Notice to Members on Handicapping Policies and Procedures

The Handicap Committee of Silver Lake Country Club is responsible for all aspects of the USGA Handicap Systemincluding the computation of each member’s Handicap Index.  As a Committee, we will verify that all acceptable scores are reported for handicap purposes.  All recorded scores will be made readily available for peer review.

The role of the Handicap Committee is to ensure the integrity and accuracy of all the handicaps earned by the golfing membership.  It is also the responsibility of the Handicap Committee to ensure that all golfers who play in competitive events comply with the requirements of theUSGA Handicap System.  Two basic premises underlie this system, namely that each player will try to make the best score at every hole in every round and that every player will post every acceptable round for peer review.  By accomplishing these objectives, our competitive events will be fairer and more enjoyable for all who play.

To accomplish these objectives the Handicap Committee will educate, inform, communicate, advise, audit and assist in all matters at Silver Lake Country Club relating to the USGA Handicap System.  In advance, we would like to state that your cooperation and support in this regard are very much appreciated.

Attached on the next page is a basic primer that will provide you with what is required by members to produce an accurate Handicap Index and course handicap as required by the USGA Handicap System.  

While you are most likely familiar with all of this information, some newer golfing members may not be.  We ask that you review the information in anticipation of the upcoming season.  All of the information is available on the SLCC Pro Shop Blog (www.slccproshop.blogspot.com) under the Handicap Corner tab.  There is additional information here as well including links to USGA Handicap System online and the GHIN website as well as some FAQs that might help you understand the handicap system better.

The Handicap Committee is looking forward to an exciting new golf season and appreciates your attention to this important information.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to communicate them directly to any member of the committee.

Respectfully,

Silver Lake Country Club Handicap Committee

Mike Fulmer, Committee Chair

Joe Leenheer, Head Pro

Howard Essner

Mike Gilliland

Maryann Miano

Silver Lake Country Club Handicap Policy

To play in competitive events associated with Silver Lake Country Club it is essential that each player conform to the player’s responsibilities outlined below:

1. Players must have a USGA GHIN Number to establish a Handicap Index.  This number is available through the Pro Shop.

2. Players must post all scores of rounds that have been played in an active season under the Rules of Golf, regardless of where the round is played.  This posting may be done using:

a. The posting computer outside of the Pro Shop in Handicap Corner

b. On the GHIN website (www.ghin.com)

c. On the GHIN mobile app

3. If a player plays 7 to 12 holes, a Nine Hole Score must be posted.  13 or more holes played require that an Eighteen Hole Score be posted.

4. Rounds played in some SLCC competitions shall be entered as Tournament Scores.  For 2014, the SLCC competitions to be posted as tournament scores will be:

a. All Club Championships
b. Blazer Qualifiers and Matches
c. Presidents Cup
d. One-Day and Three-Day Member Guests
e. Ladies Emerald and Diamond Derbies

5. All scores should be posted in a timely fashion.Timely means upon completion of the round, except in cases of "away" scores or when the access to posting methods is limited, timely means within 24 hours.  Scores posted for dates preceding the most recent effective Handicap Revision are subject to audit by the Handicap Committee.  Handicap Revisions will take place on the 1st and 15th of every month.

6. For holes that are unfinished or strokes that are conceded, post a score for that hole by determining your “most likely score” for the hole.  The “most likely score” is the actual number of strokes taken added to the estimated number of strokes needed to finish the hole from the position more than half the time, in the player’s best judgment.  When turning in a scorecard, this score should be accompanied by an “X”.

7. For any holes that are not played or not played under the Rules of Golf, post par plus any handicap strokes that the player is entitled to receive on these holes. When turning in a scorecard, these scores should be accompanied by an “X”.

8. Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) sets a maximum number of strokes that a player can post on any hole based upon the player’s current Course Handicap.  For handicap purposes, a player is required to adjust a hole score (actual or “most likely”) when it is higher than the players maximum ESC number.  When turning in a scorecard, these scores should be accompanied by an “X”.  ESC charts are posted in Handicap Corner.

9. Should you make a mistake when posting a score, please contact the Handicap Committee Chair or the Head Pro so that it can be corrected.