Rules of Engagement

University of St Andrews Staff Golf Competitions – Rules of Engagement

A pdf version of the rules can be accessed here: Staff Golf Competitions 2024 Rules of Engagement.

  1. First named person/pair are the challengers who should contact the other person/pair to arrange
    to play the match in reasonable time before the date indicated above each round. Failure to
    challenge will result in disqualification. If the challengers offer three reasonable dates and the
    other person/pair cannot accept these dates, there will be grounds for the challengers to claim the
    tie, although it is hoped that in the spirit of the competition all efforts will be made to play.
  2. The challengers can name the course. Thought should be given to the expense that may be
    incurred by anyone who is not a member of the chosen club or a Links ticket holder. Where
    appropriate, concession points or guest tickets should be used.
  3. Ties can be played from any set of tees agreeable to all parties. Where there is a disagreement,
    first named person/pair can choose the set of tees.
  4. Matches will be 18-hole match play format. In the event of a tie after 18 holes sudden death
    starting from the 1st tee shall be used to determine the outcome.
  5. All players should have a recognised club handicap. Anyone not in possession of a handicap should communicate this to the organisers as soon as possible.
  6. Results should be reported to the organisers as soon as possible after the match (singles tie to Graham Miller gmm10@; 4ball tie to Renald Schaub, rs51@)
  7. Course handicaps should be calculated in accordance with the World Handicapping System.
    You can find your Course Handicap for the course/tees you are playing on the Scottish Golf
    app or using the formula below:

Course Handicap = (Handicap index x Slope Rating / 113) + (Course Rating – Par)

Strokes Received:
For singles matches: Full difference between Course Handicaps.
For 4ball matches: Reduce all Course Handicaps by the lowest Course Handicap.

Strokes are then calculated on 90% of the difference.
(See worked example on following page and note this is a WHS change from last year – handicaps now adjusted before 90% applied)

Example of strokes received in Fourball matches:

Player 1: Handicap Index 8.9
Player 2: Handicap Index 14.2
Player 3: Handicap Index 19.8
Player 4: Handicap Index 24.5

Course rating = 73
Par = 72
Slope Rating: 129

Step 1: Course Handicaps

(handicap index x Slope rating/113) + (Course rating – Par)

Player 1: 8.9 x 129 / 113 + (73-72) = 10.16 + 1 = 11.16, rounded = 11
Player 2: 14.2 x 129 / 113 + (73-72) = 16.21 + 1 = 17.21, rounded = 17
Player 3: 19.8 x 129 / 113 + (73-72) = 22.60 + 1 = 23.60, rounded = 24
Player 4: 24.5 x 129 / 113 + (73-72) = 27.97 + 1 = 28.79, rounded = 29

Step 2: Adjust for lowest handicap
Player 1: 11- 11 = 0
Player 2: 17 – 11 = 6
Player 3: 24 – 11 = 13
Player 4: 29 – 11 = 18

Step 3: Strokes received (90% Allowance)
Player 1: 0
Player 2: 6 x 90% = 5.4, rounded = 5
Player 3: 13 x 90% = 11.7, rounded = 12
Player 4: 18 x 90% = 16.2, rounded = 16

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