We have come to learn from several of our members that you don't participate in the choose-up because the handicapping system is out of whack. So, we have talked to other clubs and want to adopt some of their practices as it pertains to handicapping. I will also address a new choose-up format.
Handicapping
We are going to strictly keep a "choose-up" handicap book. So, all choose up scores will now go in that book as well as in the GHIN system along with non-choose-up scores. Other clubs have a +5 rule for players that don't turn in scores on any given day that they play. That means if you play, and do not turn in a score, we enter a score in the GHIN system that is 5 shots better than your average, for that day. I want to avoid that penal rule for now and see if we can't improve our handicapping system without administering that drastic rule. I have learned that in other club's choose-up/dog fight/men's league game/etc. anything more than plus 4-5 is very rare for a winning team. We consistently have winning teams plus 6 or more. So, let's fix it so it is fair to all and more will participate.
New handicapping system for Choose-Up
We have established a baseline for every member by taking their GHIN handicap and any choose-up or Big Game scores. That will be your starting handicap as of Saturday, March 2. After you record 3 scores from that point you will establish a new handicap by averaging those 3 scores. Then the 4th score will be added to the previous 2 scores and so on to continually adjust your handicap. If you are plus on your handicap by 3 or 4 your handicap will automatically reduce by 1, if you are plus 5 or more your handicap will reduce by 2. If you are minus 3-4 your handicap will increase by 1 and if you are minus 5 or more it will reduce by 2. This will be applied to each score. If you are within 2 plus or minus, no adjustment will be made. Look at this example:
A 3 handicapper shoots 70 (38 points or 2 under par) or the equivalent of plus 5 points. His handicap will lower to a 1 now because he was better than his handicap by 5+ meaning add 2 now requiring him to make 35 points. Each time he plays an adjustment will be made if needed to continually get his handicap where it should be. *Note: There will be NO formula for the GHIN. It is just your score as some of you enter your own scores on your phone app. We will gladly enter GHIN scores for you.
No matter what you score bad or good for the Choose-up contest, you max out at +5 or -5 for that day's game.
The Choose-Up
We want to grow this game as it has been a staple here for years. So, during the week, Tu-F, the choose-up slot will be 1:00. Show up and play. We may pair you sometimes and other times you play with whom you want. We may play double and triple low ball some and points some and proshop formed teams or blind draw. On the weekends we will have a set time (depending on time of the year) for the choose-up. That time slot will serve as a window for anyone that does not have a game or for anyone needing 1 or 2 players to complete a foursome. If you have your own game, no worries. Weekends will be all day choose-ups so you can play in the time slot or whenever you want. Teams won't be drawn until the last folks that want to play in the choose-up start their round. If you make your own game, you need at least 2 in your group and preferably 4. Payouts for Saturday will be Sunday and payouts for Sunday will be Tuesday of the following week. Weekend choose-ups (for now) will be blind draw against points.
Note: You will receive points for the HBG/Springbrook Cup for each choose-up you play in:
- Tu, W, Th = 2 point per
- F, Sat, Sun = 4 points per