WE ARE OFF AND GOLFING.........

I just wanted to send out a note to thank everyone for making the Opening a fun and successful event! The weather cooperated, the room looked stunning thanks to Robin Coulson and it was a pleasure to honour Marylin Worrall with the 2019 Ladies of Excellence Award. These gatherings are so much fun and I truly enjoy them, but in the hustle and bustle, I missed a couple of points that I would like to touch on. Of course, these things come to me at 2 a.m. and occupy the rest of my night….

First and foremost, our Section and our Club would not be successful if it weren’t for the members that volunteer their time.  We have always enjoyed the efforts of others without even knowing that they have touched our enjoyment and often without a word of recognition. We had a couple of changes on our Board this year, and I didn’t thank Jean Taylor for her 3 years of service. Jeannie, it’s not because I don’t appreciate you, it’s because I need to write things down! I am so sorry that I didn’t mention your service….Thank you so much for your contribution!

While on the topic of volunteering, we are still in need of some help on the Executive. If interested, we need help with the North Halton Solheim, Interclubs and an incoming 2020 Vice-Captain. Please let any of the Executive know if you are interested in any of the open positions.

With all that said, we are almost into our prime golfing weather and the irrigation installation is moving along nicely. I think there are still some questions surrounding entering our scores during play when there is ground under repair. I thought I would take this opportunity to highlight some key aspects of score reporting –

There is a difference in how you record your score when you don't play all the holes and when you do complete all the holes.

If a player does not play a hole or plays it other than under the Rules of Golf, their score for that hole for handicap purposes shall be par plus any handicap strokes the player is entitled to receive on the hole.

Example: A player with a Course Handicap of 10 receives a handicap stroke on the first 10 allocated handicap-stroke holes. If the player does not play the sixth allocated stroke hole because of construction on the green, the player shall record a score of par plus one for handicap purposes.  Handicap strokes for women can be found on the bottom of the score card. 

The following rounds would be examples where you would use this system: 

·       13 or more holes played you must post an 18-hole score

·       7-12 holes played you must post a nine-hole score.

For handicapping purposes, the following are unacceptable scores:

·       Scores of fewer than 7 holes.

·       Scores made not under the principles of the Rules of Golf.

·       Scores made in competitions stipulating the use of less than 14 clubs.

·       Scores made on golf courses without valid Course and Slope Ratings.

·       Scores made on courses that are not a member of an Authorized Golf Association.

·       Scores made while playing alone.

Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) is used when you have exceeded your maximum score on each hole as per the chart below. 

Below is the maximum number a player can take:

Course Handicap           Maximum Number

9 or less                          Double Bogey

10-19                                      7

20-29                                      8

30-39                                      9

40 and above                        10

Many of us play matches and these scores must be posted also. 

If you are conceded a stroke you must record the most likely score. 

The most likely score consists of the number of strokes already taken plus, in the player’s best judgement, the number of strokes that the player would need to complete the hole from that position more than half the time. This number may not exceed the player’s Equitable Stroke Control limit.

There is no limit to the number of unfinished holes a player may have in a round provided that failure to finish is not for the purpose of Handicap Factor manipulation.

Example 1: A and B are partners in a four-ball stroke play competition. On a hole on which neither player receives a handicap stroke, A lies two, 18 feet from the hole. B lies two, 25 feet from the hole. B holes a putt for a three. A picks up their ball because they cannot better B’s score. A records 4 on the score card because 4 is their most likely score.

Scores should be posted immediately after the round or as soon as possible

Further detailed information can be found on the Blog under the Tabs "All you'll need to know about Handicaps" and "Equitable Stroke Control".

Charline Morris,

Women's Captain