Contents

Contents:

Getting Started

What Players need to do…

Necessary Definitions

Creating a League File

Adding Players

Adding or Editing Courses

Entering Scores

Viewing the Information

Edit / Correct a Round

Program Registration

Program Settings

About USGA Handicaps

Course Handicap Calculation

Nine Hole Rounds

ToolBar Operation


Getting Started
Getting Started...

(even if you dont normally take time for instructions, check this Topic and the Definitions)

Please take the time to read the information for each topic to get the most enjoyment and benefit from this program  Golf League Recorder can be used for personal record keeping as well as supporting Leagues with up to 100 members per file. The information below is a brief overview of the steps required to operate Golf League Recorder.  Click on the INFO buttons to review more detailed explanations as you use the program.

Quick Start Basics...

From the File menu, choose Create League to create a file for your data.  (Conform to MS DOS file name restrictions - eight letters, no suffix).

Choose OPEN from the File menu to load the file you just created.

From the Players menu, choose Add Player.  Enter the names of those in your group & select the tee that they usually play from.  Click on the Add button to add them to the record file.

From the Courses menu, choose Add Course to bring up the course entry window.   Fill in the Name, par for each hole, the rating for each tee and the slope rating.  If you do not know the slope rating, use 113.  Also, enter 'Initials' for the course, to be used on the summary reports.

You are now ready to enter Scores.  Choose Enter Rounds from the File menu or click on the Scorecard button.  Check that the date is correct in the lower left side of the window.  Click on the names of the people who played.  Select the course played from the box on the lower right side of the window.  Once you have completed your selections, Click on the Accept button to continue.

Enter the Adjusted score for each hole, or simply enter the front nine and back nine totals if you do not need a hole by hole record.  Some Analysis functions may not include results for holes that do not have a value, but the totals and handicap index along with the future Course handicap will be computed normally.  See your USGA rules or read the info on Adjusted Scores. Note:  If you will be playing nine hole rounds, check the program settings from the File menu and read the information topic Nine Hole Rounds for choosing how the program will compute for rounds with less than 18 holes played.

Viewing the Results...

Once all scores have been recorded, Choose the View you prefer from the View menu.  The data can be displayed in three manners; Most recent rounds, by date or by Individual.  The arrow buttons on the lower right of the main window cause the display to go back for past rounds or earlier dates.

The handicap index for the latest round played for each player can be used at any course to determine a Course handicap for the next round.  Note: The course handicap (scroll to the far right of the information line) is applicable only if the player plays the same course as they did when the last round was recorded, otherwise the handicap index must be used with a course handicap table.

From the File menu, choose Program Registration to register your copy to enable hardcopy printing of your reports.   (only $10.00)

Golf League Recorder should prove to be perfect for smaller casual Leagues and groups.  See the topic USGA Handicap Index for information regarding official handicaps.  No guarantees of any kind are made concerning the output of Golf League Recorder.


Players Role
The Players Role in League Handicapping

If you are just getting started…  Enter the past scores from a couple or more games.  GLR will generate a Handicap Index immediately for each player.  According to USGA rules, a handicap is not calculated until at least 5 games have been played.

Before Play - Convert your Handicap Index to a Course Handicap value.  You can do this by referencing the Course handicap chart at the course you are playing or use GLR to compute the course handicap if you know your course ratings.

While Playing - Record your gross score for each hole (total strokes plus penalties).  Record a HOLE score on holes you missed or did not finish.  A hole score is the score you most likely would have made.  When a hole is missed entirely, it is common to use the par for that hole plus the number of handicap strokes you are entitled to on that hole.

Adjust a hole score if the number of strokes is greater than the number allowed under the USGA Equitable Stroke Control Rules (see USGA manual for details).  Below is the basic chart listing the maximum scores that should be recorded for each hole according to the Course handicap you are using for that round.

   Course Handicap  Maximum Hole Score

      9 or below           6

      10 - 19              7

      20 - 29              8

      30 - 39              9

      40 and greater      10

NOTE:  If the Equitable Stroke Control Option is selected in the program settings, scores higher than allowed will automatically be adjusted down to the maximum hole score value.

Since the Equitable Stroke calculation is based on the Course handicap value rather than the handicap index, there is the potential for error if a player goes to a course other than the last course they played on (especially if the course ratings are very different).  Golf League Recorder calculates a course handicap value that can be used on the players next round as long as they return to the same course.  If a player goes to a different course, their handicap index must be used to find the correct course handicap value.

Post your adjusted score after each round so that future handicap calculations can be done.  See the USGA rules for information on rounds that are acceptable and those that are not acceptable for posting.  Examples of rounds that may not be acceptable are rounds where less than 14 holes were played or games on short Par 3 type courses.

It is not necessary for everyone to become an expert, understanding these basic steps is enough for the majority of players.  It does help however, for at least one official in your league to spend some time reading and studying the USGA handicapping system.

The most commonly asked question…  Ive played several rounds and my Handicap Index has not changed at all, whats going on?

According to the formula, the best 10 of the last 20 rounds are used to calculate the handicap index.  If your last rounds were not in the best 10, your index will not change.  If you have played less than 20 rounds, less than 10 games are used in the calculation, see the topic About USGA Handicaps

USGA is the registered trademark of the United States Golf Association


Necessary Definitions

Definitions...

Definitions necessary to understand handicapping

The basic idea...

You get a handicap differential after each round.  The differentials are processed to obtain a handicap index. The handicap index is used at the course to determine your course handicap (the actual strokes you get) for the upcoming round.

Handicap differential =  Adjusted Gross Score minus the course rating multiplied by 113, then divided by the course slope rating.

A handicap differential is produced as each round is entered, it may or may not affect your handicap index.  For purposes of better understanding, it will often be similar to taking your score minus par, except that the slope and multiplier adjust the values slightly according to how difficult the course is rated.

Handicap index - Average the lowest 10 handicap differentials (if 20 or more rounds have been recorded).  Multiply the result by 0.96.

Only the last 20 rounds are considered in the calculations.  Since only a prescribed number of the lowest differentials are used, the results from any given round may or may not affect your handicap index.

The handicap index can be used at any course to obtain a course handicap for your next round.

Course handicap - This is the value you subtract from your Gross score to produce a handicap adjusted NET score.  Weaker players get more help with their score to even things up a bit so they can be competitive.  If you are playing a match type game with others, there are rules for applying your course handicap strokes on a hole by hole basis, check the USGA manuals.  Take your handicap index to the table provided at the course or use this program to obtain a course handicap value.

Golf League Recorder will produce a handicap index immediately after the first round entered, using the first differential.  The G.L.R. handicap index is reprocessed and updated after each additional round.

USGA handicaps are normally not calculated until the individual has played at least five rounds.  USGA handicaps are supposed to be revised once per month minimum and no more often than once every two weeks.


League Files
Creating a League File...

Choose Create League from the File menu to begin.  A Window will appear with a line provided to enter the name.  Type a name for your new league file that is eight letters or less in length.  Do not include a period or suffix as .LGE will be appended to the name of the disk file.

League files can hold scores and handicap information for the most recently entered 20 rounds for up to 100 players.  If your league has more than 100 members, additional League files can be created.  Once 20 rounds have been recorded for an individual, the next round entered pushes off the oldest round recorded.

See the information topic Adding Players for details regarding adding members to your league file.

Deleting a League file...                                   Caution!

Do not use a file utility such as the Windows File Manager to delete a league file.  It is best to use the Delete function from the Add League window to remove league files.  To Delete a file, type the name and click on the delete button.  The program will double check to make sure this is what you want to do before removing the file and taking the name off of the Open League menu.

If a league file is deleted by means other than from within Golf League Recorder, the name can be removed from the File Open menu by creating a file by that name and then deleting it with the Delete function.


Adding Players
Adding Players...

Begin by opening a league file.  Select Add Players from the Players menu or click on the ToolBar icon picturing the ball on a tee to display the Add Players window.  A line is provided to enter the name of the person you want to add to the league.  Type in the name of the player and click on the button that corresponds to the tee they usually play from.

If a player decides to hit from a different tee from time to time, the tee selection can be changed when entering the scores for that round.

Note:  It is only necessary to add a player to the league once, those who participated in a round can be selected from the list of total members when the rounds are entered.

Choose Remove Player from the Players menu to take an individual off of the league file.

The player names can be arranged to they appear in the listings in the order you want.  Choose Arrange/Sort from the Players menu.


Adding / Editing Courses
Add or Edit Courses...

        (see caution below before deleting a course)

Select Add New Course or Edit Course from the Courses menu to begin.  The scorecard window will be displayed.  Enter the par values for each hole and the course ratings and slope ratings for each tee.

Some casual players may use course par for the course rating and 113 for the slope rating if these figures are not available.  Type the name of the Course in the line provided.  Also enter two or three initials for the course in the box located in the upper left corner of the window.  These initials will be used when information is printed on paper.  There can now be a total of 100 courses kept on record.  (Older versions of GLR only supported 20 courses).

CAUTION!

Courses can be deleted by selecting Delete Course from the Courses menu.

The analysis feature 'Scoring Averages' may produce false results when viewing information for a person who played one of their last 20 rounds on a course that has been deleted.  The course information is needed to compare with the hole scores to produce accurate counts of birdies, pars, bogies etc..

It is best to avoid deleting a course unless the Scoring averages are not important or no scores were recorded using that course.


Entering Scores
Entering Scores...

Choose Enter Scores from the File menu to bring up the Player and Course selection window. Check that the date is correct in the lower left of the window.

The date will be filled in from your computer's clock.  Change it if necessary.

Click on the names of the people who played.  Select the course played from the box on the lower right corner of the window.  Once you have completed your selections, Click on the Accept button to continue.

Enter the Adjusted score for each hole, or simply enter the front nine and back nine totals if you do not need a hole by hole record.  Some Analysis functions may not include results for holes that do not have a value, but the totals and handicap index along with the future Course handicap will be computed normally.  See your USGA rules or read the info on Adjusted Scores.

If you want to see how the handicaps are being calculated, click on the View Math Button to open up the math display before you RECORD the scores.

 Note:  If you will be playing nine hole rounds, check the program settings from the File menu and read the information topic Nine Hole Rounds for choosing how the program will compute for rounds with less than 18 holes played.

If you have Equitable Stroke control turned on, the scores will be adjusted after the Record button is pressed.  If you are viewing the math, the display will pause so it is easier to see the adjustments.


Viewing the Information
Viewing Main Display Information...

The default information display after loading a league file will be by Most Recent Rounds Entered.  If the main display is blank, make a selection from the View menu  to update the window.  When Most Recent Rounds is selected, the program displays  a list of the last rounds which were entered into the computer for each player.

Note: The initial (or most recent) information contains the current handicap information.

One player might have an entry for yesterday and another line may show information  for a player dated weeks ago.  In each case, the program is displaying the last round entered for that person.  Click on the Arrow buttons on the lower right side of the  main window to display the next earlier round entered for each player.  Be careful to  assure that you are viewing the most recent info when obtaining handicaps.

Select View by Date to show information for those players who participated on the most recent date.  Click on the Arrow buttons to display information for earlier dates.  Viewing in this manner limits the information to specific dates.  For those who play  in regular intervals (weekly or other), this display should provide a convenient way of taking a look back through the season.  When viewing by Date, the current handicap information must be taken from the most recent date.

It is also possible to view the information for an individual player.  Select the player  from the Choose player box to display up to 20 of the latest rounds that person has  played.


Correcting a Round
Correcting a Round...

Choose Correct a Round from the Edit menu to correct a mistake that was made while entering a player's scores.  The totals and individual hole score scan be edited or the tee can be changed.  Select the player and the date the round was played from the lists and make changes as necessary.  The date of the round cannot be changed.  If the date of a round is found to be incorrect, that round should be deleted and then reentered using the right date.  When the corrections are recorded, the handicap is recalculated for that date.

IMPORTANT -- If the round you are making corrections for, is not the last round entered for that person, it will be necessary to correct the last round entered to update the latest handicap values.  Choose Correct a Round from the Edit menu, select the date of that persons latest round and click on the Record Button to recalculate the handicap index and course handicap.

The Correct a round process can be used to view how the latest handicap value was obtained.  Simply select the player and date you want to view.  From the scorecard window, click on the View Math button, then click on the Record Button to display the calculations.  If no changes were entered, Recording the latest round more than once will not have any effect  on the statistics.

Golf League Recorder keeps a record of the latest 20 rounds for each player.  Once more than 20 rounds are entered, the latest round entered pushes the oldest round off of the list.  Therefore when correcting a round other than the latest round, the computer would not have the same handicap differentials to work with and the Handicap index and course handicap could be different.

There should be no problem with correcting the latest round as the latest 20 handicap differentials are available.


Program Registration
Golf League Recorder Registration...

Registering your copy will enable printing of all reports and information.  By the end of the 30 day shareware trial period, you should decide to register  if you continue to use the Golf League Recorder program.

Click Here to display a form which can be printed to make registering easier or see 'Program Registration' under the File menu to print an order form.

Registration is only $10.00.

Personalize your copy of GLR for yourself, or as a Gift by sending us  a photograph of your favorite golf moment.  The picture will be scanned  and used as the Title page for the program.  Print a Registration form  for more details.  Custom version cost $35.00.

Browns ComputerWorks

9424 S. 250 E.

Hamlet, Indiana 46532

We feel that Golf League Recorder is an excellent value.  Please include your suggestions and comments to make it even better.


Program Settings
Program Settings...

Choose Program Settings from the File menu to bring up the settings window.  A list of your system's printable fonts will be displayed on the upper left of the  window.  If your copy is registered, click on the name of the font you want to use.  Mono-spaced fonts must be used for straight columns, Courier New is the  recommended choice, but others may also give good results.

If the program is taken on floppy disk to another computer, an error could occur if the selected  font is not available on the other system.  Recheck the settings before printing.

See the topic 'Nine Hole Rounds' for suggestions on which settings to use  concerning rounds with less than 18 holes played.  Click on the button that  corresponds to the method you want to use.

The USGA has a handicap index high limit of 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women,  if you want to adhere to these limits, check the box provided.

Before entering the scores for each set of rounds, the program asks you to  verify that the date is correct.  Since the date of a round cannot be changed  later, we recommend using this feature.  If you do want to disable date checking,  un-check the box provided.

Equitable Stroke Control can be turned on in the program settings.  Scores higher than allowed will automatically be adjusted down to the maximum hole score value.

Since the Equitable Stroke calculation is based on the Course handicap value rather than the handicap index, there is the potential for error if a player goes to a course other than the last course they played on (especially if the course ratings are very different).  Golf League Recorder calculates a course handicap value that can be used on the players next round as long as they return to the same course.  If a player goes to a different course, their handicap index must be used to find the correct course handicap value.

Below is the basic chart listing the maximum scores that should be recorded for each hole according to the Course handicap you are using for that round.

   Course Handicap  Maximum Hole Score

      9 or below           6

      10 - 19              7

      20 - 29              8

      30 - 39              9

      40 and greater      10


USGA Handicaps
Official USGA Handicaps...

Golf League Recorder  will conform closely to the USGA system if the  basic requirements are met, but No Guarantees OF ANY KIND are made  or implied regarding the output of this program.  We have no affiliation with the USGA.  USGA is the registered name of the United States Golf Association.

General Points of interest from the latest USGA Handicap System Manual...

Nine hole rounds are not normally included, if they are used an 'N' is placed  after the Hcp Index number and it is not considered official.

At least 5 rounds must be played before an Hcp Index should be computed.  Golf League Recorder uses the prescribed number of rounds when  computing the Hcp Index.  If 20 or more rounds have been entered, the  best 10 of the last 20 rounds are used.  If less than 20 rounds have been  recorded, the number of rounds used is taken from the USGA reference  chart.  It is a decreasing scale with the low end of 5 or 6 rounds played using  the single best result for the calculation.   If the player you are entering scores  for has played between 6 and 20 rounds, you can click on the View Button  when entering the scores to see how many differentials are being used.  This program generates an index immediately, note the number of rounds  played for each individual if this is a concern.

Adjusted Scores must be used....  See the USGA Hcp System manual for  the correct way to handle Unfinished Holes and Maximum allowable scores  for each hole.  They have a chart titled 'Equitable Stroke Control' which lists  the highest score per hole that should be recorded in relation to your Hcp Index.

Par three and short course results should not be included in the scoring record to obtain an official Handicap.

The Math...

Handicap differential = Adj. Gross Score - Course rating X 113 Divided by the Slope.

Handicap Index

Determine differentials for each round.

Average the differentials being used according to the number of rounds played as discussed above.

Multiply the average by .96, then delete digits after the tenths, this represents the Hcp Index.

Use your Handicap Index with your Course handicap chart to determine  your Course Handicap for the upcoming round.

To compute the Course Handicap use the formula below.

Course Hcp = Hcp Index X Slope rating divided by 113. Round to nearest  whole number.

This program calculates a course handicap for the next round automatically  provided the player returns to the same course and hits off of the same tee  as the last round recorded.  If the player goes to a different course, use the  Posted information at the course or use the Course handicap calculator  from the Courses menu.


Course Handicaps
Course Handicap Calculation...

Note:  Course handicaps are automatically calculated for the next round, each time the scores are recorded.   The course handicaps are listed on the far right side of the main viewing display.  Make a selection from the View menu to view  the display by last rounds entered or by the latest date, to obtain the current values. The figures are based on the Handicap Index  and Slope of the last course Played.

IF THE PLAYER WILL BE PLAYING A DIFFERENT COURSE,  THE COURSE HANDICAP WILL NEED TO BE RECALCULATED.

Apply your handicap index to the chart provide at the golf course or choose   Calculate Course Handicap from the Courses menu to use the Golf League  Recorder calculator.

The Math...

Course Handicap = Handicap Index   x   Slope rating  /  113, Round to the nearest whole number


Nine Hole Rounds
Nine Hole Round Scoring Methods...

      Read carefully!

There are three ways in which Golf League Recorder can handle nine hole rounds.  Choose Settings from the File menu to display the program settings window.  After reading the information listed below, choose the method you want to use  for your situation.  Do not enter rounds that have other than 18 or 9 holes played.  There are rules for  dealing with unfinished holes that can be applied to adjust a score if necessary.

Method #1  Double Nine Hole Scores

This is the only method that should be used when a player shoots 18 holes some  of the time and 9 holes at other times.  It maintains an 18 hole handicap value that  will need to be divided by 2 when applied to 9 hole rounds.  Most courses have  similar ratings and pars on the front and back portions making this method a  reasonable choice for casual players.

Method #2  Divide Course Rating by 2

This method produces a 9 hole handicap (roughly half of the value using method #1).  It should only be used by those who play 9 or 18 hole rounds exclusively.  The program  will take half of the course rating when calculating handicap differentials for 9 hole  rounds.  This method will not affect 18 hole round handicapping, but players must not mix   9 and 18 hole rounds in their personal scoring records.  If some players stick with  9 hole rounds and other players stick with 18 hole rounds, this method can be  acceptable for both, producing a 9 or 18 hole handicap.   Again, DO NOT MIX 9's and 18's for the same person.

Method #3  Use Adjusted 9 Hole Ratings

This method produces the most accurate results, but requires additional work.  It will be necessary to  create two course entries, one for the front 9 and another for  the back 9.  Include the 9 hole course rating and slope when entering the course  information.  The course name should reflect the fact that this is for a front or back  nine portion.  This method produces a 9 hole handicap for those who only play 9 holes.  Other players can coexist in the group if they play 18 holes only and are using  course settings for 18 holes.  This can be somewhat confusing as three course entries  would be required, one for 18 holes, one for the front nine and a third for the back nine.   The same warning applies as with method #2 -  DO NOT MIX 9's and 18's for the  same person.

Since handicaps involving 9 hole rounds are not usually considered official and the fact that this program is designed for casual groups and personal performance tracking only, I suggest using  method #1 in most cases - Double Nine Hole Scores.


ToolBar Operation
ToolBar Information...

       (16 color graphics shown)

Counting from the left, the first Icon (Clipboard or Group of Players with 256 color graphics), will load the League  file that was most recently used.  For those who work mainly with one  League file, this is the quickest way to get the program ready for use.  To select a different League file, choose Open from the file menu.

The Second Icon (Scorecard) directs the program to display the select  player and Scorecard windows for entering rounds.  It has the same effect  as choosing 'Enter Rounds' from the File menu.  Note: a league file must  first be opened.

The Third Icon (Ball on Tee) brings up the window for adding new players  to the League file.  It has the same effect as choosing 'Add Players' from  the Players menu.  Once a player has been added to the league, it is NOT  necessary to repeat this process when entering scores.  Those who participated  can be selected during the round entry process - see the topic 'Entering Scores'.

The Fourth Icon (Golf Course) brings up the window for entering information  for adding additional courses.  It has the same effect as choosing  'Add New Course' from the Courses menu.

The Fifth Icon (Question Mark) displays this Help Window. Info buttons throughout  the program link to other information topics here.


Registration Form

 --  Choose Print Topic from the File menu to Print this form

Golf League Recorder v1.8

Please write your name and address below.

Name ______________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________

City, State, Zip _______________________________________

My copy of G.L.R. was obtained from ________________________

Please enclose a check or money order for $10.00 to...

Browns ComputerWorks

9424 S.  250 E.

Hamlet, Indiana 46532

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