Equitable Stroke Control

Did you know?

Following is an Explanation of Equitable Stroke play which we use at the Lake Tamarisk Golf Club and is used throughout Canada and the United States at all golf courses. The only difference is that at Lake Tamarisk we do not have to pay the USGA fees but are still expected to post our ESC scores in the book that Lester keeps to determine our handicaps.

This information was copied directly from a web site that explained ESC so don't kill the messenger and you know, this helps when you have a really bad score on one or two holes. If you don't understand this stuff ask any one of the Tournament Committee and we will help you understand. I know that some are quite new to golf and don't want to take it too seriously but others would be interested and this blog gives us the platform for correct information that you can refer to as you see fit. I know I still learn stuff about golf that I didn't know or that I thought I knew. Sandra Howard 

Equitable Stroke Play 

Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) is part of the USGA Handicap System, and is a feature of that system that is designed to minimize the effects of "disaster holes" on a golfer's handicap index. You know, that one hole per round where you put three balls in the water and then 5-putt.

Equitable Stroke Control sets a maximum per-hole score that you can turn in for handicap purposes, and those per-hole maximums are based on your course handicap. For example, on that one disaster hole you might have taken 14 strokes (get to the practice range, buddy!) to get the ball in the cup. But based on your course handicap, ESC might require you to post only a "7" on the scorecard you submit to the handicap committee.

Including that 14 on your handicap score might throw your handicap index out of whack. And remember, the handicap index is not meant to reflect your average score, it's meant to reflect your best potential.

To determine the Equitable Stroke Control limits for your round, you must first know your course handicap. Once you've determined your course handicap, you can check the chart down below (which should also be available at golf courses) to determine the ESC per-hole maximums.

(If you are in the process of establishing a handicap index, you won't yet have a course handicap and therefore won't be able to use the chart below. Wait, yes you will! Use the USGA maximum handicaps - 36.4 for men, 40.4 for women - to determine course handicap.)

Keep in mind that Equitable Stroke Control is a function of the USGA Handicap System; it is used by golfers who carry USGA handicaps who are playing rounds that will be turned in to a handicap committee. If you do not carry a USGA handicap or are playing a round that you won't turn in for handicap purposes, ESC doesn't apply.

Also note that even when ESC limits are in use, golfers must still count all their strokes. If you score 89, you don't get to claim to your buddies that you shot 79 because of ESC limits. Your score is the number of strokes you used. But the score you submit to a handicap committee is the total that results after you apply Equitable Stroke Control (and that figure is known as your adjusted gross score.)

Here is the chart that shows Equitable Stroke Control limits:

Handicap                        Maximum Score Taken
0-9                                  Double Bogey
10-19 7
20-29 8
30-39 9
40 or more 10

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