Aussie Golfer has previously discussed the new handicap system rolling out across Australia on April 9, 2010 (see new handicapping changes). But one aspect of the new system is puzzling.
Why will all rounds of golf entered for handicapping purposes be restricted to competition rounds?
The new handicapping system abolishes the daily course rating (i.e. CCR) and is compared to the official course rating only. No longer is your golf round evaluated with respect to other scores but to the course difficulty, which will not change from one day to the next.
A minimum number of golfers playing the course on a given day is no longer needed to calculate a course rating and therefore the idea of playing competition golf in order to contribute a score to your handicap is made redundant.
I have always resented the idea that I cannot play a round of golf when I choose (say late afternoon) and hand the card in to contribute to my handicap.
A simple sign-in system to register the round and a partner with an official Australian handicap to sign your card should be suffice to hand in your card without being in the midst of a club competition.
Aussie Golfer posed the question to Golf Australia recently. The response indicated it will not be implemented until 2012.
Initially there will be no change to the existing regulations re this however by the time the full USGA Handicap System is implemented in 2012, we will be using social rounds for handicapping in addition to competition rounds. GA is yet to make a determination re the precise schedule for the implementation of this change.
Why do we have to wait two years? Is there a fear of a backlash from club professionals who make money from competition rounds? I don't believe competition rounds will be greatly affected by the change.
Any thoughts on this? Or answers?!


















