Linda,
This question is more etiquette than rules. When our group plays we always give full handicap. The question is: Does the stroke count for honors? We give the group or person that is getting the stroke honors. Some guys say that they should not get honors with the stroke. Is there any definitive answer?
Thanks,
Lou Lou
Dear Lou Lou,
Surprisingly enough, Lou, the rule book does address this issue. Since you did not specify whether your group is involved in match play or stroke play, I will address who gets the honor in both types of play.
In match play, the side that wins a hole has the honor at the next hole. In a handicap match, the lower net score wins the hole. Therefore, in a match play competition where players receive strokes according to their handicap, a player uses his handicap stroke to determine the honor at the next hole. For example, if you and your opponent both score 5 on the first hole, but your opponent receives a stroke on that hole, then his net 4 gives him the honor at the second hole [Rule 2-1; Rule 10-1a; Decision 10-1a/1].
Stroke play is a different story. Unlike match play, where the handicap is deducted at each hole, stroke play deducts the handicap at the end of the round. Therefore, the honor in stroke play is determined by the lowest gross score [Decision 10-2a/1]. Assuming your group is involved in stroke play, the guys that claim that you do not use the handicap stroke to award honors are correct.
Linda
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