HANDICAP STROKES
The basic principle of allocation of handicap strokes is to equalize the abilities of players
at different handicap levels. Handicap strokes give the higher handicap golfer strokes
where they will most likely need them as an equalizer when playing a match against a
low handicap golfer.
Handicap strokes are commonly referred to as “ticks”.
How to Apply Handicap Strokes (Ticks)
On the example scorecard (North West course at Tor Hill), you will see the handicap
(HDCP) allocated across the very bottom of the scorecard highlighted in yellow. These
numbers indicate the rated level of playing difficulty. The #1 rated hole is the hole
where the higher handicap golfer needs the most strokes as an equalizer, and #9 rated
hole the least strokes. For example, #1 North is rated the 6th most difficult hole to play
for men (M) and the 6th most difficult hole to play for ladies (L), #2 is rated 2 for M, and 1
for L, etc. Because we have 27 holes at Tor Hill, each nine hole course is rated 1 to 9.
AT TOR HILL: To designate ticks on your scorecard, start by applying 1 tick on the #1
rated hole on the first nine (North #2), and 1 tick on the #1 rated hole on the second
nine (West #7). Continue with the #2 rated holes, #3 rated holes, etc. until you have
reached your handicap number.
If your handicap is less than 18, you will not have a tick on every hole.
If your handicap is 18 - 36, continue applying ticks starting over again on #1 rated holes
until your handicap number is reached. You will have 2 ticks on some of the holes (all if
your handicap is 36).
If your handicap is 37+, then start again at the #1 rated holes.
If your handicap is an odd number, the last tick should always be marked on the first
nine holes played.
Please note: On 18 hole courses (eg The Murray), holes are rated 1 to 18, so you
would start at the #1 rated hole, then #2 rated hole, etc.
In the example below, Player A has a handicap of 23. She gets one tick on each of the
18 holes and remaining 5 ticks allocated to the 5 hardest ranked hole. That would
mean one additional tick on holes North #2, West #7, North #4, West #1, and final tick
on North #7.
When To Use Handicap Strokes
We mostly use handicap strokes in best ball competitions and to calculate your score
for holes not played.
Best Ball Competition
Handicap strokes are used to determine the net best ball score in Best Ball
Competitions.
See the example below for the proper method of recording your scores for best ball for
a team of 2 players.
The first line of scores will be your gross score, the second line of scores will be your
net score (gross score less number of ticks you are entitled to receive). This scoring is
done for each player. The lowest net score of each hole is used to determine your best
ball score.
Holes Not Played
Handicap strokes are used to calculate your score on holes not played for whatever
reason. For handicap purposes, the score for hole(s) not played shall be par plus any
handicap stroke(s) the golfer is entitlted to receive.
In the example scorecard, if Player A does not play the 18th hole (#9 West) for
whatever reason, she would enter a score of 5 (par plus 1 handicap stroke).
Please note: If 7 – 12 holes are played, the player shall post a 9 hole score. If 13 or
more holes are played, the player shall post an 18 hole score. You would use this
method to calculate your score for all holes not played.