Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) Explained


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!

Spring is officially here!

No better time than now to sign up for a Handicap Index.

USGA Handicaps  - An overview

The USGA Handicap System™ enables golfers of all skill levels to compete on a level playing field.  The calculation takes into effect a number of different variables, including the slope & rating of the course you played, if the round was played in a tournament, etc. Your handicap is calculated using the lowest 10 scores of your previous 20 rounds. The formula used to calculate the handicap was created by the USGA.

A golfer cannot obtain a handicap directly from the USGA. Only a licensed golf club can issue handicaps to their members. There are certain rules that must be adhered to in order for a golf club to issue golf handicaps.

First, the club must be licensed by the USGA. A golf club can be a Type-1, Type-2, or Type-3 (internet) golf club.

Second, the handicaps must be calculated using the  USGA Handicap System. There are approved computation software systems (handicap calculator) like the ghin system or Handicomp (which is used by iGolf clubs).  The USGA does not offer or recommend software to golf clubs. It is up to the golf club to use whatever approved software they wish. You can find more information on the USGA website.

In order to initially receive a handicap, you must have at least 5 scores posted. Your handicap will fluctuate as you shoot lower (or higher) scores over time.

The USGA supports competition between players and handicaps are designed so any 2 players can compete on a level playing field.  Golf is supposed to be fun and challenging. Maintaining a golf handicap provides you with both the ability to play in tournaments, against friends, and also to continue to improve your game by tracking your progress.  If you don’t currently maintain a handicap, you can join an iGolf club to start today..... Click “Join Now” on our website: www.igolfct.com.