To read about the proposed changes to the Handicapping System click here
Q: What is Course Rating?
A: Course rating is the measure of difficulty of courses for a scratch golfer under normal course and weather conditions. A male scratch golfer is defined as a player who hits his tee shots an average of 225 metres and can reach a 430-metre hole in 2 shots. A female scratch golfer can hit her tee shots an average of 190 metres and can reach a 365-mere hole in 2 shots.
Accuracy and consistency are the keys to effective course rating. The measured length must be corrected to the effective playing length - an error of 18-20 metres in overall length can change the course rating by 0.1 strokes.
The main formula component of the effective playing length of the course is derived from the course's measured length and applying the following five factors, which gives a more accurate reflection of the true playing length of the course:
The measured length and the effective playing length adjustments are used to determine the 'Yardage' Rating. The USGA system differs from our current system in as much as the Australian system uses measured length only to determine a Length Rating.
A further analysis of each hole is undertaken in order to assess the 10 obstacle factors which affect playing difficulty as follows:
The values allocated to the above obstacles are multiplied by various weighting factors giving a final number, which may be an addition or reduction to the Scratch Yardage Rating. The result is the Course Rating.
Q: What is wrong with the current system?
A: The 'rating' of many of Australia's 1500 or more courses are out of date. Some of the reasons relate to the fact that the training, auditing and re rating process has been minimal at best. This has led to inconsistencies across States, and even regions which in a national system is not ideal.
It is in your interest, your playing partners interest and your clubs interest to learn the Rules of Golf.
Before commencing your round:
Read the Local Rules on the score card or notice board
Put an identification mark on your ball. (Rules 12-2 and 27-1)
Count your clubs. You're allowed a maximum of 14 clubs (Rule 4-4)
During the round:
Don't ask for "advice" from anyone except your partner (i.e. a player on your side) or your caddies.
Don't give advice to anyone except your partner.
You may ask for information on the Rules, distances and the position of hazards, the flag stick, etc
Don't play any practice shots during play of a hole
At the end of your round:
In match play, ensure the result of the match is posted
In stroke play, ensure that your card is completed properly and return it as soon as possible.