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Symbols Used in Rating System
The obstacle factors with minimum values, such as Fairway, are rated 4 under average conditions. Other obstacle factors without minimum values, such as Topography and Bunkers, are rated 4 only when they present a significant problem. Obstacles must be rated under the assumption that play is in accordance with the Rules of Golf. When play is not permitted from a No Play Zone as defined in the “Rules of Golf,” rate as follows: • If free relief is given, ignore this area for rating purposes; or • If there is a one-stroke penalty for relief from the area, rate the area as if it were a penalty area; or, • If there is a stroke and distance penalty, rate the area as either a lateral obstacle with the K adjustment or a crossing obstacle.
The obstacle evaluations of two courses with very different characteristics can lead to the same result. For example, a course that is flat and has no trees but has narrow fairways and deep rough, might have an obstacle stroke value of 1.0 stroke over the Length Rating. Another course that has wide fairways and no rough but has significant trees and numerous deep bunkers might also have the same 1.0 obstacle stroke value.
4. SYMBOLS USED IN RATING SYSTEM Symbols Used in Rating System
Some symbols are used to save space and streamline the rating process. In all tables and text, the following symbols are used: When two or more adjacent columns have “Greater Than” symbols, the table values are not cumulative (e.g. > 5’ next to > 10’ means “greater than 5 feet, up to and including 10 feet” in the left-hand column, and “greater than 10 feet” in the right-hand column).
" Inches 6" is read as “six inches.” ' Feet 3' is read as “three feet.” π Pi = 3.14; may be used to determine green circumference < Less Than < ¼ is read as “less than one quarter” > Greater Than > 30 is read as “greater than 30” Less Than or Equal to ≤ 21 is read as "less than or equal to 21" { } Warm Season Grass Height > 6" {> 4"} is read as “greater than six inches cool season grass, greater than four inches warm season grass” [ ] Women’s Value 5 [6] is read as “five for men; six for women”
