Determining stroke allocations for 4BBB match play under WHS
The following explains the process for determining stroke allocations under the World Handicap System and is taken from CONGU’s GUIDANCE ON THE WHS RULES OF HANDICAPPING AS APPLIED WITHIN GB&I.
Calculating each competitor’s Playing Handicap begins with their Handicap Index. For the Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs event, the maximum Handicap Index is 28.0. Anyone with a Handicap Index of more than 28.0 must reduce their index to 28.0 before continuing.
Next, each player must calculate their Course Handicap for the course and tees they are playing (the easiest way to do this is by using the My England Golf app, or the conversion tables available outside the clubhouse/on the first tee at each club).
Each player’s Course Handicap is then reduced to 90% under the rules of this event.
Playing Handicap for Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs = Course Handicap x 90%
In 4BBB match play, the player with the lowest Playing Handicap concedes strokes to those with higher Playing Handicaps. The player with the lowest Playing Handicap adjusts their Playing Handicap to 0 (zero). The same adjustment is then made to each of the remaining players to determine the number of strokes they will receive over 18 holes. These strokes are received at the appropriate stroke indexes.
To calculate Playing Handicaps and determine the outcome of holes with different pars/stroke indexes when players are using a mixed combination of tees, click here.
Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs Rules
- The event is a 4BBB match play competition run by Northern Golfer for its readers within its circulation area.
- Matches to be played using handicaps calculated using the system outlined above.
- The home drawn pair must offer a minimum of three dates and times to their opposition.
- In the event of being unable to arrange a date, both teams will be disqualified.
- At each match, if courtesy is not given, green fees will be shared by both home and away teams.
- Should a match be tied after 18 holes, the result will be decided by a sudden-death play off commencing at the first hole. In a play off, strokes are received at the appropriate holes as they were during the normal course of the match.
- The minimum age for the competition is 18, there is no maximum.
- The maximum Handicap Index is 28.0 (any calculations (e.g. Course Handicap and Playing Handicap) should then be worked out from this starting figure).
- Handicap certificates should be available at all matches for opponents to inspect if requested.
- Matches to be played from the tees of the day (Home players may choose the tees if that is an option at the host club).
- This competition is only open to golf club members with an active WHS Handicap Index.
- Once a player/team has registered their home club, they cannot transfer to another club without notifying Northern Golfer.
- When a team is comprised of players from two different clubs, they may choose which club to play their ‘home’ matches at. They may change to the other club (or any club where one player in the team is a member) between rounds as they wish.
- Team members may be replaced (with written/email consent from Northern Golfer) before the start of a pair’s first match. After this point, no substitutions are allowed for any reason.
- All entry forms are to be directed to Northern Golfer with the entry fee.
- No player can enter the competition more than once.
- No extensions will be given.
- A panel consisting of representatives from Northern Golfer will adjudicate any disputes in conjunction with the Rules Office of the R&A/England Golf. Their decision will be final.
- No correspondence will be entered into.
- The prizes are not transferable.
- Distance Measuring Devices are permitted.
- All players must agree to being photographed and included in Northern Golfer should the occasion arise.
- The semi-finals and final are to be arranged, and players will be notified in good time.
For more information contact Dean Bailey, dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk.