USGA to aid GA handicap changes

Following the suspension of the Second Package of Changes to the Australian Handicap System on 1 October, Golf Australia (GA) has had various discussions with the United States Golf Association.

In these discussions, GA has updated the USGA on recent developments in Australia and passed on a summary of the feedback provided by Australian clubs and individual golfers.

USGA to aid GA handicap changes

The key outcome of these discussions is that the USGA has agreed to take part in a collaborative study with GA looking at the implementation of the system to date, the golfing culture and structure in Australia and the application of the USGA Handicap System within the Australian environment.

As part of this commitment, the USGA will send at least one senior person to Australia to work with GA. This is expected to occur in February 2011.

In many ways this represents a unique opportunity and as such GA is pleased to be partnering with the USGA on this study, particularly given the USGA’s enormous investment into handicapping research and development.

We will approach this study with an open mind regarding the proposed system and the needs of Australian golfers.

Feedback received by GA from states, clubs and individual golfers will be referenced during the study, particularly in areas where strong themes emerged.

Clubs and golfers should rest assured that GA does not want to see a handicap system implemented in Australia that does not suit the Australian club culture. Australia must not only get the best possible system, but also must implement one which is broadly viewed as a positive step forward by its golfers and golf clubs.

No further announcements of substantial changes to the Australian Handicap System will be considered until a reasonable period after the USGA visit.

At this stage, we do not anticipate being in a position to announce any significant developments regarding changes to the Australian Handicap System until May-June 2011.

This means that until May-June 2011 (and possibly beyond this time):

• The regulations to apply for handicapping four-ball events are what was in place as a result of the April 2010 four-ball handicapping revision.
• Non-competition scores may not be used for handicap purposes (except for gaining an initial handicap).
• The regulations to apply for handicapping events played over 9-17 holes are what was in place under the old handicap system.
• Note: Irrespective of any recent announcements, GA would always encourage clubs to have a Handicap Committee.

We do thank the many clubs and individual golfers that have provided feedback and we look forward to providing further information when it is available.ments of substantial changes to the Australian Handicap System will be considered until a reasonable period after the USGA visit.

At this stage, we do not anticipate being in a position to announce any significant developments regarding changes to the Australian Handicap System until May-June 2011.

This means that until May-June 2011 (and possibly beyond this time):

• The regulations to apply for handicapping four-ball events are what was in place as a result of the April 2010 four-ball handicapping revision.
• Non-competition scores may not be used for handicap purposes (except for gaining an initial handicap).
• The regulations to apply for handicapping events played over 9-17 holes are what was in place under the old handicap system.
• Note: Irrespective of any recent announcements, GA would always encourage clubs to have a Handicap Committee.

We do thank the many clubs and individual golfers that have provided feedback and we look forward to providing further information when it is available.