The Handicap System aims to enable golfers of all abilities to compete on an equal basis by determining a Handicap Index and Course Handicap for each player based on posted scores. It incorporates elements like Equitable Stroke Control to prevent exceptionally bad holes from overly impacting a player's Handicap Index. Withdrawing from a round after only a few holes to avoid posting a score goes against the spirit of the handicap system. Players should record accurate scores, including estimated scores for unfinished holes, and follow pace of play guidelines to help matches be competitive and enjoyable for all participants.

1. The purpose of the Handicap System is to
make the game of golf more enjoyable by
enabling players of different abilities to
compete on an equal basis.
•Each player will try to make the best score at every
hole in every round.
•The player will post every “acceptable” round.

2. A Handicap Index is the result of a mathematical calculation
based on posted scores – It is an estimate of what a golfer might
shoot on her best days.
A course handicap is determined by applying the player’s
Handicap Index to the Course Handicap Table or using the Course
Handicap Formula
•Each golf club should have Course Handicap Tables posted in a public area
•Multiply Handicap Index by Slope Rating of tees being played and divide by 113
Example: 18.2 Hdcp Index X 123 Slope Rating = 2238.6 / 113 = 20 CH

3. Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) keeps an exceptionally
bad hole from changing your Handicap Index too much
and sets a maximum number that a player can post on
any hole depending on the player’s Course Handicap.
•10 is the maximum number of strokes that can be taken on any hole under
ESC
•There is no limit to the number of holes on which you can adjust your
score for ESC
•For handicap purposes, after each round you are required to adjust your
hole scores (actual or probable) when they are higher than your maximum
ESC number you can post.
•There are 2 Tables one for 18 holes and one for 9 holes. Be sure you use
the correct table when determining your Equitable Stroke.

4. Nine-Hole Course Maximum Number on
Handicap Any Hole
4 or less Double Bogey
5 through 9 7
10 through 14 8
15 through 19 9
20 or more 10
Eighteen-Hole Course Maximum Number on
Handicap Any Hole
9 or less Double Bogey
10 through 19 7
20 through 29 8
30 through 39 9
40 or more 10

5. The practice of withdrawing from a round after playing
6 holes to avoid posting a score is considered
“manipulating scores” and is not in the spirit of the
handicap system or the Lincster spirit of play.
PLAYING POORLY IS NOT A JUSTIFIED REASON FOR WITHDRAWING.

6. A player who starts, but does not complete a hole or is conceded
a stroke (gimmes) must record for handicap purposes the most
likely score.
•MLS consists of the number of strokes already taken, (including penalty
strokes) plus in the player’s best judgment, the number of strokes that the
player would need to complete the hole more than half the time.
•On the scorecard, this most likely score is preceded by an “X”.
•MLS is subject to reduction under the Equitable Stroke Control procedure.

7. Holes not played or not played under the Rules of Golf are scored as par
plus any handicap strokes the player is entitled to receive on that hole.
(Par + Pops) This score when recorded, should be preceded by an “X”
Example: a player with a Course Handicap of 9 receives handicap
strokes on every hole. The player quits after playing 7 holes. The
score for holes 8 & 9 would be Par + 1.

8. * Once a player has hit 10 strokes on two holes, they should
pick up, enter a score of X-10 on their scorecard and start
over at the next hole.
* The X will indicate to the sweeps committee that the player
has picked up and is not eligible for sweeps or awards that
week.
* Any birdies, pars or chip-ins scored during that round will be
counted toward year end awards.
* The player should however, post their score for that day.

9. Scorer_______________________________ Attestors' Init #1________#2_______#3_______
Winter rules Jan-Apr - Lift, clean, place within 6", no closer to the hole.
Lincster Par 4 5 4 4 3 5 3 4 4 36
9A Apr 4 F9 261 418 313 269 139 445 125 323 290 HCP
Hills 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Total FLT
Sandtrap, Sally
8 10 X-10 5 5 8 6 X-7 7 66 27
Par holes Birdie holes Chipin holes P u t t P o o l
D
TBD,
Par holes Birdie holes Chipin holes P u t t P o o l
Birdie, Barbie
5 8 6 4 4 6 3 5 5 46 9
Par holes Birdie holes Chipin holes P u t t P o o l
A
Parsky, Patty
4 6 6 5 3 7 X-5 X-6 6 48 18
Par holes Birdie holes Chipin holes P u t t P o o l
B

10. No one likes to be considered a slow player, nor do they want to feel rushed
while enjoying a round of golf.
•PLAY READY GOLF
•Carry a spare ball
•Have tees, ball markers ready before your round. Put some in your pocket
•If you are the driver, drop the passenger off at her ball and drive to your ball
•If your are the passenger, don’t wait for the driver to pick you up. Continue
walking to the hole until she catches up with you.
•Always be aware of the gap between you and the group ahead. There should not
be more than half a hole open in front of you. If you are keeping up with the group
in front of you – don’t worry about the group behind you.
•Always record your score at the next tee.

11. PWGA website: www.golfpwga.org Rules>Pace of Play
“more tips for speeding up play”
WNHGA website: www.wnhga.com Rules and Tools>Pace of Play
“simple ways to quicken pace of play”

12. The USGA Handicap System Reference Guide
Pacific Women’s Golf Association – www.golfpwga.org
Handicapping >Articles>Archives
USGA website – www.usga.org Handicapping

13. Post every “acceptable” round of golf
Know the difference between Handicap Index and Course Handicap
Know what your Equitable Stroke Control number is
Playing poorly is not a reason for withdrawing
Know how to score unfinished holes and holes not played under the rules of golf
Play “Ready Golf” and always be aware of the gap between you and the group in front of
you
Count all your strokes - A whiff is a stroke
And finally – It’s a game – Have Fun