HANDICAP

A handicap is not essential to playing a round of golf. The most important thing is to play golf and enjoy it. However, if you want to track your performance and skill level or compete in tournaments, a handicap is a great way to enable this. If you are considering competing in official competitions, a handicap is most likely required. Some tournament rules will allow you to compete using your gross score only. Please read our policy for handicapping posted below.

 <<Salishan Golf Links, 9th hole - circa 1969 >>

The Salishan Community Center (between holes 12 and 13) was the original clubhouse in 1965. Salishan was a 9-hole course at that time. After adding an additional 9 holes, the current clubhouse was built.

Handicapping Policies and Procedures of Salishan Golf Links

The Handicap Committee of Salishan Golf Links (SGL) is responsible for ensuring compliance with the obligations under the World Handicap System in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping and the USGA. As a Committee, we will verify that acceptable scores are posted for handicap purposes and made available for peer review. The Handicap Committee will perform random score audits and review members' scoring records.

In addition, the Handicap Committee provides guidance to the Competition Committee to ensure players consistently have the ability to use their Handicap Index to compete or play a recreational round with anyone else on a fair and equal basis.

The Handicap Committee consults with the Competition Committee to establish the Terms of the Competition for all applicable events at the club. 

The Handicap Committee members are Linda Reid and Peter Berger.

The Handicap Committee has set forth the following policies and procedures for all members wishing to establish and maintain a Handicap Index with our club.

• Maintain an active membership on the handicap roster of the club.
• Post all acceptable scores, including 9-hole rounds.
• Post the same day you play a round.
• Adjust your score when necessary, e.g., for a net-double bogey or, most likely, score on a hole. (Note: the hole-by-hole option on the GHIN app will automatically adjust for net-double bogey).
• Try to score your best on every hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played.

What is an Acceptable Score according to the USGA Rules of Golf?

• For an 18-hole score, a minimum of 14 holes must be played.
• For a 9-hole score, a minimum of 7 holes must be played.
• Scores made in match play, stroke play, and team competitions.
• Scores made under Rule 3.2 when a hole is not played.
• Scores made under Rule 3.3 when a player does not hole out.
• Scores made if a player is disqualified from a competition but has an acceptable score.
• Scores made when played by the Rules of Golf.
• Scores made when played on a course during its active season.
• Scores made in the company of at least one other person, who can also act as a marker.

All acceptable scores are to be posted within the same day of play using one of the following methods:

• Mobile app
• OGA website
• The Competitions Committee. Ask event officials if they are posting tournament scores.

Disciplinary Actions for failure to post or player manipulating their Handicap Index:

• The first noted failure to post or potentially manipulate your score will result in a verbal or written warning.
• The second noted failure to post will result in the appropriate penalty score issued for scores not posted.
• After your third noted failure to post your score or continued manipulation of the scoring record, further disciplinary action will be taken as the Handicap Chair and Committee deem fair and equitable.

A player may compete in SGL-sponsored tournaments without a handicap using gross-only scores. A player must earn a Handicap Index. No player has an inherent right to a Handicap Index without demonstrating ability to SGL's Handicap Committee. The SGL Handicap Committee has the authority and obligation to adjust a Handicap Index if it feels necessary to do so.

Please direct any questions or concerns to Linda Reid or Peter Berger.

For further information, visit https://oga.org/handicaps