An Example of Applying Equitable Stroke Control (ESC)

You are a 16 handicap and playing with your regular group or in a tournament. Playing #9, your tee shot is a little short, you lay up, chunk one in the water, hit your next one in the trap right of the green, barely get your next shot on the green, and three-putt for a smooth 9. Including the 9, you shoot a 90 for your round. For purposes of the tournament, or any bets you have with your buddies, the 9 and the 90 count. However, when you post your score on the computer, you need to apply ESC. That 9 becomes a 7 (the most you can take with a 16 handicap, per the table below), and you should post an 88.