It's almost two years since we started using handicaps at the FPGC, and with some tweaks along the way, I think we've got it as good as could be. Our system is working very well atm. If any club owners would like to try using handicaps the way we do, see our system below.
We don't have any members above legend tier, but any future members above legend -if scores warrant them- will be given plus handicaps. Our club directors update handicaps once each month, varying three and four weeks between updates.
Their are three handicap grades: A, B and C.
A = 0 (min) to minus -2
B = -3 to -6 > Legends and T. Masters are capped at -5 max
C. = -7 to -8 (max)
All of our credit tournaments are graded. Members can enter only those tournaments graded (A,B or C) for their handicap. This gives all grades a better chance of winning credits, competing against members of similar ability, and has solved the problem of a small handful of members winning most of the credit tournaments. This was the main reason why we started using them. Some tournaments are graded to include A & B handicappers.
A quick look at our last 13 credit tournaments shows 11 different winners, only one player having won more than one credit tournament. Proof if ever it was needed that the handicap system spreads out the winnings.
Handicaps are calculated from the relevant best five of last ten 9 and 18 hole games, excluding P3 (par 3), P5 (par 5), SC (starter clubs), UL (uneven lies) and ET (easier tee) games.
9 hole round scores are doubled to get an 18 hole score.
Handicaps are based on 60 being the entry to Tour Legend tier, that's the scratch score to work from for all tiers.
Our calculus is loosely based on the '96% method' in the USGA's GHIN system.
Using the 60 as your scratch guide, round to above or below decimal .5
Example:
Best five of last ten relevant rounds = 334 Div by 5 = 66.8 x 96% = 64.1 = 64 (60)
h/cap = -4 Grade B
A 315 and under = 0
316-320 = -1
321-325 = -2
B 326-330 = -3
331-335 = -4
336-341 = -5
342-346 = -6
C 347-351 = -7
352+ = -8