Handicap Change for Wed Nite Play

Hi Guys.


Based on our last meeting and the data provided by Walker, here is the message I sent to all concerned members.
I hope it represents our position well. Your feedback is welcomed and appreciated.

We had our HPMC Board Meeting on Monday, 5/9. Walker Martin, who chairs the Handicap Committtee, provided the data I requested in order to take the guesswork out of the Tournament Handicap debate. A breakdown follows. If you would like additional data, I can probably glean it from the report he furnished. Walker is also cc'd here if you would like to discuss with him. The USGA Handicaps are from 5/1/11 and the Tournament Handicaps are through 4/26/11.

Here are the raw stats:
There are 197 players currently tracking.
127/197 (64.5%) have a T-handicap that is the same or higher than their USGA (EZLinks).
70/197 (35.5%) have a T-handicap below their USGA:
33/197 (16.8%) have a T-handicap that is lower by 1.0 or less:
17/197 (8.6%) are 0-0.50 lower
16/197 (8.1%) are .60-1.0 lower
37/197 (18.8%) have a T-handicap more than 1.0 below their USGA:
21/197 (10.7%) are 1.1-2.0 lower
12/197 (6.1%) are 2.1-3.0 lower
4/197 (2.0%) are more than 3.0 lower (only 1 over 3.9)

T-handicaps are an average of the lowest 6 out of the last 12 tournament scores (1st/Last Wednesdays, and yellow-card events) from 2009-present. Only 9 players have a T-handicap more than 1.0 below their USGA based on fewer than 12 events to draw from.

To address the fact that T-handicaps are harder to influence and less representative of a player's current trend, we discussed allowing rounds played with a lower T-handicap to be posted as Tournament scores. This is not allowed by the USGA. However, using our current system of playing with the lesser of one's 2 handicaps, 81.2% (160/197) of our members play on Wednesdays within 1.0 stroke of their USGA, 91.9% (181/197) play within 2 strokes, and 98.0% (193/197) play within 3 strokes.

Since there is so little difference for the vast majority of members, and since the formats often blur the effects of an individual player's handicap, we decided we could return to using only the USGA (EZLinks) handicaps on Wednesdays with no material affect on the competitions. Thus, we have dispensed with T-handicaps on Wednesdays. I hope that comes as good news.

The flip side is that the prevailing accuracy of the T-handicaps supports their use in tournaments, and they will be properly influenced by the scores posted. There continues to be an appeal process for players who feel unfairly burdened by their lower T-handicap in these events, and the relatively few players facing more than a 2 stroke deduction (16/197 - 8.1%) makes it feasible to address appeals on an individual basis (the USGA recommends a 3.0 stroke maximum tolerance).

In any system, there are bound to be individual cases that are less well-served than the majority. My personal opinion is that the Tournament Handicap system is working for HPMC. The failsafe is the appeal process which we encourage members to pursue. For example, one golfer with a T-handicap 3.3 strokes below his USGA has been granted a compromise based on illness that affected his recent trend. One could also make the case that a 2.0 stroke differential impacts a single-digit player more than it affects a high handicapper, so there are grey areas that can only be addressed on an individul basis.

This is not intended as the final word on the subject, just a baseline to frame further discussion. Let's continue the discussion in the spirit of common support of what we are trying to accomplish. There are certainly ways to tweak the system without abandoning it. For example, is using the lowest 6 of the last 12 tournament scores the right formula? I hope we can count on your support of HPMC with the knowledge that the Board will continue to listen and respond to member concerns.

Best Regards,
Scott Weaver - President, Harbour Pointe Men's Club

After reading this message from the Prez,I hope it helps everybody understand Tournament Handicap verses Course Handicap, we really are trying to play on a level field. Also we'll be checking each week to see that everyone is posting scores for Wed Nite play.If you don't post you will be notified. You have 48hours to post after each Wed Nite play.
  Now on  another note the Mukilteo Boys and Girls club is asking the men's club to support their fund
drive by pledging money for the number holes a few selected guys will play in 6 hours. Pledge sheet are at Pro shop and Bar, please help make this a success. Next, it's time to get signed up for the member- member on June 11 &12, we need 60, two man teams, don't get stuck on the alternate list, get signed up now!!!!!!!!!






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