Changes to Four-Ball Match Play Handicap Calculation
Throughout a given year, most clubs run some form of Four-Ball match play. In the 2024 update to the USGA Rules of Handicapping, a change was made to adjust off the unrounded low ball first and make rounding the last step.
In the example below a 7.4 index playing a 12.6 index on a course rated 70.6/137, par 71 using both the old and the new method.
Pre 2024 – double rounding
New Method – rounding is the last step
The change in methodology, which is laid out on page 142 of the Rules of Handicapping, results in Player 2 receiving one more shot now than in the previous rounding method. In the majority of courses and index levels, there will be no difference in the number of strokes received, but the example above shows that there will be some discrepancies. Golf Genius Tournament Management has updated its software to ensure the order of operations is done correctly.
Is the new Method reflected in the GHIN Mobile App?
The new rounding method only applies to four-ball match play circumstances.
If navigating to the “Play with GPS/Games” and select match play on the GHIN Mobile App, the new rounding takes place.
If navigating to the “Handicap Calculator” from the home page of the GHIN App, stroke play is assumed and the old rounding method takes place.