The Rules of Golf state: “The Committee is responsible for publishing on the scorecard or somewhere else that is visible the order of holes at which handicap strokes are to be given or received.” Wanaki Golf Course has these printed on the scorecards at the counter, and the Men’s Club has them printed on the 9 hole League scorecards.
What is the purpose of the stroke allocation?
The allocation is used to show on which holes strokes are given or received. These stokes are used in both Match play and Stoke play to help ensure golfers of all abilities can play on a level playing field.
Why is the stroke allocation changing?
The handicap stroke allocation has not changed at Wanaki in many years. The USGA recommends revisiting the allocation on a regular basis. We have followed the USGA recommendations to set the allocation.
How was the order of holes determined?
The committee followed the methodology and procedure as laid out by the USGA. Since we have been using the Blue Golf scoring system, we now have several years of hole – by – hole postings. After running reports for scratch (plus to 5 handicap index) and bogey (16 to 23 index), we had the hole averages (values) we needed for the calculations. The difficulty of each hole is determined by the formula
Difficulty = (Scratch Value + Bogey Value) – (2 x par)
For example, the difficulty of hole 1 is (4.6 + 5.66)-(2*4) = 2.66.
The difficulty is computed for each hole, sorted, massaged, and set according to the methodology found here: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/handicapping/roh/Content/rules/Appendix%20E%20Stroke%20Index%20Allocation.htm
But I think hole X is harder / easier than hole Y.
Remember that the stroke allocation does not identify the hardest hole; but is used to be an equalizer to give the higher handicap player a chance to obtain a half (not a win) from an opponent. A difficult hole is a problem for all players, not just those with higher handicaps. An attempt was also made to keep the lower handicap holes from not being too early or late in the round to ensure they come into play.
Why was the club membership not asked for input?
The rules of golf give the responsibility for setting the Stroke Index Allocation to the Handicap Committee. The committee currently exists of Joe Vachuska, Todd Halverson, Dave Strackbein, Jim Ehnert and Jeb Vachuska. We are always looking for volunteers so please let us know if you would like to join this committee or become more involved in helping to run the club, leagues, events, etc. We would appreciate it.
