Equitable Stroke Control (ESC)

Equitable Stroke Control(ESC)™ keeps an exceptionally bad hole from changing your Handicap Index® too much and sets a maximum number that a player can post on any hole depending on the player’s Course Handicap™.  It is the downward adjustment of unusually high individual hole scores in order to make handicaps more representative of a players potential ability.

For handicap purposes, after the round you are required to adjust your hole scores (actual or probable) when they are higher than your maximum ESC number you can post your score to GHIN. All scores, including tournament scores, are adjusted for ESC™. There is no limit to the number of holes on which you can adjust your score for ESC.

HOW IT WORKS

If you’re out of a hole and pick up to speed up play, jot down the score you most likely would have made. For handicap purposes, you are required to adjust your hole scores (actual and probable) when they are higher than the maximum number the rules allow you to post. There is no limit to the number of holes on which you can adjust your score.

18-Hole Course Handicap        Maximum Number on Any hole
9 or less                                       Double bogey
10 – 19                                          7
20 – 29                                          8
30 – 39                                          9
40 and above                                 10

Review your scorecard for any hole where your score is higher than your maximum number. Reduce these scores to your maximum number for handicap purposes. Post your adjusted score.

For those players with nine-hole handicaps, don't despair. The following chart lists the maximum number those players with nine-hole handicaps may post on any hole they play.

9-Hole Course Handicap         Maximum Number on Any Hole
4 or less                                      Double Bogey
5 - 9                                             7
10 - 14                                         8
15 - 19                                         9
20 or more                                   10

Remember, all you are required to do is find the maximum number you're allowed on any hole based on your Course Handicap. If you pick up on a hole, write down the score you most likely would have made. After your round, scan your scorecard for any hole where your score (actual or probable) is higher than your maximum number. Next, reduce these scores to your maxi-mum number for handicap purposes. Post your adjusted gross score. That's all there is to understand about the ESC procedure!