2008 sees changes to the Unified Handicapping System and to the Rules of Golf.
Details are below.
Further information can be found on the CONGU
and R&A websites.
Amendments to the Unified Handicapping System in 2008
Several amendments to the Unified Handicapping System came
into effect from 1st January 2008. To ensure these changes are fully
understood by our clubs, BLCGA Handicap Advisor, Heddwen Molloy, will be holding
seminars in January for Handicap Secretaries of the Bedfordshire clubs and up to
2 more of their handicap committees (3 in all per club) at:
Saturday 19th January at Bedford & County
Monday 21st January at South Beds.
It is strongly recommend that representatives from all Bedfordshire clubs attend
one or the other.
The revision is the result of 4 years of
consultation, discussion, trials and statistical reviews by the women’s and
men’s national organisations.
The AIMS of the changes are to:-
a) Take account of changing needs of the modern game, e.g. Supplementary Scores
(previously trailed) and 9 Hole Competitions.
b) Make the system more understandable and “user friendly”
c) I mprove compliance
d) Clarify the language e.g. difference between may, should, must etc.
e) Emphasize the “spirit & integrity” of the system as in the Rules of
Golf
Key Changes
a)
Some changes to definitions section and on the administrative
side.
b)
Handicap allowances in singles, foursomes and fourball
matchplay were recommendations only – now mandatory. Greensomes will still be
recommendation only.
c)
In Open competitions, if there are more than 20 home players
and more than 20 away players competing then a separate CSS will be calculated
for each.
d)
A stableford adjustment of strokeplay cards MUST be
calculated whether or not 18 holes are completed. ELGA requires all Away Scores
as well as scores returned in Open Competitions to be returned to all
participating clubs.
e)
There is a change of emphasis from General Play (previously
Clause 19) to an Annual Review of Handicaps (now Clause 23). Performance should
be assessed over the long term.
Other
Points of Note
a.
Players’ responsibility:
(i) A
player MUST (not may) product a current, validated CONGU handicap certificate
when required to do so. It must be “dated in the current year”.
(ii) Entering
competitions. Before commencing on the day MUST ensure her entry has
been registered.
b. Rules
of Golf & Decisions on the Rules of Golf. New,
revised books will be in the clubs any time now. We would strongly recommend
that you purchase copies of the Decisions book and keep them readily available
for reference.
Rules
of Golf – Changes as from 1st January 2008
a)
Players will now be allowed to lift their ball to identify it
in a hazard. Following on from this, they will no longer be exempt from penalty
for playing a wrong ball from a hazard.
b) Several penalties have been amended from 2 strokes to 1 stroke e.g. Rule
19-2. If a ball in motion is deflected or stopped by a player, partner, caddy
or equipment it will now be a 1 stroke penalty BOTH for STROKEPLAY AND MATCHPLAY
i.e. no longer loss of hole in matchplay.
c) Rule 24-1 Movable Obstruction This has been amended to allow a flagstick,
whether attended, removed or held up to be moved when the ball is in motion.