Golf handicapping: good for the strong, not the weak

The system adopted by the USGA (United States Golf Association) for computing golfers' handicaps is a fairly complex procedure based on the best 10 of the most recent 20 rounds posted. The question is if this approach results in fair matches among players of different abilities. Professor Steven Nahmias, professor of operations and management information systems at Santa Clara University tested the fairness of the system. He and his fellow researchers constructed hole-by-hole distributions for five hypothetical golfers at Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course, and simulated a variety of different match and metal play scenarios among them. The results indicate that the system tends to favor better players (lower handicappers), and steadier players (those with lower variance in their scores). However, the researchers also observed some surprising results for formats other than one-on-one match or medal play.

On Friday, September 15 at 10:30 a.m., Prof. Nahmias will present his findings in a lecture as part of the Meir Rosenblatt Memorial Seminar Series, sponsored by the Boeing Center on Technology, Information and Manufacturing at the Olin School of Business.

The lecture takes place at the Charles F. Knight Center, room 220, on Washington University's campus. Professor Nahmias will be available for one-on-one interviews on an as-needed basis.

The Knight Center is accessible from the Forest Park Parkway, between Skinker and Big Bend.

For more information, contact Shula Neuman, (314) 935-5202.