Handicap allowances are created to ensure fairness across various formats of play, whether for 9 or 18 holes. These allowances are applied to the unrounded Course Handicap as the last step in determining a player’s Playing Handicap.

Select “Handicap allowance” in addition to the normal Course Handicap

When the Handicap allowance feature is enabled on the How Many Strokes Terminal, players will have an enhanced experience. In addition to calculating their usual Course Handicap, they will now have the option to use the Handicap allowance calculator. This added functionality allows players to more accurately determine their Playing Handicap by incorporating the appropriate allowances, ensuring a fair and balanced game across various formats of play. The new option provides a seamless and comprehensive way to manage handicaps, enhancing the overall user experience and promoting equity in the game.

Playing Handicap Allowances Table

To find the mandatory handicap allowances for all competition formats, select the playing format. This table includes the following competitions and their respective allowances:

• Individual: 95%
• Individual Stableford: 95%
• Individual Par/Bogey: 95%
• Individual Maximum Score: 95%
• Fourball: 85%
• Fourball Stableford: 85%
• Fourball Par/Bogey: 90%
• Foursomes: 50% of combined team handicap
• Greensomes: 60% low handicap + 40% high handicap
• Pinehurst/Chapman: 60% low hcp + 40% high hcp
• Best 1 of 4 Stroke Play: 75%
• Best 2 of 4 Stroke Play: 85%
• Best 3 of 4 Stroke Play: 100%
• All 4 of 4 Stroke Play: 100%
• Scramble (4 players):
  25%/20%/15%/10% from lowest to highest hcp
• Scramble (2 players): 35% low/15% high
• Total score of 2 match play: 100%
• Best 1 of 4 Par/Bogey: 75%
• Best 2 of 4 Par/Bogey: 80%
• Best 3 of 4 Par/Bogey: 90%
• All 4 of 4 Par/Bogey: 100%

Options, mixed tee events and adjustments

After selecting the desired playing format from the Handicap Allowances Table, each player’s handicap is entered into the system. This process is straightforward and ensures that all relevant data is accurately recorded. Depending on the chosen format and whether it is a mixed tee event with different pars for each tee, the option to select “Tee for Scoring” becomes available. This feature allows each player to select their individual tee and specify their gender, accommodating a wide range of participants and ensuring that everyone can play from the tee that best suits their abilities.

In mixed tee events, this customization is particularly important. It allows for a fair competition by letting each player select a tee that matches their skill level and preferences. For certain formats, an additional adjustment is made to account for differences in par between the tees. This adjustment ensures that the competition remains equitable, regardless of the variations in course layout and difficulty.

The system is designed to handle these adjustments seamlessly, providing players with an accurate Playing Handicap that reflects the specific conditions of the event. By considering factors such as tee selection and par differences, the system enhances the fairness and enjoyment of the game, allowing all participants to compete on a level playing field.

Get your Playing Handicap and go play

Once all player information and course options have been entered into the system, the results will be displayed on the “How Many Strokes” screen. This process is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, ensuring that you can quickly and easily determine your Playing Handicap.

The “How Many Strokes” screen provides a clear and concise summary of your Playing Handicap, taking into account all the variables and adjustments specific to your selected format and course conditions. This includes any handicap allowances, tee selections, and par adjustments that may be necessary for mixed tee events.

The players can always see a more detailed overview:

In summary, the process of calculating and adjusting your Playing Handicap is designed for accuracy and fairness, ensuring an enjoyable golfing experience. It begins with selecting the appropriate format from the Handicap Allowances Table, which outlines specific percentages and rules for various competitions such as Individual, Fourball, Foursomes, Greensomes, and Scramble.

Next, player information is entered into the system. This includes handicaps, and for mixed tee events, individual tee selections and gender specifications. Adjustments are made to account for differences in par between tees, ensuring equity across diverse playing conditions.

Once all details are inputted, the results are displayed on the “How Many Strokes” screen. This user-friendly interface provides a clear and concise summary of each player’s Playing Handicap, incorporating all necessary allowances and adjustments.

With this comprehensive and straightforward process, players can confidently proceed to their game, knowing their Playing Handicap has been accurately determined. This allows for a fair competition, letting golfers focus on enjoying their round.