The Louisiana Golf Association provides handicapping
services to over 100 member clubs with approximately 20,000 total
golfers. The handicapping services vendor for the LGA is EZLinks. One of the
tremendous benefits of EZLinks handicap software is that the handicap
network is solely web-based. This means that all handicap
information is transmitted in real-time and that as soon as a
score is posted at one computer station, it will instantly show up across the
state. Also, the LGA is a member association of the International Golf
Network (IGN), which allows participants in the LGA Handicap Network the
ability to post scores out of state, with those scores routed back to
the participants' home club.
The LGA is committed to providing quality service in meeting its clubs' handicapping
needs. All LGA Handicap Network Clubs are provided
state-of-the-art computer
hardware and software, computer support, and educational tools in order
that all LGA Member Clubs and handicap personnel are proficient in
utilizing the USGA Handicap System.
EQUITABLE STROKE CONTROL
Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) is the downward adjustment
of the individual hole scores for handicap purposes in order to make handicaps
more representative of a player's potential scoring ability. ESC sets
a maximum number that the player can post on any hole depending on the
player's Course Handicap. A Handicap Index determined from scores to which
ESC has not been applied may not be termed a USGA Handicap Index.
Here's how to apply ESC Procedure:
Convert your USGA Handicap Index to a Course Handicap
for the set of tees you are going to play.
Use the chart below to look up the maximum score
you can post on any hole based on your Course Handicap.
If you do not complete a hole, write down the score
you most likely would have made. If you do not play a hole or do not
play a hole under the Rules of Golf, write down par plus the handicap
strokes you would receive on that hole. Such scores should be preceded
by an "X." Do not write down your maximum score for an incomplete hole
unless your probable score exceeds your maximum score.
Once you have completed your round, scan your score
card to locate any scores higher than your maximum score and reduce
them to your maximum score.
There is no limit to the number of holes you can
adjust.
Equitable Stroke Control
Table
18-hole Course Handicap
9-hole Course Handicap
Max. Score Posted on any
hole
9
or less
4
or less
Double Bogey
10
through 19
5
through 9
7
20
through 29
10
through 14
8
30
through 39
15
through 19
9
40
and above
20
and above
10
ACCEPTABLE
SCORES
Match Play and Best-Ball Scores
I. Holes played and completed: Record score for each hole played and completed.
II. Holes played, but not completed: If you do not complete a hole, record the score you most likely
would have made, You're most likely score can not exceed your maximum
allowable ESC score.
III. Conceded Strokes: When a hole is conceded, the score for handicap purposes will be the
number of strokes taken, plus one for the concession OR the number of
strokes you MOST LIKELY would have taken in finishing the hole--not to
exceed your maximum allowable ESC score.
IV. Holes not played: If you stop the match play round because one competitor has already
won, record PAR plus any strokes you have coming on the remaining holes.
You must, however, play at least 13 holes in order for the score to be
posted as an 18-hole "Tournament" score.
Nine Hole Rounds
Non-consecutive nine-hole rounds must be posted. Two nine-hole rounds
will be combined and posted to a golfer's record identified with a "C".
Seven holes must be played in order for a nine-hole round to be an
acceptable score for handicap purposes.
