COURSE RATING

• In 2001 the Ladies Golf Union took the decision to adopt the USGA Course Rating System to provide a more equitable method of determining the Standard Scratch Score of golf courses.

• Since that time, teams have been trained in accordance with System requirements, and the process of progressively re-rating all courses is now underway.

• Course Rating takes account of playing difficulty as well as effective playing length.

• Playing difficulty is assessed by taking account of ten obstacle factors:

Topography Fairway Green Target Trees

Bunkers Out of Bounds Recoverability & Rough

Water Hazards Green Surface Psychological

Each hole on the golf course is evaluated on a scale of 0–10 for each of the ten obstacle factors and account is also taken of the effective length correction  factors

• The effective playing length of the course is the measured length modified to take account of wind, roll, lay-up and elevation.• The Standard Scratch Score is calculated from the individual hole-by-hole assessments, and to ensure uniformity is subject to independent review prior to  issue.

• Clubs may request re-rating where material alterations to the course have been carried out involving, for example:

Construction of new holes.

Construction of new tee(s) altering the playing length by 60 yards or more.

Substantial changes to the course set-up or maintenance that affect playing difficulty.

• Although the rating system is designed to take account of all the playing difficulties likely to be encountered on a golf course, a club may wish to appeal against the assigned rating. To be considered for a review, the club should state the grounds for the appeal on the form ‘Application for Appeal of Standard Scratch Score’ which is available from the SLGA office.

• A rating appeal will only be undertaken at the discretion of the SLGA following due consideration of the ‘grounds for appeal’

• The SLGA reserves the right to make a charge towards the cost of this service.

Note:

• All increases or decreases in course length should be notified to the SLGA so that records can be maintained.

• Changes in the Standard Scratch Score will have no immediate effect on handicaps.