Dominion Handicapping

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 156, 22 September 1927, Page 9

Dominion Handicapping

THE NEW SCHEME May Operate Next Year THE golfing season, as it is observed in New Zealand, is now rapidly drawing to a close, and in the last columns of notes for the year I propose to. outline the new system of handicapping which was recommended to the Golf Council, and which will, according to the chairman of the council, be adopted in New Zealand at the earliest possible moment—let us hope this mhans next season.

rpHIS new system is a carefully preJL parecl, and most comprehensive scheme, prepared by the British authorities, and has the prospect of doing what has long been wanted in New Zealand, and that is putting the man's system of handicapping on a proper and comparative basis. The basis of the scheme i 3 the fixing of a scratch score for every course. These scores having been fixed, all the courses are on a parity, and the matter of handicapping is then only a matter of following the simple rules laid down in conjunction with the scratch score scheme.

The scratch score is arrived at by the following method:

First: The standard par is ascertained. Second: Strokes are allowed under the heading of length adjustment.

Third: Strokes are allowed according to the value of the course. r

A:5 briefly as possible the procedure under these heads is as follows: STANDARD PAR

Standard par represents the number of strokes in which it is assumed to be possible for the ordinary scratch player, to reach the 18 greens, plus 36 putts. The number of strokes in which it is possible naturally varies according to the run of the ground—which is reckoned on spring and autumn conditions. Courses are graded from A to E. A being a fast course, and E, at the bottom of the list, a very slow course.

On the A grade course the tee shot is expected to cover 230 yards, and the second shot 210. On an E grade course the figures are 190 and 180. The par on these lengths is therefore three for holes up to 230 yards, four for holes between 231 and 410 yards, and five for longer holes, on an A grade course. On the E grade course they reduce to: Par three up to 190 yards, par four between 190 and 370 yards, and par five over 370 yards. LENGTH ADJUSTMENT

Two courses with the same length might vary considerably in total length. One course might conceivably have all its holes just long enough to get the extra stroke on par, while another course might have all its holes with a margin of 100 yards or more. To put the two courses on an equal footing, length adjustment is made use of. An average, taken over a large number of courses, showed that the average length of a par three hole was 160 yards, the par four holes averaged 370 yards, and par five holes 490 yards.

On the E grade courses this averaged down to 330 yards for par four holes and 420 yards for par five. However, for the sake of explanation we will continue to deal with A grade courses. To adjust differences in lengths, the length of each hole on the course under consideration is compared with the set average, and strokes are added or deducted, depending on whether the length of the course is greater or smaller than the average. Each hole is measured and compared with the average in its class, and the difference between the length of the 18 holes, and the average for 18 holes of a similar par, is arrived at. In the total no allowance is made for a difference of 150 yards. For a difference of between 150 and- 349 yards one stroke is allowed: from 350 to 699 yards, two strokes; from 700 to 1,049 yards, three strokes, and over 1,050 yards four strokes. If the course is shorter than the average by these figures the strokes are deducted from the par value, and if it is longer they are added. ADDITIONAL COURSE VALUE Having arrived at the standard par, and made adjustments for length, the final stage of fixing the scratch score is arrived at. Under the head of additional course value the following are considered, and strokes added to the scratch score:— 1. To a course without any special golfing difficulty, one stroke. 2. To a course well laid out, but on easy lines, two strokes. 3. To a good course, presenting a variety of golfing difficulties, three strokes. 4. To a first class course, four strokes. LOCAL EXAMPLES To consider a local example, I should think that the amount of run on Middlemore and Titirangi would place them both in the C class; that is where there is a medium amount of run. In the additional course value section they would be placed under No. 3 head. Hamilton would probably be placed as a B class course, fairly fast, while its golfing difficulties are not such that it would be entitled to more than three strokes under the course value section.

The standard pars on Middlemore and Titirangi would, under C grade, be: Tee shot 210 yards, second shot and other shots through the green, 195 yards. Par three would be up to 210 yards, par four 211 to 405, and par five over 405. The average playing lengths are par three, 160 yards; par four, 350 yards and par five 455 yards.