Handicap FAQ ... What is ESC All About?
Q. I keep hearing about ESC. I know that it isn't short for "escape", so what does it really mean?
A. The term "ESC" is an important one in golf and it stands for Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) and is part of the USGA Handicap System. It is in fact a feature of that system that is designed to minimize the effects a really tough hole on a golfer's handicap index. You know, that one hole per round where you put four balls in the water and then 5-putt.
Officially speaking, ESC is an adjustment of individual hole scores (for handicap purposes) in order to make handicaps more representative of a player's potential ability. ESC is applied after the round and is only used when the actual score or the most likely score exceeds a player’s maximum number. ESC sets a limit to the number of strokes a player can take on a hole depending on Course Handicap.
You should apply ESC to all scores, including tournament scores. Below is helpful chart that shows the maximum number a player can take:
| Course Handicap |
Maximum Number |
| 9 or less |
Double Bogey |
| 10-19 |
7 |
| 20-29 |
8 |
| 30-39 |
9 |
| 40 and above |
10 |
For even more information on ESC, visit Section 4-3 of the USGA Handicap System manual for further reference.
PGA TOUR IS BAY STATE BOUND - Join the Fun!
Massachusetts is truly becoming a hot bed for major championships!
In 2015, Massachusetts will play host to two PGA Tour Events and you are encouraged to be a part of these amazing opportunities by either volunteering or attending as a spectactor.
Here are the details.
2015 Constellation Senior Players Championship
Belmont Country Club
June 9-14
2015 Deutsche Bank Championship
TPC Boston
September 2-7
While tickets are currently on sale for the 2015 Constellation SENIOR PLAYERS Championship and special ticket vouchers are available for the 2015 Deutsche Bank Championship... both events are currently seeking volunteers!
The Deutsche Bank Championship's Blue Crew team gives these Top 10 Reasons to Volunteer in 2015!
- "Come inside the ropes." Literally!
- Support charity and give back to the community.
- Meet new people and establish new relationships.
- Experience the energy and passion of a PGA Tour event.
- See the top 100 players on the PGA and Champions Tour.
- Find a new golf partner.
- Work on building your resume.
- Network with other volunteers, club members, vendors and staff.
- Learn some new tips to improve your game.
- Have fun with us out on the golf course.
To learn more about the volunteer opportunities, use the links below:
2015 Constellation Senior Players | 2015 Deutsche Bank Championship
WGAM UPDATE - Go Spring, Here We Come!
The WGAM season is in full swing!
The first day of Spring Teams was yesterday. Our organization had 755 women playing all over the state. The first tournament of the year is the Allen Bowl to be played at Acushnet River Valley GC. It is open to golfers with indices of 18.1 to 36.0.
The WGAM is also proud to announce our 2015 Griscom Cup Team: Tara Joy-Connelly (Cohasset GC), Mary Gale (Bedrock GC), Joanne Catlin (Oak Hill CC), Pam Kuong (Charles River CC), Lisa Anderso (Ferncroft CC), Amy Dickison (The Golf Club at Turner Hill, Katie Barrand, Myopia Hunt Club, Alyssa Morahan, Sagamore Spring GC) and Jacquelyn Eleey (South Shore CC).
The Griscom Cup Matches are the oldest amateur golf match in the United States which pitches women from WGAM against players from Women’s Golf Association of Philadelphia and Women’s Metropolitan (NY) Golf Association. This year’s match will be played at the historic Philadelphia Country Club in Gladwyne PA. Much appreciation goes out to these accomplished players for taking the time represent the WGAM!
Find out more about the WGAM by visiting our web site at wgam.org.
ADIOS TO WINTER - Understanding Its Impact
It was no secret that this winter was one of the worst in history and our region had a target on its back.
Golfers and course officials are excited that spring has finally arrived and courses are opening, but it’s important to keep in mind the continued impact that the winter months are having on New England courses.
To better assist and educate golfers and club officials, Jim Skorulski, an agronomist for the USGA Green Section’s Northeast Region, provided MGA members with some of the most frequently asked questions.
CLICK HERE to read the full story. | 
