HANDICAP STROKE INDEX UPDATE

The attached document explains the derivation of revised stroke‑play handicap ratings that were implemented on 18 February 2026. The second document shows tables specifying the updated ratings.

Under the Match Committee’s guidance, the new indexes were derived from an analysis of scoring data collected over the previous 12 months, comprising nearly 40,000 rounds from blue tees and women’s competitions. Median scores were calculated for each of the 18 holes, and indexes were assigned based on measured player performance. To maintain statistical integrity, historical guidelines, such as balancing each nine holes or assigning different ratings for handicap bands (1–18 and 19–36), were intentionally not applied.

The timing and period of data used for this project were selected to reflect course conditions following the replacement of turf on all greens and modifications to some green architectures, which were completed in late 2024.