The HLR Handicap Committee is responsible for ensuring compliance with the obligations under the World Handicap System™ in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping and the USGA. As a committee, we will verify that acceptable scores are posted for handicap purposes. The Handicap Committee will conduct a club-wide handicap review at least once every 365 days. We will also run individual handicap reviews upon request by a member or another player involved in peer review. In addition, we will perform random score audits and review member scoring records periodically.

In addition, the Handicap Committee provides guidance to club officials and other club Committees to ensure players can consistently use their Handicap Index® to compete, or play a casual round, with anyone else on a fair and equitable basis. Key Committees include the HLR MGA Board.

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The Handicap Committee consults with the MGA Tournament Director to establish the Terms of the competition for all applicable events at the club. The Handicap Committee cooperates with the HLR Head Golf Pro in maintaining both length and normal playing difficulty of the course at a constant and fair level.

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The 2026 Handicap Committee members are:

• Rick Thompson, Chairman – Voting Member

• Derek Arnold – Voting Member

• Karl Kingsbury – Voting Member

• Colby Strain, Assistant Golf Professional - Non-Voting Member

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The terms for the Handicap Committee members will be yearly, and selection of member shall be done by the MGA Board President.

The Handicap Committee has set forth the following policies and procedures for all members wishing to establish and maintain a Handicap Index with our club.

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• Follow USGA Guidelines on Scoring

• Maintain an active membership on the handicap roster of the club.

• Post all acceptable scores on the same day the round is played.

• Where applicable, apply adjustments to scores for handicap purposes, including net double bogey and most likely score.

• Try to make the best score at every hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played.

• A minimum of 2 scores shall be entered within 30 days of an MGA tournament signup deadline to participate in that tournament. Exceptions to this rule will be addressed by the MGA Tournament Director.

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What is an acceptable score?

An acceptable score is defined as a score from an authorized format of play which meets all the provisions set out within the Rules of Handicapping (see Rule 2 of the USGA Rules of Handicapping).

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Examples of acceptable scores:

• Scores from the minimum number of holes played, i.e., 9 holes that correspond to a 9-hole Course Rating and Slope Rating.

• Scores made in match play, stroke play and team competitions.

• Scores made under Rule 3.2 when a hole is not played.

• Scores made under Rule 3.3 when a player does not hole out.

• Scores made if a player is disqualified from a competition but has an acceptable score.

• Scores made when played by the Rules of Golf

• Scores made when played on a course during its active season. The active season for Holly Lake Ranch is year-round.

• Scores made in the company of at least one other person, who can also act as a marker.

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All acceptable scores are to be posted on the same day of play using one of the following methods:

• USGA GHIN Mobile App. (preferred)

• Scorecard submitted to the Pro Shop for posting

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Disciplinary actions for failure to post or player manipulating their Handicap Index:

1. First failure to post or potential manipulation of your score will result in a written warning from the Handicap Committee.

2. Second failure will result in the appropriate adjustment of score issued for score(s) not posted.

3. After your third failure to post your score or continued manipulation of your scoring record, further disciplinary action will be taken as the Handicap Committee deems appropriate. Examples include ineligibility to compete in certain club events and a Handicap Index adjustment.

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A player must earn a Handicap Index. No player has an inherent right to a Handicap Index without demonstrating their playing ability to our golf club’s Handicap Committee. The Handicap Committee has the authority and obligation to adjust a Handicap Index if it feels necessary to do so.

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Please direct any questions or concerns to the Handicap Committee.