 One of the most frequently
overlooked policies prescribed by the USGA Handicap System
Manual is the adjustment to be made when players compete from
different tees. When playing different sets of tees, each player
should first determine their individual course handicap
based upon their handicap index. Additionally, you must
also adjust for the difference in the course rating of
the tees being played.
Example – Playing From Different Tees
Jim has a handicap index of 5.6 and Fred has an index of 17.4.
After looking at the handicap chart in the pro shop, they
determine that Jim’s “course handicap” from the Blue tees is 6 –
Fred’s “course handicap” from the White tees is 21. Should Jim
give Fred 15 strokes?” – The answer is probably no.
Typically, the Course Ratings of the two tees involved are
different. Assuming the Blue Tee rating is 73.2 and the White
Tee rating is 71.0, there is a rounded difference of 2-strokes
between these two tees. So…Jim should receive a 2-stroke
increase in his course handicap (6+2=8) and now he gives Fred
only 13 strokes (21-8), not the full 15-strokes we first
thought.
This adjustment is called a “Section 3-5” adjustment named after
the section number in the USGA Handicap System Manual. For more
detailed examples please see
http://www.usga.org/playing/handicaps/manual/handicap_system_manual.html
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