The SAGA, WGSA and Handicaps Network Africa are pleased to announce, with effect 1 February 2011, the acceptance of 9 hole scores for handicapping purposes.
One of the main aims of this introduction is to assist the many new and junior golfers, who do not have sufficient time to play 18 holes on a regular basis, to obtain an official handicap. We believe it will also assist in growing the number of people playing golf and joining golf clubs.
The 9 hole score entry system in Europe and other countries has proven to have little effect on a players handicap calculated using 18 hole scores.
When entering a score or closing a round on the SAGA handicap system, players will elect either a 9 or 18 hole option, after selecting the 9 hole option they will then be prompted to select which course and which 9 holes they played. After entering their score the system will then allocate them par for the remaining 9 holes, plus a percentage of their handicap. Initially this will be 50% of their handicaps rounded up and down. This may be adjusted in the future depending on statistical analysis.
9 hole scores will also incur a 72 hour late entry penalty as well as register for an exceptional score.
A new golfer without a handicap will be allocated a 36 handicap until 5 scores have been entered where after the system will calculate a handicap.
We will advise clubs closer to the time of when the screen change will take place. To assist you with member queries we will also send you details showing you where on the screen the new 9 hole buttons will be placed.
