Course Rating for Standard Scratch Score

James Crampton (E.G.U.) addresses the Course Rating Teams on the first tee at Ingestre Park G.C.

Assessment of Standard Scratch Score

On Monday 16th June the E.G.U. in conjunction with the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs held a training session for Course Assessors.  This was held at Ingestre Park and was attended by ten Staffordshire representatives who are tasked with the requirement to have all Staffordshire golf courses re-rated by 2012.  A similar exercise is being carried out in all counties of England.

The session was conducted by Mr. Steve Buckley, the Chairman of the E.G.U. SSS & Handicaps Committee and James Crampton the E.G.U. representative for the scheme.

The method of rating a course for SSS has recently been modified; for this reason all courses must be re-assessed as soon as possible.  With trained rating teams in the North and South of the County and with the co-operation of the Clubs the E.G.U. target date of 2012 should not prove difficult.

Courses are rated hole-by-hole and difficulty factors relating to the play of a hole, by a scratch golfer, are assessed.  Points for difficulty are awarded based on the drive, landing area, the shot into the green, the contours, size and speed of the green.  Hazards, O.O.B. and rough are also taken into account if relevant.

The difficulty factors are used to modify the calculation of SSS based on yardage.

Any clubs wishing to have their course re-rated should contact the County Secreary, Martin Payne, at <martin.payne11@btinternet.com>