Handicap Committee
The SHMGC Handicap Committee has been established to ensure fair play by overseeing the application of the Rules of Handicapping at the club level. Its primary role is to verify that each golfer’s Handicap Index accurately reflects their demonstrated ability. This includes reviewing scoring records, applying adjustments when necessary, and educating members on proper score posting. The committee also facilitates peer review, ensures timely score submissions, and may assign penalty scores if rules are not followed. Ultimately, it upholds the integrity of the handicap system so players of all skill levels can compete equitably.
The mission of the SHMGC Handicap Committee is to ensure that the World Handicap System is administered properly at the Club and that members are fulfilling their responsibilities of, among other things, timely and accurately submitting acceptable scores to provide reasonable evidence of their demonstrated playing ability. We are committed to seeing that all play is conducted in a fair and equitable manner, and we strive to maintain the Club’s reputation as one of integrity.
A player is expected to:
- Act with integrity by following the Rules of Handicapping and to refrain from using, or circumventing, the Rules of Handicapping for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage
- Attempt to make the best score possible at each hole
- Submit acceptable scores for handicap purposes as soon as possible after the round is completed and before midnight local time
- Submit acceptable scores to provide reasonable evidence of their demonstrated ability
- Play by the Rules of Golf and certify the scores of fellow players.
In order to ensure our membership’s compliance, the handicap committee will be conducting reviews of all members utilizing the USGA Handicap Review tool. Along with this tool and feedback from members we will be acting on those players when their handicap does not reflect their playing ability. See more details by clicking on the link below.
FAQ - Handicap Review Tool
The SHMGC Handicap Committee has established the following email address to facilitate inquiries regarding record adjustments, handicap adjustments and appeal submissions for committee review.
Handicap Review, Notification and Appeal Process
With the introduction of the USGA Handicap Review Tool and the recommendation for all authorized golf clubs to run a club-wide handicap review at least once every 365 days, the SHMGC Handicap Committee (HC) will run club wide reviews at least annually.
The SHMGC will follow the Rules of Handicapping (see Rule 7.1a) and the review procedure will follow the following course of action:
Step 1: After conducting the club-wide review using the USGA Handicap Review Tool, for any players who received a recommended Handicap Index adjustment, the club will consider all available evidence and determine whether the adjustment is warranted.
Step 2: Before applying an adjustment, the HC will notify the player and provide them with an opportunity to respond to the HC. The player will have recourse to an appeals procedure, if requested. The timeframe to request an appeal and submit any relevant information will be10 days from notification.
Step 3: After the timeframe has passed or the player has made their appeal, the Handicap Committee will decide whether to apply the Handicap Index adjustment. If applied, the adjustment will then be reflected in the player's Handicap Index, e.g. 13.4M.
There are 6 members of the SHMGC Handicap Committee:
Dave Gaulke - Chairman, Consulting Member and SCGA Delegate (non-voting)
Rick Adler - Voting Member
Keith Miler - Voting Member
Eric Cartier - Voting Member
Michael Polanichka - Voting Member
Don Ferrera - Voting Member