Initial handicap

[VVega]

Is there a maximum score for the initial cards submitted for hcp purposes?

Just curious, as it seems that in principle there is not, hence a junior/beginner could submit three scores as high as anything and would automatically get 54 hcp?

Anyone can confirm?

 

[duncan mackie]

In principle a handicap of 54 may be allocated even if the card, and subsequent arithmetic, don't warrant it.

 

[VVega]

Does it mean one should be able to “apply” for the maximum hcp without even submitting any cards?

 

[rosecott]

No. 54 holes worth of cards at a minimum have to be entered and marked by persons acceptable to the committee.

 

[rosecott]

Using a Par 72, SSS 72 with 4 x par 5s, 4 par 3s, 10 par 4s as a benchmark, to qualify for a 54 handicap a player would have to have his best adjusted 18 holes as 131. If he played all 18 holes with all scores having to be adjusted down to the mandatory double par, the adjusted score would be 144. It would seem that Handicap Committees no longer have the ability to decline to award a handicap if the cards submitted do not justify a handicap of the maximum 54.