Ohio Golf Journal March 2020

New Golf Rules for 2020: What is Net Double Bogey? No, this article isn’t about shooting your lowest score, in fact, it’s just the opposite! Continue reading to understand what your worst score can be! As a young player, my dad told me I couldn’t card more than a 10 on any hole. While that may be an easy rule to follow, as well as, a simple directive to remember, which greatly helps keep pace of play, it is not accurate in applying the new rules of golf as they relate to handicap scoring. Under the newly approvedWorld Handicap System, a golfer may not card a score on a single hole more than “net double bogey”. This change replaces the USGA’s ESC (equitable stroke control) ruling that capped a maximum score By Richard Todd at double bogey. The difference being the word ‘net’ and its application. What is Net Double Bogey andWhat’s the difference? Net Double Bogey varies from player to player based on current handicap and the rating of the hole you’re playing. This may sound difficult to calculate but it’s rather easy. Net double bogey is par for the hole, plus two strokes (double bogey), plus any handicap strokes you’re allowed to take. Let’s assume, I have a handicap of nine and the 2nd- ranked toughest hole is a par 4. My drive travels out of bounds, I continue to struggle and finish the hole at five-over-par nine. For handicap purposes I would record a seven. Four is par, plus two strokes for Ohio Golf Journal Get Ready for Spring