RVSGT Q & A

This page will reflect a collection of commonly asked questions from our RVSGT members. You may submit your questions by clicking on the link below. This will open your email program, already addressed. Enter "Q&A" as the SUBJECT. Enter your question in the body of the letter and click SEND. We will reply ASAP and the most frequently asked questions and answers will be added to tis page.

Click here to submit your question.

Q: Why is my TOUR handicap lower than my USGA handicap?
A: Similar to the USGA, the Tour handicap is computed using the lowest 50% of your score differentials. The primary difference is that the Tour uses 85% instead of the 96% used by the USGA. Thus, a USGA 20 handicapper might be an 18 on the Tour. Please click on the Handicap Info link on the left for more complete information. Of course, another reason may be that you simply play better during Tour events.
Q: Why does my handicap go up and down, and sometimes doesn't seem to relate to my last score?
A: The event handicap you see at the tournament is a result of two factors. First, your handicap index is computed based on your better Tour rounds. It reflects your scores, taking the difficulty of the courses played into consideration. The event handicap is then computed by factoring in the slope rating of the upcoming course being played. 113 is the average slope. For a course with a 120 slope, your event handicap will be higher than your index. For a slope lower than 113, the event handicap will be lower than your index. Thus, your handicap index might go up, but your event handicap could be lower due to the lower slope rating of the upcoming course. Or, vice versa!
Q: May distance measuring devices be used during RVSGT tournaments?
A: Yes, provided the device does not give information on elevation change, wind, club selection, etc. Also, giving another competitor distance information only is OK, as it is not considered giving advice.
Q: How are the pairings done? I often seem to play with the same group?
A: Initially, the pairings were made by division and handicap, so it tended to cause you to be paired with the same group. Recently, we started using a system incorporating slightly different pairing methods for each tournament, so you will most likely be playing with a different group every month. Also, group pairings are now spread across all divisions to speed up play.
Q: What are the small red numbers often added just right of the net scores on the scoreboard? And, what about the small black numbers inside the net score box?
A: The small red numbers added just right of the net score are the tiebreakers. Ties are broken by using the net score from #10-18, then #13-18, then #16-18, then #18 as necessary until the tie is broken. The small black numbers appearing within some of the net scores boxes are "limit scores", which apply for the first four rounds to new members not having established USGA handicaps. It is the lowest net score the new member can post at that tournament.