
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 of 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.
The chart displayed here shows the maximum number a player can take:.
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. For even more information on ESC, visit Section 4-3 of the USGA Handicap System manual for further reference.

GET INTO THE GAME - VOLUNTEER IN 2016.
Massachusetts continues to be a hot bed for major championships!
In 2016, Massachusetts will play host to a USGA Championship Proper and a PGA TOUR event and both have outstanding volunteer opportunities available for you!
Here are the details.
2016 Deutsche Bank Championship
TPC Boston
August 31 - September 5
2016 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship
Wellesley Country Club
September 17-22
While tickets are currently on sale for the 2016 Deutsche Bank Championship ... both events are currently seeking volunteers!
Looking forward, volunteers are also being sought for another upcoming major event - the 2017 U.S. Senior Open Championship - which will be held at Salem County Club on June 26-July 2.
To learn more about the volunteer opportunities, use the links below:
2016 U.S. Women's Senior Amateur Championship | 2016 Deutsche Bank Championship | 2017 U.S. Senior Open Championship

PLAY9 TODAY - USGA EXPANDS POPULAR PROGRAM.
Golfers across the nation are joining the fun and taking part in the USGA's PLAY9 program.
Why? They are realizing that a 9-hole round is a perfect and fun way to fit golf into busy days. To encourage even more golfers to play nine holes, the USGA has scheduled six "PLAY9 Days" throughout the golf season. This fun campaign began on May 9 and will occur on the ninth day of each month through October.
Golfers can also share their love of playing 9-hole rounds and earn prizes by taking part in the #Play9Sweeps.
Using #Play9Sweeps, post a photo to Twitter that shows you playing nine. Approved entries will be posted to the USGA's PLAY9 photo gallery (click here) and become eligible to win a monthly prize of $100 USGA Shop Gift Card or the grand prize of a $500 Amex Gift Card.
And when you post, be sure to tag us - @mgalinks - so that we can repost your photo for all Bay State golfers to see. After all, we can't think of a better way to spend a hour or two than playing 9 hole of golf.

COMING SOON - SPRING ISSUE OF MASSGOLFER
In just a few short days, the spring issue of MassGolfer magazine will be released. To ensure that you receive your copy, please make sure you update your profile by clicking here.
The spring issue features four Boston sports icons - Andy Brickley (Bruins), Dana Barros (Celtics), Andre Tippett (Patriots) and Tim Wakefield (Red Sox) - who have been leaders in using golf to raise important funds for their organization's charitable foundations.
Any questions about your subscription to MassGolfer magazine can also be directed via e-mail to info@mgalinks.org. Be sure to include your mailing address, GHIN number and home club in your message so that we can better serve your needs.
All Bay State golfers who hold an up-to-date MGA/GHIN handicap index are eligible to receive a quarterly subscription to the award-winning MassGolfer™ magazine.
Happy reading!
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