POLICY UPDATE:  RULE OF 85 – CRITERIA & CALCULATION

Rule of 85 Criteria

2/25/2025

The Mid Washington Seniors Golf Association (MWSGA) adopted and has successfully used The Rule of 85 over the last several years.  The Rule of 85 allows a player to play from the Forward Tees if their age plus handicap totals 85 or greater. 

Rule of 85 Calculation

  • A player may play from the Forward Tees if their age plus handicap totals 85 or greater. 
  • A player’s age for the Rule of 85 is determined based on their birthdate from January 1st to December 31st of the calendar year prior to the golf season.
  • A player’s GHIN handicap for the Rule of 85 is established on November 1st (i.e., the last day to post scores in the Pacific NW) of the calendar year prior to the golf season. 
  • For a player who continues to post scores into GHIN (e.g., plays outside the Pacific NW over the winter) the player’s GHIN handicap is established on the date of their application.
  • For a player who joins during the golf season, the player’s GHIN handicap is established on the date of their application.
  • The GHIN handicap used in calculating the Rule of 85 is not rounded up or down.
  • The board may adjust a player’s eligibility to play from the Back or Forward Tees if an error has been made in the initial determination. 

Appeal Process

  • If the member is assigned to the Back Tees based on the Rule of 85 and wants to play from the Forward tees, he/she must submit a request with the justifying explanation (e.g., Health issue) for a change.  The board will evaluate and decide whether to approve the change. The reason for the change needs to be exceptional.
  • If a member is assigned the Forward tees based on the Rule of 85 and wants to play from the Back Tees, he/she must make a request before the season begins.  This change once implemented will be effective for the entire golf season.

Mid-Season Review

  • A mid-season (July) tee assignment review will be conducted to verify and confirm a player’s eligibility (i.e. GHIN Handicap only) to play from the Forward Tees according to the Rule of 85 (age plus handicap).   

 

POLICY CHANGE:  GHIN HANDICAP INTEGRITY AND ADJUSTMENT AS NEEDED

Issue: It has been apparent that a ‘limited’ number of player GHIN handicaps used for our tournaments may not adequately reflect their actual golfing ability.   

Decision: The Board wants to help ensure that all players are participating under fair conditions.  As a result, the Board approved a policy that it will adjust GHIN handicaps used in MWSGA tournaments as appropriate to better reflect a member’s playing ability.  The adjustment will be made according to USGA Rules 10.1, Section 3 on a case-by-case consideration.

 

POLICY CHANGE:  RULE OF 85 – MID SEASON TEE ASSIGNMENT REVIEW

Issue: The Rule of 85 (Age plus+ Handicap) that allows a member with an age and handicap equal to 85 or greater determined at the beginning of the season to play from the Forward Tees. It has been apparent that in several cases, a player qualifying to play from the Forward Tees at the beginning of the season may not qualify as the golf season progresses based on improved scores entered into the GHIN system. 

Decision:  The Board approved a policy to conduct a mid-season review beginning in the 2025 Golf Season to verify and confirm a player’s eligibility to play from the Forward Tees according to the Rule of 85 (Age plus+ Handicap).  Also, the Board may adjust a player’s eligibility to play from the Forward Tees if an error has been made in the initial determination.

 

POLICY CHANGE:  TIME CLOCK – FAILURE TO TIME STAMP

Issue: During the review and entry of scores, we have had several players/teams inadvertently or forgotten to time stamp their score card at the completion of their golf round.  The use of the time clock has been found to be highly effective in helping players/teams improve pace of play during our tournaments.

Decision: The Board has approved a policy that a player/team failing to time stamp, in addition, to sign their score card at the completion of a round will be Disqualified.