Handicap

Biggest Loser Handicap CHALLENGE


One of the reasons to establish a handicap is that it is a good way to track your improvement. Join in the fun and see how your handicap improves in the Boston Chapter Biggest Loser Handicap Challenge.

Details

  • Contest Time Period:   June 1, 2012 to September 15, 2012
  • Qualifications:   Active member of the Boston EWGA with a verifiable handicap
  • Post at least 5 18-hole scores during the contest period (2 9-hole scores are equivalent to 1 18-hole score)
  • At least TWO 18-hole scores must be from rounds played in either an EWGA event or EWGA league
  • Starting handicap period is as of the June 1 handicap update
  • Ending handicap period is as of the September 15 handicap update
  • All participants must follow the USGA rules and post ALL rounds played on courses with a USGA slope and rating and with yardage greater than 3,000 yards for 18 holes or 1,500 yards for 9 holes
  • All scores MUST be posted prior to September 14, 2012
  • Improvement is measured  by using percentage of change in the handicap index.  For example:                           

              Starting handicap index  26.5

              Ending handicap index    24.0

              Difference                      2.5/26.5  =  9.43% decrease

Awards

  • The contestants will be divided into 2 groups:  those with starting handicap indexes greater than or equal to 31.0 and those with starting handicap indexes less than 31.0.    There will be a prize for the biggest loser in each group.

To Enter

Send an email to Handicap with the following information:

  • Your name
  • Handicap system used – GN21 or GHIN
  • GHIN number if using GHIN

Email should be sent no later than June 14, 2012


HANDICAP SERVICES


Handicap services are included in your EWGA dues.  While you are not required to maintain a handicap index, you are encouraged to do so. Why?

  • If you enjoy talking golf with other golfers, knowing how your score compares with that of other golfers, participating in friendly competitions, or tracking your improvement, you should maintain a handicap.

    Handicaps are required in order to participate in the Association Championship Golf Series as well as some Chapter events. Many clubs and private tournaments require handicaps for their tournaments.

    The EWGA handicapping system (GN21) also provides the opportunity to track other personal statistics to help you analyze your game and plan personal improvement.

    What is a Handicap Index?


    Your USGA handicap index will be calculated according to a mathematical formula based on your scores and the difficulty of the courses you play. Your handicap index is used to calculate your handicap for a particular course;  the harder the course, the higher your course handicap. It also reflects your playing potential because your handicap index is based on the best scores over a given number of rounds, ideally the best 10 scores of your last 20 rounds. However, you only need 5 eighteen-hole scores to establish a handicap index.

    If you are establishing a handicap for the first time, the EWGA Handicap System (GN21)

is a free service... part of your association dues.  You access it through the Members Only area of www.ewga.com.  Every member who is playing well enough to keep score is encouraged to obtain a Handicap Index through EWGA GN21. Powered by GolfNet, GN21 is a full featured system that enables all members to obtain an official USGA handicap. 


It also gives members the ability to:
Post scores
Access 20,000+  golf course profiles
Track personal game statistics
Print a handicap card
View scoring history
Attest scores for other members; and more

To get started, you’ll need to activate your own personal GN21 account. 

For guidelines on using the new GN21 system, click here.

Click here for the Massachusetts Golf Association Revision Schedule.

GHIN


As a member of EWGA, you can obtain a handicap through the EWGA GN21 (Golfnet) system.  There is another handicap system used in the U.S., called GHIN.   The EWGA Boston Chapter is now offering GHIN handicaps to its members for an annual fee of $30.

If you would like to obtain a GHIN handicap, please send an email to: Golfhandicap  Include your address in the email so that you’ll receive the publication, Mass Golfer.  Please mail your check for $30 made out to EWGA to:

EWGA
PO Box 360
Avon, MA 02322

 
You will receive your GHIN number in an email from golfhandicap@ewgaboston.org  and will then be able to post scores on the GHIN website.   You will receive an email from GHIN after each handicap index update, which for 2012 is on the 1st and 15th of every month.

If you maintain both a GHIN and a GN21 handicap, you’ll see that they differ by only a few fraction of a point.