CGS Handicap System Explained!

Men – Maximum Handicap 28
Women – Maximum Handicap 36

How your golf handicap is adjusted

Golf handicaps are divided into 3 categories as shown here, each of these categories has a respective buffer zone that is used to assess whether or not a handicap should change. The table below displays the categories along with relevant Adjustment Factors. 

Category 1 Handicaps 11 or less Buffer Zone = 1 shot Adjustment factor = 0.2
Category 2 Handicaps of 12 to 18 inclusive Buffer Zone = 3 shots Adjustment factor = 0.3
Category 3 Handicaps of 19 to 36 inclusive Buffer Zone = 4 shots Adjustment factor = 0.7

 

Competition Scratch Score (CSS)

The CSS is calculated on the day of the event based on the average of the top third of Net Scores in the competition.

The Competition Scratch Score is the Nett score at which a Player is deemed to have played equal to their Handicap. For example, if a Player has an 18 handicap and he plays in a Competition where the Competition Scratch Score is calculated to be 70 strokes, He will need to score 70 + 18 = 88 to equal his handicap.

When a players’ score after deduction of handicap, matches the Competition Scratch Score, then that player is considered to have played to their handicap.

Countback Calculation applied to CGS Majors

The count-back system used to ascertain the final positions in a CGS stableford Major event is as follows:

Count-back is strokes taken over last nine holes, then over last six holes, then over last three holes and finally last hole score only.

Count-back Calculation On Medal Competition

In the event that the CGS play any competitions using the medal format (stroke play) if there is a tie the overall count back result will be based on NET score and NOT Gross score. So a players handicap will be applied to the gross to determine a result. This rule will be applied to any tied result and not just to decide the overall competition winner.