Requirements for Compliance with the USGA Handicap System
Section 1-2 of the USGA Handicap System states in part: "If a golf club or golf association does not follow the procedures of the USGA Handicap System, it is not permitted to use any part of the system or to refer to any handicap that it issues or a "USGA Handicap Index®," or "Short Course Handicap®," or as a handicap authorized or approved by the USGA.
In order for the calculations computed at any club to be considered in accordance with the USGA Handicap System, each club must follow the sixteen procedures outlined below. The Sections referenced in the checklist are from the USGA Handicap System published January 1, 2002.
The Western Pennsylvania Golf Association will meet its obligations and assist area golf clubs, members and non-members alike, in administering the USGA Handicap System. The WPGA monitors club procedures, and will become involved upon determining that clubs may not be in compliance. Contact the Association with any questions, especially if your club answers "no" to any of the following sixteen "conditions of play."
Compliance Checklist
Does Your Club:
| * Meet the USGA definition of a golf club? |
| * Have a Handicap Committee composed mostly of members and chaired by a member? (Section 8-1) |
| * Have an official USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating issued by an authorized golf association within the last ten years? (Section 14) |
| * Make it possible for players to record the correct USGA Course Rating and USGA Slope Rating with each posted score from every set of tees? (Sections 5-2 and 8-2b and c) |
| * Require the posting of all scores made at home and away? (Section 5-1) |
| *Require the use of USGA procedures to adjust hole scores before posting? (Section 4) |
| * Require that nine-hole scores be combined and posted for handicap purposes? (Section 5-2c and d) |
| * Insist that the principles of the Rules of Golf be followed? (Section 5-1) |
| * Follow the revision schedule and posting season of the authorized golf association having jurisdiction in the region? (Section 8-3a and c) |
| * Ensure that all acceptable scores are entered correctly? (Section 5-2) |
| * Perform computations and adjustments in accordance with the USGA Handicap Formula? (Sections 8-4 and 10) |
| * Make current scoring records and a list of USGA Handicap Indexes® of all members readily available for inspection by others? (Section 6-3) |
| * Reduce or increase Handicap Indexes® of any player whose handicap does not reflect his potential scoring ability? (Section 8-4b) |
| * Obtain a new USGA Course Rating and USGA Slope Rating from an authorized golf association when permanent changes have been made to the golf course? (Section 14-5b) |
| * Include the letter "L" after local handicaps which exceed the USGA maximum limits of 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women? (Section 3-4) |
| * Set up the golf course to make a consistent level of scoring possible? (Section 15) |
If the answer to all questions is "yes," the golf club is following the USGA Handicap System, and may issue USGA Handicap Indexes® to its members.
If any answers are "no," contact the WPGA or the USGA to determine necessary action to achieve compliance.
(revised 1/02)