Roanoke Valley Senior Golf Tour

Questions & Answers about the RVSGT


This page reflects a collection of commonly asked questions from our RVSGT members. You may submit your questions by clicking on the link below. This will open your email program already addressed. Enter "Q&A" as the SUBJECT. Enter your question in the body of the letter and click SEND. We will reply ASAP and the most frequently asked questions and answers will be added to tis page.

Click here to submit your question.

  • Q: Why is my TOUR handicap different from my USGA handicap?
    A: The Tour handicap is computed using the lowest 50% of your score differentials, just like the USGA. The primary difference is that we use the best 5 of your last 10 RVSGT Tournament rounds only, whereas the USGA uses the best 10 of your last 20 posted rounds. Please click on the Handicap Info link on the left for more complete information. 

  • Q: Why does my handicap go up and down, and sometimes doesn't seem to relate to my last score?
    A: The event handicap you see at the tournament is a result of two factors. First, your handicap index is computed based on your better Tour rounds. It reflects your scores, taking the difficulty of the courses played into consideration. The event handicap is then computed by factoring in the slope rating of the upcoming course being played. 113 is the average slope. For a course with a 120 slope, your event handicap will be higher than your index. For a slope lower than 113, the event handicap will be lower than your index. Thus, your handicap index might go up, but your event handicap could be lower due to the lower slope rating of the upcoming course. Or, vice versa!

  • Q: May distance measuring devices be used during RVSGT tournaments?
    A: Yes. Tour Rules allow the use of laser or GPS devices capable of providing distance information to the green, hazards,  bunkers, and layups.  Devices capable of providing slope or eleveation information must be deactivated for these features during tournament play. Sharing distance information with another competitor is OK, as it is not considered giving advice.

  • Q: How are the pairings done? I often seem to play with the same group?
    A: We try to use a slightly different pairing method for each tournament, so you will most likely be playing with a different group every month. However, it is random, so you might still be paired with someone more than once during the season. Group pairings are generally spread across all divisions to speed up play.

  • Q: What are the small numbers often added just right of the net scores on the scoreboard? And, what about the small black numbers inside the net score box?
    A: The small numbers added just right of the net score are the tiebreakers. Ties are broken by using the net score from #10-18, then #13-18, then #16-18, then #18 as necessary until the tie is broken. The small black numbers appearing within some of the net scores boxes are "limit scores." These apply for the first four rounds to new members not having established USGA handicaps. It is the lowest net score the new member can post at that tournament.