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.