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Handicapping Policies & Procedures of the Puerto Del Sol Golf Association

A-Handicap Committee Position Statement

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The Handicap Committee (the Committee) of the Puerto Del Sol Golf Association is responsible for ensuring compliance with the obligations under the World Handicap System in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping of the USGA.  As a committee we will aim to verify that the acceptable scores are posted for handicap purposes and made available for peer review. The Committee’s goal is to review members scoring records annually or at least perform random score audits. 

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Additionally the Committee should provide guidance to club officials and other club committees to ensure players have the ability to use their Handicap Index to play and compete in both recreational and tournament rounds with anyone else on a fair and equal basis. Key Committees include the Tournament Committee and the Handicap Committee. The Tournament Committee consults with the Handicap Committee to establish the Terms of Competition for all applicable events at the club. The Tournament Committee and Handicap Committee cooperate with the Course Maintenance staff in maintaining both length and normal playing difficulty at a constant and fair level.

 

The Handicap Committee has set forth the following policies and procedures for all members wishing to establish and maintain a Handicap Index with our club:

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  • Post all acceptable scores on the USGA app or website  including 9 hole rounds

  • It is highly recommended that all scores be posted on the same day of the round being played

  • Where applicable proper adjustments must be applied to all scores for posting purposes including “net double bogey” (or double par in Association Tournaments) and “most likely scores.”

  • Each player will try to make the best score possible in every round regardless of where the round is being played
     

What is an Acceptable Score?

  • If 14 or more holes are played in an 18 hole round

  • If 7 holes are played on a rated 9-hole course

  • Scores made in match play, stroke play, and team competition

  • Scores made under Rule 3.2 when a hole is not played for valid reason (Net Par)

  • Scores made under Rule 3.3 when a player does not hole out (Net Par)

  • Scores made when played by the Rules of Golf

  • Scores made in the company of at least one other person
     

B-Disciplinary Actions for failure to post or player manipulating their Handicap Index

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All disciplinary actions for the failure to post or potential manipulation of your score (i.e., posting higher or lower than actual scores) will result in one or more of the following disciplinary actions at the discretion of the Handicap Committee:

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1. First failure will result in one or more of the following:

a. Face to face verbal warning
b. Text message or phone call
c. Email warning
 

2. Second failure

a. The Committee will decide an appropriate penalty which may include a high or low penalty score or tournament handicap
b. If discoverable the Committee may also post a verified actual score the Committee will make every effort to contact  the player and notify them before posting the score using any or all of these methods:

I. face to face notice, a text message

II. text message or phone call

III. email

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In unusual circumstances or if faced with time constraints affecting fairness of tournament play, the Committee may post the score without notice by a majority vote of the Committee.  However, effort will be made to contact the player prior to posting when possible. When notifying the player and the player has indicated that they want to appeal, the posting of the score will not take place until after the appeal process has concluded and the player has been found in violation of failure to post  or score manipulation. It is imperative to conduct the appeal hearing as quickly as possible.

 

3. Third failure will result in a disciplinary action the Committee seems fair and equitable (i.e., suspension from PDSGA Tournaments  and/or handicap withdrawal)  The player has the right to escalate the appeal process to SCAGA if not satisfied with the PSDGA Handicap Committee’s decision

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A player must earn a Handicap Index.  No player has an inherent right to a Handicap Index without demonstrating ability to the Committee. The Committee has the authority and obligation to adjust a Handicap Index if it feels necessary to do so.  Please direct any questions or concerns to the Handicap Chair

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(Approved by Board 3/10/23)

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