The
USGA Handicap System™ enables golfers of
all skill levels to compete on an equitable basis. Every golf course receives both a USGA Course Rating™ and
USGA Slope Rating® for each set of tees that is rated. The rating
established for the scratch golfer is known as the Course Rating. The Slope
Rating is an evaluation of the relative difficulty of a course for players
other than scratch. The USGA Course and Slope ratings are then calculated and
certified by the authorized golf associations before they are issued to the
club. These ratings are vital in calculating a person's handicap for that
particular course (Course Handicap).
Over the last few years, we
have undergone a tee building and tee marker revision to create a golf course
that reflects approx 230-240 yard difference between each set of tee markers
(Red, Gold, White/Gold and White). To help maintain the integrity of the
handicap system, I will be implementing a course setup routine that will help
produce a relatively consistent total distance for each set of markers.
The scorecard lists the
yardage for each golf hole and as well as each hole’s handicap stroke
application. The yardage plaque on each tee lists the distance from that
plaque to the center of the green. This new setup routine is designed to
create a (6,6,6) daily program for tee marker locations. By selecting and
alternating forward, neutral or back tee marker locations, per each yardage
plaque, we should be able to setup up the golf course to maintain the
approximate 230-240 yard difference desired between each set of tee
markers. Occasionally, we will target a ‘neutral’ setup in which all tee
markers will be located in the general vicinity of each respective yardage
plaque.
For example: Friday July 12,
2013
Hole #1: Shorter (all tee
markers will be positioned ahead of the yardage plaques).
Hole #2: Neutral (all tee
markers will be positioned at or near the yardage plaques).
Hole #3: Longer (all tee
markers will be positioned behind the yardage plaques).
This rotation would then
start over on Hole #4. On the following day, the entire rotation would be
advanced so that Hole #1 would begin with a neutral distance setup. Lastly, when the back tee on #3 is in use, another golf hole(s) will be
set significantly shorter to help even out the eventual impact to the total
yardage.
I hope I didn’t confuse
anyone. But, I wanted to assure everyone that we are considering all
factors when preparing the golf course each day.
