HBF Member Handicaps & Handbook
Updated: 7/3/ 2024
 

2024 HBF TOUR HANDICAP HANDBOOK!

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What makes this approach different?:

• Designed to show the true golfers potential

• Transparent and easy to follow for all levels of golfers  

• Competitive differentials drive this system, because they are a control data point that can't be systematically manipulated. 

• All competitors follow and adhere to the same guidelines

• New players are able to have a realistic launching point to join the HBF Tour

 

Where to find the current version in the future?:

This master copy can be found on www.hbftour.com (under the Member's Cap Page). 

What is considered in the formula?:

This system calculates what a player's "Competitive Handicap" is. The data points all are weighted 1/3, to give each player their HBF Tour Handicap in Blue Below:

1. Current USGA GHIN

2. Low USGA GHIN

3. Best 3 Competitive differentials with HBF Tour/3.

 

How are New Players handled?

ALL PLAYERS MUST KEEP AND MAINTAIN A USGA HANDICAP FOR ALL OFFICIAL EVENTS.

New players are vetted through current HBF Members or local PGA staff members, and their USGA GHIN'S are approved accurate. Until a player has 3-5 HBF Competitive differentials, they will receive 75% of their current GHIN in the differential column.

 

How to get added to the 2024 HBF Tour Master Handicap List?

Once you sign up for an event, starting with the HearingLife Championship, you will be added and kept on the master copy for the remainder of the 2024 season.

 

How is the HBF Tour going to maintain and keep this document current? 

• After each event, we will review the differentials from the tournament. If your result is a lower differential vs on file, we will replace your highest differential with that result. Then we will post on the website.

• The Monday prior to every event, we will update the current and low GHIN columns and post on the website.

 

How long do differentials stay on your account?

When we start the 2025 Season, we will remove all differentials from 2023, and start the new season with the best three from 2024. This will ensure as guys age, injuries, etc. that they aren't burdened by scores shot when they were a different caliber player. The rolling cycle will be about 12 to 16 months. If you experience a significant injury, life event, or other reason that you would like the board to review your differentials on file, please send an email to hbftourlouisville@gmail.com. The tour board will review your specific situation and vote on validity.

IE: Hip replacement, back surgery, etc.

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Please don't contact the tour and state you haven't been able to get out, or your game just isn't as good as it used to be. These are not valid excuses for a correction.

 

How to Handle any discrepancies or questions?:

The handicap committee has put significant time and effort into this system to better the experience for all players. With that being said, nobody is perfect. Since the document is public and easy to follow, we will no longer have handicap discussions at ANY events. ANY PLAYER, AT ANY TIME, CAN REVIEW AND DISPUTE THEIR HANDICAP OR ANY OTHER PLAYER'S HANDICAP.

Disputes, Questions, concerns will be handled by sending a simple email to hbftourlouisville@gmail.com or calling Matt Veltman, Tour Commissioner, at 262.412.6288. You will receive a response within 1 business day.

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All handicaps will be deemed final the Friday before each event.

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As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated and taken into deep consideration.

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THIS IS THE MASTER COPY MOVING FORWARD AND WILL BE USED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 2024 SEASON!!

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