It is widely understood and often accepted that the USGA handicaps in the Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) system at clubs across the country may be intentionally inflated by some members. Tanking when appropriate only to seemingly exceed one’s capabilities when something’s on the line is not a new trend. But, with more golfers than ever engaging in recreational and competitive play, clubs must level the playing field and maintain the integrity of the game during in-club events and inter-club competitions, making them fair for all players.
Many clubs have handicap committees that ensure their members are posting scores from each recreational round in accordance with USGA regulations. They also investigate claims of member sandbagging (the act of intentionally underperforming when ultimately beneficial to the actor). Based on its findings, the committee may, adhering to the USGA’s Rules of Handicapping, adjust a member’s handicap to a more accurate number. This of course can be a touchy situation on a local level, as taking this action is essentially stating that the member’s handicap is inaccurate, thus calling into question the individual’s integrity. For our purposes here, I am happy to give the benefit of the doubt and assume most inaccurate handicaps are due to a lack of understanding of the system by the player and not purposeful deceit. However, members who repeatedly violate their club's handicap policies could be barred from club tournaments.
“We send out several emails per year showing our members how to peer review for the rest of the membership,” says Chris Gardner, the PGA of America Head Golf Professional at Bluestone Country Club in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. “In cases when we continuously see the same name(s) appear in the top 3-5 in net events, we will meet as a committee to discuss. In one scenario, we decided to reduce a member's handicap by 20 percent for all events - he understood and still competes.”
After talking to several PGA of America Golf Professionals, general managers and head pros for this piece and thinking back to my days in green grass, it’s evident that communication and education are the keys to maintaining the integrity of one’s handicap listing. Using the USGA’s Rules of Handicapping as a guide, some courses hold handicap seminars at the beginning of each season to answer member questions and avoid any uncomfortable scenarios that may arise from member impropriety or lack of understanding of their responsibility in the handicap process.
It is important to discuss topics like active season so members know when they must post their scores and to explain the difference between a course handicap and a handicap index. These issues always confuse golfers.
Peer review, which is “the process by which a score or Handicap Index can be confirmed or challenged,” is a significant factor in maintaining accurate handicaps. Many members know of golfers who regularly shoot well in competition after routinely struggling in their rounds leading up to tournament day. It is the responsibility of all members and golf staff to say something, using appropriate discretion of course, so any necessary investigation can be conducted and possible Handicap Index adjustments can be made.
Piggybacking off the concepts of communication, education and peer review, The Philadelphia Cricket Club clearly lays it out in its Handicap Guidelines. Kudos to PGA of America Director of Golf Jim Smith, Jr. and his team for their diligence and dedication to upholding the integrity of the game:
These guidelines go into further detail on Peer Review, Penalties, Cap Patrol and Event Requirements, ideally lessening or eliminating member indiscretions in this area and ensuring a positive competitive experience for all members participating.
As we welcome 2025 and a new season of member events at golf and country clubs across the country, let’s follow the lead of those facilities that are proactively enforcing handicap submissions and ensuring the most accurate golfer handicaps are used at each and every tournament they host.
At Berkeley Hall Club in Bluffton, South Carolina, Adam Kushner, the PGA of America General Manager and COO has “an old-fashioned handicap committee that monitors handicaps.” Kushner says they have lowered two members’ handicaps for tournaments in the past.
That’s all it takes…some due diligence and appropriate action in extreme situations. It may be uncomfortable at the time, but it will set a precedent and demonstrate to your members that integrity is vital in golf and at your facility.
Log on to USGA.org for all things handicapping and to take handicap quizzes like this one!