12 Obstacle Factors

SECTION 12 — OBSTACLE FACTORS

The 10 obstacle factors are detailed in this section. The men’s and women’s rating procedures are similar, but yardages and rating values are sometimes different. In these cases, women’s variations from the men’s values are in [brackets]. On each page there is a general statement, a rating table, factors that warrant adjustment to the rating table, and instructions for par-3 and par-5 holes, when pertinent. To rate each obstacle: • Begin with the rating table (enter the table for the scratch player; re-enter the table for the bogey player); • Adjust these table ratings up or down for both the scratch and bogey golfers as prescribed in the adjustments section (shot-specific (indicated with an asterisk) adjustments first, then general); and • Consider further adjustments for par-3 or par-5 holes, if appropriate. When a bogey player cannot reach a par-4 hole in two shots, rate the hole as a par-5 (three-shot) hole for the bogey player. When a bogey player cannot reach a par-3 hole in one shot, rate the hole as a par-4 (two-shot) hole for the bogey player, except there is no Fairway rating value. Obviously, each unique situation cannot be covered, so good judgment is required. It has been noted before, but is worth repeating, that the rating team members should look at probable conditions, not extremes, and they should be guided by what will probably happen, not by what could happen. The following is an example of the normal rating procedure: • A par-3 hole is being evaluated for bunkers; • The rating team has decided upon a scratch Green Target rating of 4 and a bogey Green Target rating of 6; and • Forty percent of the green is closely bordered by 3-foot to 5-foot deep bunkers, situated primarily across the front of the green (an evaluation of the various bunkers resulted in a bunker depth of 4 feet).