
System 36 is a one-round handicapping formula used in golf competitions to determine a golfer's handicap after each round. It assigns a point value to a golfer's scores (pars, bogeys, etc.), which are added up and subtracted from 36 to determine the golfer's handicap for the round. This handicap is then applied to their gross score to calculate their net score and evaluate a winner. System 36 is particularly useful in countries where golf handicaps are not common, providing an 'equal playing field' and eliminating the need for coaches or organizers to guess handicaps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To determine a golfer's handicap after a round of golf |
| Handicap calculation | Add up the points accrued during the round and subtract that total from 36 |
| Point system | Double bogey or worse (0 points), bogey (1 point), par (2 points), birdie or better (2 points) |
| Handicap usage | The handicap is applied to the golfer's gross score to calculate their net score |
| Benefits | Provides an 'equal playing field', eliminates the possibility of anyone being accused of being a "handicap bandit", eases the burden of guessing handicaps for coaches or organizers |
| Limitations | May not be suitable for golfers with a handicap outside the 0 to 36 range |
| Usage | Popular in charity tournaments, corporate trips, and in countries where golf handicaps are not common, such as Thailand |
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What You'll Learn

System 36 is a one-round handicap formula
System 36 assigns a point value to a golfer's scores (pars, bogeys, etc.). Throughout the round, the golfer accrues points based on the following formula: A double bogey or worse is worth 0 points, a bogey is worth 1 point, and pars and everything better than par (birdie) are 2 points each. At the end of the round, the points are tallied up and the total is subtracted from 36 to determine the golfer's handicap. This handicap allowance is then subtracted from the gross score to determine the net score.
For example, let's say a golfer plays 90 strokes during an 18-hole round, with one birdie, seven pars, eight bogeys, and two double bogeys or worse. First, the points accrued are calculated: 8 (pars and birdie) x 2 (points per par or better) = 16 points. So the total points are 24. This total is then subtracted from 36, resulting in a handicap of 12 for the day's competition. The handicap of 12 is then subtracted from the gross score of 90, resulting in a net score of 78.
System 36 rewards players who make birdies and penalizes those who score double bogeys or worse. It provides a more level playing field by eliminating the possibility of anyone being accused of being a "handicap bandit". While it may not be a perfect system, it offers a basic estimate versus pure guessing and helps to provide a more even playing field for golfers of varying skill levels.
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It assigns point values to golfer scores
System 36 is a one-round handicapping formula used in golf competitions to determine a golfer's handicap after a round of golf. It is particularly useful for golfers who do not have an official handicap and is often used in charity tournaments or corporate trips. The system assigns point values to golfer scores, which are then used to calculate the handicap.
The formula rewards players who make birdies and penalises those who score double bogeys or worse. A double bogey or a worse score is worth 0 points, a bogey is worth 1 point, while pars and everything better than par, including birdies, are worth 2 points each. At the end of the round, the points accrued are totalled, and the difference between 36 and this total is calculated to determine the golfer's handicap.
For example, if a golfer scores one birdie, seven pars, eight bogeys, and two double bogeys or worse during an 18-hole round, they would accrue 24 points (16 points for the pars and birdie, and 8 points for the bogeys). The points total of 24 is then subtracted from 36, resulting in a handicap of 12 for that round.
The handicap is then applied to the golfer's gross score to determine their net score. In the above example, if the golfer's gross score was 90, their net score would be 78 (90 gross score - 12 handicap = 78 net score). This net score is used to evaluate the winner of the competition.
System 36 provides a more level playing field by minimising the advantage of better players over high handicappers. It also eliminates the possibility of anyone being accused of being a "handicap bandit" as everyone's handicap is calculated using the same formula.
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It's used to determine a golfer's handicap
System 36 is a one-round handicapping formula used in golf competitions to determine a golfer's handicap after a round of golf. It is particularly useful for golfers who do not have an official handicap, allowing them to compete in tournaments and play for low-net titles or prizes. This method is popular in charity tournaments and in stroke and stableford formats.
The system assigns a point value to a golfer's scores (pars, bogeys, etc.). The golfer accrues points throughout the round based on the following formula: a double bogey or worse is worth 0 points, a bogey is worth 1 point, and pars and everything better than par (birdie) are worth 2 points each. At the end of the round, the points are tallied up and then subtracted from 36 to determine the golfer's handicap allowance for that round.
For example, let's say a golfer plays 90 strokes during an 18-hole round, with one birdie, seven pars, eight bogeys, and two double bogeys or worse. The points are calculated as follows: 8 (pars and birdie) x 2 points per par or better = 16 points. So, the total points for this round are 24. Subtracting 24 from 36 gives a handicap of 12 for this round. The net score can then be calculated by subtracting the handicap from the gross score: 90 (gross score) - 12 (handicap) = 78 (net score).
System 36 provides a more level playing field by rewarding players who make birdies and penalizing those who score double bogeys or worse. It helps eliminate the possibility of anyone being accused of being a "handicap bandit" and is particularly useful when many players do not have official handicaps.
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It's popular in Thailand and for charity tournaments
System 36 is a one-round handicapping formula for golfers, which is used to determine a golfer's handicap after a round of golf. This handicap is then applied to their gross score to evaluate a winner. The system assigns a point value to a golfer's scores (pars, bogeys, etc.). At the end of the round, these points are added up and subtracted from 36 to determine the golfer's handicap for the round.
System 36 is particularly popular in Thailand, which has earned a reputation as the golf capital of Asia. This is due to its growing popularity as a golfing destination, with over 200 world-class golf courses. The country has also produced several notable golfers, including Ariya Jutanugarn, who, along with her sister Moriya, has won multiple LPGA titles.
System 36 is also commonly used in charity tournaments and corporate events, especially in Asia. This is because it provides an 'equal playing field' by eliminating the possibility of anyone being accused of being a "handicap bandit". Since it is a one-day handicapping system, it is useful when many players do not have an official handicap, allowing golfers without official handicaps to compete in tournaments.
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It's similar to Callaway and Peoria Systems
System 36 is a one-round handicapping formula used in golf competitions to determine a golfer's handicap after the round of golf. It assigns a point value to a golfer's scores (pars, bogeys, etc.). At the end of the round, the points are totalled up and the difference between 36 and the total is calculated, which becomes the golfer's handicap.
The Callaway System is also a one-day handicapping method that can be used in events where most golfers do not have real handicap indexes. It requires only the score the golfer shoots in the event where the system is in use, plus a chart for reference. The Callaway System allows a handicap allowance to be determined and then applied to each golfer's score.
The Peoria System is similar to the Callaway System in that it is based partly on luck and allows a handicap allowance to be determined and applied to each golfer's score. The Peoria System is used to allow golfers without an official handicap to compete in net tournaments. It involves selecting six holes secretly before the tournament begins, which are usually two par 3s, two par 4s, and two par 5s. After the round, the identities of the six holes are announced, and the players calculate their total strokes for those holes. This total is multiplied by 3, and the golf course's par is subtracted from that total. The resulting number is then multiplied by 80% to get the "handicap allowance".
Both the Callaway and Peoria Systems are similar to System 36 in that they are all handicapping methods used in golf to allow golfers of varying abilities to compete on a more level playing field. They all involve some form of calculation to determine a "handicap allowance" that is applied to the golfer's gross score to determine their net score.
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Frequently asked questions
System 36 is a one-round handicapping formula used in golf competitions to determine a golfer's handicap after the round of golf.
Throughout the round, the golfer accrues points based on their scores. A double bogey or worse is worth 0 points, a bogey is worth 1 point, and pars and everything better than par (birdie) are 2 points each. At the end of the round, the points are added up and the total is subtracted from 36 to get the golfer's handicap.
Your net score is calculated by subtracting your handicap from your gross score. For example, if your gross score is 90 and your handicap is 12, your net score is 78.
System 36 is used to allow golfers who do not have an official handicap to compete in golf tournaments and play for low-net titles or prizes. It is often used in charity tournaments and corporate trips, especially in Asia and Thailand, where official handicaps are not common.
System 36 is designed to be mathematically sound and very difficult to cheat. However, some strategies suggest that you should play aggressively and go for birdies on most holes, and if that's not possible, then play it safe to avoid a double bogey or worse.











































