Mid Season Handicap Review

As most of you will be aware we have a structure for calculating handicaps that, for the most part, provides for fair competition and usually balances out winners etc.

As a society, rather than a club, the emphasis is more on the balancing out of winners rather than the best golfers winning every week and that is why we have the rule about players winning in consecutive weeks having additional cuts to their handicaps. We also have a rule that stops people winning after an absence of 4 or more weeks (unless valid reasons provided) to stop those who go away to practice and just turn up when there is good weather and a likely high turn out to claim the winners money.

Whilst I monitor performances regularly via the results, wider reviews have been carried out half way through the year and handicaps have previously proved to be reasonably accurate and no “General Play” adjustments have been required.

With the change in our “year” to October to September, I have changed the timing of the review to consider performances across the winter months of October to February.

During this period, several people have won in successive weeks and “enjoyed” additional handicap cuts as a result.

They have then struggled to return to the winner’s enclosure proving the success in the idea that this rule shares out chances of victory.

So, what I am trying to say is that the review covers many aspects.

I have taken in to account;

Money list, Points list, Wins, Runners Up, Scoring Patterns.

There were four players whose performances required closer scrutiny, one has received quite significant handicap cuts already, two have been consistent but not particularly successful and one stands out in all categories.

After discussions with other regulars to try and find a balanced view, and also to discount requests for cuts to opponents in the knockout competition I have cut Keith Orbell 2 shots with effect from 1/3/2011. Congratulations to Keith on this return to “Scratch Golfer” status, something I am sure we all aspire to.

This is in recognition of three wins and nine runners up places from 14 appearances during the poorer playing conditions and in the spirit of the intention of the constitution, particularly item 2,

 
“2  The objective of the society shall be to provide an enjoyable and competitive environment for members to meet and play golf on a regular basis and to maintain the traditions of the game of golf. “

Needless to say, all handicaps are continually monitored and general play adjustments can be applied at any time, not just during the twice yearly reviews. The next formal review, however, will be carried out at the end of the season (October).