MPDWG ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 25 OCTOBER 2010

HANDICAP MANAGER’S REPORT

In the 1 October 2010, memo from the Chairman of Golf Australia stated that they have received positive feedback from the first package of changes to the handicapping system (principally the best 10 of 20 concept). It was also noted that feedback coupled with Golf Australia’s analysis suggests that some fine-tuning at the edges may be worth investigating. It is interesting that there was no indication of what the fine-tuning may be.

The response from the second package of changes to the handicapping system was overwhelmingly negative. The Golf Australia Board decided to suspend the implementation of the second package of changes to the Australian handicapping System for an indefinite period.

This will allow Golf Australia to:

• Complete their discussions with the USGA and analyse the out come of the discussions.
• In response to queries and requests from clubs, provide further details on the USGA handicapping system. Once the discussions with the USGA have been concluded and clubs provided with the details, a survey of all Australian Clubs and State Associations in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of views regarding the US System will be conducted.

At the 30 June 2010, there were 1885 female players an increase of 195 from 2009, Juniors there were 14 the same as in 2009. What is also interesting is the change in handicap ranges since the introduction of the USGA handicapping system and the use of the best 10 scores out of twenty. I am not sure if some of the increase in numbers is due to the lapsed handicaps or members who have resigned and not been removed from golf link being picked up in April when the first package of handicap changes was introduced.

 Val Peppler

MPDW Handicap Manager