NGAP upgrades handicap system

In its continuing effort to improve service to its member clubs, the National Golf Association of the Philippines is implementing an upgraded handicap system designed to provide accurate computation of each player’s Handicap Index, particularly with regard to the “away scores.”

Under the new system, “away scores” of members can now be inputted “hole by hole,” effectively ensuring the application of ESC (Equitable Stroke Control) which limits a player’s maximum allowable stroke per hole depending on his handicap index.

Majority of Philippine golf courses are pre-loaded by default into the system, making it possible for member clubs to input “away scores” played anywhere in the country and even abroad as it also allows any course with a Course and Slope Rating to be added into the system.

The upgraded system, in compliance with the USGA’s standards and formula in computing handicap index, ensures that away scores are included and ESC is applied in the computation of a players’ Handicap Index.

Another major improvement is that individual members can now have their “away scores” played in another NGAP member course utilizing the same upgraded system inputted upon request, without having to hand-carry their scorecards back to their home clubs for inclusion.

Member clubs can now also generate and selectively print monthly handicap index cards on it’s own once the NGAP releases the clubs official Handicap Index at the end of every month.

Clubs are required to transmit their members and guest scores every cutoff to the NGAP for review, inspection, checking, final processing and consolidation of away scores. Cutoff is every 20th to the 25th of each month.

The NGAP has already installed this ugraded system on 21 member clubs, including Alabang, Bacolod (Binitin), Baguio, Calatagan, Camp Aguinaldo, Capitol Hills, Club Intramuros, DEHHA, Fernando Air Base Golf Club, Isabela, Mt. Malarayat, Negros Occidental (Marapara), Peninsula, Philippine Navy, Sundowners, The Cliffs (Poro Point), TAT Filipinas, Veterans, Victorias, Villamor and Zamboanga.

Official Handicap Index list of member clubs will also be uploaded at the NGAP website www.ngapgolf.com at the end of each month to be made available for download by the public.