Question: Why has my Course Handicap gone down?

Answer: The difference between the Course Rating and par is now factored into the computation of a Course Handicap. If the Course Rating is higher than par, additional strokes are awarded. If lower than par, strokes are subtracted.

**Assume a Course Rating of 68 for a set of tees that carry a par of 72.  Last year a Course Handicap represented the number of strokes needed to play to the Course Rating (achieve a net score of 68).  This year a Course Handicap represents the number of strokes needed to play to par (achieve a net score of 72).  You need four fewer strokes to achieve a net 72 than a net 68.

Question: Does this change in Course Handicaps disrupt the competitive balance in our competitions?

Answer: Absolutely not. There is zero change to the competitive balance as all golfers playing a given set of tees are impacted equally. And there is zero change in the spacing of handicaps if multiple tees are employed.  It’s like a game of basketball, but instead of starting at a score of 0-0, you start at 10-10.  This doesn’t impact who wins, it just means that the final score is higher.  Same with net scores.  If the Course Rating is lower than par, same winner, but with a higher net score.  If the Course Rating is higher than par, same winner, but with a lower net score.

Question: What is the status of the my NCGA app?

Answer: The my NCGA app is available for download via the App Store or Google Play! . It may be necessary to delete the old/download the new.