Competition Training Site
Allotment of Handicaps
For Players seeking the allocation of their first handicap, the way it is calculated can be puzzling so if you want to know more, please read on.
CONGU (Confederation of National Golf Unions) operate a UHS (Unified Handicapping Scheme) amongst all the member Unions and their affiliated Clubs. We are affiliated to the EGU (English Golf Union) and the EWGA (English Women's Golf Association) who are both affiliates of CONGU. It is therefore CONGU's UHS that defines how a handicap is initially allocated and then managed.
The rules that apply for the allotment of handicaps are as follows.
| 16.1 | A handicap can be allotted only to a Member of an Affiliated Club and after full consideration of his previous playing history, including any handicap held previously at any other club or under another handicap system. | |
| 16.2 | To obtain a handicap a player must submit such number of cards over 18 holes in such manner as his Home Club requires, but not less than three, at his Home Club (preferably over a Measured Course) each of which must be marked and signed by a responsible person acceptable to the Handicap Committee. These cards should normally be submitted within a period of six months. | |
| 16.3 | The Handicap Committee has the following responsibilities and discretions in regard to the allotment of handicaps. | |
| (a) | When reviewing the submitted cards, any score of more than 2 over Par for men and 3 over Par for ladies at any hole must be amended to 2 [3] over Par respectively. After these adjustments have been made an Exact Handicap shall be allotted equivalent to the number of strokes by which the best of the submitted rounds differs from the Standard Scratch Score. The player's Playing Handicap shall equal the Exact Handicap allotted. |
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| (b) | The Handicap Committee may allot a player an initial whole number Exact Handicap less than the best adjusted score if it has reason to consider that a lower handicap is more appropriate to the player's ability. In exceptional circumstances a higher handicap may be allotted than that indicated by the best adjusted score. |
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| (c) | When a player fails to return cards to justify an Exact Handicap of 28.0 [36.0] he may, at the discretion of the Handicap Committee, be given an Exact Handicap of 28.0 [36.0]. | |
| (d) | An Affiliated Club may, at its absolute discretion, refuse to allot a handicap until a playing standard determined by the Affiliated Club has been attained. | |
| (e) | If a handicap has been previously held, refer to Clause 26 (Regaining a Handicap). |
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| (f) | A player must not be allotted a Category 1 handicap without the written authority of the Union or Area Authority if so delegated. |
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| 16.4 | The maximum handicap that can be allotted is 28 for men and 36 for ladies. (Maximum Exact Handicap 28 [36.0].) | |
Please ensure that cards submitted clearly show the following information:-
1. Players name at the top of the card. Also sign the card once round completed
2. Markers name printed and also sign the card as marker once the round is completed
3. Indicate which tee played from
4. Mark the card - Handicap Card
Once all 3 cards have been completed put in the box in the clubhouse.
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