Traralgon Golf Club

Latrobe Valley's finest golfing experience

Princes Highway (PO Box 3)
Traralgon 3844
Victoria (AUSTRALIA)
Tel Clubhouse - 03 51741709 Pro Shop - 03 51742460
Fax 03 51741277

NEW HANDICAP SYSTEM: WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM (January 2020)

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NEW HANDICAP SYSTEM: WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM (January 2020)

The introduction of the World Handicap System (WHS) will take effect in Australia on Thursday 30 January 2020.

www.golf.org.au remains the only authorised website where you can view your handicap record.

The WHS is a joint initiative of golf’s two international governing bodies, The R&A and the United States Golf Association. Golf Australia is one of the organisations that has been The WHS involves less change for Australia than it does for any other country. But whilst your handicapping experience will remain largely the same, we will see a few changes in Australia. The main changes that may have an effect on your handicap are:

1. Bonus Reduction for Exceptional Net Score
GOLF Link will apply an automated extra reduction to your GA Handicap for any net score that is at least 7 strokes better than it (go to your handicap record on www.golf.org.au and compare your ‘Sloped Played To’ result for the round with what your GA Handicap was before that round was played).

2. Soft Cap
In addition to the existing Hard Cap of 5 strokes, a Soft Cap is being introduced. The Soft Cap will take effect if your GA Handicap increases to 3 strokes above its best point for the previous 12 months. Once in the Soft Cap zone, your GA Handicap will only be allowed to increase by 50% of the calculated amount.

3. Adjustment made to Daily Handicap if Scratch Rating is different to Par
An adjustment will be made to your daily playing handicap on any course where the Scratch Rating of the course is different to the Par of the course.

Examples of the adjustment: If Scratch Rating 73 & Par 70; 3 is added to the Daily Handicap calculation (ie 73 - 70 = +3).

If Scratch Rating 68 & Par 70; 2 is subtracted from the Daily Handicap calculation (ie 68 - 70 = -2).

This change is being made to create some key benefits for golfers and clubs.

Firstly (and most importantly), it simplifies handicapping process by making 36 Stableford points (or net par) the universal measure of a golfer playing to their handicap, regardless of the tees or course.

Secondly, it makes mixed-gender or multi-tee competitions simpler to run which enables clubs to provide members with a more diverse range of playing options – this will also make it easier for clubs to ensure compliance with gender equality laws (www.golf.org.au/equalityguidelines).

This is the aspect of the new system that golfers will notice immediately:
The data for Traralgon Courses is:
(All courses have a scratch rating that is different to the par)

Men’s Red Course: Par 70 Scratch 66 (Slope 117)
Men’s White Course: Par 71 Scratch 69 (Slope 124)
Men’s Blue Course: Par 72 Scratch 70 (Slope 126)
Ladies Red Course: Par 71 Scratch 72 (Slope 123)

The nett effect of this at TGC is:
Men’s Red Course: Daily playing Handicap will be reduced by 4
Men’s White Course: Daily playing Handicap will be reduced by 2
Men’s Blue Course: Daily playing Handicap will be reduced by 2
Ladies Red Course: Daily playing Handicap will be increased by 1

4. Transfer of 0.93 Multiplier
The 0.93 Multiplier will be transferred out of the GA Handicap calculation and into the Daily Handicap calculation. GA statisticians confirm this change will have no overall impact on the handicaps players actually play off (ie Daily Handicaps).

5. Maximum GA Handicap under the WHS is 54.0 for both men and women
Note: Many clubs will operate Daily Handicap limits lower than 54 (for example 36 for men and 45 for women for any/all competitions). Traralgon will maintain its current limits of 36 for men and 45 for women.

As a part of the transition to the WHS, your GA Handicap will be recalculated using the WHS regulations. During 30 January your new GA Handicap will then be released for your viewing on www.golf.org.au

More information on the WHS is available from www.golf.org.au/whs or https://www.golf.org.au/your-handicap-has-changed/