The USGA has modified the Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) procedure for those who play to a course handicap of 9 or less. ESC sets a maximum number that you can post on any hole depending on your course Handicap. ESC is only used when the actual or most likely score exceeds the maximum number based on the table below.

Handicap Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a handicap index?

A handicap index allows all golfers, no matter what level, the opportunity to compete in a fair match at any golf course.

What do I need to do to get a handicap index?

To start, you need to post your scores.   You should post scores (both league and non-league).  You can post 9 hole scores, as well as 18 hole scores.  For every two 9 hole scores you post, they will be combined together to form one 18 hole score.

You are responsible for entering your own scores either at the league course handicap computer, or at the Wisconsin State Golf Association website www.wsga.org

You will need to know and enter the following information:

1. Your name
2. The date
3. The golf course you played
4. The set of tees you played from
5. If you played nine holes, did you play the front or back?
6. The USGA Course Rating and USGA Slope rating of the course played (this will be on the scorecard and based on the set of tees you played).
7. Your adjusted gross score (see adjusting scores below)

How many scores do I need to post to start my handicap?

You need to post at least five 18 hole rounds or ten 9 hole rounds before a handicap can be calculated.

Are there any scores I can't post?

Yes, there are a few instances in which scores should not be posted.  Here are the following scores that should not be posted.

1. You played less than 13 holes in an 18 hole round, or less than 7 holes in a 9 hole round.  On the holes you didn't play, record par plus any handicap strokes you would have received. 
2. When an 18 hole course you play is less than 3,000 yards.
3. When a majority of the holes aren't played under the USGA Rules of Golf (for example, a scramble format).
4. When you play in a competition limiting the types of clubs used.
5. When you play in an area observing an inactive season.
6. When scores are made on a course with no USGA Course or Slope rating.

In all other instances, you should post your scores.

Now I have my handicap index, is this my course handicap?

Your handicap index is used to calculate your course handicap.  At each course you play, you will have a different course handicap.  Here is how it is calculated:

(Your handicap index  * the slope of the tees you will play from / 113) =  Your course handicap 

In my example, my handicap index is currently 29.5.  The slope of the red tees (forward tees) at Meadows of Six Mile Creek is 117 (the slope rating for each set of tees will be listed on the scorecard).  My course handicap is as follows:

(29.5 * 117 / 113) = 31 (rounded from 30.5)

If you are playing 9 holes, you would divide your course handicap by two.  In my example, my 9 hole course handicap would be 15.

Can you give me an example of how this works?

Sure.  Refer to the example above.  I will be playing Matilda at Meadows of Six Mile Creek.  Using the example above, my 9 hole course handicap is 15.  If I play Matilda who?s handicap index is 19, her 9 hole course handicap will be 10.  

(19 * 117 / 113) = 20 (rounded from 19.67) / 2 = 10

Therefore, Matilda will have to give me 5 strokes.  The strokes are assigned according to the scorecard.  You will notice that each hole is assigned a handicap number 1 ? 18 on the scorecard.  The first stroke is assigned to the lowest handicap number hole until all strokes are assigned.  

I want to learn more.  Where do I go?

Great!  Four excellent resources are:

1.  United States Golf Association website  http://www.usga.org

2.  Wisconsin State Golf Association website  http://www.wsga.org

3.  EWGA Madison?s website    http://www.ewgamadison.org   

4.  Email the handicap chair: Amy Butrymowicz- boettchera@sbcglobal.net