Q: What is the difference between the USGA/WHS/EGA/Golf Australia Method and the Countback method of tie-breaking?
A: For both methods, if the tying players have the same score for the last nine, the winner is determined on the basis of the last six holes, the last three holes, and finally, the 18th hole. If the competition uses a multiple tee start, the "last nine holes, last six holes, etc." is considered to be holes 10-18, 13-18, etc.
The difference between the two methods is how the Playing Handicaps are used in the tie-breaking process for net competitions where the stroke index allocation is not relevant, such as individual stroke play.
The Countback method uses the hole handicap allocation (strokes fall as they lie on the card) to determine the scores to be used in the tie-breaking.
The USGA/WHS/EGA/Golf Australia method does not use the hole handicap allocation to determine the scores. Instead, a fraction of each player's Playing Handicap is deducted from the gross score of that stretch of holes. The following fraction of the Playing Handicap is deducted:
Last 9 holes - 1/2
Last 6 holes - 1/3
Last 3 holes - 1/6
For GHIN users, the fraction of the Playing Handicap is rounded (.5 rounds up) before deducting from the gross score. For CONGU users, the fraction of the Playing Handicap is not rounded before deducting from the gross score.
Example:
The scorecard below shows the scores of two tied players. The tie-breaking result differs depending on the method that is used.
If using the Countback method, they would tie on holes 10-18. On holes 13-18, Spellman would win the tie-breaker with a net 24 (Quattry had a net 26).
If using the USGA method, Quattry would receive 3 strokes on the back 9 (5 Playing Handicap / 2 = 2.5 then rounded up). Deducting 3 from his gross score of 40, he would score a 37.
On the other hand, Spellman would receive 8 strokes on the back 9 (16 Playing Handicap / 2). Deducting 8 from his gross score of 46, he would score a 38. Therefore, Quattry wins the tie-breaker using the USGA Method.
Are your calculations adding up differently? Check out our article on why your calculation of the USGA tie-breaker seems to be calculated differently than ours by Clicking Here.