Posting a Score from an Unrated Set of Tees on a Rated Course
Q: I am organizing a competition in which a combination of tees will be used throughout the round. Is there a way to adjust the USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating so these scores may be posted for handicap purposes?
A: Yes, Section 5-2g of The USGA Handicap System manual outlines how to post a score from an unrated set of tees on a rated golf course:
First, use the USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating of the tees from which a majority of the holes are being played as the basis for the adjustment.
Calculate the total yardage of the combination of tees being used.
Take the difference in yardage between the combination of tees to be played and the formally-rated tee selected as the basis for adjustment.
Apply the difference in yardage to the conversion table in Section 5-2g.
Add the resulting table values if the unrated tees are longer than the rated tees, or subtract the resulting values if the unrated tees are shorter than the rated tees.
Note: The USGA Course Rating value is sensitive to changes in overall length. An error of only 22 yards will change the USGA Course Rating by 0.1 of a stroke for men and an error of only 18 yards will change the USGA Course Rating by 0.1 of a stroke for women. This procedure is not a substitute for a formal USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating. If this adjustment is used frequently, it is recommended that the authorized golf association be contacted to schedule a rating for this combination of tees.
“The USGA Handicap System” manual is available to view online via: http://www.usga.org/playing/handicaps/manual/manual.html.
