A touch confused about CSS

[swanny32]

Played in the monthly medal on Sunday and finished 2nd overall with a net 68 (Par 71). However, the CSS was 68 apparently so I didn't even get a .3 cut. I'm a little confused as to how the CSS could be 68 as I came second with a 68 and 1st was a 67, there were a couple of 69's then everything else with 70+.

Surely I should have gotten at least a .3 for shooting 3 under my handicap?

 

[CheltenhamHacker]

What is the normal SSS? I can't help much, but I'm just nosy...

 

[daveyc2k2]

Normal SSS is 71.

 

[CheltenhamHacker]

Is it? Just had a look, and the website scorecard seems to show it as Par 71 but SSS 69? Which would make a 1 shot reduction to 68 a bit more likely?

 

[swanny32]

Yeah SSS is 69, Par is 71

Not that I understand what the hell SSS is anyway.

 

[Foxholer]

CSS is based on SSS and can move 1 shot lower or 3 shots higher (after which it becomes Reduction Only) depending on the scores on the day.

It is not based on Par You didn't shoot 3 under your handicap, simply 3 under Par (nett). You shot 1 under your 'standard' handicap, which was adjusted for conditions on the day to be exactly your handicap! Well played though!

When the competition is closed, the scores are assessed to find the percentage that are within buffer. If more than 'normal' range, then the CSS will go down.

CSS is explained from page 35 in this document http://www.englandgolf.org/e-brochure/index.html

The calculation is in Appendix B.

Couldn't locate the percentages, but they'll be in there somewhere. I did see that if 26-49% are in buffer, then CSS = SSS.

Note that it doesn't matter if no-one actually beats SSS/CSS, nor by how much any individual beats. It's a percentage of entire field!


SSS is a 'standardised' number that equates all courses across UK. Primarily based on distance, with an adjustment for hazards etc. The idea being that a Scratch, 5, 10,15 or 20 handicap at one course will equate to the same handicap at any other. Works quite well imo, but I've always found that Scottish handicaps 'travel' rather well - probably because of the variety of conditions they experience.

 

[daveyc2k2]

You're right, I had never realised that.

 

[swanny32]

Thanks for the help, I'll just have to go out there this weekend and rip it up a bit more!