HANDICAPS AND EQUITABLE STROKE CONTROL

Handicaps for the Battelle Men's Golf League will be computed using an adjusted gross score based on the play of nine holes. They are computed against par. These handicaps are not equivalent to USGA handicaps and therefore, only apply to BMGL play at Columbia Point Golf Course. The maximum allowable league handicap will be 22 for nine holes.

EQUITABLE STROKE CONTROL

Following the equitable stroke control method adopted by the USGA for nine-hole handicaps, actual gross scores should be adjusted according to the following rules:

Only adjusted gross scores will be used for computing handicaps. Actual scores must be used for match and medal play.

MAXIMUM HOLE SCORE

To speed play, the League is also instituting a "double par" maximum score on any single hole. This replaces the old rule of 10 being the maximum on any hole. Players taking the maximum on a hole and not holing their putt lose the hole in match play to an opponent who does hole out. If both players take the maximum, and neither holes their putt, the hole is a push in match play.

NUMBER OF SCORES USED TO CALCULATE THE BMGL HANDICAP

Handicaps will be computed based on the lowest 5 of adjusted gross scores for the most recent 9 adjusted gross scores. If a player has posted fewer than 9 scores, then the following system for handicapping applies:

Other special rules are:

• New players to the league play their first round, post a score, and use a handicap based on 85% of that differential (gross score minus par) to score the first round. That same handicap is also used to score their next (second) round. Following the second round, their lowest adjusted gross score of the first two rounds is used to calculate their handicap based on 85% of the differential. This handicap is used to score the third round. Following the third round, their handicap is calculated by the handicapping program.

CALCULATION OF THE BMGL HANDICAP

The golfer's "handicap average" (xx.x) is calculated for the rounds used (i.e., lowest 5 of 9), not all rounds played. The "handicap average" can be best described as the average difference or differential between par and the player's average score (calculated using the rounds indicated above). In general, for the BMGL, a golfer's handicap is determined by rounding the "handicap average" to the tenths digit, multiplying the result by 96%, and rounding to the full digit. If that number exceeds the maximum handicap (i.e., 22), it is reduced to the maximum allowed handicap.

The following example may clarify the definitions and calculation described above. Gordo Mattelle is playing in the BMGL and has registered 4 scores. His adjusted gross scores for four successive weeks are 47, 42, 45, and 46. The league alternated play on the front and back nines at Columbia Point Golf Course on successive weeks and played the first week on the front nine. Par on the front nine is 37 and on the back 35. In relation to par, Gordo has played over par by 10, 7, 8, and 11 strokes. Gordo has played 4 rounds of golf, and the lowest 3 rounds will be used to calculate his "handicap average" and "handicap." Thus, we'll use the rounds of 10, 7, and 8. They total 25 and his "handicap average" is 8.3. Multiplying by 96% and rounding to the nearest full digit, Gordo's "handicap" is 8.