When you're posting a score, you may notice a section for ESC. So what is Equitable Stroke Control (ESC)?
The USGA defines ESC as a maximum number that a player can post on any hole depending on the player's Handicap.
So what does this really mean? Basically, it restricts golfers from posting higher scores than normal as a way to falsely boost their golf handicap.
The lower your handicap, the lower of a score you can take on each hole.
Below is a break-down on the maximum score you can take based on your handicap:
COURSE HANDICAP | MAXIMUM NUMBER ON ANY HOLE |
9 or less | Double Bogey |
10 through 19 | 7 |
20 through 29 | 8 |
30 through 39 | 9 |
40 or more | 10 |
Source: www.usga.org -position-Paper-on-the-Equitable-Stroke-Control-Procedure/
Bear in mind that ESC does NOT affect tournament play or matches. This is for handicap score posting only. Meaning you cannot win a hole based on your ESC score. It's based on your REAL score.If you scored an 8 on a par-3 and you're a 12 handicap, you're posting a 7, but probably losing the hole!