Renfrewshire Ladies' County Pause their Winter Competition due to Scottish Golf -- Covid 19 Guidance 2nd November 2020

With the ever-changing situation regarding Covid-19, the Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association committee have reviewed the latest travel guidance from both the Scottish Government and Scottish Golf in relation to their ongoing Winter 4 Ball Better Ball competition. 

Due to the travel restrictions in place, and members residing in different local authorities, they have taken the difficult decision to pause the competition. It is obviously disappointing to have to take this action, but they feel we are doing so to comply with the guidance and in the best interests of their members.  READ MORE 

FROM SCOTTISH GOLF WEBSITE YESTERDAY 

Scottish Golf is now in a position to provide all affiliated clubs with further guidance relating to the Scottish Government’s COVID protection levels by local area. The latest version of our COVID-19 Guidance for Golf Clubs and Golfers can be found on the Scottish Golf Website.The updated guidance is summarised as follows and unless otherwise stated are effective from yesterday 2nd November:

• On-course golf activities can continue under our current Phase 3 Guidance, with up to four players from four different households allowed to participate together. There are no changes to access to toilet facilities, locker rooms or professional shops which can continue to be utilised provided all appropriate measures, such as use of face masks, increased sanitation are adhered to.

• You should avoid travel to other areas regardless of their level unless essential.

• For exercise/sport – there is an exemption, however, it is limited:  

o In tier 4, not permitted to drive outside your Local Authority area for exercise – you can cross boundaries in the process of exercising i.e if a golf course straddles two Local Authority area boundaries. 

o In tier 3, you are permitted to travel around 5 miles for exercise. 

o In tier 2 & tier 1, you are permitted to travel freely for exercise within your own Local Authority area.
o U18s – can travel freely for exercise in Tiers 0-3. They should not travel in or out of a Tier 4 area.•  


All golfers should be aware of travel guidance outlined by the Scottish Government and this should always be followed.

• Clubhouses and sports facilities which provide catering and bar services, can operate providing they adhere to Scottish Government guidance appropriate to the protection level in which they are operating.


Once again, we would like to thank all of our clubs and golfers across Scotland for your continued co-operation and adherence to the current guidance and ask that you continue to play your part during these challenging times.

We will continue to keep all clubs and tournament organisers updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage on the Scottish Golf Website. 

Kind regards,
Karin Sharp, Chief Operating Officer, Scottish Golf

WHS INITIAL HANDICAP INDEX EXPLAINED

The new World Handicap System (WHS) will be launched in Scotland, and the rest of GB and I, next week - Monday 2nd November

The current golf handicapping system maintained by CONGU will be replaced by WHS which will unify the six different structures currently in operation throughout the world of golf.

WHS Initial Handicap Index Calculation Explained

From Thursday 23rd October Scottish Golf started the World Handicap System (WHS) transition process of golfer handicaps as we move to implement the new WHS. The main part of this transition was the calculation of every current CONGU Handicap into a WHS Index and golfers may have noticed their projected handicap has changed several times over the last few days as we aligned the data from the two systems.

To find out more about how we have generated initial handicap values that are as accurate as possible, please click here to access the WHS Initial Handicap Index document. This document also aims to answer some of the additional questions members may have around the process. 

SCOTTISH GOLF APP FAQ SHEET

Scottish Golf have added  a Frequently Asked Questions link on their website about the Scottish Golf App you can download from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store depending on what type of modern phone you have (Apple or Android)

You will find out by clicking on the following link  --  Scottish Golf App questions and Answers 

WHS - What Are the Soft and Hard Cap ? - DAY 9

A player’s Low Handicap Index is remembered within the handicap formula – this is the lowest Handicap Index they have held within the last 12 months. 

The Low Handicap Index provides a reference point against which the current Handicap Index can be compared.

This is to help ensure that the player’s current Handicap Index cannot stray too far away from their demonstrated ability, in too short a space of time

If the new Index is more than a certain number of strokes above the Low Handicap Index, the cap is triggered.

The soft cap suppresses upward movement when the difference between the new calculated Index and the Low Index is greater than 3. 

The increase is suppressed by 50% of any value over 3.

The hard cap prevents further upward movement by placing a hard ceiling at 5 above the Low Index.

The soft cap and hard cap procedures only start to take effect once a player has at least 20 acceptable scores in their scoring record

WHS - EXCEPTIONAL SCORES - DAY 8

A score differential which is at least 7.0 strokes or more better than the player’s Handicap Index at the time the round was played.

Score can be from any format of play, competitive or general play and this is not restricted to competition scores.

When a player submits an exceptional score, the handicap formula applies an additional adjustment to the player’s updated Handicap Index.

This adjustment is in addition to any reduction caused within the 8/20 calculation.

The Handicap Committee can override the adjustment if they deem necessary.

WHS - PLAYING CONDITION CALCULATION - DAY 7

 

At the end of each day, a playing conditions calculation (PCC) takes place automatically, behind the scenes, to determine if scores made at the course were significantly higher or lower than expected.

If scores were unusually low or high, a PCC adjustment of between –1 and +3 will be applied to your score differential calculation to reflect the playing conditions on the day. 

When abnormal playing conditions cause scores to be higher or lower than expected on a given day, a Playing Conditions Calculation will adjust score differentials to better reflect the player’s actual performance.

This means that a higher score on a tough day may still be a good score and one of your best 8, used to calculate your updated Handicap Index.

The PCC considers all acceptable scores submitted on a golf course on a given day (all formats, competitive & recreational, 9 & 18 holes).

For a PCC to be calculated, at least eight acceptable scores must be submitted by players with a Handicap Index of 36.0 or below.  The PCC is automatically applied within the calculation of score differentials for all players. 

COURSE AND SLOPE RATING -- DAY 6

As we continue the countdown to 2nd November, the second week of our campaign will focus on: 

Course & Sloping Rating 

Playing Conditions Calculations (PPC) 

Exceptional Score Reduction 

Soft and Hard Cap 

WHS Summary for Golfers

Day 6 - The Course Rating system forms the foundation for the Rules of Handicapping. The system enables handicaps to be portable by adjusting a player’s handicap according to the relative difficulty of the golf course being played.  

What is course rating?

An indication of the difficulty of a golf course for the scratch player under normal course and weather conditions

What is a bogey rating?

An indication of the difficulty of a golf course for the bogey player under normal course and weather conditions

What is a Slope Rating?

A Slope Rating is the number which indicates the relative playing difficulty of a course for bogey golfers, compared to scratch golfers. 

It is the combination of the Course Rating and the Bogey rating that allow us to calculate the Slope Rating of a set of tees.

Details of these ratings for courses across Scotland will be available on the Scottish Golf Website and App from 2nd November 2020 for a course rating database lookup.

Acceptable Scores for the WHS. - Day 5

 

Under WHS, one of the key aims is to provide golfers with more opportunities to submit counting scores.  

Some of the factors that will mean a score is considered acceptable for handicapping purposes, as outlined in the new Rules of Handicapping, include:

• In an authorized format of play; (Strokeplay, Stableford and Par/Bogey).

• Over a minimum number of holes, (9 for 9 holes and 10 for 18 holes) all scores will be scaled up into an 18-hole differential.

• By the Rules of Golf.

• With at least one other person.

• On a course with a current Course Rating and Slope Rating. 

• During an active season.

• Certified in accordance with Rules of Handicapping

Players must pre-register their intent to submit a score in general play for handicap purposes. General play is a significant benefit under WHS, allowing golfers to, so long as they pre-register and play the game by the WHS requirements, submit any round of golf from any golf course on the globe.  This is a massive opportunity for golfers who wish to consume their golf this way all year round and opens up new opportunities to maintain and obtain a handicap. General play scores can be submitted directly through the Scottish Golf App.

Such pre-registration must be made before the player starts the round, and in the manner prescribed by the Handicap Committee or Scottish Golf.

To find out more about the key features of WHS, click here.

FREQUENCY OF HANDICAP INDEX UPDATE -- DAY 4

The handicap calculation will take place every night at a specific time and a golfer’s new Handicap Index will be calculated ready for the following day. 

It is therefore important that a player submits their score as soon as possible on the day of play, after completion of their round and before midnight (local time).

Golfers must input their gross score for every hole played. If a golfer’s score is not submitted on the day of play it will not be used in the Playing Conditions Calculation.

A golfer will be able to view their new Handicap Index on the Scottish Golf Platform (via the Scottish Golf Website or App) or through their own golf club.

Under WHS, one of the key aims is to provide golfers with more opportunities to submit counting scores.  

Some of the factors that will mean a score is considered acceptable for handicapping purposes, as outlined in the new Rules of Handicapping, include:

• In an authorized format of play; (Strokeplay, Stableford and Par/Bogey).

• Over a minimum number of holes, (9 for 9 holes and 10 for 18 holes) all scores will be scaled up into an 18-hole differential.

• By the Rules of Golf.

• With at least one other person.

• On a course with a current Course Rating and Slope Rating. 

• During an active season.

• Certified in accordance with Rules of Handicapping

Players must pre-register their intent to submit a score in general play for handicap purposes. General play is a significant benefit under WHS, allowing golfers to, so long as they pre-register and play the game by the WHS requirements, submit any round of golf from any golf course on the globe.  This is a massive opportunity for golfers who wish to consume their golf this way all year round and opens up new opportunities to maintain and obtain a handicap. General play scores can be submitted directly through the Scottish Golf App.

Such pre-registration must be made before the player starts the round, and in the manner prescribed by the Handicap Committee or Scottish Golf.

To find out more about the key features of WHS, click here.

Course and Playing Handicap - WHS - Day 3

 

What is a Course Handicap?

Your Course Handicap will be the number of strokes a player receives, before handicap allowances, from a specific set of tees as determined by the Slope Rating: 

Course Handicap = Handicap Index x slope rating/ 113

For example, for a golfer with a Handicap Index of 12.0, playing a course with a Slope Rating of 127, the calculation would be:

12.0 x (127/113) = 13.5 (14)

Note -  This is the handicap you will put and your card and use when submitting a score, this the important handicap to remember!

Playing Handicap 

The Playing Handicap adjusted for any handicap allowances or Terms of the Competition. It represents the actual number of strokes the player gives or receives for the format of golf being played

Playing Handicap = Course Handicap x Handicap Allowance 

For example, using the above example where the golfer has a Course Handicap of 13.5 and playing a competition with a 95% handicap allowance, the calculation for Playing Handicap would be:

13.5 x 0.95 = 12.8 (13)

Note- This handicap is solely used for the purpose of calculating competition results or when working out allowances for a specific format of play.

Handicap Allowance 

The percentage of a Course Handicap recommended to create equity for all players participating in a specific format of play. See below a list of all formats of play and the recommended. Go to the Scottish Golf Website 

So the most important points to remember are

WHAT IS YOUR HANDICAP ? - CALCULATING YOUR HANDICAP INDEX UNDER WHS -- DAY 2

One of the most common questions golfers will ask each other is, “what is your handicap?”

Under WHS, the way in which a handicap is calculated will change slightly, and golfers will receive a new Handicap Index.

A Handicap Index is designed to represent your demonstrated ability.  It is calculated by averaging the best 8 score differentials out of the most recent 20 within your scoring record. Can be made up of both competition and general play scores.

If your record does not have 20 scores on it already, a modified calculation will be carried out to provide you with a Handicap Index.  This table highlights how this will be done.

A Handicap Index will be the measure of a player’s demonstrated ability calculated against the Slope Rating of a golf course of standard playing difficulty (that is, a course with a Slope Rating of 113).

Your Handicap Index provides you with a portable measure of your demonstrated playing ability that is consistent with how all other golfers will be measured around the world. It can be used to track your progress and to play in a casual or a competitive round with any other player from course to course and country to country.

How do I get one?

For new players:

Once you have joined a golf club and you have submitted scores from a total of 54 holes, made up of 9 or 18-hole scores, you will be allocated an initial Handicap Index. 

You are then able to return competition and general play scores (pre-registered).

For existing club members:

We will be using you existing scores on you CDH record to calculate your Handicap Index

What is a score differential? 

The difference between a player’s adjusted gross score and the Course Rating, taking account of Slope Rating. It is the value ‘played to’ on a specific course on a specific day. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

To find out more about some of the other key features of WHS,  -- CLICK HERE

SCOTTISH GOLF - WHS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN BEGINS TODAY - THE PURPOSE OF THE WHS

 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Scottish Golf, the governing body for the game in Scotland, has launched its awareness campaign to help educate golfers of all levels about the new World Handicap System (WHS), set to be launched on 2nd November 2020. 

Scotland is the home of golf, with the sport first being played in the 15th century, and this new campaign will provide valuable and insightful information ahead of the changes to how handicaps will be calculated.

WHS aims to offer one, unified system around the world for the first time, giving golfers the ability to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index and use this anytime, anywhere around the world. The system will take playing conditions, course, and slope ratings into account, with a player’s best eight scores in the past 20 games played counting towards their Handicap Index.

The Scottish Golf’s campaign, goes live from today Monday 19th October .

This week, the campaign will focus on: 

• Purpose of WHS 
• Handicap Index 
• Course & Playing Handicap 
• Frequency of Handicap Index Updates 
• Acceptable Scores

In week two, you will receive further assets that will focus on:

• Course & Sloping Rating
• Playing Conditions Calculations (PPC)
• Exceptional Score Reduction
• Soft and Hard Cap
• WHS Summary for Golfers 

DAY 1 -- The purpose of the WHS

With WHS coming into play in Scotland on 2nd November 2020, many golfers across Scotland will be asking, “why are we moving to a new Handicap system?”

WHS aims to provide maximum enjoyment for all who play the game. The new system will enable players of any ability, from anywhere in the world, to play and compete with others on a fair basis. This will be the case whether in competition, or during a casual round. 

WHS will encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a handicap and once a golfer has their handicap, players of differing abilities, genders, and nationalities will be able to take their handicap to any course in the world where they will be able to compete on a fair basis. 

Another key aim of WHS is that it will indicate, with accuracy, the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving on any course around the world, playing under normal conditions.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO KNOW ABOUT THE WORLD HANDICAPPING SYSTEM - PODCAST

The World Handicap System and one of the biggest changes to the way we play the game in decades comes into force on November 2. 

 The dreaded .1 will disappear forever and our handicaps will apply the world over, whether we’re playing at our HOME CLUB , OUR AWAY CLUB, the Old Course, or that bucket list layout in Florida. 

However, if you still don’t know your course rating from your slope, your hard cap from your playing conditions calculation, then -- David Kernohan who is the handicapping and course rating officer for Scottish Golf and is leading the way in implementing the new system in Scotland 

He gives us a beginners’ guide to WHS and answers some of your questions too in this excellent podcast that was made.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN 

COVID UPDATE BY SCOTTISH GOLF - 7TH OCTOBER 2020

 

Following the First Minister’s latest update in Parliament on Wednesday 7 October, Scottish Golf has been in dialogue with our partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government to obtain further clarity about the new national restrictions being implemented across Scotland and how these might impact private member clubs.

On-course golf activities can continue under our current Phase 3 Guidance, with up to four players from four different households allowed to participate together. There are no changes to access to toilet facilities, locker rooms or professional shops which can continue to be utilised provided all appropriate measures, such as use of face masks, increased sanitation are adhered to. 

The key changes that apply to all golf club, are the hospitality restrictions which apply to private members clubs across the country. These are summarised below and are effective from 6pm on Friday 9^th October 2020:

• Pubs and licensed cafes in five Scottish health board areas - Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire & Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley - must shut to all but takeaway customers
   
• In other parts of Scotland not mentioned above, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes can operate 6am to 6pm but cannot serve alcohol indoors during that time. These premises can sell alcohol outdoors until 10pm. 
   
• Rules on gatherings remain the same with a maximum of six people from two households permitted.  

The changes announced vary across different regions of the country and we would encourage all clubs to familiarise themselves with the latest guidance and how it may impact their operations. These measures are in place for an initial 16-day period and will be reviewed thereafter by the Scottish Government. 

Scottish Golf remains in dialogue with sportscotland and the Scottish Government to seek further clarification on the potential impact of restrictions on indoor activity for driving ranges and swing rooms. Further information will be provided as and when it is received from government.
 
We would like to thank all clubs and golfers across Scotland for your ongoing adherence to the latest guidance during these trying times. Scottish Golf will continue to keep all involved in the game updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage which can be accessed here.

Kind regards,
Karin Sharp, Chief Operating Office

Scottish Golf latest Covid Updates - 23rd September

 

Following the First Minister’s latest update in Parliament on Tuesday 22 September, Scottish Golf has been in dialogue with our partners at sportscotland and the Scottish Government to obtain further clarity about the new national restrictions being implemented across Scotland.

Scottish Golf is now in a position to provide all Clubs with Updated Phase 3 Guidance for all Golf Clubs and Golfers.
 
 The changes are summarised as follows and unless otherwise stated are effective immediately:

• Any golf club/course which is accessed regularly by over 200 members or visitors, in a single day, must have in place a designated COVID officer and appropriate risk assessments. More detail is available in sportscotland’s Phase 3: Return to Sport and Physical Activity guidelines here.
   
• For adults, a maximum of 30 people including coaches and officials can combine to essentially create a ‘competition bubble’ as long as physical distancing measures are maintained. Competition organisers should ensure that no two ‘bubbles’ come into contact with each other at any time throughout the day.
   
• Caddy services may resume, providing all physical distancing and hygiene measures are adhered to. There are no restrictions on the number of households a caddy can have contact with per day but services should be limited to carrying of a bag, providing advice only and not passing golf clubs to the player.
   
• Indoor and outdoor hospitality will be required to close at 10 pm from Friday 25 September onwards, this includes clubhouse facilities and beer gardens which may have been in operation.
   
• Golfers from different households should travel separately.

Clubs should also note that additional funding has been allocated to local Environmental Health teams, allowing for greater capacity for inspections of businesses to enhance compliance and enforcement of current restrictions. 

Once again, we would like to thank all of our clubs and gofers across Scotland for your continued co-operation and adherence to the current guidance during these challenging times. We will continue to keep all clubs and tournament organisers updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage which can be accessed here. 

Kind regards,
Karin Sharp, Chief Operating Officer, Scottish Golf

World Handicap System 2020 – Transition Handicaps

CLICK HERE FOR A RULES OF HANDICAPPING PLAYERS REFERENCE GUIDE

WHS RULES OF HANDICAPPING

2020 – TRANSITION OF CONGU HANDICAPS  TO WHS HANDICAP INDEX

In order to move from CONGU to WHS handicaps on the 2nd November 2020 all players’ current Handicap Records will be reprocessed using the WHS principles. The calculation will identify the best 8 of the last 20 Qualifying Scores, if posted during the last 3 years in Scotland, and factor in:

• The adjusted Gross Score (Score Differential)
• The Course Rating 
• The Slope Rating of the tees played

Check Out the Players reference guide above 

If a player has submitted less than 20 scores in the last 3 years, the calculation will be done in a similar manner to the method of allocating new handicaps, as shown below.

If less than 20 Qualifying Scores posted in the last 2 years

• 3 scores: lowest score -2
• 4 scores: lowest score -1
• 5 scores: lowest score
• 6 scores: average of lowest 2 scores -1
• 7 to 8 scores: average of lowest 2 scores
• 9 to 11 scores: average of lowest 3 scores
• 12 to 14 scores: average of lowest 4 scores
• 15 to 16 scores: average of lowest 5 scores
• 17 to 18 scores: average of lowest 6 scores
• 19 scores: average of lowest 7 scores
• 20 scores: average of lowest 8 scores

CLICK HERE FOR ALL POSTS RELATING TO THE WHS

LATEST UPDATE FOR GOLFERS IN SCOTLAND (10th SEPTEMBER 2020)

Following the First Minister’s update in Parliament today (10 September), Scottish Golf would like to clarify that on-course golf activity can continue under our current Phase 3 Guidance, with up to four players from four different household allowed to participate together. 

 
Golf Clubs with hospitality venues should also note that the following changes are effective from Monday 14 September:

A maximum of six people from two households can meet both indoors and outdoors.

Staff will be required by law to wear face coverings.

Customers will be required to wear face coverings while moving around inside a hospitality venue such as entering or exiting a venue or going to the toilet.

We thank all affiliated clubs for their ongoing cooperation during these challenging times. To keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 updates from Scottish Golf, please click here

LANARKSHIRE'S KATIE GRAHAM IS OFF TO OAKLAHOMA

Good luck to Katie Graham (pictured above) who is travelling to Oaklahoma today to begin her golf scholarship. 

Everyone at Hamilton Golf Club, the West of Scotland  and Scotland sends their best wishes and we hope you have an amazing experience in America. 

Updated COVID-19 Guidance Issued to Scottish Golf Clubs

Following the First Minister’s update on Thursday 20 August, Scottish Golf is now in a position to provide all Clubs with an updated version of our Phase 3 Guidance for all Golf Clubs and Golfers. 

The following changes are effective:

From Monday 24 August: 

• Outdoor coaching activity in groups of up to 30 will be permitted. 

From Monday 31 August:  

• Access to indoor locker rooms and storage areas is permitted for the dropping off and collection of sports equipment or clothing.  The golf club should ensure mitigating actions are put in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission including physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures. 
   
• Indoor Driving Ranges may re-open and facilities should ensure mitigating actions are put in place to minimise the risk of virus transmission including physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures. 

Scottish Golf will continue to keep all clubs and tournament organisers updated via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage which can be accessed here. 

We would once again like to thank all of our clubs and gofers across Scotland for your continued co-operation. It is important we continue to play our part in adhering to the latest guidance in place. 

SCOTTISH GOLF HANDICAP ZOOM PANEL MEETING

From the Scottish Golf Website. 

Over 200 delegates from golf clubs across Scotland took part in Scottish Golf’s latest Zoom Panel Call aimed at supporting clubs with preparing for the implementation of WHS on 2 November 2020. 

On the call, David Kernohan and Adam Phillips from Scottish Golf’s Handicapping and Course Rating Team presented a 15-minute presentation about the transition, education and implementation of WHS in Scotland. They also answered questions submitted by delegates and a full list of FAQ’s can now be accessed here.

To catch up on the full 30-minute Zoom Panel Call in full, please click here. 

Scottish Golf’s Handicapping and Course Rating Officer, David Kernohan, said, “It was really pleasing to see so many clubs represented on today’s WHS Zoom Panel Call and we would like to thank everyone who attended the session. 

“As we continue to move towards the implementation date of 2 November, it is important that clubs are aware of the key changes and how this will impact the processing of handicaps and their members. 

“Today’s session allowed us to cover a number of key topics as we continue our ongoing programme of club education on WHS and all clubs will be able to engage in further discussion on our new Hive Learning platform.”

For clubs looking to register for Hive Learning, please click here. Clubs can also access our WHS Readiness Guide here.