Handicaps

Contact our Handicap Chair for questions or comments

ESC is an adjustment of individual hole scores (for handicap purposes) in order to make handicaps more representative of a player's potential ability. ESC is applied after the round and is only used when the actual score or the most likely score exceeds a player’s maximum number. ESC sets a limit to the number of strokes a player can take on a hole depending on Course Handicap™. Apply ESC to all scores, including tournament scores. Below is the maximum number a player can take:

Visit Section 4-3 of the USGA Handicap System manual for further reference.

The purpose of the USGA Handicap System is to make the game of golf more enjoyable by enabling players of differing abilities to compete on an equitable basis. Having a handicap allows golfers to participate in more events such as local amateur tournaments and the EWGA Championship Series. It gives a golfer a measurable means of tracking improvement and allows score adjustments that even the playing field when playing with golfers of different skill levels. How many sports offer that option? Maintaining a handicap is an indication that the golfer has some experience with the game. EWGA encourages every member who is keeping score to maintain a handicap. Keep in mind the two basic premises that underlie the USGA Handicap System: namely that each player will try to make the best score at every hole, regardless of where the round is played, and that the player will post every acceptable round for peer review, because golf is a game of etiquette and honor.

EWGA encourages all members to maintain an official handicap and the Northern Colorado Chapter supports two methods to do so. The First Method: all EWGA members have the opportunity to obtain an Official USGA Handicap Index through the EWGA Golf Life Management System (GLMS) at no additional cost. Powered by GolfNet, the GLMS is a full featured system that enables All members to obtain more than an official USGA Handicap. There, also, is the online ability to:

· Post Scores

· Access 20,000 golf course profiles

· Track personal game statistics

· Print a handicap card

· View scoring history

· Attest scores for other members

And best of all, it’s free to all EWGA members, who can activate their GLMS account by logging into the Members Only area on the EWGA website. Click on Activate Handicap and follow the instructions.

The Second Method: USGA Handicaps can be established locally with the Colorado Women’s Golf Association at Collindale Golf Course through or relationship with the Collindale Women’s Golf Association. Keeping a handicap at Collindale provides opportunity to participate in many local tournaments and statewide events. The 2009 CWGA seasons runs from March 14 through October 31. Scores can be recorded right at the golf course played. Golfers can also record scores of rounds played at courses that are in season even if it is off-season for CWGA.

EWGA-NCO boasts the inception of our very own ‘Rookies Tour.’ The brainchild of Karla Harding, this program is set up to help our members establish a handicap. Not only do we assist members in setting up a handicap account, but we also arrange tee times for the group so they can accumulate the rounds of golf required to begin calculation of a handicap.

For more information about everything handicap within EWGA-NCO, contact Terri Lupiezowietz at
handicap@ewganco.com.