The following rule changes have been made for 1997:

1. The handicapping system has changed slightly for 1997 with respect to "The Equitable Stroke Control System".
   • The old system was based on a maximum number of strokes allowed per hole based on a golfers handicap and the par of a hole.
   • The new system allows a maximum number of strokes allowed per hole based on purely a golfers handicap independent of the par for the hole.

For exact details of the new rule, refer to the IHMGC rules.