Membership and Tournament Guidelines
2025 Season

 

Outlined below are guidelines for our membership to follow as you progress through the year. These guidelines will enhance your golfing experience in the IAGA. They will ensure the IAGA Committee is able to run events efficiently and with minimal stress. PLEASE ADHERE TO THESE GUIDELINES. They apply to ALL participants; no exemptions or exceptions are allowed.

 

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS and FEES

New or Renewal or Reinstatement Membership (includes USGA) – Regular members enjoy the full IAGA benefits. A ONE-TIME annual payment is processed at the time of initiation:

  • Adult: $275
  • Juniors: $125 (<17 years)
  • New member signup after August 1st are not eligible for Club Championships.
  • New member signup after August 1st will have their IAGA membership extended to cover the entire season of the following calendar year.
  • An Active Member must sponsor New Members to join the club.

 

Membership Cancellation (including USGA) – You can cancel your membership anytime by sending an email to IAGA. Your paid IAGA/USGA membership fees for the year are non-refundable. Your membership with IAGA and USGA will remain active for the year through December. We will cancel your IAGA/USGA in December during the renewal process for next year. Send cancellation email to: tournaments@iagagolf.com

Note: IAGA Committee can cancel membership of a member for conduct detrimental to the IAGA. If the committee makes such a decision a partial refund of the Renewal Fees will be issued to the member.

Tournament Schedule: IAGA tournament schedule is posted at iagagolf.com

 

TOURNAMENT FEES

Tournament fees for stroke play include breakfast/lunch, green fees, cart rental, range balls (where available), and prizes. Approximately 8% of total tournament fee collections will be allocated toward cash prizes:

  • Adults: Dynamic pricing per tournament
  • Guests: Dynamic pricing per tournament
  • Juniors (under 18): $100 per tournament (Club Championships not included)
  • Low Gross/Score of the Day Pot: $20 (optional participation for all members, regardless of flight)
  • Skins Pot: $20 (optional participation; available only to participants over 18)

Note: Tournament fees are in addition to the annual membership fees.

 

TOURNAMENT DIVISIONS (FLIGHTS)

IAGA offers the following divisions based on handicaps. Under the World Handicap System, converted course handicaps are not adjusted. Each active member is assigned to one of these divisions for stroke play tournaments:

  • Maharaja Division: Players in this division must have an individual handicap index not exceeding 8.9, which will be converted to a course handicap. All players, including junior boys, will play from the Blue Tees, while women and junior girls will play from the White Tees.
     
  • Tiger Division: Players in this division must have an individual handicap index between 9.0 and 15.9, which will be converted to a course handicap. All players, including junior boys, will play from the White Tees, while women and junior girls will play from the Red Tees.
     
  • Cobra Division: Players in this division must have an individual handicap index between 16.0 and 22.9, which will be converted to a course handicap. Players with a handicap index exceeding 22.9 will have their index capped at 22.9. All players, including junior boys, will play from the White Tees, while women and junior girls will play from the Red Tees.

 

  • Guest Division: Guests or non-eligible members are not permitted to participate in any tournament activities, including skins. All guests must play from the White Tees or as assigned by IAGA.
     

TOURNAMENT HANDICAPS

 

Stroke Play Handicap: Under the World Handicap System introduced by the USGA in 2020, a player's handicap may change daily. For stroke play, members with an established USGA handicap will play to a handicap index determined by the lower of the following:

  • The current handicap index published by the USGA.
  • The average differential of the two lowest current-year IAGA “Competition” scores.
  • If fewer than two IAGA tournaments have been played in the current year, the current USGA handicap index will be used.
  • A handicap index established by a recognized amateur tour (e.g., US Am Tour).
     

New member with a USGA handicap: If you have an established USGA handicap index and this is your first tournament with IAGA - if you have posted a minimum of four scores in the last six months, you will play to your current USGA index. Your sponsoring member must verify your USGA handicap.
 

New member without a USGA handicap: If you do not have an established USGA handicap, your first two IAGA “Competition” scores will be used to evaluate your playing level. The IAGA Committee will assign you a temporary handicap index starting with your third tournament until a USGA handicap is established.

Note: During your first two IAGA tournaments, you will not be eligible for prizes or skins (except for the Closest to the Pin and Long Drive competitions).
 

Match Play Handicap: For match play events, 80% of the lower of your USGA or IAGA handicap index will be used. The handicap index will be updated at the start of each new match play round. Detailed match play rules will be provided at the beginning of each event. Members without a USGA handicap at the start of match play are not eligible to participate.

Skins Handicap: Participation in the Skins game is optional. A maximum course handicap of 18 will be assigned for the Skins competition. Participants must be over 18 years of age, and active members must have an established IAGA handicap index to participate.

Handicap Adjustments: The IAGA Committee reserves the right to lower a player's handicap index if it is determined that the player is not maintaining scores in the spirit of the USGA guidelines. For example, if a player's IAGA “Competition” scores are consistently lower than their established handicap, the committee may review and adjust the handicap index for future events.
 

 

TOURNAMENT FORMATS

Stroke Play:

  • Most tournaments are conducted in the Stroke Play format.
  • Awards for first and second place in each flight are distributed from the prize pool based on the assigned weight of that flight.
  • Low Gross (Score) of the Day Pot (optional participation): The player with the lowest gross score—regardless of flight—wins the entire pot.
  • Skins Pot (optional participation): Each skin won is divided equally among winners within divisions. Skins are contested in two divisions: Maharaja and a combined Tiger/Cobra division.
     

Club Championship Format and Eligibility:

  • The Club Championship is a mandatory 2-day, 36-hole Stroke Play event.
  • A trophy is awarded to the Gross Club Champion (from Maharaja Flight playing Blue Tees); in the event of a tie, a sudden-death playoff will be used.
  • Trophies are also awarded for individual flight champions as follows:
     - Maharaja Net Champion – decided by a sudden-death playoff in the event of a tie.
     - Tiger Net Champion – decided by a sudden-death playoff in the event of a tie.
     - Cobra Net Champion – decided by a sudden-death playoff in the event of a tie.
  • The Gross Champion is also eligible to win the Net Champion trophy for any flight.
  • Members must participate in a minimum of 2 regular season events (including Individual and Team Match Play events) to be eligible for awards and prizes at the Club Championship.
  • Members who have played in fewer than 2 tournaments during the regular season may still compete in the Club Championship but will not be eligible for prizes.
     

Individual and Team Match Play (Season Long):

  • Format & Schedule: This event follows a match play format and is scheduled to begin around April/May. Individual and Team Match Play specific rules will be provided by IAGA at the start of Match Play events.
  • Handicaps: Use the handicap index provided by the IAGA Committee at the start of each round. The committee will update and adjust handicap indexes at the beginning of each round—these are based on the current USGA index and adjusted to 80% for match play. The committee will also determine the specific USGA index date to be used for subsequent rounds.
  • Scoring: There is no IAGA maximum score for this event; play continues until the hole is decided. For an 18-hole match, a maximum of 14 strokes may be awarded.
  • Team Match Play: In team events, the difference in course handicaps (converted from the IAGA Handicap Index) between team members is limited to 6 strokes or less.
  • Prize Pool: The prize pool will be announced based on participation.
  • Posting Scores for Match Plays:
    • ALL players MUST post their scores for their matches immediately following their match.
    • Please follow the USGA-approved procedure for score posting using this USGA link
    • Failure to post scores within 2 days after your round will have an impact your handicap for the remainder of the matches you participate in.
    • Post scores as Regular round, NOT Competition scores.

Note: If a match continues past its official conclusion, the actual scores for every additional hole played must be recorded. However, if the match ends early with remaining holes unplayed, players should post scores using the hole-by-hole feature only for the holes completed. Remember, at least 9 holes (as defined by the 9-hole Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™) must be played for a score to be accepted. For more detailed information, please refer to the USGA guidelines via the link provided.

 

GOLFER OF THE YEAR (GOY)

The Golfer of the Year (GOY) recognition honors players who demonstrate outstanding consistency throughout the season. This award is based solely on performances in regular season stroke play events, with all events weighted equally to ensure fairness. The GOY awards are divided into two categories—Gross and Net—with the Net category further broken down by division for more targeted recognition. Below is a refined explanation of the rules and criteria:

Golfer of the Year Categories:

  • Low Gross GOY (G-GOY) Champion: The individual with the highest overall points total in the Low Gross Division—based on their best four stroke play tournament results during the regular season—will be crowned the Low Gross Golfer of the Year (G-GOY).
     
  • Net GOY (N-GOY) Champions: Individuals in each division (Maharaja, Tiger, and Cobra) with the highest overall points total—again based on their best four stroke play tournament results during the regular season—will be crowned the Net Golfer of the Year (N-GOY).

Golfer of the Year Points Allocation:

  • Low Gross GOY (G-GOY): For each stroke play event, points are awarded to the top 5 finishers as follows:1st place – 100 points, 2nd place – 80 points, 3rd place – 60 points, 4th place – 40 points, 5th place – 20 points
     
  • Net GOY (N-GOY): For each stroke play event (covering the Maharaja, Tiger, and Cobra divisions), points are awarded to the top 10 finishers as follows: 1st place – 100 points, 2nd place – 90 points … down to 10th place – 10 points.
    • For the Individual Match Play event, the Champion receives 100 points and the Runner-up 50 points towards Net GOY.
    • No points are awarded for the Team Match Play event towards Net GOY.

Golfer of the Year Tiebreakers:

  • If two or more players finish with the same total points, their best three event scores will be compared first.
  • If the tie persists, the comparison will then be made using their two best event scores.
  • Should the tie remain unresolved after these evaluations, the tied players will be declared Joint Winners, and the award pot will be divided equally among them.

Important Note:

  • A player cannot win both the Gross and Net Golfer of the Year awards in the same season.
  • A player must participate in a minimum of four events during the year to qualify for the GOY award.
  • If a player moves to a different flight, whether by choice or due to an improved handicap or any other reason, their GOY points will reset, and they will start accumulating points from scratch in the new flight.

 

TOURNAMENT SIGNUP and CANCELLATION

 

Tournament Signups and Payments: Sign up for tournaments by logging into your account on www.iagagolf.com (powered by Golf Genius). Only credit card payments are accepted.

 

Deadlines: Tournament signups and payments must be completed one week prior to the tournament date, unless otherwise specified by IAGA.

 

Tournament Cancellation Policy:

  • More than 7 Days Prior: Cancellations for members and/or guest entries made more than 7 days before the tournament incur no charge.
  • Between 2 to 5 Days Prior: If a cancellation is made between 2 to 5 days before the tournament, there is no charge if a replacement is found. If no replacement is secured, the full tournament fee will be charged.
  • Within 24 Hours or No-Show: Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tournament, or if a member or guest fails to show up, they will be charged the full tournament fee.
  • Repeated Non-Notification: If a member fails to notify the IAGA Committee of their cancellation for more than one tournament, their entries may be suspended for the rest of the season.
  • Replacement Assistance: Members are encouraged to help the IAGA Committee find a replacement for cancellations made within 7 days of the tournament. The committee will make every effort to secure a replacement, but a replacement cannot be guaranteed.

 

 

TOURNAMENT DAY

 

Attendance & Punctuality

  • Members’ Breakfast/Lunch: Attendance is mandatory unless otherwise specified by IAGA. All members must arrive within a 10-minute grace period of the assigned time; late arrivals may be excluded from the raffle. This guideline is crucial for a smooth event—do not assume exemption.
     
  • Tee Times & Rules Compliance: According to the Rules of Golf, a player must start at the designated time and place set by the Committee.
    • Penalty for Late Arrival:
      • Arriving at the starting point within five minutes of the tee time results in a two-stroke penalty at the first hole.
      • Arriving more than five minutes late leads to disqualification from the event.
         
    • IAGA Recommendation:
      • Players must be on the first tee at least 15 minutes before their assigned tee time, fully prepared to play.
      • Tee times will be communicated at least one day before the tournament.
      • No last-minute changes to tee times can be made on the day of the event.
         
    • Shotgun Start Note: In a Shotgun start, the “B” group begins play 10 minutes after the designated tee time for the “A” group.
       

Score Reporting & Disputes

  • Official Results: All tournament results remain unofficial until finalized and communicated by the IAGA Committee.
  • USGA & Local Rules: We strictly enforce USGA rules for tournament play, along with local golf course rules. The IAGA Committee will communicate any additional local rules before the tournament begins.
  • Wrong Score on a Hole:
    • If an Official Scorecard (the physical scorecard provided by IAGA) shows a higher score than achieved, that higher score stands.
    • If it shows a lower score or no score for a hole, the player is disqualified.
    • Important Notes:
      • Online scoring systems (e.g., Golf Genius) are not considered official scores.
      • Each player must verify the score for each hole (not just the total) on the Official Scorecard before leaving the course.
      • The tournament is considered closed once the Official Scorecard, signed by the scorekeeper, is submitted to an IAGA representative.
         
  • Rules Disputes: In the event of a rules dispute on the golf course, play a second ball and allow the IAGA Committee to decide the correct ruling after the round. Do not delay the game by arguing during the tournament.
  • Posting Scores: After a stroke play tournament has concluded, IAGA will post the official scores under the "Competition" category. To avoid any duplication, players are not permitted to post their own scores for the tournament.

 

Tie Breakers

  • General Authority: Under USGA Rule 33-6, the IAGA Committee determines the method and timing for resolving ties.
     
  • Match Play Tie Breakers:
    • Playoff: If required, a playoff will be played hole by hole starting on Hole #1. Handicap strokes are applied as per the original 18-hole match.
    • Card Playoff: Winners are determined using net scores in the following order: back nine score; if tied, holes 13–18; if still tied, holes 16–18; then hole 18; and if necessary, by comparing individual handicap values sequentially.
    • Note: Handicap strokes are applied as per the original 18-hole match.
       
  • Stroke Play Tie Breakers (Card Playoff): Use the scores on the last nine, six, three holes, and finally the 18th hole. For each set, deduct a fraction of the player’s handicap (½, ⅓, 1⁄6, or 1⁄18, respectively). Fractions equal to or exceeding 0.5 count as a full stroke; lesser fractions are disregarded.

Example: Assume Dan has a 9 handicap and Joe a 14 handicap.
 - Last Nine Holes:
  Dan: 39 – (9/2 = 4.5, rounded to 5) = 34
  Joe: 41 – (14/2 = 7) = 34 → Tie
 - Last Six Holes:
  Dan: 27 – (9/3 = 3) = 24
  Joe: 29 – (14/3 ≈ 4.67, rounded to 5) = 24 → Tie
 - Last Three Holes:
  Dan: 12 – (9/6 = 1.5, rounded to 2) = 10
  Joe: 14 – (14/6 ≈ 2.33, rounded to 2) = 12 → Dan wins
 

  • Additional Tie-Break Methods:
    • Card Playoff: This method applies to all regular season tournaments for all flights, as well as to Individual and Team Match Play events (except in rounds specified for a sudden death playoff).
    • Sudden Death Playoff: A sudden death playoff begins on Hole #1 (or an alternative hole if Hole #1 is unavailable). Handicap values are applied as recorded on the scorecard. This playoff is used for:
      • Maharaja-Gross and Maharaja-Net champions at the season-ending Club Championships
      • Final matches for Individual and Team Match Play

 

Tournament Prizes & Raffles

  • Regular Stroke Play Events: Prize money is published on the tournament sheet on the day of the event. In the regular season, the low gross winner receives the same payout as the net flight winner; however, the low gross winner cannot claim the low net prize as well. Prizes are paid via PayPal.
  • Major, Match Play, and Club Championships: Prize money is increased and varies for these key events; payments will also be made via PayPal.
  • Juniors (Under 18): No cash prizes are awarded to juniors or their parents. Prizes for juniors will be in the form of gifts and follow USGA “Rules for Amateur Status for Juniors.”
  • Raffle Prizes: All active members participating in an event are eligible to enter the raffle.

 

Provisional Ball

  • If your ball is headed towards tall grass in play, play a provisional ball before searching for your original shot. This avoids unnecessary delays in case the first ball is lost.

 

Additional Suggestions for Speed of Play

  • Round Completion: All members must finish their round within 5 hours. A “rabbit group” will be designated to complete the round in no more than 4 hours and 45 minutes (assuming no delays before tee-off). A member from this group will serve as the IAGA course marshal to ensure all foursomes finish within the 5-hour limit.
  • Maintaining Group Pace:
     - Foursomes must keep pace with the group ahead. If your group falls 1.5 holes behind the group in front, you may be asked to pick up and move to the next tee box and will be assessed a penalty under the IAGA 7-8-9 Rule for every member.
     - If your group is a couple of holes behind, consider having two players finish putting and then proceed to tee off while the remaining two finish putting, until your group catches up.
     - Always be ready to play when it’s your turn. Avoid waiting around with your cart next to a player who is not ready. Instead, assist by moving the cart to the player whose ball is furthest away, allow them to select clubs, and then continue the rotation. This process should continue all the way to the green and throughout the putting stage.

 

Local Rules for Maximum Score (USGA Rule 21.2)
To promote pace of play and maintain competitive spirit, players may “pick up” a ball once a maximum score is reached for any hole. This rule applies to all IAGA tournaments except for the Maharaja-Gross and Maharaja-Net flights in the Club Championship.

  • 7-8-9 Maximum Score Rule:
     - Par 3: Pick up on the 7th shot and record a 7.
     - Par 4: Pick up on the 8th shot and record an 8.
     - Par 5: Pick up on the 9th shot and record a 9.
    Note: Historical scorecard analysis shows that this local rule does not significantly affect tournament outcomes but greatly improves pace of play.

 

 

 

MAXIMUM SCORE AKA “IAGA MAX”

 

Problem: The need to hole out on every hole in stroke play can have at least two downsides:

  1. It often leads to a slow pace of play, and
  2. It may discourage golfers who feel they no longer have a realistic chance to compete or to make a good score for the round once they get a very high score on one or two holes.

Solution: USGA Maximum Score or IAGA Max – Rules 3.1, 21.2
"Maximum Score" is a new, additional form of stroke play designed by the USGA to address these concerns by allowing players to "pick up" once they reach a pre-determined maximum score. This cap can be a fixed number, a multiple of par, or a figure derived from the player's handicap (like net double bogey).

How IAGA Adopts Maximum Score:
Before the USGA formalized this local rule, IAGA implemented its version, known as "IAGA Max", exclusively in stroke play competitions (not applicable in match play). IAGA introduced the 7-8-9 Rule to expedite play:

  • Par 3: Pick up and score a 7 if hitting the 7th shot.
  • Par 4: Pick up and score an 8 if hitting the 8th shot.
  • Par 5: Pick up and score a 9 if hitting the 9th shot.
  • Key Point: Player can "pick up" once they reach the above mentioned pre-determined IAGA Max score.

This local rule applies to all IAGA stroke play tournaments, excluding the Club Championships. Historical scorecard analysis confirms that this rule speeds up play without significantly altering tournament outcomes. This approach helps reduce long rounds, which no golfer enjoys.

 

IAGA Max with Scenarios and Examples

 

ACCEPTABLE: In these scenarios, intent is key. Be clear on what you plan to do by communicating with your playing partners. Don't waste time; pick up the ball and post IAGA Max for that specific hole:

  • Declare the Intention: Communicate to playing partners the intention to take an IAGA Max, either on the tee box or anywhere through the green on any hole. The intention must be declared either before playing the hole or after completing it, but not after the round is completed.
  • High Stroke Count: A player is preparing to hit their 7th, 8th, or 9th shot on a Par 3, 4, or 5, respectively.
  • Multiple Out of Bounds: A player who has hit two balls out of bounds (OBs) from the tee box can consider taking an IAGA Max by declaring their intent to playing partners.
  • Lost Ball: A player loses their ball through the green in the rough, a penalty area, or a water hazard. Instead of going back to hit from the original spot, they decide to take an IAGA Max.
  • Water Hazards Near Putting Green: A player who has hit several balls into the water near the putting green can consider taking an IAGA Max by declaring their intent to playing partners.
  • Rule Violation: A player makes a mistake and violates a rule of golf. For the sake of speed of play (or due to laziness, having a bad day, or a situation that can’t get any worse), they do not want to go back to correct the mistake. They declare the intent to take an IAGA Max upon completion of that hole (not after the round is complete). This declaration could potentially save them from disqualification from the tournament.
  • OPEN for more acceptable scenarios.

 

NOT ACCEPTABLE: Cannot Override Fundamental USGA Golf Rules

  • Prematurely Picking Up a Putt: A player prematurely picks up a short putt (e.g., 2-inch putt) without completing the hole. If the player has not announced that they are out of the hole or declared the intention to accept a maximum score under the IAGA rules, picking up the ball on what would have been a bogey putt is not permitted.
  • Missing Tee Time: A player who misses their tee time by 5 minutes cannot opt to take IAGA Max as a remedy. Standard USGA rules for missed tee times must be followed.
  • Post-Round Declarations: Declaring an IAGA Max for a specific hole after the round is complete is not permissible. Declarations must be made either before playing the hole or immediately upon completion of the hole, but within the same round.
  • OPEN for more NOT acceptable scenarios.

 

 

IAGA LIABILITY AND PHOTO RELEASE

In consideration of the Indo-American Golf Association (IAGA) organizing and hosting golf tournaments and promoting competitive golf, and in exchange for the opportunity to participate in IAGA events, all participants (including Members, Guests, their families, and others) agree to the following:

  • Release of Liability: Participants agree not to initiate any legal, equitable, or other claims against IAGA, its officers, committees, trustees, employees, agents, instructors, representatives, volunteers, or any other individuals associated with IAGA activities. This release applies to any personal injury, death, or property damage incurred—whether directly or indirectly—because of participating in IAGA events.
     
  • Assumption of Risk: Participants acknowledge and voluntarily assume all risks associated with training, practicing, playing, traveling, and any other activities related to IAGA events.
     
  • Photo Release: IAGA reserves the right to photograph all participants during tournaments and events. Participants grant IAGA the exclusive, irrevocable right to use these photographs—in print, on the web, or in any other media—for promotional purposes without any compensation.
     
  • Binding Agreement: By participating, you agree to be legally bound by this release on your behalf and on behalf of your heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns.

 

CONNECT WITH US

 

 

IAGA Committee Members:
Current committee members include BJ Desai, Harsha Sastry, and Raj Gautam (Founder). To be considered for committee membership, a member must have been an active IAGA participant for 5+ years.

 

 

 

IAGA PAST RULINGS – FAQs (Evolving as always…)

Kudos to the members who are honest and always ask the question!!!

 

A few situations that we believe provide valuable learning opportunities. We would like to explain the circumstances and the rulings to ensure all members understand these important aspects of golf etiquette and rules.

 

Situations or Issues

 

Missed Tee Time – Player missed their tee time and showed up on 2nd or 3rd hole.

  • Ruling: Disqualification (DQ)
  • Explanation: Under USGA Rule 5.3a, in a stroke play event, a player who misses their scheduled tee time is typically disqualified unless exceptional circumstances are proven (no such circumstances were presented to the IAGA committee in this case). The Rules of Golf stipulate that a player must start at the designated time and place set by the Committee. If a player arrives at the starting point within five minutes of their tee time, they incur a penalty of two strokes at the first hole. Arriving more than five minutes late, however, leads to disqualification from the event.

 

Failure to Hole Out – A player prematurely picked up a short putt (e.g., 2-inch putt) without completing the hole. The player did not announce being out of the hole or declare the intention to accept a maximum score under the IAGA rules. Consequently, he picked up his ball on what would have been a bogey putt.

  • Ruling: Disqualification (DQ)
  • Explanation: According to USGA Rule 3.3c, in a scenario where a player picks up the ball and fails to hole out on a putting green and then proceeds to the next hole without correcting the mistake, the player is subject to disqualification. This rule is enforced when a player fails to complete a hole (i.e., does not hole out) and either starts another hole or, if it's the final hole, leaves the putting green without declaring an intention to correct the mistake. The rules mandate that each hole be completed by holing out, and failure to do so must be addressed either before playing from the next teeing area or before the scorecard is returned at the end of the round. Failure to correct such an error results in disqualification.

Note: The Maximum Score or IAGA Max rule, which is a form of speed of play provision that allows for a maximum score on each hole, cannot be applied in this situation. This is because local rules designed to expedite play cannot override the fundamental rules of golf concerning the completion of a hole.

 

Whiff - Player attempts to hit the ball but misses it, commonly referred to as a "whiff."

  • Ruling: 1 Stroke Penalty
  • Explanation: According to USGA Rule 6.1a, a stroke in golf is defined as "the forward movement of the club made to strike the ball." Therefore, if a player makes a swing at the ball intending to hit it but misses, this action still counts as a stroke. This rule applies even if the ball is not touched by the club. Each attempt to hit the ball, regardless of whether contact is made, must be counted in the player’s score. The player should continue the game from the same spot, counting the missed swing as one stroke.