Handicapping

The heart of the BGC is the handicapping system.  All members are required to maintain accurate, peer reviewed indexes with the Southern California Golf Association, which is sanctioned by the United States Golf Association.  Members are expected to be familiar with the handicapping procedures of these organizations.

On a monthly basis, the indexes are circulated among the membership in what are known as the BGC World Rankings.  Members then review each other's posted scores for the month for accuracy and, if necessary, corrections are made to the scores.  In cases of disputed scores, all members are given due process to counter claims of incorrect posting. Those found to be posting inaccurate scores,  however, will be dealt with harshly and may be expelled from the BGC.

Among the handicapping procedures all BGC members are expected to know and to follow are the following:

• Converting an index to a course handicap.

• Adjusting posted scores using equitable stroke control.

• Proper posting procedures for incomplete rounds or holes.

Members should always post at the course computer immediately following a round.  If posting cannot be done at the course, members may post on the internet at www.scga.org.  But this should only be done in rare instances.

Adjustments to Members Index

The BGC Handicap Committee has the obligation to ensure that each member’s index accurately reflects his playing ability. Under the following, hopefully rare, circumstances it will be necessary for the Handicap Committee to make adjustments to a member’s index. Before taking action, the Committee must give the player opportunity to respond to the adjustment, either in writing or by appearing before the Committee.

An adjustment is typically made for any of the following reasons:

Improving Faster than the System Can React
A member just taking up the game may improve too rapidly for his index to be handled equitably by the standard procedure.

Failure to Post Scores
An index shall may adjusted up or down if the player does not post all scores or otherwise does not observe the spirit of the Handicap System.

Player Manipulates Round
If a player manipulates his scores to influence his SCGA Index, the Handicap Committee shall adjust or withdraw his index, depending on the severity of the offense. Examples of manipulating scores include:

• Posting erroneous scores;

• Stopping play after 12 holes to avoid posting scores;

• Repeatedly playing more than one ball to avoid posting scores;

• Not adjusting hole scores; or

• Deliberately reporting more or fewer strokes than actually scored.

Duration of Adjustment by Handicap Committee

The Handicap Committee shall determine how long a player's Handicap Index is to remain modified.

Handicap Index Withdrawal

If a player repeatedly fails to meet his obligations under the USGA Handicap System, the Handicap Committee shall withdraw the player's Index. Before any action is taken, the player shall be advised of the information available to the Committee, and shall be invited to respond to the Committee either in writing or by appearing in person before the Committee. A player whose Index has been withdrawn may not enter any BGC competition until he has been reinstated under conditions set forth by the Handicap Committee.