Emirates Golf Federation

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From January 2010 the handicap system in the UAE will be changing from the CONGU to the USGA system. The control of the system will be internet based.

The reason for this is that the EGF felt that there was not enough control of the existing handicap system and that handicaps were not always a true reflection of the ability of golfers in the UAE. This had nothing to do with the CONGU system but more to do with the non recording of scores by golfers.

The USGA system allows for slope rating which allows golfers to compete more fairly on golf courses with varying difficulty and enables players of differing abilities to compete on an equitable basis.

More information will be forthcoming from the EGF and golf clubs in the coming weeks.

"Two basic premises underlie the USGA Handicap System, namely that each player will try to make the best score at every hole in each round, regardless of where the round is played, and that the player will post every acceptable round for peer review. The player and the players’ Handicap Committee have joint responsibility for adhering to these premises."

Q. Will I have to start my handicap from scratch with the new system?
A. No. Your current valid handicap will stay in place and your future scores calculated off that.

Q. How does the new system calculate my handicap?
A. The net differential of your score and not gross score is what determines your handicap. The net differential of your gross score is computed from 4 elements: Adjusted gross score, USGA Course rating, slope rating and 113 ( slope rating of a course of standard difficulty).

Eg. Course rating is 71.5, gross score is 95 and slope rating is 125.
Adjusted Gross Score - USGA Course Rating; 95 - 71.5 ==23.5
Difference x Standard Slope Rating; 23.5 x 113 = 2655.5
Result / Slope Rating; 2655.5 / 125 = 21.24
Handicap Differential (rounded); 21.2

Q. What is an Adjusted Gross Score?
A. An Adjusted Gross Score is a players’ score adjusted under USGA Handicap System procedures for unfinished holes, conceded strokes, holes not played or not played under the Rules of Golf, or Equitable Stroke Control.

Q. What is Equitable Stroke Control?
A. Equitable Stroke Control is the maximum number of strokes that a player can post on any hole depending on the players course handicap.
The maximum in the UAE will be 2 shots for a hole that the player strokes on and 1 shot for a hole that the player does not stroke on.
This will relate more to stable ford and match play competitions and adjusted gross score for handicap calculations.

Q. How many cards do I need to obtain a handicap?
A. You need 5 cards for your first handicap.

Q. How often will my handicap be adjusted?
A. Once a month. As per the table below your scores will build up until 10 of the best scores from the last 20 are used for calculation.

NUMBER OF ACCEPTABLE SCORES	HANDICAP DIFFERENTIAL(S) TO BE USED
5 or 6	Lowest 1
7 or 8	Lowest 2
9 or 10	Lowest 3
11 or 12	Lowest 4
13 or 14	Lowest 5
15 or 16	Lowest 6
17	Lowest 7
18	Lowest 8
19	Lowest 9
20	Lowest 10

Q.Will I have to record casual / general play games?
A. Yes. All games including 9 hole games played must be recorded

Q. Will I be able to record my score at home?
A. Yes. The system is internet based so you can record your scores via computer or mobile phone. You can also view any EGF members’ handicap on the internet.

Q. What will happen if I fail to record a game?
A. You will have 24 hours to record a game after which the level par of the particular golf course will be entered by the handicap committee. This can be corrected by the handicap committee upon receipt of a score card for the game played. Only the handicap committee will be able to change scores.

There will be more Q & A to follow. If you have any queries please contact Chris Vallender on Email: chris.vallender@ugagolf.com