Equitable Stroke Control (ESC)
Beginning January 1, 1998 the USGA will implement a new method of Equitable Stroke Control.
This new ESC combines a par-based system with a maximum-number system. The single-digit handicap player may now take a double bogey on any hole. The 10-19 handicap player may take a 7 on any hole, regardless of par; 20-29 may take an 8; 30-39 may take a 9 and 40 and above will be allowed a 10 on any hole.
The Chart below outlines the new allocation of strokes based on the players course handicap.
| Maximum Number to be Posted | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Handicap | Par 3 | Par 4 | Par 5 |
| 9 or less | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 10-19 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 20-29 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 30-39 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 40+ | 10 | 10 | 10 |
