The USGA Handicap System is the basis for the handicap procedures and practices that are followed at Walden on Lake Houston Country Club.  A copy of this book is available from the professional staff for loan or can be ordered through the USGA or other retailers.

Members are encouraged to review this publication if they have any questions regarding the principles upon which the handicap system is based or the way in which their USGA Handicap Index or course handicaps are determined.

Basic handicap procedures and information, including local Club policies and practices, are provided over the following sections:

To determine the handicap differential, subtract the USGA Course Rating from the adjusted gross score; multiply the difference by 113; then divide the resulting number by the USGA Slope Rating finally Round the number to the nearest tenth.

The USGA Handicap Index Formula is based on the best handicap differentials in a player’s scoring record. If a player’s scoring record contains 20 or more scores, then the best 10 handicap differentials of the most recent 20 scores are used to calculate the player’s USGA Handicap Index. At least 5 acceptable scores must be available to establish a USGA Handicap Index.

1. Determine the player’s handicap differentials.
2. Average the handicap differentials being used.
3. Multiply the average by 0.96.
4. Delete all numbers after the tenths digit, do not round off.

The maximum allowable USGA Handicap Index for men is 36.4. A maximum USGA Handicap Index will convert to a Course Handicap that exceeds this number on golf courses with Slope Ratings greater than 113.

A player’s Handicap Index will be reduced when he or she has a minimum of two eligible differentials for tournament scores (made either within the last 12 months or within the player’s current 20-score history) that are at least three strokes (3.0) better than the player’s USGA Handicap Index and a value derived from the Handicap Reduction Table (available in publication).                                                                                                     

1. Calculate the differentials for tournament scores.
2. Select the two lowest differentials for tournament scores. Subtract the second-lowest of these differentials from the player’s current handicap index. If the result is 3.0 or greater, continue with the next step.
3. Average the two lowest differentials for tournament scores and subtract this figure from the player’s handicap index.
4. Using the number derived in step 3 and the total number of eligible tournament scores in a player’s scoring record, use the Handicap Reduction Table to determine the amount the player’s handicap index is to be reduced.
5. Subtract the table value from the player’s handicap index.

Our USGA GHIN Software automatically completes the above procedure. Any resulting adjustments are reviewed by the Handicap Committee.

Walden on Lake Houston Country Club’s Handicap Committee shall reduce or withdraw the Handicap Indexes of players who do not return all their acceptable scores, or otherwise do not observe the USGA Handicap System. The Handicap Committee has the authority to increase the Handicap Indexes of players who, because of exceptional circumstances such as injury or temporary disabilities, have handicap indexes that are too low.

The Handicap Committee shall review all adjustments to member USGA Handicap Indexes, including (1) monthly updates, (2) reductions based on exceptional tournament performance, and (3) other adjustments required or authorized   under the Rules of Golf or the USGA Handicap System.

The Handicap Committee has the responsibility of assuring that players’ USGA Handicap Indexes reflect their potential scoring ability. Under the following circumstances it will be necessary for the Handicap Committee to make adjustments to players’ indexes; however, before an adjustment becomes effective, the Committee will give players an opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the proposed adjustments, either in writing or by appearing personally before the Committee:

1. Improving faster than the system can react. Players just taking up the game may improve too rapidly for their USGA Handicap Indexes calculated by the standard procedure to reflect their scoring ability.
2. Numerous away scores change handicap index. If players’ USGA Handicap Indexes increase by three or more strokes due to the posting of numerous away scores, and subsequent scores at Walden on Lake Houston Country Club clearly indicate their increased handicap index is too high, the Handicap Committee shall adjust their USGA Handicap Index downward.
3. Temporary disability. An increased handicap may be given for a temporary disability; however, the increased handicap is not a USGA Handicap Index and will be identified by the letter “L” to indicate that it is for intra-club use only.
4. Failure to post. A USGA Handicap Index shall be adjusted up or down if a player does not turn in all acceptable scores or otherwise does not observe the spirit of the USGA Handicap System. The Handicap Committee shall determine the amount of the adjustment, based on the lowest available scoring differentials.  (Possible use of Tee Sheet audits)
5. Player manipulation. If players manipulate their scores to influence their USGA Handicap Indexes, the Handicap Committee shall adjust or withdraw their indexes, depending on the severity of the offense. Examples of manipulating   scores include (1) posting erroneous scores, (2) stopping play after 12 holes to avoid posting an 18-hole score, (3) repeated playing more than one ball to avoid posting scores, (4) not adjusting hole scores under Equitable Stroke Control, (5) deliberately reporting more or fewer strokes than actually scored; or (6) deliberately taking extra strokes to inflate a score.

The Handicap Committee shall determine how long a player’s USGA Handicap Index is to remain modified if any modification is made. 
Score Posting and Peer Review

Except as provided, players shall promptly post all of their scores – those recorded at Walden on Lake Houston Country Club and at other courses – into the handicap system (by turning in away score cards to the pro shop and/or posting via the internet). Players that have questions or need assistance should ask a member of the club staff.

For certain tournaments, the Handicap Committee or its designee will post player’s scores in the computer. Players will be notified when this practice applies.
In addition to posting all scores in the computer, to assure proper peer review of their scores, player handicap reports are available from the golf shop. Monthly summary reports are available to view at the pro shop) The Handicap Committee will review members’ computer scores and their scorecards to assure consistency, and will gather support materials in circumstances where players have posted a significant number of scores via the Internet.

Golfers shall post their adjusted gross scores, both home and away, when they play 18-hole rounds, 13 or more holes, 9-hole rounds, or 7 or more holes. Where golfing seasons apply, players shall post only active-season scores, which is to say that rounds played in another state during its off-season (example: a round played in February in Virginia) should not be posted even though Texas has a year-round golf season.

Scores in both match play and stroke play, including those made in team competitions shall be posted. Scores made in team competitions in which players are requested to puck up when out of contention shall be posted for handicap purposes.

Players who are disqualified from competitions, but who have acceptable scores, shall record their adjusted gross scores for handicap purposes.

1. When fewer than 13 holes are played, except when 9-hole scores are posted. In a 9-hole round, at least 7 holes must be played to post a score.
2. When made on a golf course in an area in which an inactive season is in effect, even though the home club is in season.
3. When the majority of the holes are not played in accordance with the Rules of Golf, unless, the long-standing tradition(s) of an event alter the Rules of Golf (a) under specific conditions that apply to the entire field, and (b) it is possible to determine specific points at which a breach occurs.
4. When the length of the course is less than 3,000 yards for 18 holes.
5. When, as a condition of the competition, the maximum number of clubs allowed is less than 14, or the types of clubs are limited.
6. When scores are made on a course with no USGA Course or Slope Rating.

If at least 13 holes are played (7 holes for nine-hole rounds), the remaining unplayed holes, for handicap purposes, shall be recorded as par plus any handicap strokes that the player is entitled to receive on the unplayed holes.

In match play, holes played after the match is over shall be treated as unplayed holes for handicap purposes if the actual scores reported for such holes exceed par plus any handicap strokes to which the player is entitled. If players start but do not complete the play of a hole, or if they are conceded any strokes, they shall record for handicap purposes the score they most likely would have made. The “most likely score” consists of the number of strokes that the player would need to complete the hole from that position more than half of the time. This number may not exceed a player’s Equitable Stroke Control limit. This most likely score will be shown on the scorecard preceded by an “X”.

All members are entitled to receive a USGA Handicap Card on which their indexes are recorded. Cards and printed updates are available in the golf shop. Scoring history reports are also available.

The Texas Golf Association manages monthly updates of player handicap indexes, based on a published schedule. Walden on Lake Houston is required to transmit scoring data by a certain date, whereupon the Texas Golf Association  processes the data and updates player handicap indexes for effect a few days later (normally 72 hours). The transmission schedule is available in the golf shop.