[euylvaygdq]

Oh I agree that of you're playing in home matches then you should follow
Along with the rules. You don't want to screw up that system.
I'm with Dam, if you make a 10 on a par 4 it's not a 7. Now I know you top 5 and bottom five score are thrown out when you reach 20 scores but does this system skew that a bit.

Right- so they probably do use ESC then. I am assuming obviously. I guess I don't understand why the USGA supports this if we shouldn't do it. I am questioning both sides now. I can see using it, but I can see against using it also. Great thread.

I have never really understood it either....if I make a 12, who does it help to card a 7? I don't get it.

[MIBgirlsXXL]

I always use ESC. It's in the rules if you have a handicap, so it has to be followed or by the book you're cheating. I was quite happy when my cap went from 10 to 9 b/c I could start just counting doubles regardless of par. In tourneys of course you write down any number you get, but when you put your score in the computer you must use ESC. The USGA (and R&A) use it because they've done mathematical studies and this is how it's fair in matchplay. If a 4 plays a 22 cap 10 times, they should both win 50% of the time (i.e. 5 times each). In Canada here (Happy Canada Day my fellow Canadians!), they just changed it to be in line with the world system because they did a study that our way (double/triple/quad instead of 7/8/9 max) was unfair to people in the higher range of applicable caps. I.e. a 19 cap would win more than half the time against an 11.

[himecthekWiff]

The golfer is supposed to record the actual score. ESC is handled by the scorekeeper or software.

[erelvenewmeva]

http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Handi...l/Rule-04/#4-3

4-3. Equitable Stroke Control: All scores for handicap purposes, including tournament scores, are subject to the application of Equitable Stroke Control (ESC). This mandatory procedure reduces high hole scores for handicap purposes in order to make handicaps more representative of a player's potential ability.

[Nubtoubrem]

Is this really that hard? For the purposes of your round, be it tournament, match, for beers or bragging rights, you record what you make. 4, 8, 12 or whatnot. I shoot 24 for 3 holes.
To enter that score for the purpose of establishing a handicap, you use ESC and cut off the scores depending on your handicap. I'm 12, so 4,7,7. That's 18 ESC.

In the real world, I usually finish holes. But if I'm holding things up, sure. I pick it up and call it a "computer 7". Can't do it in a tourney, but a casual round, yeah.

Just thought of an example. Few years ago, I was 1 over on the 17th tee. Par 5. I took an 11. Birdied 18.
So. I shot 78. I told people I shot 78. But for handicap, ESC means it went in as 74.

[erelvenewmeva]

The golfer is supposed to record the actual score. ESC is handled by the scorekeeper or software.

In my case, I post my ESC score to GHIN myself. It won't do it for me. Maybe it does if you use the advanced features and post hole-by-hole but I just use the simple posting feature and post my total score. It wouldn't have any idea what to adjust if I posted without the adjustment.

[Dayreive]

Let me present a scenario: player A. makes 17 pars but has a 12 on a par 3 because of balls in the water. player B. has 9 bogeys and 9 pars.

Both score 9 over par; who is the better player?

[Zhgpavye]

Is this really that hard? For the purposes of your round, be it tournament, match, for beers or bragging rights, you record what you make. 4, 8, 12 or whatnot. I shoot 24 for 3 holes.
To enter that score for the purpose of establishing a handicap, you use ESC and cut off the scores depending on your handicap. I'm 12, so 4,7,7. That's 18 ESC.

In the real world, I usually finish holes. But if I'm holding things up, sure. I pick it up and call it a "computer 7". Can't do it in a tourney, but a casual round, yeah.

Just thought of an example. Few years ago, I was 1 over on the 17th tee. Par 5. I took an 11. Birdied 18.
So. I shot 78. I told people I shot 78. But for handicap, ESC means it went in as 74.

It's not that it is hard. I think we are just trying to figure out if it is an accurate representation of you as a player.

[Eagevawax]

I never understood why you don't count every shot. It makes no sense to me. I know so many that claim they are a certain hdcp but only take double par or what ever the chart says.

ESC is the downward adjustment of individual hole scores for handicap purposes in order to make handicaps more representative of a player's potential ability. A player's handicap is intended to show a player's potential, not his average score, as many believe.

[Zhgpavye]

ESC is the downward adjustment of individual hole scores for handicap purposes in order to make handicaps more representative of a player's potential ability. A player's handicap is intended to show a player's potential, not his average score, as many believe.

Excellent point HG!!