STROKE BACK RULE
What is the Stroke Back Rule?
The Stroke Back Rule involves a process where a member's tour index surpasses the divisional cut line. In such cases, these members are obligated to give adjusted strokes back to the divisional field, ensuring a fair and balanced competition. As the member's tournament index improves, the ratio of strokes given back to the divisional line increases per stroke.
But why employ the Stroke Back Rule in amateur tours?
Typically, amateur tours group players based on their skill levels during gross stroke play, divided into divisions or flights. Difficulties arise when a player's index or handicap falls below the divisional line, necessitating their movement to a higher division. However, such upward transitions pose challenges for players. They often find themselves becoming the least skilled player in the new division and its unlikely that they will be able to further lower their handicap by 3-4 strokes within a season. Although it is a rare occurrence, it renders the player unable to compete competitively. Furthermore, winning the player of the year award becomes virtually impossible due to the points lost when moving up a division, simply because they have improved their skills. The Stroke Back Rule resolves both of these issues. Players are satisfied as they continue competing against the peers they started the season with, while still remaining competitive in the season-long race for the player of the year. Simultaneously, the field appreciates the player's decision to stay, as they generously give additional strokes back to the field. If a player's stroke advantage reaches 2.0 strokes or higher, the strokes given back accumulate at a 1:2 stroke back ratio, granting a significant advantage to the field.
Here's a breakdown of the stroke back ratio based on the player's advantage:
0.1 -1.0 stroke = 1 Stroke back
1.1 – 2.0 Strokes = 2 Strokes back
2.1 – 3.0 Strokes = 4 Strokes back
3.1 – 4.0 Strokes = 6 Strokes back.
When to move up divisions?
Determining when to move up divisions is a decision facilitated by PIN HIGH AMATEUR TOUR and decided by the respected member. Various factors come into play when making this decision. For instance, if it's the back third of the season, it is essential to consider whether there will be sufficient time to make up the points since most tours only transfer 70% - 75% of the points. Additionally, certain policies restrict moving into a division higher than 4th place, regardless of the number of points acquired after the reduction. These situations can leave players feeling cheated, considering the effort they have genuinely invested in the season. PIN HIGH AMATEUR TOUR suggests that the optimal time to move up is when the player's stroke advantage is 2.1 strokes or lower. This implies that they would be giving back 4 strokes to the field while facing just a 3.9 shot disadvantage in the higher division. It's important to note that this viewpoint is based on a mathematical assessment by PIN HIGH AMATEUR TOUR. By implementing the Stroke Back Rule, we strive to create a fair and rewarding experience for all players, allowing them to compete at the appropriate skill level while maintaining their competitive spirit throughout the season.
Pin High Amateur Tour