CURRENT CLUB CHAMPIONS

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Hyde Park Golf Club

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Just a reminder that we have a C Flight in order to widen the field of competition. The C Flight includes golfers with course handicap ratings of 15 and over. After reviewing the results and looking at our current membership and handicap ratings, flights are set as follows:.  A - 0 to 9 ; B -10 to 14 ; C - 15 and over. 

We will maintain that the  required players for a Flight to qualify in a tournament is 8. So if 8 players are in any Flight for a tournament it will count. If less than 8 players are in the B Fight they will move up to the A Flight. If less than 8 players are in the C Flight they will move up to the B Flight.

SENIOR TEES

Any player 65 years of age with a handicap of 13 or more can play from the Senior tees in all tournaments with the noted exceptions. So for example, if a player has a handicap of 14 from the White tees and is 65 years of age or older, he may play from the Senior tees with an adjusted handicap of 7 but will be playing in the B Flight based on his 14 handicap from the White.

Exceptions:

• WNYPLGA A/B Qualifier - All players play Blue or White tees.
  
• Club Championship - If a minimum of eight players are signed up to play then a Senior Flight will be added. Payouts will be determined by the number of players parcipitating.If less then eight players then play from the White tees.

Once again we would like to stress the importance of managing your tee time.  If your posted Tee time is 11am, it IS 11am. Not 10:30 or 10:40. Jumping out before the actual starting time of a tournament unless specifically approved by the golf course management and the Board member at the registration table will be cause for disqualification. If a group is not ready to play at their assigned Tee time, you are not to jump in just because your group is ready unless told to by the board member at the registration table. If a gap occurs because a group is not ready the Board member in charge will move groups up accordingly. Having said all of this, please arrive at the course and check in at least 20 minute prior to you posted Tee time.

GHIN-WHS HANDICAPPING SYSTEM

The GHIN System has been replaced with the World Handicap System (WHS). This should prove to be a more equitable means of acquiring a handicap and keep it current on a day to day basis. Please click on WHS to learn more about it.

The GHIN handicapping system worked very well and was well received by the membership. All paid members are provided with a GHIN number in order to access the system and enter in their scores. Moving to the GHIN system provides you with the ability to see your handicap at anytime should you choose to play in a tournament elsewhere. For those that do not have access to a computer or smart phone in order to enter your scores, cards can still be dropped into our club box and your score will be entered by one of the GHIN committee members. Anyone wishing to have a GHIN handicap on file for participation in the WNYPLGA and BDGA tournaments only, and not participate in our club tournaments, may do so by becoming an Associate Member. Cost is $40.00.

HYDE PARK GOLF COURSE RATING

*** A USGA Course Rating is the evaluation of the playing difficulty of a course for a scratch golfer under normal course and weather conditions. It is expressed as strokes taken to one decimal place, and is based on yardage and other obstacles to the extent that they affect the scoring ability of a scratch golfer.

*** A Slope Rating evaluates the relative playing difficulty of a course for players who are not scratch golfers. The lowest Slope Rating is 55 and the highest is 155. A golf course of standard playing difficulty has a Slope Rating of 113.

The Below May Help Explain How the GHIN System Works

​Golf is a unique game in that anyone can compete with anyone else, regardless of skill level. This is thanks to handicapping.

Handicapping is implemented via the World Handicap System. This system, jointly governed worldwide by the USGA and R&A, levels the playing field and enables golfers of all abilities to compete on a fair basis. No matter your skill level, if you have a handicap index, you can compete with another golfer in a fair competition, in any format, on any course, anywhere in the world. olf is a unique game in that anyone can compete with anyone else, regardless of skill level. This is thanks to handicapping.

However, despite the utility of handicapping, many golfers have a fundamental misunderstanding of how handicap indexes work. That’s where we come in. Below, you’ll find five handicap-index misconceptions and some explanations we hope clear things up.

Myth #1: A handicap index represents your average score

Many golfers have a fundamental misunderstanding of what a handicap index actually represents. They hear someone is a 2 handicap and assume that golfer should shoot two over par every time they tee it up. That is far from the truth.

“A handicap index, in basic terms, is a numerical value that represents a golfer’s demonstrated ability,” says the USGA’s Assistant Director of Handicap Education and Outreach Lee Rainwater. “Ultimately, we say that because we’re not looking at a golfer’s average. We are looking at how a golfer is capable of performing on a golf course.”

“Demonstrated ability” is a key phrase here.

Myth #2: You should shoot your handicap every time

This is directly related to No. 1. Again, handicap index does not represent your expected score every time you play. It is a reflection of demonstrated ability, not average ability. It can be frustrating not to play to your potential — but that’s kind of the point, too.

“It’s actually expected that in any given round, you’re going to shoot two, four, five strokes higher than your handicap index,” Rainwater says. “And it could be higher than that if you just have a poor day. Golfers vary from a standpoint of consistency. But generally, one in every four to five rounds you will play to your handicap.”

Myth #3: A handicap index counts all your scores

Another misconception comes from the way a handicap index is actually calculated. As noted above, many golfers think a handicap index refers to an average of your scores. This is partially true, but not completely accurate.

Per the USGA’s website, “your handicap index is calculated by averaging the best eight score differentials out of your most recent 20 scores.”

Each time you tee it up, it is more likely than not that it won’t affect your handicap index. Unless it’s one of your eight best rounds, that score will get dropped. So, next time that 2 handicap in your group has an off day, don’t automatically assume it’s a vanity handicap.​

Myth #4: All scores are created equal (Pt. 1)

Score differential is a key ingredient in handicap index calculation, but it’s not widely understood. For a proper explanation, we turn to the USGA’s handicap FAQs.

“A score differential measures the performance of a round in relation to the relative difficulty of the course that was played, measured by the course rating and slope rating,” the USGA explains. “The result of the daily playing conditions calculation is also included in the score differential calculation, which may provide an adjustment if course and/or weather conditions significantly impacted scores on that day.”

The score differential formula is as follows:

(113 / Slope Rating) x (Adjusted Gross Score – Course Rating – PCC adjustment)

Myth #5: All scores are created equal (Pt. 2)

Golf scores, like many things in life, require nuance to interpret. A pair of 78s from two different courses could count in different ways for handicap purposes. This is because score differential is used to calculate your handicap, and not raw scores in relation to par.

“We’re looking at your scores in relation to the course rating and the slope rating being played,” Rainwater says. “Someone might see a score and simply compare it to par, and it gives a distorted view about performance. Shooting an 82 on a really difficult course may very well be a much more impressive performance than a 78 on an easier course. We focus on the score in relation to the difficulty of the course to drive the handicap index.”

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Kaumeyer Cup

This will be a year long event and is a total point system based on ALL club tournaments.
Points cannot be earned unless dues are paid.
Handicap scores, all players in one flight
Points will be awarded as follows:

NEW SCORING SYSTEM IN PLACE
There will be a maximum of 35 points available in any tournament with a minimum of 35 players.  Points will be awarded as before with the winner getting 35 points, second getting 34 points etc.  If there are 40 players, again the maximum number of points available will be 35 meaning the persons placing in spots 36 through 40 will receive zero points.

If  less then 35 players are competing the maximum points available will be adjusted accordingly. So if 25 players are competing the maximum number of points will be adjusted to 25 meaning all players would receive points.
In team events such as a Two Man Best Ball the following system will be used. If 18 teams (36 players) enter and post scores both individuals from the first place team will receive 35 points, both individuals for second place will receive 34 points and so on with the last place team receiving zero points.
The Club Championship and the final ABC Individual will be considered Major Tournaments and points awarded will be doubled. If 25 players post scores the first place finisher will receive 50 points, second 48 points, and so on with the last place person receiving 2 points.

Gift Cards will be awarded as follows:

1st Place - $75
2nd Place - $60
3rd Place - $50
4th Place - $30
5th Place - $25

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If you have any questions or concerns regarding your point total please use the Contact Us form above. I will gladly contact you to correct any mistakes and review any issues.​

RULES OF GOLF

As you should be aware the USGA and the R & A have adopted some new rules and rule changes governing the game of golf. 

Below are the rule changes for 2023 that you should be aware of:

• Replacing Damaged Clubs - If your club is damaged during a round (except in case of abuse) you may replace it, repair it or continue to use it.

• Ball Moved By Natural Forces - When your ball is at rest after taking relief and then rolls into another area of the course due to natural causes, there is no penalty, and you must replace it.

• Simplified Line of Relief - When using this relief option, you are required to drop your ball on the line, and it may roll up to one club length in any direction.

• Handicap on Scorecard - You are not required to put your handicap on your scorecard and there is no penalty if you return your scorecard in a competition with an incorrect handicap, as this is now the Committee's responsibility.
  

Below are rules implemented over the last few years that you should also be familiar with by now.

• Out of Bounds or Lost Ball - The U.S.G.A rule in tournament play still calls for you to replay your shot from the original spot of play. They have allowed a local rule to be adopted that we will adopt. You still have the option of replaying the shot from the original spot, but you also now have the option of taking a two stroke and distance penalty. First, estimate where your ball is or where it went out of bounds. Imagine a straight line running from the hole through your estimated point. Next, estimate a point on the nearest edge of the fairway that is the same distance from the hole. Imagine a straight line running from the hole through that estimated point. Your relief area is two club lengths outside the two imaginary lines or anywhere between them but not nearer the hole where you estimated your original ball was lost. You cannot use this local rule if your ball was lost in a penalty or if a provisional ball was played. As an example if your tee shot is hit out of bounds you may elect to not re-tee but rather drop a ball per this local rule. You would be playing your fourth stroke. (Tee shot 1, Out of Bounds Penalty 2, Drop 3, Hitting 4.
  
• To see a video of this explanation click HERE.
  

• Rake & Place in Sand Traps - Remember that raking in a trap is an option. You are not required to do it. If you elect to rake the trap you are required to place the ball within 6 inches of the original lie no nearer the hole. If you deem there is interference by an abnormal course condition you may use the following:
  
  • The nearest point of relief and the relief must be in the bunker.
    
  • If there is no such nearest point of complete relief in the bunker, you may still take this relief by using the point of maximum available relief in the bunker as the reference point
    
  • Penalty Relief by playing outside the bunker (Back on the line of relief) for one penalty stroke.
    
  • ClickHEREfor a complete U.S.G.A. guideline
    

• Lift, Clean & Place - After cleaning your ball you have a maximum area of 12 inches no nearer the hole to place it back into play. You are not allowed to change surfaces meaning you are not allowed to move it from the rough to the fairway or from the fringe onto the green.
  

• Grounding Club in a Hazard - You are now allowed to ground your club within a hazard (not a sand trap) with no penalty.
  

• Double Hitting - There will no longer be a penalty for double hitting a ball with one swing.

• Lost Ball Time Limit - The time allowed to look for a lost ball has been reduced from 5 minutes to 3 minutes. This time starts when the player who hit the shot arrives and begins looking. It is always recommended that the player hit a provisional ball in order to speed up play.

• ​Taking Relief - The relief area is measured by taking 1 or 2 club lengths using the longest club in your bag excluding a putter.
  

• Dropping Procedure - The ball must be dropped straight down from knee height while in a standing position.
  

• Putting - You now have the option to leave the flagstick in while putting. If the flagstick is attended while putting it must be pulled once the ball has been putted.
  

Again these were only some of the new rule changes for 2019. We highly recommend you acquire a rule book or search the web to review all the current changes.

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