Equitable Score Control (ESC), Does everyone know about this? Options

[aminian.1]

My impression is that the original poster may not have an actual USGA handicap index, since he talks about "calculating" his handicap. You don't "calculate" a handicap, you simply post your scores after each round, after first applying ESC. The USGA applies the appropriate formulas and updates your handicap index once per month, or twice, depending on the state association you are in. Although the formulas are not difficult and it certainly is possible for any individual to figure out their handicap index for themselves.

As for the question about ESC, it is mind numbing to me, to think that anyone is not aware of this. Especially after 12 years. Although I have seen some pretty experienced golfers apply it incorrectly - for example, using triple bogie max versus 7.

You're correct- I didn't start maintaining a hcp until this season. I'd never really studied the handicap system before, so I didn't really have any reason to know about ESC.

[Phase]

Hi guys, I just need to confirm something. I've been in the States for a number of years, but only recently made a commitment to get a USGA handicap.

I've only recorded 4 rounds so far, and I understand that it takes 5 rounds to get a handicap. So, in regard to ESC: I have been posting the scores as I played them, without adjusting. Since I don't yet have a handicap, ESC does *not* apply to me, correct? I don't see how ESC could work since I have no handicap to adjust against.

Thanks for the help. The way I used to play the game before (in France), only tournament rounds would count towards my handicap, and the French Federation-issued scorecard would have to be turned in signed by another player, without any adjustment. There was nothing like ESC, so I did get a 10 or 12 now and then!

I don't mean to whine or be condescending, but I am somewhat mystified by the handicap system in the US... I spent so much time researching how to join a club, how to post my scores, etc. It's pretty complex. It also amazes me (not in a very good way) that I can just post a score online without another player's signature... That's a pretty recent development, right?


Edited to add: I find it funny that some people really try to "sandbag". For me, a low handicap is an achievement, and I took great pride in it when I got below 12 back in Europe. That's when I knew I wasn't a *total* hacker anymore (Under French rules, above 12 you are "2nd series" and play from the yellow tees - ie. men's tees - and below 12 you are 1st series and play from the back tees. Under USGA rules, at what point should one start playing from the back tees?

Thanks for reading; I realize I'm asking a lot of newbie questions...

This post has been edited by Phase: Jul 15 2009, 10:39 PM

[InTheHole]

As has been posted many times before, the USGA website and published booklets provide the definitive source for questions about rules, handicap indexes, course maintenance, etiquette and many other topics. There is simply no reason to speculate or ask your uninformed buddies (or About.com).

USGA handicap system - http://www.usga.org/playing/handicaps/manual/manual.html
Rules - http://www.usga.org/playing/rules/books/rules.html

Hi guys, I just need to confirm something. I've been in the States for a number of years, but only recently made a commitment to get a USGA handicap.

I've only recorded 4 rounds so far, and I understand that it takes 5 rounds to get a handicap. So, in regard to ESC: I have been posting the scores as I played them, without adjusting. Since I don't yet have a handicap, ESC does *not* apply to me, correct? I don't see how ESC could work since I have no handicap to adjust against.

Thanks for the help. The way I used to play the game before (in France), only tournament rounds would count towards my handicap, and the French Federation-issued scorecard would have to be turned in signed by another player, without any adjustment. There was nothing like ESC, so I did get a 10 or 12 now and then!

I don't mean to whine or be condescending, but I am somewhat mystified by the handicap system in the US... I spent so much time researching how to join a club, how to post my scores, etc. It's pretty complex. It also amazes me (not in a very good way) that I can just post a score online without another player's signature... That's a pretty recent development, right?


Edited to add: I find it funny that some people really try to "sandbag". For me, a low handicap is an achievement, and I took great pride in it when I got below 12 back in Europe. That's when I knew I wasn't a *total* hacker anymore (Under French rules, above 12 you are "2nd series" and play from the yellow tees - ie. men's tees - and below 12 you are 1st series and play from the back tees. Under USGA rules, at what point should one start playing from the back tees?

Thanks for reading; I realize I'm asking a lot of newbie questions...

See the links above, the answer is in there. The rules have covered your situation.

Rule 4-3 in the handicap manual states:

"A player without an established Handicap Index must use the maximum Handicap Index of 36.4 for men, or 40.4 for women, converted to a Course Handicap, to determine a maximum ESC number"

Additionally...

"A handicap determined from scores to which ESC has not been applied may not be termed a Handicap Index. "

... and...

"All scores for handicap purposes, including tournament scores, are subject to the application of Equitable Stroke Control (ESC). This mandatory procedure reduces high hole scores for handicap purposes in order to make handicaps more representative of a player's potential ability."

So, ESC is required when you post a score. (Note- you do not use it on your scorecard to reduce your score in competition. If you shoot a 15 on a hole, you shot a 15 and your score should reflect that. You only adjust the 15 down when posting the score for handicap calculations).

What the USGA is getting at, is that if you are a 5 handicap index, that 15 is not representative of your potential.

You have to get rid of the idea that a handicap or handicap index is a representative adjustment of what you score on a regular basis. What it is is a representation of your top 25% of your scoring ability. Maybe it is different in Europe? A handicap is supposed to show your average potential, not your average.

Does that clarify it?

This post has been edited by InTheHole: Jul 16 2009, 09:33 AM

[Phase]

Thank you so much; much clearer now. I did go to the USGA website before and read the section on ESC, but couldn't find the rule pertaining to those without a handicap.

"You have to get rid of the idea that a handicap or handicap index is a representative adjustment of what you score on a regular basis. What it is is a representation of your top 25% of your scoring ability. Maybe it is different in Europe? A handicap is supposed to show your average potential, not your average."


Yes it is different where I learned the game. And I should say that as a junior, we had classes on the rules of golf and I had to take two exams in order to play junior tournaments, at 14 and 16 years old. I always thought the rules of the game were the same everywhere, but as I have learned in the past few months, it's certainly not the case for handicapping. I get to study another rules manual...

Now, the scores I have posted this year are wrong, and I don't believe I can alter them. What can I do? Talk to the handicap officer at my club?

[Sawgrass]

Now, the scores I have posted this year are wrong, and I don't believe I can alter them. What can I do? Talk to the handicap officer at my club?

If you still have your cards, the handicap officer has the access to change your scores appropriately. Or you can simply ask him to cancel those scores and start fresh.

Regarding your surprise that most places allow you to enter a score by yourself without a signature, it has been my feeling that the old the signature rule achieved nothing. If one is determined to cheat, how hard is it to sign someone else's name to a card? Or carefully/secretly add strokes to your card before you get an unsuspecting person to sign it for you? There is really nothing that can be done about it. Cheaters cheat, and I suppose get whatever satisfaction there is from that. To me, golf is a whole lot of effort to go through if your end game is simply to lie. Easier to lie from home. I suspect that there are enough honest golfers out there to keep things reasonably in order, and the cheaters ultimately get adjusted anyway (after the fact) when they score too low in tournaments.