scores must be verified by a Marker who must be acceptable to the Handicap Committee;
• Are there any requirements or restrictions as to when scores can be returned. Generally it is expected that the scores will be returned within a six-month period. Clubs may also either restrict players so that they may not play alongside other Members while they are competing in clubs competitions or alternatively they may specify that scores are made when playing with someone who is playing in a competition.

Manual Reference: Page 35 – Clause 16.1; 16.2

The Handicap Committee will:

• Input the score details from the cards submitted. From these scores, the computer program calculates a handicap. This should be regarded as a recommendation only that should be reviewed in the light of factors such as time of year, prevailing weather conditions, previous playing history, and the most recent past handicap held, where applicable. Other sporting achievements should also be considered before a handicap is allotted.

Manual Reference: Page 34-35 – Clause 16.3

Any combination of 18-hole and nine-hole scores as above subject to a total 54 holes being played. It is expected that the norm for most players will be to submit three scores over 18 holes as this is the quickest way to obtain a handicap.

Manual Reference: Page 34-35 – Clause 16.2; 16.3

No, the use of nine-hole scores for the allotment of handicaps is at the discretion of the Home club. In addition, many clubs do not have a Designated Nine-Hole course and so are only able to accept scores played over an 18-hole course.

Following the introduction of Nine-Hole Qualifying Competitions in 2008 it became apparent that there was an anomaly.

Players could maintain a handicap in these competitions but if they didn’t have a current handicap they could only get a handicap by submitting three 18-hole scores. One of the reasons for introducing these competitions was to attract members who had difficulty (either physically or due to time constraints) in playing 18-hole competitions and who really only wanted to able to play in the nine-hole events. Such players found themselves in a Catch 22 situation.

Furthermore it is anticipated that some players new to golf may find it easier and less daunting to start by playing in 9-hole competitions once they have a handicap and then return some Supplementary Scores before progressing to play in 18-hole events.

New players usually join a club at the start of the playing season and many want to get a handicap and start to compete. Allowing them to get a handicap using at least some scores over nine holes may enable them to use some spring evenings, for example after work, to get a handicap as quickly as possible.

The majority of players who choose to get scores over nine-holes rather than 18 are likely be players new to golf. Whether or not they use nine-hole, 18-hole or a combination of nine- or 18-hole scores their first handicaps are most likely to be in Category 4 for men or Category 5 for women.

As far as winning competitions is concerned, handicaps allotted using nine-hole scores are not likely to be significantly higher than would be the case using 18-hole scores. Players should not have an advantage in terms of winning competitions. The only exception could be if the Designated Nine-Hole Course is significantly harder (for example has long carries) than the 18-hole course.

Yes. Committees should always monitor the progress of players with recently allotted handicaps very closely and be prepared to use the General Play adjustment if it is evident that the initial handicap allotment does not reflect the player’s ability.

Deciding upon a handicap based evidence from only 54 holes played (plus, if applicable, an information from a handicap previously held) is not easy.

Manual Reference: Page 48-50 – Clause 23

It is important to recognise that most beginners who get their first handicap will improve as their game develops and they gain experience and that if they play regularly in Qualifying Competitions the CONGU® UHS will ensure that their handicaps reduce at a rate that:

• reflects their improvement in performance; but
• encourages beginners to keep playing competitive golf as they believe that they have the capability to play to their handicap on a good day or to better their performance with practice and more experience; beginners who are allotted a handicap that is too low can easily become discouraged if they have no realistic chance of playing to it.

If, however, a player is allotted an initial handicap but that player thereafter rarely plays in Qualifying Competitions but plays socially and in Non-Qualifying Competitions it is likely that the initial handicap that was allotted will be too high as the player improves with experience. Some players, particularly juniors, can improve a very rapid rate particularly during school holidays when they have time to practice and play almost daily.

Some people may have played golf infrequently for many years before they join a club and get their first recognised handicap. They have no quantifiable previous history that can be taken into account when the initial CONGU® Handicap is allotted.

Their pattern of scoring if they then play competitively may be better than would be expected for their handicap category (e.g. they score more frequently within their Buffer Zones or below their handicap than expected even if they do not have many exceptionally low nett scores). An Exceptional Scoring Reduction recommendation (not applied in Scotland) may indicate a rapidly improving golfer or a player for whom the initial handicap allotted was too high.

Manual Reference: Page 51 – Clause 23(B)

Clubs may set out specific requirements for the return of the cards for the initial handicap including:

• Specifying who may act as marker e.g. a member of the Committee;
• Where a club has more than one course, whether cards must be on just one of them;
• Where a course has more than one set of tees with a SSS, which set(s) of tees may be used;
• Whether or not it is permissible to play alongside other members with handicaps and who are playing in Qualifying Competitions;
• Whether any of the cards must be submitted when playing alongside players who are playing in a club Qualifying Competition.

No. If none of a player’s initial cards justify the award of the maximum handicap of 28.0 [36.0] any award of a CONGU® Handicap is at the discretion of the Committee.

Manual Reference: Page 35 – Clause 16.3(e)

No – neither the CONGU® regulations nor the Rules of Golf prohibit motorised buggies but a club may have a general prohibition on such buggies if, for example, the terrain or condition of the course is unsuitable or dangerous.

In addition it is permissible under the Rules of Golf for the Committee to have a Transportation Policy as part of its Conditions of Competition that restricts the use of buggies in competitions.

Yes – Rules of Golf Appendix I Part C 8 Transportation Policy gives the recommended wording for a Condition of Competition should the Committee wish to restrict the use of buggies and require players to walk.

Yes. All clubs which are able to allow buggies to be used on the course but wish to restrict their use for some or all of their competitions should make appropriate dispensation within their Transportation Policy for players with disability/medical needs.

Although examples of such transportation policies may be found on the websites of the Unions each club should take its own legal advice regarding the wording of its particular transportation policy.

Yes provided that the club has a Local Rule worded in accordance with the specimen Local Rule as set out in Rules of Golf, Note to Rule 14-3 and Appendix I Part B Section 9 Distance Measuring Devices and that all other conditions for running a Qualifying Competition have been met.

No. Some of the DMD products on the market and the majority of smart phones have non-conforming features as well as the conforming distance measuring capacity. Additional guidance can be found on the R&A’s website www.randa.org > Equipment > Equipment Notices > R&A-USGA Joint Statement on Electronic Devices including Distance Measuring Devices 8 November 2009.

There is also a related flowchart document Can I use my Distance Measuring Device? Clubs and players should refer to the R&A’s website under Equipment or in the Rules Explorer – Rule 14-3 – for up to date information.

Not necessarily. It depends upon the circumstances:

• provided that the course is not shortened (or lengthened) overall by more than 100 yards (91 metres) the Competition should remain Qualifying and the allocated Standard Scratch Score will apply; or
• If for any reason the course has been shortened, or lengthened, by more than 100 yards (91 metres), but less than 300 yards (274 metres) overall, then the competition should be allowed to remain Qualifying even if the deviation is discovered after the competition has commenced. In such circumstances the allocated Standard Scratch Score should be reduced / increased by one as required by Clause 13.1. This alteration (and the subsequent reversion to the official SSS) must be reported to the relevant Union or Area Authority.

CONGU®UHS Clause 13

It should be understood that in this context ‘overall’ refers to the total net change to the measured length with each reduction in hole length being subtracted from, and each increase added to, the measured yardage.

Clubs should try to maintain courses at their measured lengths at all times for Qualifying Competitions. Nevertheless, it is accepted that the placing of tees for competitions will be subject to many factors, particularly the condition of teeing grounds and this may mean that on some occasions the precise definition of the Competition Tee cannot be satisfied.

This does not, of itself, render the competition Non-Qualifying. Such a tee placement may be regarded as temporary and the provisions of Clause 13.1 then applies, provided that the Temporary tee still meets the requirements of the Rules of Golf.

Manual Reference: Page 30 – Clause 13

Supplementary Scores were introduced to enable golfers who, for whatever reason, are unable to compete in Qualifying Competitions to return scores for handicap purposes so as to maintain a handicap reflective of their current golfing ability.

Yes – all Members are permitted to Supplementary Scores under Clause 21 of the CONGU® UHS so it follows that all Affiliated Clubs must provide this facility. Please see restrictions in the following question.

Yes. Although players of all Handicap Categories may submit these scores they:

• Must return scores over 18 holes of a Measured Course (stroke play or stableford) and these scores must be authenticated by a marker;
• Scores from a designated 9 hole course must be in stableford format
• Must indicate their intention to submit a Supplementary Score in advance in accordance with the procedures set out by their Home club;
• May only play a maximum of 10 Supplementary Scores a year;
• May only play for a Supplementary Score once a week, unless the club permits otherwise.
• A restriction is being placed on the use of supplementary scores by Category 1 players *and any player attaining Category 1. These players will only be permitted to submit supplementary scores to the extent that such scores are necessary to retain a competition handicap. Such scores will only be allowed to be submitted between 1st September in one year and 28th February in the following year. Any Category 2 player who has submitted supplementary scores prior to attaining Category 1 status will only be permitted to submit further supplementary scores in the period if he/she requires them to retain a competition handicap even where they have returned to Category 2 status.
• * This restriction does not apply in Scotland to Cat 1 players with a handicap of 2.5 or above.

Yes. Supplementary Scores are an integral part of the system available to all Members.

Manual Reference: Page 45-46 – Clause 21

There are several reasons:

• Players must commit to doing a Supplementary Score.
• Committees need to keep a record of how many Supplementary Scores each player makes as players are allowed a maximum of ten per year.
• Handicap adjustments must be made against the SSS for all scores – nett scores below the SSS attract a reduction and those above the buffer zone have a 0.1 stroke increase. Committees must know if an increase is to be applied should a player not return a card.

There is no specific way, each club should set its own procedures. These could be:

• A Supplementary Score book in each locker room for players to sign;
• A requirement to register with the club secretary beforehand;
• A requirement to register with the club professional beforehand;
• A requirement to notify the Handicap Secretary beforehand.

The prime reason for a golfer to hold an official handicap is to be able to play competitive golf and ideally the handicaps of all golfers would be based upon their play in competitions.

Limiting players to ten Qualifying Scores outside competitions balances the desire for Qualifying Scores to be returned in competitions with practicality; for some players it is only practical to submit sufficient Qualifying Scores to maintain a handicap commensurate with current playing ability if some (or all) of their returns are made outside Qualifying Competitions.

A week is the seven consecutive days starting on a Monday and finishing on the Sunday. A player may, for example, play one Supplementary Score on a Thursday and play another the following Tuesday.

There are two main reasons:

• To permit players who, for example, work abroad and who are only home for restricted periods to submit scores to maintain handicaps;
• Towards the end of playing season, in particular, to enable players who still require Qualifying Scores to keep an Active/Competition handicap status to fulfil the minimum requirement of three scores.

The restriction or otherwise by clubs to limit the number of scores to one per week is a matter for each club to determine. Clubs which have very few players submitting Supplementary Scores may not consider that, from an administrative point of view, there is any need to restrict the frequency of scores.

Whilst many players will continue to prefer to play golf in the traditional manner over 18 holes evidence from clubs indicated that a significant proportion of their Members were not playing sufficient Qualifying Competitions over 18 holes to maintain a handicap reflective of their current playing ability.

Reasons for this included:

• Work and/or family commitments at traditional club competition times;
• Increasing age and/or declining health making it difficult to play 18 holes;
• Increasing length of time required to play 18 holes as pace of play has decreased;
• Difficulty of getting convenient tee times.

Nine-hole Qualifying Competitions were introduced in 2008 to give clubs more options to meet the needs of their Members and to improve the number of scores submitted for handicap purposes.

Experience and benefits vary from club to club but common benefits include:

• Many seniors (both men and women) who previously struggled to return Qualifying Scores can now continue to play competitively and are not lost to the club and hence are more likely to retain their membership;
• Young mothers and others with caring responsibilities find it easier to get cover to enable them to play in such competitions and can thus retain a competitive handicap and derive a benefit from continued club membership;
• Nine-hole competitions can be played during summer evenings thus giving Members an opportunity to play after work;
• Clubs that traditionally play competitions during the week in summer can extend the playing season into spring and late summer to maximise the use of daylight hours;
• Beginners find the prospect of playing their first few competitions over nine holes less daunting than playing over 18 holes.

No – it is at the discretion of the club (and/or each recognised section of a club).

Yes – a club must obtain a Designated Standard Scratch Score for the nine-hole course and tees from which these competitions are to played from its relevant Union. This SSS is expressed as an 18-hole value. The club must specify which holes and tees are to be used when applying for this SSS.

No – all handicap adjustments are made against the Designated Nine Hole SSS.

Stableford. A neutral 18 points are added to the score over nine holes to obtain the total Qualifying Score. This total is compared with the Designated 18 hole SSS. Where the resulting score is above the Buffer Zone, the number of points scored for the 9 holes shall be doubled for handicap recording purposes.

Manual Reference: Page 47-48 – Clause 22

The formula for calculating a player’s Handicap Allowance for these competitions takes into account any difference between twice the Par for the nine holes and the Designated SSS.

This means that in all these competitions a player will have played to handicap if he/she scores a total of 36 points, inclusive of the neutral 18 points.

Manual Reference: Page 47 – Clause 22.3

Under the Rules of Golf neither the Playing Handicap nor the Handicap Allowance would be incorrect. By clearly putting both on the scorecard players can ensure that they have complied with the requirement to put their handicap on the scorecard and can also see how many strokes they actually receive as their Handicap Allowance.

From 2012 players have been permitted to play these competitions at all clubs of which they are Members within the CONGU® jurisdiction. Previously they were only able to play at their Home club. However, a player will need to know their exact handicap in order for the Handicap Allowance to be correctly calculated.

Yes

Manual Reference: Page 48 – Clause 22.5

Yes – it is a licence requirement for all CONGU® licensed Independent Software Vendors (ISV’s).

Clubs should contact their ISV if they require details for their particular software but each Designated Nine-Hole course needs to be set up as a new course and each competition will require to be set up as a Nine-Hole Qualifying Competition and not an 18-hole competition.

Yes.

Yes. Within the CONGU® UHS a player’s handicap may be annotated:

• Competition Example: 14 c; (formerly Active or Inactive in England Example: 14i for Inactive)
• Suspended in all jurisdictions;

Players must ensure that they have at least three Qualifying Scores in the calendar year.

Qualifying Scores are scores that have been made in any of the following ways:

• in Qualifying Competitions such as Medals, Stablefords or Par/Bogey competitions either at their Home course or at Away courses including in Open competitions;
• in Nine-Hole Qualifying Competitions ;
• by submitting Supplementary Scores.

Clubs are permitted to exempt the following groups from having their handicaps without any designation:

• Players who, in the Handicap Committee’s opinion, have been prevented from submitting the required number of scores during the calendar year because of illness or injury
• Players who have transferred membership and have submitted scores at another club
• Players who are new to the game and have just been issued, or are in the process of being issued, their first CONGU® Handicap

A CONGU® Handicap is lost when a player is no longer a playing Member of a golf club affiliated to a Union within the CONGU® jurisdiction.

If a lost or suspended CONGU® Handicap is restored within twelve months it is restored at the same value as at the date of suspension or loss. If the handicap carried a ‘c’ status at the date it was lost, that status will remain valid for the rest of that year and for the whole of the calendar year following.

If the period is longer than twelve months then the player is allotted a new handicap having submitted scores in the same way as would a player applying for an initial handicap.

The Handicap Committee will take into consideration prior experience so if the player has changed Home clubs he/she must give the new club details of any handicap held previously.

Manual Reference: Page 56 – Clause 26.1; 26.2

It is a full CONGU® Handicap. Clubs should give such players their full handicap in competitions.

Manual Reference: Page 84 – Appendix K

Yes. Committees should permit the provisions of the R&A’s Modifications to the Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities to apply to all such qualifying golfers in their competitions if practicable.

These modifications would apply regardless of whether or not the golfer’s handicap is above or below the maximum of 28.0 [36.0].

Yes. It is up to the club as to how it calculates and monitors the handicaps of such players.

Manual Reference: Pages 81-83 – Appendix J

Yes, provided that the Conditions of Entry into the competition allow them to.

Manual Reference: Appendix J – blue box

Players must ensure that they have at least three Qualifying Scores in the calendar year or between Annual Reviews. Qualifying Scores are scores that have been made in any of the following ways:

• in Qualifying Competitions such as Medals, Stablefords or Par/Bogey competitions either at their Home course or at Away courses including in Open competitions;
• in Nine-Hole Qualifying Competitions (not applicable for Category 1 players);
• by submitting Supplementary Scores.

Clubs are permitted to exempt the following groups from having their handicaps without any designation:

• Players who, in the Handicap Committee’s opinion, have been prevented from submitting the required number of scores during the calendar year because of illness or injury
• Players who have transferred membership and have submitted scores at another club
• Players who are new to the game and have just been issued, or are in the process of being issued, their first CONGU® Handicap

Yes. Although the procedures for the administration of the Status of a CONGU® Handicap are subject to the advice from the relevant Union, all the jurisdictions concerned direct that such scores if submitted in the relevant period to be considered as Qualifying Scores for the purposes of maintaining the Status of a CONGU® Handicap.

Yes. The CONGU® Definition of Member may well not include all of the different membership categories that individual clubs may offer.

For a club to allot and administer handicaps for any category of club member it must offer that member an opportunity to play golf with other members and to participate in Qualifying Competitions.

A club may offer what membership categories it sees fit, subject to the relevant equality legislation in force in its location, but if a category of membership would exclude being able to play in a reasonable number of Qualifying Competitions then it must not allot or administer CONGU® Handicaps for players in that category.

Players who elect to join on restrictive playing basis cannot expect to play in every competition but they must be given reasonable and regular opportunities to compete in Qualifying Competitions if that club is to be the player’s Home club.

Manual Reference: Page 103 – Decision 8(a)

There is a specific requirement to calculate separate CSS’s for Members and Visitors in accordance with the procedures set out in Appendix B Clause 3 of the CONGU® UHS. This only applies when the number of ‘Home’ and ‘Away’ competitors, in Categories 1, 2, 3 and [4], are each twenty or more.

The separate CSS calculations for ‘Home’ players and Visitors in Open competitions is for handicap purposes only and does not impact upon the results of the competition or allocation of prizes.

Manual Reference: Page 39 – Clause 18.1(b)

A Home player for the purposes of Open Qualifying Competitions is one who meets any one of the following criteria:

• Is a club member who has nominated the club as his/her Home club;
• Is a club member who has nominated the club as his/her Away club;
• In situations where more than one club plays over the competition course (e.g. some Municipal Courses or courses owned by Links Trusts) players who by virtue of membership of other clubs also have playing rights over the competition course. As an example: Two different Golf Clubs, Club A and Club B both play their club competitions over a single Council-owned course. If Club A holds an Open Qualifying Competition over this course then any entrants from Club B would be deemed to be “Home” players for the purposes of the CSS calculation even if they are not also members at Club A.

A Visitor for the purposes of Open Qualifying Competitions is a player who is member of another club and who does not normally have playing rights over the competition course.

Manual Reference: Page 63 – Appendix B (3.4)

Yes. The eligibility of players holding overseas handicaps is a discretionary matter for each Committee to decide upon and should be covered by the entry requirements for each competition.

Yes. Whilst not exhaustive, the following matters frequently give rise to problems if they have not been addressed in the planning for an Open:

Entry requirements

• Handicap limits and allowances for entrants;
• Whether overseas equivalent handicaps are permitted;
• Whether handicap certificates are to be required on the day;
• Age limits – this may be obvious for some events but, for example, if juniors are to be excluded from what may appear to be an event open to all ages then this must be made clear at the point of entry;
• How are the CDH ID numbers of the competitors to be gathered – ideally beforehand on the entry form so that the players can be set up on the computer in advance.
• Competition format if for any reason it is not a Qualifying event

Scorecards and Local Rules

• Is it clear which set of tees are to be used;
• Is the correct SSS on the scorecard;
• Are the Local Rules on the scorecard up to date and written in compliance with the specimen Local Rules in Appendix I B of the Rules of Golf;
• If there are additional Local Rules how are they to be communicated to competitors – ideally each competitor should be given a typed addition list of Local Rules;
• Will Distance Measuring Devices be permitted.

Decisions

• • Who will be authorised to make any decisions regarding bad weather;
  • Who will deal with any queries regarding the Rules of Golf on the day;
  • When is a card deemed to be returned;
  • When is the competition deemed closed;
  • How are ties to be decided;

Recording scores and finalising the competition

• Are competitors to be asked to enter scores into the computer or will this be done by the Committee;
• Who will check the scores and close the competition;
• Who will send the scores to the CDH – this should be done as soon as possible after play has finished and the competition has been closed. If this cannot be done on the day of the competition then players should be advised accordingly;
• There may be competitors whose scores cannot be returned to their clubs via the host club’s CDH link (e.g. players from another part of GB&I or players whose Home club is not registered on a CDH). Also there may be players who are to play in another competition before their Home club has updated their handicaps.
• How is the CSS to be published so that these players can find out the CSS of the competition.

No. This is a matter for a club to decide. Increasingly, with the development of the computer software and national Central Databases of Handicaps (CDH’s) this is not necessary as there other ways of verifying a player’s handicap if required. Indeed it only makes more work for Handicap Secretaries who have to keep issuing more paperwork every time a player’s handicap changes.

Arguments against insisting on handicap certificates at club level include:

• The vast majority of golfers are honest and will tell you their correct playing handicap at check-in;
• Some players’ handicaps change very frequently in the height of the playing season and there is no guarantee that even a recently issued certificate reflects the player’s current handicap;
• With national CDH’s and internet access the handicaps of most players can be verified on the day – indeed the handicap software will do this for players in the same jurisdiction as the host club anyway;
• Players may not know to bring a hard copy certificate e.g. if they have entered by phone or over the internet. Insisting on a certificate may give rise to unnecessary bad feeling if a club does not permit a player who was unaware of the requirement to play just because they haven’t brought a piece of paper when there are other ways of verifying a handicap;
• With smart phones and internet access most players can themselves provide alternative evidence of their handicap.

It is for the Committee in charge of each competition to decide the handicap entry criteria which should be very clearly communicated to the membership in the Conditions of Competition.

There is no hard and fast rule but considerations include:

• Members who hold Competition handicaps may well object to such players being able to play in prestigious non-qualifying competitions, particularly trophy competitions.
• The handicaps of Members who have not submitted Qualifying Scores during the current or previous playing seasons are likely to be suspect. Whilst for some players this may be to their own disadvantage but there may be others who play regularly and whose golfing ability is not reflected by an old handicap. Such players would have an unfair advantage in any competition.
• Clubs may wish to hold some competitions open to players without handicaps in order to encourage them to join in.

Calculate the fraction of stroke(s) that are to be allowed to the nearest half stroke and round upwards in the normal way remembering that in this context upwards means towards zero (as a plus handicap is essentially a negative number!).

For example in a Four Ball Stroke Play competition a player with a handicap of +5 concedes 90% of that handicap to the course i.e. this equals -4.5, which rounds up to -4 strokes.

Plus handicappers start conceding strokes from Stroke Index 18. A plus handicapper conceding 3 strokes to the course would do so one Stroke Index holes 16, 17 and 18.

Manual Reference: Page 102 – Decision 6(a)

For Stroke Play:

0.6 x the lower handicap of the side + 0.4 x the higher handicap of the side.

A table for calculating this is given in Appendix F of the 2016-2018 CONGU® Manual. For medal Greensomes this is taken to one decimal place and is not rounded. For Stableford Greensomes the Medal play handicap is rounded to the nearest full stroke in the normal way.

For Match Play:

The full difference between the Greensomes Handicap Allowances of the two sides (as calculated for medal play) rounded to the nearest full stroke.

Although the Foursomes Allowance of half the combined playing handicaps is easier to calculate than the Greensomes Allowance clubs should not use this for Greensomes.

It gives an advantage to a high-low handicap combination over a combination of two players of similar handicap principally because there is no requirement to use any of the higher handicapper’s tee shots.

For example, using Foursomes allowances a combination of two 18 handicapped players would receive the same number of strokes (18) as would a scratch player and a 36 handicapper. With a Greensomes allowance the scratch and 36 handicap combination receives an allowance of 14.4 and the two 18 handicappers still receive an allowance of 18 strokes. This goes some way to redress the advantage that the high-low combination would otherwise have.

The handicap allowances for these competitions have remained unchanged at 75% in the CONGU® UHS for years and indeed probably have an empirical basis that precedes CONGU.

It is interesting to note that some of the other major handicapping systems of the world, e.g. the EGA and the USGA, use higher allowances.

Following extensive research by CONGU’s Handicap Research Committee it has been established that 90% allowance is more equitable and so the allowance has been changed to this from 1st January 2016.

Not directly under the current regulations although performance in Non-Qualifying Competitions is something that a Handicap Committee can take into consideration under Clause 23 when carrying out the Annual Review or when deliberating over any General Play adjustment.

Scores from these competitions have not been permitted to be used directly for handicap purposes because of the difficulty in identifying the separate contributions made by each of the partners.

In some countries and regions this format is very popular both for club and open competitions and the inability to directly use these scores means that much potentially useful handicap information on players’ performances is lost. This issue is something that the CONGU Handicap Research Committee currently has under investigation.

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A professional golfer returning to the amateur game typically has to wait a period of 2 years before being granted amateur status. A club may allot a handicap for the purpose of entering Home club competitions. He must NOT be given a CDH number, and his scores must NOT be returned to the CDH.

Appendix O outlines the calculation of Handicap Allowances for mixed tee golf. These calculations should be done BEFORE the appropriate percentage allowance is taken for 4BBB, Foursomes or Greensomes competitions.

Handicap Allowances for mixed or mixed tee Match Play competitions should be calculated as if they are Medal competitions as outlined in Appendix O

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MIXED GOLF-SSS-SI