EGA HANDICAP SYSTEM - NGF

(I) FoREWoRD
(i) FOREWORD
The 2012 edition of the EGA Handicap System builds on the traditions of handicapping in the EGA.
our system is founded on the USGA Course Rating System and the fundamentals of handicapping as
practised in CoNGU and associations around the world.
Since its inception in 2000, the system has consistently evolved through three editions based on experience
and evaluations in the member associations of the EGA.
In the early years of the third edition (2007), it became clear that the CSA procedure was not working
out as expected in some countries. moreover it appeared that 50% of the licensees were not fully
implementing and/or complying with the system code.
The first step towards understanding was to establish the Handicap Research Group in 2008. The
members are experienced golfers and have a solid background in numerical analysis and statistics.
They are required to gather scoring data from different parts of Europe, to analyse performance
aspects and to propose and validate improvements.
As a second step, three Regional Conferences were held in 2009 in the northern, central and southern
zone to take stock of the requirements of the national associations in the future, to discuss changes,
notably for CSA and to evaluate the reasons for non-compliance. much of the non-compliance appeared
to be due to lack of information and training of the national handicapping committees. Differences
in golf culture across Europe take more time to accommodate. The Regional Conferences
produced understanding of the problems and requirements in the field and a clear work program and
planning for the 2012 edition.
The 2012 edition of the EGA Handicap System has been prepared by the Handicapping and Course
Rating Committee of the EGA. Data analysis, design of new algorithms and validation tests were
performed by the Handicap Research Group based on data provided by national associations.
The new edition has changes in both substance and form. A completely new procedure to replace CSA
was designed and validated successfully. Computed Buffer Adjustment (CBA) is based on the number
of players that play to the buffer or better, and the score is not adjusted. The Annual Handicap Review
(AHR) has been improved to be more accurate, a clear quality improvement.
To accommodate the request for more information and background, the 2012 book was restyled. With
the “System overview” and a series of Explanatory Notes (EN) we highlight some of the reasoning,
principles and assumptions fundamental to handicapping in the EGA. Together with the Guidance
Notes (GN) they form a quick reference manual for better understanding and proper application of
the system.
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