SSS and Handicapping Scheme 2001
Revisions and Junior Handicaps

The current move by Government and other governing bodies to encourage youngsters into golf has been given a further boost. For the first time there is inclusion of a section on junior handicaps in the Standard Scratch Score and Handicapping Scheme, see Appendix L. This is one of a number of minor yet important revisions made by CONGU to the Scheme, which became effective from 1 January 2001.

The section referring to junior handicaps is a welcome addition and recommends how a junior should be catered for until his handicap is reduced to 28, the maximum handicap permitted under the Scheme. Once a junior’s handicap has been reduced to 28 or less, the handicap will be adjusted under the CONGU Scheme and cannot thereafter be increased to more than 28.

Appendix L recommends the allocation of junior handicaps in the range of 29 to 54, based on the submission of three cards over a measured course. There will be a maximum score of 2 over par on any hole where more than two over has been taken, with a maximum reduction of 6 strokes. There will also be a concession to juniors under 14, at the discretion of the Club, for handicaps to be allocated for cards submitted over 6 or 9 holes. It has been further recommended that returns of 1-6 strokes below the SSS will result in a handicap reduction of 0.5 of a stroke for each stroke below the SSS, and for each additional stroke below there will be a further reduction of 1 stroke. There will be no CSS and buffer zones will not apply. The Appendix gives further details and examples.

One important new clause in the Scheme gives Home Unions the discretion to specify a minimum number of competitions that a golfer will have to play to retain his handicap without it lapsing. While the fact that a player’s handicap has lapsed will mean that he cannot take part in competitions where a CONGU handicap is a condition of entry, his lapsed handicap will still be effective for social golf.

Other additions and revisions to the Scheme include a new definition for ‘Non-Qualifying Competitions’; the inclusion of Category 1 golfers in clause 19.8 which permits the adjustment of handicaps by the Stableford System; a provision for database information for centralised computerised handicapping, which is currently being considered by the Home Unions; the correction of scores for handicapping purposes which otherwise might have led to disqualification; and an acceptance of the system of course rating adopted by the English Golf Union, which is marginally different from the USA method of assessment used by the Golf Unions of Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

There have also been two clauses added, 11.8 and 13.8, which relate to information required by the Home Unions to establish a national handicap database. According to Alan Thirwell, Secretary of CONGU, whilst some Unions may request members’ addresses as well as names, these are not essential to the setting up and operation of the database.

The present Scheme was first introduced in 1983, based on the system used by the Australian Golf Union. It takes account of all scores returned by players in Medal Play conditions and, since its introduction, has been widely accepted as giving a realistic indication and method of comparison of a golfer’s ability.

While most of the changes are technical in nature, they will nevertheless ensure that the system of handicaps operating in golf continue to give the player of modest ability a reasonable chance of beating a player of international standing.