Calculation Version 1 | Rules Based
The issue with having the first three places receiving 3,2 and 1 handicap reduction is that unless you come last in the next match you could be stuck with that (and possibly more) reductions until you have a shocker. So the first alternative version of handicap reduction/increase is a rules based one which I’ll details below
- Elite Play Rule (Elite Play)
- If a player hits under their expected score (handicap + 18) you’ll receive a 1 point deduction.
- Strong Play Rule (Within 5)
- If you’re within 1-5 shots of expected score you’ll receive a 1 point deduction
- Winner (Winner)
- If you win the match you receive a 1 point deduction
- Podium (Podium)
- If you’re placed 2nd or 3rd you’ll receive a 1 point deduction
- Under Performed (Over 12.5)
- If you are 12.5 points over expectation then you’ll receive a 1 point addition
- Bottom 3 (Bottom)
- If you’re in the bottom 3 you’ll receive a 1 point addition
- Under Match Average Performance (UMAP)
- If you’re performance vs expectation is less than the total match performance vs expectation then you’ll receive a 1 point addition.
Running these calculations against the Horne results from last year vs the “old” method of -3,-2,-1 & +1, +2 and +3 the top three players receive the same kind of reduction BUT there are differences elsewhere.
The match average % of expectation (EXP) / total strokes (STK) is 75.8%
- Ian loses 3 points off his handicap, after triggering Within 5, Winner and Podium
- Gary and Paul lose one point for podium
- DC gets 1 point back for having negative expectation (EXP) / total strokes (STK) of 75.5%
Calculation Version 2 | Temporary and WHS Handicap
1️⃣ Proper Handicap (Official WHS Method)
If a player has played 3 or more matches, we calculate their handicap using the best score differentials from previous rounds, following official World Handicap System (WHS) rules.
✅ We take their best 3-8 differentials from the last matches (if they’ve played that many)
✅ We average those best scores to determine their new handicap
This method ensures that consistent performance is rewarded while still allowing for the occasional bad round.
2️⃣ Temporary Handicap (Estimation for New Players)
If a player has played fewer than 3 matches, we estimate their handicap using a fair system that compares their performance in a match to others:
✅ We take the average course handicap of the match
✅ We adjust it based on how they performed compared to others
This method helps players who haven’t yet played three or more matches to get an initial handicap that fairly represents their ability, while ensuring that it isn’t artificially too high or too low.
Why This System?
🏌️♂️ Encourages fair competition
📊 Adapts to a player’s experience
🔄 Automatically updates as more rounds are played
⚖️ Balances new and experienced players
Check out the screenshot below for an example of how it looks in action! 👇
