Equitable Stroke Calculation

I am very confused by the Equitable Score Calculation. On most websites there are tables that tell you your course handicap thresholds and the amount of shots you can count.

For instance I am an 18 handicapper and according to the table I should record maximum 7 shots on any hole. Does this include a Par 3. If I shoot a seven on a par 3 do I count a 6 or a 7?

Here in Dubai we use the USGA system but they have the following table that seems to contradict the above and I have copied it below.

Adjusted Gross Score
Your gross score after all allowances and deductions have been made - At the end of the round your score must be adjusted to the net gross score which will be put into the system.
You make these adjustments as needed when you play the hole. Adjusted gross score must be calculated off Course Handicap NOT Handicap Index.



No strokes received on a hole

Par Three              Par Four              Par Five



Maximum Score
5                          6                          7


One stroke received on a hole

Par Three              Par Four              Par Five



Maximum Score
6                          7                          8


Two strokes received on a hole

Par Three              Par Four              Par Five



Maximum Score
7                          8                          9


This method seems to limit your shots dependent on its Par. Again if I am a 18 handicap the above seems to allow an 8 to be recorded on a par 5.

Help!!

Regards

Andy Nightingale

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Andy, thanks for the question. In response to your question on equitable stroke calculation you should only pay attention to the maximum score you are given according to your course handicap.

Since you are an 18 handicap your maximum total for any hole would be a 7. Therefore, for a par 3 your maximum number would be a 7.

As for equitable stroke calculation and net, net scores do not have anything to do with the factoring of your adjusted gross score. Your adjusted gross score is the total amount of strokes in a round that replace the holes that have strokes above the maximum number. The strokes that are above the maximum are corrected using the equitable stroke calculation.

For example, in a round that you shoot 94 and had only one hole with a 11 on a par 4 you would have to record a 7 on that hole because of the equitable stroke calculation for your handicap purposes. So, when you go to post your score you will not post the 94 but rather a 90.

I hope this helps,

Bo