FAQ
Q.1 How is the Competition Scratch Score (CSS) calculated?
A.1 The CSS table as contained in Appendix B of the System is based on the known performance of golfers of different abilities (Handicap Categories) in a range of golfing conditions. In ‘normal’ playing conditions, for example, 37-68% of participating Category 1 players are expected to return Nett scores to the SSS +2 or better.
In contrast, in the same conditions only 16-30% of Category 3 players are expected to return Nett scores to SSS +2 or better. In competition situations when course conditions are more or less favourable than ‘normal’ these percentages will increase or decrease respectively, resulting in movement of the SSS as expressed by the CSS.
The mechanics of the CSS calculation are:
• Establish the composition of the ‘field’ as a percentage of each handicap category excluding category 4 for men or category 5 for ladies. e.g. 10% Cat.1 50% Cat.2 40% Cat3[[+ Cat. 4 for Ladies]
• Establish the percentage of the ‘field’ (Cat.1 + Cat.2 + Cat.3 [+ Cat.4]) with a Nett score of the SSS +2 or better e.g. 20%
• Refer to Appendix B Competition Scratch Score Table
• Using this example the CSS would be the SSS +1.
Q.2 In practice does the application of the CSS calculation bring about a sensible movement of the SSS in relation to prevailing course and weather conditions?
A.2 Yes, statistics over an extended period of time relating to a large number of club stroke play competitions revealed that on average the following changes occurred:
CSS = SSS –1 22%
CSS = SSS 59%
CSS = SSS +1 10%
CSS = SSS +2 6%
CSS = SSS +3 3%
More importantly, however, is the sensible correlation of the CSS with different times of the playing season e.g.
Month SSS -1 NC SSS +1 SSS +2 SSS +3
May 4% 56 24 9 7
July 35% 57 5 3 0
In May, the preferred lie period has ended, and in the year sampled courses were playing ‘long’ and golf swings were perhaps a little rusty. July was a month of settled weather with ideal scoring conditions.
By applying the CSS system the performance of a player who returns a Nett score 2 strokes below the SSS on a day of high wind when the CSS is calculated to be SSS +3 (Nett Differential –5) equates to that of another player returning a Nett score 6 strokes below the SSS on a day when the CSS is calculated to be SSS-1 (Nett Differential –5).
It is for this reason that players should not be deterred from entering competitions in less than ideal conditions – the CSS will take care of the more difficult scoring conditions.