This manual is the complete book of information and instruction about the RCGA Handicap System . First, you will find the purpose and requirements of the RCGA Handicap System followed by definitions of important terms . The responsibilities of the player are covered in the next two sections, followed by those that the player shares with the Handicap Committee at the golf club. Next, you will find responsibilities of the Handicap Committee . The RCGA Handicap System Formulas, Checks and Balances of the System, RCGA Course Rating, Golf Course Set-Up, Par Computation, and Allocation of Handicap Strokes are covered in the last eight sections. Information about Short Course Handicap and Junior Par are in the Appendices. Handicap Decisions follow each section of the manual.

To familiarize yourself with this manual, first study the table of contents at the front to get an idea of how the RCGA Handicap System is organized. Then look at the captions under each section to see topics covered and the order in which they are presented. Most of the time you will be able to find relevant information simply by reference to the table of contents . If not, there is an Index in the back of this manual, which should lead you to the correct answers.

The definitions, in alphabetical order, in Section 2 of this manual are important to know in order to apply RCGA Handicap System procedures properly . Defined terms which may be significant to the understanding of a particular procedure are
italicized as they appear in a section. If a term is italicized, it may be helpful in the correct application of a procedure, to refer to Section Two for the definition of that term.

Use this manual whenever a question arises about the RCGA Handicap System. Knowing the proper procedure will help provide a framework for fair and enjoyable games.

With the exception of the terms “RCGA”, “RCGA Handicap Factor”, “Handicap Factor”, and “Factor”, some of the trademarks and service marks in this manual are the property of the United States Golf Association (USGA), which has generously given the RCGA permission to use the system. As the owner of the term RCGA and a Licensee of those well established trademarks and service marks, the RCGA has the sole right to authorize the use of those marks by others. 

To order copies of the RCGA Handicap Manual, call 1-800-263-0009 x283

Click here to download the RCGA Handicap Manual (PDF file, 1 MB)

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