POLICY CHANGE:  GHIN HANDICAP INTEGRITY AND ADJUSTMENT AS NEEDED

Issue: It has been apparent that a ‘limited’ number of player GHIN handicaps used for our tournaments may not adequately reflect their actual golfing ability.   

Decision: The Board wants to help ensure that all players are participating under fair conditions.  As a result, the Board approved a policy that it will adjust GHIN handicaps used in MWSGA tournaments as appropriate to better reflect a member’s playing ability.  The adjustment will be made according to USGA Rules 10.1, Section 3 on a case-by-case consideration.

 

POLICY CHANGE:  RULE OF 85 – MID SEASON TEE ASSIGNMENT REVIEW

Issue: The Rule of 85 (Age plus+ Handicap) that allows a member with an age and handicap equal to 85 or greater determined at the beginning of the season to play from the Forward Tees. It has been apparent that in several cases, a player qualifying to play from the Forward Tees at the beginning of the season may not qualify as the golf season progresses based on improved scores entered in to the GHIN system. 

Decision:  The Board approved a policy to conduct a mid-season review beginning in the 2025 Golf Season to verify and confirm a player’s eligibility to play from the Forward Tees according to the Rule of 85 (Age plus+ Handicap).  Also, the Board may adjust a player’s eligibility to play from the Forward Tees if an error has been made in the initial determination.

 

POLICY CHANGE:  TIME CLOCK – FAILURE TO TIME STAMP

Issue: During the review and entry of scores, we have had several players/teams inadvertently or forgotten to time stamp their score card at the completion of their golf round.  The use of the time clock has been found to be highly effective in helping players/teams improve pace of play during our tournaments.

Decision: The Board has approved a policy that a player/team failing to time stamp, in addition, to sign their score card at the completion of a round will be Disqualified.