9 Pre-Rating Preparation

SECTION 9 — PRE-RATING PREPARATION

Before rating a course, the team leader should check the course measurement records and record the hole lengths on the rating form. If information on how the course, or a particular hole, was measured is available, it should be supplied to the rating team. On the rating form, place an “X” in the Fairway row of the columns for par-3 holes. This helps separate par-3 ratings from par-4 and par-5 ratings when rating values are totaled across the columns for each nine holes.

The “Approach Shot Length” line on the rating form should be completed as follows: • Determine the approach shot distance for the scratch player by subtracting 250 [210] yards from the length of a par-4 hole, and 470 [400] yards from the length of a par-5 hole; and • Determine the approach shot distance for the bogey player by subtracting 200 [150] yards or 370 [280] yards from the length of a par-4 hole, and 370 [280] yards or 540 [410] yards from the length of a par-5 hole.

If it is determined that these distances must be increased or decreased because of Effective Length Correction Factors or Lay Up by Choice, the appropriate value should be written on the “adjusted approach” line on the rating form. For a course at or above 2,000 feet elevation, fill in the Altitude box provided on the rating form. The approach shot distances must be adjusted because the ball travels farther at high altitudes. Write increased shot lengths in the boxes labeled “Scratch1,” “Scratch2,” “Bogey1,” etc. Use the High Altitude Shot-Length Tables for men and women (scratch only) in Section 11. The following preparatory information, if obtained in advance from the club or provided by the measuring team, should be recorded on the rating form: • Approach shot lengths and landing zone distances from the green; • The width and depth of each putting green; • The fraction of the green closely bordered by bunkers; • The widths of scratch and bogey landing zones for each hole; • The distances required to carry obstacles off the tee or from the various landing zones; • The types and heights of grasses on the course; and • The effective length correction data (roll, elevation changes, etc.). If this information has not previously been determined, it should be measured and recorded as the course is rated.

On the day a course is to be rated, the club should place the tee markers at the permanent yardage markers from which measurements were made and cut the holes in areas commonly used for maximum play. They must avoid the tendency to set up the course abnormally difficult.