The Priory Handicap System


The handicapping system within the society is intended to provide for friendly and sociable golf for all members. Lady Members play from Red Tees using the Ladies' card. This was applicable for the 2018 season and will be reviewed at the next AGM.
An Average Score for the Day (ASD) will be established for each Meeting and a Buffer Zone (no handicap adjustment except winner), calculated as ASD + 7 points e.g. if ASD 24 then Buffer is 24 to 30 inclusive.

Handicap adjustment bands are as follows:
Band 1 - 0 to 12
Band 2 - 13 to 19
Band 3 – 20-28 max
Handicaps are reduced by 0.1, 0.2 or 0.2 per point (Handicap Banded) for scores over Buffer if more than 31 points – Winner additionally reduced by 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 (Handicap Banded) and 0.2 for Runner-up.
Those scoring below ASD will receive 0.3 back and 0.6 if worse than 3 shots lower than ASD.
With effect from the 1st January 2019 ALL handicaps have been increased - Band 1 by 1 shot and Bands 2 & 3 by 2 shots.

Should more than one member achieve the same score at a meeting, the winner will be decided by the best score on the front nine, front six, front three, first hole as necessary. In such cases the Secretary will scrutinise.

With good reason, Members may request a review of their Handicap. Full details of handicaps after each meeting appear here
 A full list of handicaps as at 1st January 2024 are available here