What is a handicap?
A handicap is the number of strokes a player is given in order to make the final score approximately even. The handicap is determined by taking the average of three witnessed rounds at Maple Hill and/or Pyramids (Frozen Forests can count as two of the rounds if you played in this tournament), subtracting world class par (54 at Maple Hill) and multiplying by 90% (.9).
For example, if George B shoots a 58, 60 and 65 at Maple Hill in his three witnessed rounds, his average is 61 (58+60+65 / 3). We then subtract 54 and get 7. We than multiply by 90% and get 7 X .9 = 6.3. George B's handicap is therefore 6 (after rounding to the nearest whole number). It should be noted that the minimum handicap is 0.
Below is a sample chart.
Average |
Handicap |
52 |
0 |
53 |
0 |
54 |
0 |
55 |
1 |
56 |
2 |
57 |
3 |
58 |
4 |
59 |
5 |
60 |
5 |
61 |
6 |
62 |
7 |
63 |
8 |
64 |
9 |
65 |
10 |
The maximum handicap is 36.
How is a handicap used?
When two players are competing, the handicap system creates a level playing field, allowing both competitors an equal opportunity to win. The player with the most improved score relative to his or her average will be the winner (ie. after handicaps are applied, the player with the lower adjusted score will be the winner).
Below are some sample handicapped games. The total is determined by subtracting the handicap from the score. The winner is bolded.
Player
1 |
Player
2 |
||||
Score |
HCap |
Total |
Score |
HCap |
Total |
61 |
4 |
57 |
71 |
20 |
51 |
66 |
12 |
54 |
52 |
0 |
52 |
58 |
9 |
49 |
56 |
2 |
54 |
88 |
29 |
59 |
61 |
4 |
57 |
56 |
0 |
56 |
62 |
6 |
56 |
The last game, where both players' total scores are 56, resulted in a tie.
Does a handicap change?
Yes. After each week of play, each player's handicap is recalculated based on their average scores. The new handicaps are posted and the next week of play is based on the most recent handicaps.