Q: Is the method of ‘adjusting golf scores based on abnormal weather conditions’ patenable?

A: To assess the patentability of 'adjusting golf scores based on abnormal weather conditions' as part of the USGA World Handicap System, we need to consider several factors:

1. Novelty: The idea must be new and not previously disclosed to the public.

2. Non-obviousness: It should not be an obvious solution to someone skilled in the field.

3. Utility: The invention must have a useful purpose.

4. Subject matter eligibility: It must fall within patentable subject matter categories.

In this case:

1. Novelty: The USGA World Handicap System, including weather adjustments, has been publicly known and in use since 2020. This likely precludes novelty.

2. Non-obviousness: Adjusting scores for weather conditions might be considered an obvious solution to those familiar with golf and handicapping systems.

3. Utility: The method does serve a useful purpose in making handicaps more accurate.

4. Subject matter eligibility: This is where the concept faces its biggest challenge. In the US, abstract ideas and mathematical formulas are generally not patentable on their own. This method likely falls into the category of an abstract idea or mathematical algorithm.

Given these factors, particularly the lack of novelty and the abstract nature of the concept, it's unlikely that this specific method would be patentable as part of the USGA World Handicap System.

However, if someone developed a novel technological implementation of this concept - for example, a unique software system or device for measuring and applying weather adjustments - that specific implementation might potentially be patentable, even if the underlying concept is not.