Key information for players
THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME
Unlike most sports, golf is largely played in the absence of a referee. At every level of the game, from The Open Championship to the monthly medal, each player is expected to abide by the Rules of Golf.
For club golfers, the integrity of the game also depends on each individual observing the spirit and intent of the handicapping system. Handicapping is an attempt to make the game as fair and equitable as possible. And it is based on three fundamental premises:
- Every player will endeavour to make the best score they can at each hole in every qualifying round they play and will report all such rounds for handicap purposes
- Every golf club or handicapping authority will, whenever possible run stroke play competitions as qualifying competitions, calculate a Competition Scratch Score and make all handicap adjustments strictly in accordance with the system.
- Every player will return a sufficient number of qualifying scores to provide reasonable evidence of their current ability.
It is against the spirit and intent of the system to adjust the terms and conditions of a competition deliberately, so that it is rendered non-qualifying. The Golfing Union of Ireland and Irish Ladies Golf Union have a duty to ensure that all Affiliated Clubs discharge their responsibilities in full.
The handicapping system is administered, reviewed and developed as necessary by the Council of National Golf Unions Limited (CONGU®) Handicapping within the UHS is delegated to Affiliated Clubs subject to the overall jurisdiction of the Golfing Union of Ireland/Irish Ladies Golf Union.
Sanctions may be taken against any party that does not observe either the spirit or intent of the system. Any player who fails to act with integrity and carry out the responsibilities imposed by the Unified Handicapping System (UHS) shall not be entitled to a CONGU Handicap.
When you play golf, you make a commitment to uphold the Rules of Golf as well as the rules and bye-laws of your golf club. And you also make a commitment to uphold the integrity of the handicapping system. As a golfer, it’s important to be fully aware of your responsibilities.
HOME CLUB
While it is possible to be a member of more than one club, you are only allowed to have one official handicap, which must be held and managed by your home club. Your official handicap, which is managed by your home club, applies at all other clubs you play. In Ireland 'Home Club' is where you compete most frequently.
KNOW YOUR HANDICAP
Before you enter a competition, it is your responsibility to know your exact handicap. This information is readily available on Golfnet.ie. If you play off a handicap that is higher than your actual handicap, you shall be disqualified from the competition.
ENTERING A COMPETITION
Before teeing off in a competition, make sure you have entered. Each club will have competition entry conditions so make sure to check them beforehand. You will have to ‘sign in’ for the competition, usually by registering on a computer terminal in the locker room and/or by signing an entry sheet in the pro shop. If you are playing in an Open Singles Qualifying Competition, you must produce your GUI/ILGU member card not just quote your member number.
RETURNING YOUR CARD
Always include your current playing handicap on your scorecard – failure to do so shall result in disqualification from a nett competition. After your round, check and sign your card, and then return your scorecard at the club’s score-entry point, i.e. digitally through the computer terminal, which is usually located near or inside the clubhouse, and manually by posting your card in the score card return box.
AWAY SCORES
You must ensure that all your away scores are recorded at your home club. Usually for singles competitions this will happen electronically and automatically via Golfnet and it is a player's responsibility to ensure that the score has been transmitted correctly.
If you play at an away venue in a golf society, team classic, four-ball, foursomes or any other form of non-qualifying competition, you must report all scores to your home club.
You can also notify your home club of an away score by filling in the Away Score Sheet, which is usually located in the clubhouse. You could also take a picture of your scorecard through your phone and send it by email or text message to the club handicap committee.
Naturally, handicaps will change over time. As you get better, your handicap will be reduced to reflect your improved playing ability. At the same time, should your game deteriorate, your handicap will increase.
QUALIFYING COMPETITIONS
Each score returned in a qualifying competition determines adjustments to your handicap. If you perform better than your handicap level, taking the CSS into account, your handicap will be reduced. If you play worse than your handicap level, taking the CSS into account, your handicap increases by 0.1. If you play within your buffer zone, there is no change.
BUFFER ZONE
The Buffer Zone is a cushion added to the CSS which varies according to a player’s Handicap Category. The following Buffer Zones apply: Category 1 – CSS+1; Category 2 – CSS+2; Category 3 – CSS+3; Category 4 – CSS+4 and Category 5 - CSS+5 and Category 6 – CSS+6 . Only nett scores that are below the Buffer Zone result in an automatic handicap decrease and only scores that are above the Buffer Zone result in an automatic handicap increase.
STABLEFORD/NETT DOUBLE BOGEY ADJUSTMENT
The Stableford/Nett Double Bogey Adjustment is the capping of individual hole scores. In stroke play, if a scratch golfer records an 8 on a par-4, their score on that hole will be capped at 6 (nett double bogey) for handicapping purposes. If a 10-handicapper records an eight on a par-4, their score is also capped at 6 for handicapping purposes unless they receive a shot on that hole (i.e. the hole is ranked Index 10 or lower). In that case, their score is capped at 7 for handicapping purposes.
NETT DIFFERENTIAL
The Nett Differential is the difference between the Nett Score you return in a Qualifying Competition and the Competition Scratch Score (CSS). Your handicap reduction depends on the nett differential and the category of your handicap. The following reductions apply: Category 1 – (0-1) x (Nett Differential); Category 2 – (0-2) x (Nett Differential); Category 3 – (0-3) x (Nett Differential); Category 4 – (0-4) x (Nett Differential) and Category 5 (women only) – (0-5) x (Nett Differential)
REDUCTION ONLY
A Qualifying Competition for Reduction Only is determined by the Competition Scratch Score calculation as specified in Clause 18.4 or by the abandonment of competitions as outlined in Clause 18.7 of the CONGU® UHS Manual.
GENERAL PLAY ADJUSTMENT
A General Play Adjustment is a change to a player’s handicap, other than that resulting from participation in a Qualifying Competition, that is actioned by the Handicap Committee in the period between Annual Reviews to take account of a significant change in playing performance. For example, players who have been recently allotted a handicap have the potential to improve more rapidly than the system can take account of.
EXCEPTIONAL SCORING REDUCTION (ESR)
An Exceptional Scoring Reduction (ESR) is a reduction in a player’s Exact Handicap that is applied over and above the decrease applied by the UHS when certain patterns of scoring are triggered by a combination of both the level and frequency of scores. ESRs are calculated in accordance with the provisions of Clause 23(c) of the CONGU UHS manual.
CONTINUOUS HANDICAP REVIEW
The Continuous Handicap Review is the process detailed in Clause 23 (D) of the CONGU® UHS Manual by which players whose performance suggests that they may be incorrectly handicapped are identified during the course of a playing season for consideration by the Handicap Committee for an immediate handicap increase.
ANNUAL REVIEW
The Annual Review is a process whereby the Handicap Committee within each Affiliated Club is required to consider the playing performance of all Members over the preceding year in relation to their current handicap and make any adjustment considered appropriate.
When you become a member of an Affiliated Club, you will be issued with a GUI/ILGU Member Card and your very own Golfnet ID Number, which is unique to each golfer. Your GUI/ILGU Member Card is required for entry into qualifying competitions and your unique Golfnet ID ensures you can access your handicap record online at Golfnet.ie.
YOUR GOLFNET ID NUMBER
Your Golfnet ID is an eight-digit number and it is unique to each golfer. It is printed on your GUI/ILGU member card together with your PIN number, which enables access to your handicap record on Golfnet. This number recognises you as a member of an Affiliated Club for handicapping and membership purposes. If you do not know your Golfnet ID Number, please contact your Home Club and they will be able to provide you with it.
CHANGING HOME CLUB
If you choose to change your Home Club, you must request a detailed handicap certificate from your old club and present this to your new, Home Club. You must provide your new Home Club with your Golfnet ID Number so that your handicap record can be transferred by the GUI/ILGU. Your new, Home Club will issue you with a new Golfnet ID number and GUI/ILGU Member Card. To complete the process, send an email to: support@golfnet.ie containing your old Golfnet ID Number, your new Golfnet ID Number and the date upon which your handicap transferred.
OPEN COMPETITIONS
When playing in Open Singles Qualifying Competitions, your Golfnet ID is required so that your score is automatically returned to your Home Club. When signing in to an Open Singles Qualifying Competition, you must produce your GUI/ILGU Member Card. You should only have one GUI/ILGU Member Card for handicapping purposes. Always use the GUI/ILGU Member Card relating to your Home Club.
HANDICAPPING – KEY DEFINITIONS
BUFFER ZONE
A score is within a player’s Buffer Zone when a Nett Differential is within the following bands for his Handicap Category: Category 1 - 0 to +1; Category 2 - 0 to +2; Category 3 - 0 to +3; Category 4 - 0 to +4; Category 5 - 0 to +5; Category 6 - 0 to +6. When a player’s score is within their Buffer Zone their Exact Handicap remains unchanged.
COMPETITION HANDICAP - 'C' Status
A Competition Handicap is a CONGU® Handicap or a CONGU® Disability Golf Handicap of a player who has returned at least three Qualifying Scores in the current or previous calendar year. Such a handicap is annotated with a ‘c’ symbol.
COMPETITION SCRATCH SCORE (CSS)
A Competition Scratch Score (CSS) is the adjustment, if any, to be made to the Standard Scratch Score (SSS) for a particular competition and it is based on the scores returned in the competition so as to reflect differences between the normal mid-season conditions under which the course was formally rated and the actual conditions under which each qualifying competition is played. The CSS is calculated on the percentage of players within or below their buffer zone.
CONGU
The Council of National Golf Unions is made up of representatives from each of the following: Golfing Union of Ireland, Irish Ladies Golf Union, England Golf, Scottish Golf, Golf Union Wales and The R&A as well as an elected Chairman. CONGU sets out the rules and regulations of the unified handicapping system (UHS) including the responsibilities of each involved party and guidance on how to administer the system.
CONGU® HANDICAP
A CONGU® Handicap is a handicap allotted and adjusted by the Home Club of a Member in accordance with the requirements of the UHS
CONGU® CLUB HANDICAP
A CONGU® Club Handicap must only be allotted to a Member of an Affiliated Club. It is only allotted above 29.0 for men and 36.0 for women, and has an upper limit of 54.0. Club handicaps are intended for juniors, beginners or players of declining ability.
DIFFERENTIALS
(1) The Nett Differential is the difference (+ or -) between the nett score returned by a player in a Qualifying Competition and the Competition Scratch Score
(2) The Gross Differential is the sum of the Nett Differential and the Playing Handicap
EXCEPTIONAL SCORING REDUCTION (ESR)
An Exceptional Scoring Reduction (ESR) is a reduction in a player’s Exact Handicap that is applied over and above the decrease applied by the UHS when certain patterns of scoring are triggered by a combination of both the level and frequency of scores.
GENERAL PLAY ADJUSTMENT
A General Play Adjustment is a change to a player’s handicap, other than that resulting from participation in a Qualifying Competition that is actioned by the Handicap Committee in the period between Annual Reviews to take account of a sustained change in playing performance.
GOLFNET ID NUMBER
A Golfnet ID is a unique, eight-digit number allocated by a Union to a Member that allows them to be registered and recognised for handicapping purposes. Each golfer is issued with a GUI/ILGU Member Card, which will contain their Golfnet ID.
HANDICAPS
(1) Exact Handicap – A player’s Exact Handicap is their handicap to one decimal place, calculated in accordance with the provisions of the UHS.
(2) Playing Handicap - A player’s Playing Handicap is their Exact Handicap rounded to the nearest whole number (0.5 is rounded upwards).
(3) Competition Handicap Allowance – The Competition Handicap Allowance is the CONGU Handicap adjusted, where applicable, for the competition type, and the course and set of tees over which the competition is played.
HOME CLUB
A player’s Home Club is an Affiliated Club of which the player is a Member. If a player is a Member of more than one Affiliated Club they must nominate one as their Home Club and this club must be the one where they play most of their competitive golf. This club shall administer the player’s handicap.
QUALIFYING COMPETITION
A Qualifying Competition is any competition in which Competition Play Conditions prevail and for handicap adjustment and record purposes full handicap allowance is applied and a Competition Scratch Score is calculated.
NON QUALIFYING COMPETITION
A Non Qualifying Competition is a competition when the requirements of a Qualifying Competition are not satisfied.
STANDARD SCRATCH SCORE (SSS)
The Standard Scratch Score is the score allocated to an 18-hole golf course (two rounds of a nine-hole course). In simple terms, it is the score that a scratch golfer is expected to record. The SSS accounts for the difficulty of the golf course. For example, a par 72 course may have an SSS of 73. A less challenging par 72 course may have an SSS of 71.
UHS
The ‘UHS’ is the CONGU Unified Handicapping System developed by the Council of National Golf Unions and applies to those who are Members of Affiliated Clubs within the Golfing Union of Ireland and Irish Ladies Golf Union.
Unlike most sports, golf is largely played in the absence of a referee. At every level of the game, from The Open Championship to the monthly medal, each player is expected to abide by the Rules of Golf.
For club golfers, the integrity of the game also depends on each individual observing the spirit and intent of the handicapping system. Handicapping is an attempt to make the game as fair and equitable as possible. And it is based on three fundamental premises:
- Every player will endeavour to make the best score they can at each hole in every qualifying round they play and will report all such rounds for handicap purposes
- Every golf club or handicapping authority will, whenever possible run stroke play competitions as qualifying competitions, calculate a Competition Scratch Score and make all handicap adjustments strictly in accordance with the system.
- Every player will return a sufficient number of qualifying scores to provide reasonable evidence of their current ability.
It is against the spirit and intent of the system to adjust the terms and conditions of a competition deliberately, so that it is rendered non-qualifying. The Golfing Union of Ireland and Irish Ladies Golf Union have a duty to ensure that all Affiliated Clubs discharge their responsibilities in full.
The handicapping system is administered, reviewed and developed as necessary by the Council of National Golf Unions Limited (CONGU®) Handicapping within the UHS is delegated to Affiliated Clubs subject to the overall jurisdiction of the Golfing Union of Ireland/Irish Ladies Golf Union.
Sanctions may be taken against any party that does not observe either the spirit or intent of the system. Any player who fails to act with integrity and carry out the responsibilities imposed by the Unified Handicapping System (UHS) shall not be entitled to a CONGU Handicap.
When you play golf, you make a commitment to uphold the Rules of Golf as well as the rules and bye-laws of your golf club. And you also make a commitment to uphold the integrity of the handicapping system. As a golfer, it’s important to be fully aware of your responsibilities.
HOME CLUB
While it is possible to be a member of more than one club, you are only allowed to have one official handicap, which must be held and managed by your home club. Your official handicap, which is managed by your home club, applies at all other clubs you play. In Ireland 'Home Club' is where you compete most frequently.
KNOW YOUR HANDICAP
Before you enter a competition, it is your responsibility to know your exact handicap. This information is readily available on Golfnet.ie. If you play off a handicap that is higher than your actual handicap, you shall be disqualified from the competition.
ENTERING A COMPETITION
Before teeing off in a competition, make sure you have entered. Each club will have competition entry conditions so make sure to check them beforehand. You will have to ‘sign in’ for the competition, usually by registering on a computer terminal in the locker room and/or by signing an entry sheet in the pro shop. If you are playing in an Open Singles Qualifying Competition, you must produce your GUI/ILGU member card not just quote your member number.
RETURNING YOUR CARD
Always include your current playing handicap on your scorecard – failure to do so shall result in disqualification from a nett competition. After your round, check and sign your card, and then return your scorecard at the club’s score-entry point, i.e. digitally through the computer terminal, which is usually located near or inside the clubhouse, and manually by posting your card in the score card return box.
AWAY SCORES
You must ensure that all your away scores are recorded at your home club. Usually for singles competitions this will happen electronically and automatically via Golfnet and it is a player's responsibility to ensure that the score has been transmitted correctly.
If you play at an away venue in a golf society, team classic, four-ball, foursomes or any other form of non-qualifying competition, you must report all scores to your home club.
You can also notify your home club of an away score by filling in the Away Score Sheet, which is usually located in the clubhouse. You could also take a picture of your scorecard through your phone and send it by email or text message to the club handicap committee.
Naturally, handicaps will change over time. As you get better, your handicap will be reduced to reflect your improved playing ability. At the same time, should your game deteriorate, your handicap will increase.
QUALIFYING COMPETITIONS
Each score returned in a qualifying competition determines adjustments to your handicap. If you perform better than your handicap level, taking the CSS into account, your handicap will be reduced. If you play worse than your handicap level, taking the CSS into account, your handicap increases by 0.1. If you play within your buffer zone, there is no change.
BUFFER ZONE
The Buffer Zone is a cushion added to the CSS which varies according to a player’s Handicap Category. The following Buffer Zones apply: Category 1 – CSS+1; Category 2 – CSS+2; Category 3 – CSS+3; Category 4 – CSS+4 and Category 5 - CSS+5 and Category 6 – CSS+6 . Only nett scores that are below the Buffer Zone result in an automatic handicap decrease and only scores that are above the Buffer Zone result in an automatic handicap increase.
STABLEFORD/NETT DOUBLE BOGEY ADJUSTMENT
The Stableford/Nett Double Bogey Adjustment is the capping of individual hole scores. In stroke play, if a scratch golfer records an 8 on a par-4, their score on that hole will be capped at 6 (nett double bogey) for handicapping purposes. If a 10-handicapper records an eight on a par-4, their score is also capped at 6 for handicapping purposes unless they receive a shot on that hole (i.e. the hole is ranked Index 10 or lower). In that case, their score is capped at 7 for handicapping purposes.
NETT DIFFERENTIAL
The Nett Differential is the difference between the Nett Score you return in a Qualifying Competition and the Competition Scratch Score (CSS). Your handicap reduction depends on the nett differential and the category of your handicap. The following reductions apply: Category 1 – (0-1) x (Nett Differential); Category 2 – (0-2) x (Nett Differential); Category 3 – (0-3) x (Nett Differential); Category 4 – (0-4) x (Nett Differential) and Category 5 (women only) – (0-5) x (Nett Differential)
REDUCTION ONLY
A Qualifying Competition for Reduction Only is determined by the Competition Scratch Score calculation as specified in Clause 18.4 or by the abandonment of competitions as outlined in Clause 18.7 of the CONGU® UHS Manual.
GENERAL PLAY ADJUSTMENT
A General Play Adjustment is a change to a player’s handicap, other than that resulting from participation in a Qualifying Competition, that is actioned by the Handicap Committee in the period between Annual Reviews to take account of a significant change in playing performance. For example, players who have been recently allotted a handicap have the potential to improve more rapidly than the system can take account of.
EXCEPTIONAL SCORING REDUCTION (ESR)
An Exceptional Scoring Reduction (ESR) is a reduction in a player’s Exact Handicap that is applied over and above the decrease applied by the UHS when certain patterns of scoring are triggered by a combination of both the level and frequency of scores. ESRs are calculated in accordance with the provisions of Clause 23(c) of the CONGU UHS manual.
CONTINUOUS HANDICAP REVIEW
The Continuous Handicap Review is the process detailed in Clause 23 (D) of the CONGU® UHS Manual by which players whose performance suggests that they may be incorrectly handicapped are identified during the course of a playing season for consideration by the Handicap Committee for an immediate handicap increase.
ANNUAL REVIEW
The Annual Review is a process whereby the Handicap Committee within each Affiliated Club is required to consider the playing performance of all Members over the preceding year in relation to their current handicap and make any adjustment considered appropriate.
When you become a member of an Affiliated Club, you will be issued with a GUI/ILGU Member Card and your very own Golfnet ID Number, which is unique to each golfer. Your GUI/ILGU Member Card is required for entry into qualifying competitions and your unique Golfnet ID ensures you can access your handicap record online at Golfnet.ie.
YOUR GOLFNET ID NUMBER
Your Golfnet ID is an eight-digit number and it is unique to each golfer. It is printed on your GUI/ILGU member card together with your PIN number, which enables access to your handicap record on Golfnet. This number recognises you as a member of an Affiliated Club for handicapping and membership purposes. If you do not know your Golfnet ID Number, please contact your Home Club and they will be able to provide you with it.
CHANGING HOME CLUB
If you choose to change your Home Club, you must request a detailed handicap certificate from your old club and present this to your new, Home Club. You must provide your new Home Club with your Golfnet ID Number so that your handicap record can be transferred by the GUI/ILGU. Your new, Home Club will issue you with a new Golfnet ID number and GUI/ILGU Member Card. To complete the process, send an email to: support@golfnet.ie containing your old Golfnet ID Number, your new Golfnet ID Number and the date upon which your handicap transferred.
OPEN COMPETITIONS
When playing in Open Singles Qualifying Competitions, your Golfnet ID is required so that your score is automatically returned to your Home Club. When signing in to an Open Singles Qualifying Competition, you must produce your GUI/ILGU Member Card. You should only have one GUI/ILGU Member Card for handicapping purposes. Always use the GUI/ILGU Member Card relating to your Home Club.
HANDICAPPING – KEY DEFINITIONS
BUFFER ZONE
A score is within a player’s Buffer Zone when a Nett Differential is within the following bands for his Handicap Category: Category 1 - 0 to +1; Category 2 - 0 to +2; Category 3 - 0 to +3; Category 4 - 0 to +4; Category 5 - 0 to +5; Category 6 - 0 to +6. When a player’s score is within their Buffer Zone their Exact Handicap remains unchanged.
COMPETITION HANDICAP - 'C' Status
A Competition Handicap is a CONGU® Handicap or a CONGU® Disability Golf Handicap of a player who has returned at least three Qualifying Scores in the current or previous calendar year. Such a handicap is annotated with a ‘c’ symbol.
COMPETITION SCRATCH SCORE (CSS)
A Competition Scratch Score (CSS) is the adjustment, if any, to be made to the Standard Scratch Score (SSS) for a particular competition and it is based on the scores returned in the competition so as to reflect differences between the normal mid-season conditions under which the course was formally rated and the actual conditions under which each qualifying competition is played. The CSS is calculated on the percentage of players within or below their buffer zone.
CONGU
The Council of National Golf Unions is made up of representatives from each of the following: Golfing Union of Ireland, Irish Ladies Golf Union, England Golf, Scottish Golf, Golf Union Wales and The R&A as well as an elected Chairman. CONGU sets out the rules and regulations of the unified handicapping system (UHS) including the responsibilities of each involved party and guidance on how to administer the system.
CONGU® HANDICAP
A CONGU® Handicap is a handicap allotted and adjusted by the Home Club of a Member in accordance with the requirements of the UHS
CONGU® CLUB HANDICAP
A CONGU® Club Handicap must only be allotted to a Member of an Affiliated Club. It is only allotted above 29.0 for men and 36.0 for women, and has an upper limit of 54.0. Club handicaps are intended for juniors, beginners or players of declining ability.
DIFFERENTIALS
(1) The Nett Differential is the difference (+ or -) between the nett score returned by a player in a Qualifying Competition and the Competition Scratch Score
(2) The Gross Differential is the sum of the Nett Differential and the Playing Handicap
EXCEPTIONAL SCORING REDUCTION (ESR)
An Exceptional Scoring Reduction (ESR) is a reduction in a player’s Exact Handicap that is applied over and above the decrease applied by the UHS when certain patterns of scoring are triggered by a combination of both the level and frequency of scores.
GENERAL PLAY ADJUSTMENT
A General Play Adjustment is a change to a player’s handicap, other than that resulting from participation in a Qualifying Competition that is actioned by the Handicap Committee in the period between Annual Reviews to take account of a sustained change in playing performance.
GOLFNET ID NUMBER
A Golfnet ID is a unique, eight-digit number allocated by a Union to a Member that allows them to be registered and recognised for handicapping purposes. Each golfer is issued with a GUI/ILGU Member Card, which will contain their Golfnet ID.
HANDICAPS
(1) Exact Handicap – A player’s Exact Handicap is their handicap to one decimal place, calculated in accordance with the provisions of the UHS.
(2) Playing Handicap - A player’s Playing Handicap is their Exact Handicap rounded to the nearest whole number (0.5 is rounded upwards).
(3) Competition Handicap Allowance – The Competition Handicap Allowance is the CONGU Handicap adjusted, where applicable, for the competition type, and the course and set of tees over which the competition is played.
HOME CLUB
A player’s Home Club is an Affiliated Club of which the player is a Member. If a player is a Member of more than one Affiliated Club they must nominate one as their Home Club and this club must be the one where they play most of their competitive golf. This club shall administer the player’s handicap.
QUALIFYING COMPETITION
A Qualifying Competition is any competition in which Competition Play Conditions prevail and for handicap adjustment and record purposes full handicap allowance is applied and a Competition Scratch Score is calculated.
NON QUALIFYING COMPETITION
A Non Qualifying Competition is a competition when the requirements of a Qualifying Competition are not satisfied.
STANDARD SCRATCH SCORE (SSS)
The Standard Scratch Score is the score allocated to an 18-hole golf course (two rounds of a nine-hole course). In simple terms, it is the score that a scratch golfer is expected to record. The SSS accounts for the difficulty of the golf course. For example, a par 72 course may have an SSS of 73. A less challenging par 72 course may have an SSS of 71.
UHS
The ‘UHS’ is the CONGU Unified Handicapping System developed by the Council of National Golf Unions and applies to those who are Members of Affiliated Clubs within the Golfing Union of Ireland and Irish Ladies Golf Union.
