Memo - Launch Date & Details re First Package of Handicapping Changes
Dear All,
As has been widely advised in various communications from GA and State Associations,
Australia’s men’s and women’s handicapping systems are set for substantial changes over
the next couple of years. These changes will not occur all in one hit, instead they will be
bundled into several Packages and introduced incrementally.
Further to my December 2009 correspondence to clubs (which can be accessed from the
following webpage – www.golfaustralia.org.au/newsandcommunication), we can now
confirm the First Package of Changes will come into effect at 9.00am (AEST) on
FRIDAY 9 APRIL 2010.
The Second Package of Changes (which is listed to include the regulation requiring all scores
to be converted to Stableford scores for handicapping purposes) has been tentatively
scheduled for implementation in the latter part of 2010.
The Slope component of the USGA Handicap System can not be implemented until all
Australian courses have been rated under the USGA Course Rating System (this is because
Slope requires the assessment of a Bogey Rating). Slope will be implemented as a part of
the Final Package of Changes.
Further details relating to the Second and further Packages will be announced in due course.
The First Package of Changes to Men’s AND Women’s handicapping regulations
incorporates the following only:
A. Calculation of Handicap – Commence Operation of the USGA’s ‘Rolling Sample’
Method.
B. Remove CCR for Men’s Handicapping (CCR was Removed from Women’s
Handicapping in 2007).
Note i: Golf Link clubs do not need to do anything to instigate the process of
recalculating all handicaps in accordance with the new regulations. Golf Link
will do everything for you. All Australian Handicaps stored on Golf Link will
automatically be re-calculated in accordance with the new regulations and will
be ready for use at 9.00am on 9 April 2010.Note ii: Golf Link clubs do not need to do anything to prepare their computer systems
for the First Package of Changes. All preparation will be performed by Golf
Link.Note iii: In preparation for the switch-over to the new method of calculating handicaps,
Golf Link will be offline from 9.00am (AEST) on 7 April 2010 until 9.00am
(AEST) on 9 April 2010.Note iv: Non-Golf Link clubs will need to manually replicate all of the changed
regulations being applied by Golf Link. There are now only 4% of Australian
club golfers not on Golf Link. While it will be possible to maintain handicaps
manually under the new regulations, GA feels the members of these clubs will
clearly be best served by having their handicaps maintained by Golf Link.Note v: Non-Golf Link clubs wishing to join Golf Link in the upcoming months should be
aware they may experience a brief delay if they have not contacted Golf Link
requesting to come online by Monday 15 March. This is due to anticipated
extraordinary demand coupled with the scheduled heavy workload.
From the outset, GA has been determined to design the implementation strategy in such a
way as to minimise cost and logistical challenges for all interested parties. With this in mind,
the First Package of Changes to handicapping regulations will NOT require changes to any
Tier 3 system. Additionally, the First Package of Changes has been designed to allow all Golf
Link clubs (either Tier 1 or Tier 3) to continue to operate all of their computerised handicap
operations exactly as they currently do. (Note: This includes for example the processing of
competitions and the creation of initial handicaps.)
Once the First Package of Changes becomes effective, you will see that Golf Link will
calculate handicaps quite differently. There will also be some miscellaneous Golf Link
handicapping functions that your Golf Link club administrator will use in an unchanged way,
but that will initiate changed Golf Link computer processing. (This will include the way Golf
Link will create a new handicap, and the way Golf Link will treat an NCR.) All of this is
because the changed handicapping system has required us to find different ways for Golf
Link’s operating functions to properly apply the rules. However, we reiterate that club
handicap administrators should continue to follow their existing procedures.
Accompanying this memo are appendices which set out the changed regulations that
comprise the First Package of Changes. The appendices also explain the miscellaneous Golf
Link handicapping functions that your Golf Link club administrator will use in an unchanged
way, but that will initiate changed Golf Link computer processing.
The appendices are as follows:
Appendix 1 – Details of the New Method for Calculating an Australian Handicap
Appendix 2 – Details of the Removal of CCR
Appendix 3 – Miscellaneous Actions
In relation to GA’s strategy beyond the First Package of Changes, Tier 3 clubs should be
aware that the phased implementation in Australia of the USGA Handicap System is being
designed with a view to incorporating no more than two separate Packages of software
adjustments to Tier 3 computerised club handicap management systems. In short, we have
identified the limitation of Packages of Tier 3 adjustments as a critical goal. The value of this
will be self-evident to Tier 3 clubs.
We hope this information is of assistance. Additionally, please be aware we will be sending
out reminders in the lead-up to 9 April. We will also be distributing further assistance in
response to feedback.
Please contact GA or your State Association should you have any queries regarding any of
the above.
Kind regards,
Simon Magdulski
Manager – Rules & Handicapping
Email – simonm@golfaustralia.org.au
Direct phone – (03) 9626 5023
GOLF AUSTRALIA
Level 3, 95 Coventry Street
South Melbourne Victoria 3205
Australia
ABN: 54 118 151 894
Website: www.golfaustralia.org.au
Facsimile: 61 3 9626 5095