RHGS Handicap Index (HI)

The RHGS handicapping system is designed to ensure fairness and consistency across all society events, accommodating both golf club members and non-members. The system is based on the World Handicap System (WHS) principles while also incorporating RHGS-specific rules for event handicaps and adjustments. The following sections provide a comprehensive explanation of the key components and procedures of the RHGS handicapping framework.

For Golf Club Members: Golf club members use their official Handicap Index (HI), which is provided by their golf club in accordance with WHS calculations. This index is dynamically adjusted to reflect each member’s standard of play at their home club.

For Non-Golf Club Members: Non-members are assigned a Calculated HI, initially determined by their Society handicap as it stood prior to 2020. This Calculated HI is then adjusted over time, based on performance at RHGS golf days—specifically, increasing or decreasing in response to scores above or below their running average.

A Playing Handicap (PH) is determined for each event and is tailored to the specific course being played, using the relevant course handicap tables. The calculation is carried out for both yellow and red tees, and the resulting value is rounded as appropriate.

The RHGS Handicap is calculated by subtracting any applicable shot reductions from the Playing Handicap. This resulting handicap is the one that is actively adjusted—either increased or decreased—based on a member’s performance in RHGS events.

When a member wins an event, their Playing Handicap is reduced according to the following scale:

Playing Handicap      Shot Reduction (minus)

Up to 9          1 shot

10 to 19          2 shots

20 to 24          3 shots

25 and over      4 shots

It is important to note that the total maximum reduction in any single game is capped at 5 shots, even if a member’s cumulative RHGS shot reduction is already above this figure. Additionally, no reduction is applied for a score exceeding 36 Stableford points unless the member is the event winner.

Increases to the RHGS Handicap are strictly regulated:

· Maximum Increase: 1 shot is the maximum allowed per instance.

· Condition: The increase is only applied if a member scores 30 Stableford points or fewer.

· Buffer Zone: Scores of 31 Stableford points or higher are within the buffer zone and do not result in any handicap change.

· Exception: If a member wins the event with 30 points or below, the winning cut is still applied.

· Non-Return (N/R): A non-return does not affect the member’s handicap.

· Applicability: The increase rule is applicable only if the member has previously incurred shot reductions for event wins.

Further reductions are made for winners and runners-up of major annual competitions, as follows:

President's   Trophy 

Winner Cut 2 shots

Runner-up Cut 1 shot

Knockout  

Winner  2 shots

Runner-up 1 shot

Trier's   Trophy  

1 shot

At the end of each year, RHGS shot reductions are reset to the level held at the start of the previous year. This means that the member retains any shot reductions accrued during the prior year, carrying them forward into the new year.

All decisions made by the management regarding handicaps are final.