From Bob Schuette:
I suggest item on website about effect of change in course handicap calculation. Assuming no change in handicap index, course handicaps at Gross will be lower this year than last due to change in formula.
Old formula: Course Handicap = index x slope / 113. My index is 9.6. Using slope of 124, my course handicap is 10.54 rounded to 11.
New formula: Course Handicap = index x slope /113 + course rating - par. Gross, I believe is rated 70.0 from blue tees but plays to par 71. So my course rating is reduced by 1.
Tees that carry a course rating less than par will result in lower course handicaps. Course rating above par will produce higher course handicaps.
I think making members aware of this change as early as possible will reduce confusion and, dare I say it, bitching at the start of the season.
Bob
(Here’s a link to a recent article in Golf Digest that offers further explanation and analysis about this issue.)