Handicaps
CWDGA member clubs must use the World Handicap System (WHS). To ensure the consistency of WHS, the Handicap Index of every player in the United States is calculated and issued by the USGA. CDGA is the authorized Golf Association in our area providing this information.
In 2021, CWDGA provided the Handicap Chair at each of its member clubs a copy of the Rules of Handicapping, Effective January 2020. Member clubs should thoroughly review and comply with all aspects of the WHS.
• The Handicap Index Calculation changed. The number is based off your 8 best scores out of the past 20.
• Handicap Indexes update daily. (If you submit a score, your index will update the day after you post a score. On days you don't submit a score, no update will take place.) In order to maintain an accurate, current handicap, it is important to post your score before midnight on the day you played.
• Safeguards were added to protect your Handicap Index. The system will account for abnormal playing conditions, limiting extreme upward movement of a Handicap Index (Soft Cap) and reducing a Handicap Index when an exceptional score is posted.
• The formula for calculating your Course Handicap changed with WHS. Slope, Rating, Course Rating and Par are used to determine your Course Handicap, allowing you to play from different sets of tees without any adjustment.
• Net Double Bogey replaced ESC (Equitable Stroke Control). The maximum score on any hole, for handicap purposes is limited to Net Double Bogey (Par + 2 strokes + any handicap strokes you receive.) It is each player's responsibility to know her Course Handicap and on which holes she receives strokes.
• 14 holes must be played to be an acceptable 18-hole score for posting. 7 holes must be played to post a 9-hole score. Refer to Rule 3.3 Rules of Handicapping, Effective January 2020, page 39 for specific guidelines for determining “most likely score” when a hole is started but player does not hole out.
Every player is responsible for posting all acceptable scores, as defined in the Rules of Handicapping, Effective January 2020 made at her home course or away. Scores made at any golf course in this district during the inactive season may not be accepted for handicap purposes, but scores made at a golf course in an area observing an active season must be posted for handicap purposes, even if they are made during the inactive season in this district.
If you spend the winter in a section of the country that is “in season” (e.g., FL, AZ, CA, MS), you must post those scores for handicap purposes. “Sun Belt” scores may be posted through My CDGA Caddie (website) or My CDGA App. Post your score on the day you play. Don't wait to bring back your last 20 scores.
In 2021, USGA launched the Handicap ID number. For ALL members of the CDGA, you will have your CDGA number (to be used for CWDGA/CDGA applications, score posting, tournament registration, etc.) and you will also have a Handicap ID number. For most CWDGA/CDGA members, this number will remain in the background and will not be used. For CDGA members who are also active members of other golf associations (such as FL, AZ, CA, etc.), your Handicap ID number will be your association number in the other state (your GHIN number). You can find your Handicap ID through CDGA Caddie or My CDGA App. It appears directly under your CDGA Number. It is important to link that number with your CDGA number for the purposes of the World Handicap System.
If your Handicap ID number is incorrect and should be your GHIN number, please contact Lynn Boyd, CDGA Director of Handicapping, at (630) 685-2304. Let her know that you are a member of another club in another part of the country and you would like to have your accounts linked.
If a player belongs to more than one club, she will use the same identification number at both clubs. She can post at both clubs and the scores will automatically appear on her records at the other club. If the player has an active handicap number through a golf association other than the CDGA, these numbers should be linked for WHS purposes. Contact the CDGA to start this process.
A score is acceptable for handicap purposes if the round has been played in the company of at least one other person. This includes another golfer, a caddie, or a spectator (including a child as long as the child is old enough to count). See Rule 2.1 Rules of Handicapping, Effective January 2020 page 26 for the complete list of Acceptable Scores.
Season officially begins on April 1.
(This is the first day for accepting local scores.)
Season officially ends October 31.
(This is the final day for accepting local scores.)
For more information contact the CWDGA Handicap Chair or:
CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION
Midwest Golf House Complex
11855 Archer Avenue • Lemont, IL 60439
Phone (630) 257-2005 • Fax: (630) 257-2088
www.cdga.org
Lynn Boyd, CDGA Director of Handicapping
(630) 685-2304
USGA Handicap Department
Phone 908-234-2300 ext. 5
Email: hdcpquestions@usga.org
www.usga.org