Monthly Archives: November 2023
PGA of America Unveils Programming at New Coaching Center Powered by T-Mobile
November 29, 2023
PGA
State-of-the-art training facility provides hands-on instruction to golfers of all skill levels
Editors:
For photos of the PGA of America Coaching Center, please click here.
FRISCO, Texas (November 29, 2023) – The newest and best in class facility to open at PGA Frisco, the PGA of America Coaching Center powered by T-Mobile, announces a comprehensive range of individual, group and corporate instructional services to help golfers of all ages and abilities.
The individual and group coaching programs at the PGA of America Coaching Center are uniquely tailored to help improve one’s game. Whether someone wants to refine their swing or enhance their putting skills, the PGA of America Lead Coaches are available to provide personalized guidance one-on-one or in a group setting. Programs such as a Short Game Assessment, Full Swing Training Program, Morning Mom’s Clinic Series and others are customized to meet the unique needs of each golfer and support them at every stage of their golf journey.
For businesses interested in creating unforgettable experiences for their teams, the Coaching Center offers a talented and experienced staff of PGA of America Golf Professionals who can create team-building golf outings or corporate golf clinics that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
“We are thrilled to offer a variety of unique programs to consumers no matter what stage of their golf journey they are on,” said PGA Master Professional Tim Cusick, PGA Head Coach. “Our mission is to make golf accessible and enjoyable for all, and this facility is a significant step towards achieving that goal. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer, new to the game or want to create a fun team outing, there’s a place for you here.”
The Coaching Center is the Association’s only signature, state-of-the-art, consumer-facing golf coaching and training facility. The 12,000-square-foot, two-story golf training center features 10 hitting bays, and is dedicated to coaching, club fitting and golf fitness. It combines these elements to create a unique, high-touch, high-tech and data-driven experience that serves everyone from beginner golfers to elite players.
The facility is staffed with three certified PGA of America Golf Professionals who utilize Golf’s American Development Model (ADM), which maximizes each athlete’s potential, creating well-rounded players and developing principles that create life-long golfers for both current and future generations.
The PGA of America Coaching Center is a testament to the PGA of America’s commitment to growing the sport and ensuring that golf is a game for everyone. Adjacent to the new Home of the PGA of America, the Coaching Center’s proximity to the Monument Realty PGA District, the Omni PGA Frisco Resort and the Fields Ranch East and West Courses furthers the experience for community members and golf enthusiasts turning to the game for recreation and family enjoyment.
The PGA of America Coaching Center is now accepting bookings. To learn more about offers and programming, please visit www.pga.com/coachingcenter.
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 29,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, participation and inclusion in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Media Contacts
Lauren Laake, PGA of America, llaake@pgahq.com
GOLFTEC and PGA HOPE Partner for Drive for HOPE Initiative to Support Veterans
November 8, 2023
PGA
Donation made for every lesson taught at GOLFTEC throughout November
FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 8, 2023) – PGA HOPE and GOLFTEC, a leading provider of golf improvement services, today announced the launch of its Drive for HOPE campaign, dedicated to supporting PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere).
PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of the PGA of America. This initiative reflects GOLFTEC’s commitment to giving back to those who have served our nation and providing them with opportunities to improve their lives through golf.
GOLFTEC’s Drive for HOPE is set to make a meaningful impact this November by pledging to donate $1 to the 2023 PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign for every lesson taught. Highlighted by Veterans Day, the PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign seeks to raise awareness and support for nearly 400 local PGA HOPE programs nationwide. This year marks the third consecutive year of GOLFTEC’s dedicated support, with a cumulative contribution exceeding $300,000. In addition to the annual donation drive, GOLFTEC is deepening its commitment by encouraging its team of nearly one thousand golf coaches to pursue PGA HOPE coach certification. Furthermore, they are extending a program that offers a complimentary lesson to all PGA HOPE graduates as well as 20 percent off lesson plans. These initiatives aim to introduce Veterans to the many benefits of golf, supporting PGA HOPE’s mission to present the game as a form of therapy and foster a sense of community among participants.
“We greatly value our relationship with GOLFTEC and the support they provide to Veterans and our PGA of America Golf Professionals all over the country,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. “With the generous impact GOLFTEC provides during the Drive for HOPE campaign, we are able to have a much greater reach for PGA HOPE, providing life-changing resources to America’s heroes across the country.”
PGA HOPE is designed to introduce golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. PGA REACH, PGA HOPE and GOLFTEC’s Drive for HOPE aspire to create a physically and emotionally healthier Veteran community through a six- to eight-week curriculum led by PGA of America Golf Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. Today, 56 GOLFTEC Professionals, all Members of the PGA of America, are PGA HOPE certified instructors.
GOLFTEC invites golf enthusiasts, Veterans and the general public to join the Drive for HOPE campaign by participating in the events, booking lessons or making direct contributions to support PGA HOPE’s mission.
“The Drive for HOPE campaign, in partnership with PGA HOPE, is our commitment to make a positive impact on the lives of our nation’s Veterans,” said Joe Assell, PGA, Founder and CEO at GOLFTEC. “We know that golf is a game that can bring joy and healing, and we are dedicated to giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
For more information about the Drive for HOPE campaign and to get involved, please visit golftec.com/drive-for-hope.
About GOLFTEC
Since 1995, GOLFTEC’s mission has remained the same—to help people play better golf. The GOLFTEC experience is designed for golfers of all ages and abilities to work with an expert Coach and build a game improvement plan customized to their specific needs and goals. GOLFTEC’s cutting edge training systems, including proprietary swing motion capture technology, OptiMotion, gives our Students and Coaches instant and data-driven feedback. With millions of lessons given and more than 250 locations across the world, GOLFTEC is the world leader in golf instruction.
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 29,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, participation and inclusion in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About PGA REACH
PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA of America Golf Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf. For more information on PGA REACH, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAREACH on Instagram, X, formerly known as Twitter and find us on Facebook.
About PGA HOPE
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.
PGA of America and Sky Sports Announce Three-Year Broadcast Rights Extension
November 15, 2023
Greg Dillard
PGA of America and Sky Sports Announce Three-Year Broadcast
Rights Extension
Live coverage of the PGA Championship and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship to continue on Sky across UK and Ireland
FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 15, 2023) – The PGA of America and Sky Sports today announced a three-year extension of their broadcast partnership, solidifying continued live coverage of the PGA Championship and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Sky Sports viewers will continue to have access to comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the PGA Championship and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. The 2024 PGA Championship, which annually showcases the strongest field in golf, will take place May 13-19 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. The 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship returns for an historic sixth time to Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Mich., May 23-26.
“We are ecstatic to continue our partnership with Sky Sports,” said PGA of America Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Price. “This extension ensures that golf spectators across the UK and Ireland can witness all of the thrilling action at the PGA Championship and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship each May. We take great pride in our close collaboration to bring the excitement of Major Championship golf to Sky’s dedicated audience.”
Sky Sports Golf is the home of golf in the UK and in 2024 will show all four men’s Majors, all five women’s Majors and both men’s and women’s tours – well over 100 tournaments in total.
In addition, golf spectators can tune in for round-the-clock coverage on Sky Sports News, the Sky Sports app, on SkySports.com and via Sky Sports social channels.
“We’re really pleased to be able to confirm this extension with the PGA, and continue the brilliant relationship that has enabled us to deliver the best possible coverage to golf fans across the years,” said Sky Sports Managing Director Jonathan Licht. “It’s been great to see our viewing figures and golf audience continue to grow, and we know we have an amazing opportunity over the next 3 years to continue to grow the sport, alongside our great partners at the PGA.”
About PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 29,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, participation and inclusion in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About Sky
Sky is one of Europe’s leading media and entertainment companies and is part of Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company that connects people to moments and experiences that matter. At Sky we Believe in Better. It’s in our DNA.
We’re famous for innovation. We offer streaming services NOW and WOW; the world’s smartest TV, Sky Glass; and the best aggregation platform, Sky Q. We provide connectivity you can count on in mobile, and fast, secure, reliable residential and business broadband.
We’re Europe’s premium content producer. We create award-winning original content, produce the biggest live sporting events, and we provide free access to news and the arts.
We believe that we can have a positive impact on society, by supporting and creating tens of thousands of jobs, addressing digital inequality, being a diverse and inclusive employer, and becoming net zero carbon by 2030.
Team Virginia Claims the Title in the Inaugural 17u National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship
November 19, 2023
PGA
Team Virginia defeated Team Florida 6 – 3 to win the Championship; Team Pennsylvania finishes third over Team Illinois 6.5 – 2.5
SANTA ANA PUEBLO, New Mexico (Nov. 19, 2023) – They aren’t going to Disney World, but after winning the inaugural 17u National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship at New Mexico’s Twin Warriors Golf Club, Team Virginia (Dulles) is going bowling.
“I told them if they won the National Championship, we’d go bowling again, so we’re going bowling to celebrate,” said PGA of America Golf Professional Scott Holmes, who leads Team Virginia, based at 1757 Golf Club, after his team hoisted the trophy.
Every shot matters in match play, and Team Virginia made the moments count today, capturing the title on a day punctuated by scattered showers and steadily dropping temperatures.
No. 3 seed Team Virginia defeated No. 1 seed Team Florida (Orlando) 6-3 in the match play Championship final, following a brief weather delay between the morning Semifinal matches.
With the 17u Championship in its first year, Team Virginia made history as the first 17u Champion. The moment wasn’t lost on Coach Holmes.
“This is my third trip to the National Championship, two for 13u and one for 17u,” Holmes said. “It’s been our goal to win a National Championship, and there’s no words to describe the feeling. We’re just going to try to celebrate the moment.”
The pivotal moment of the Championship match came during the second flag, when Team Virginia took 2.5 flags to Team Florida’s 0.5.
“Before that, the match was really tight, but that really swung it in our favor,” Holmes said. “Our team stayed patient and played fantastic.”
Team Florida Coach Cori McAuliffe, LPGA, of Marriott Golf Academy, who led a 13u team to third place in the 2023 13u National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship just last month, was proud of her team’s performance but disappointed by the outcome.
“They played so well today,” she said. “But unfortunately, it just wasn’t our day.”
The morning semifinals set the stage for the afternoon Championship, but the morning wasn’t without a little excitement of its own. No. 3 seed Team Virginia defeated No. 2 seed Team Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh) 5-4, while No. 1 seed Team Florida edged No. 4 seed Team Illinois (Lemont) after a 4.5-4.5 end to their match.
The two teams remained locked in a tie through the first tiebreaker (number of holes won), with Team Florida advancing after winning the second tiebreaker: the team aggregate total (best two of three scores) across all 36 holes from Day 1 and Day 2. Team Florida won with 45-under compared to Team Illinois’ 41-under.
“We battled Virginia really hard today in the semifinals,” said PGA of America Golf Professional Troy Williams of Hot Shot Golf Academy. “I think that was probably the National Championship right there. We thought 19-under, and they shot 20-under.”
In the afternoon consolation match, Team Pennsylvania defeated Team Illinois 6.5-2.5 to finish third.
“After our Semifinal match, we came out, handled business and played how I expected,” Williams said. “I’m just so proud of our team. These kids do everything I ask of them, they work hard, and I couldn’t be more proud to be their coach. We’ll be back next year.”
As for the rest of the field, Team New York (Farmington) finished fifth at 41-under; Team Minnesota (Blaine) and Team California (San Jose) tied for sixth at 38-under; Team Utah (South Jordan) took eighth at 37-under; Team Texas (Farmers Branch) and Team North Carolina were ninth at 36-under; Team Kansas (Kansas City) 11th with 33-under; and Team Kentucky in 12th at 12-under.
The eight teams not competing in the Semifinals had the option to participate in the Twin Warriors Roundup, a 9-hole, two-person scramble. The Twin Warriors Roundup was captured by Alexander Thu, 14, and Brandon Pantaleon, 15, of Team California.
USGA and First Tee Award 2023 IDEA Grants to Local Youth Programs
LIBERTY CORNER, N.J., and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The USGA is awarding its latest round of IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility) grants to 27 First Tee chapters across America, building upon a longstanding commitment to create a more accessible game and impact communities through golf.
From supporting chapters in major urban markets, mountainous regions and predominantly Hispanic communities to targeting low-income families across the country, the USGA and First Tee aim to level the playing field by providing club-in-hand experiences to every junior who wants to play golf and benefit from the character-building lessons the sport provides.
In 2023, chapters selected will receive up to $15,000 to provide transportation, hire diverse coaches, train volunteers and build programs in diverse communities, among other activities. USGA grant funding, which totals $200,000, will enhance grassroots efforts that help break down barriers of entry.
“It’s important that we don’t let up on our efforts to drive greater diversity and inclusion at the junior level,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “By meeting youths within their schools and communities, and collaborating closely with our industry partners, we are opening up more pathways at a critical entry point into the game.”
IDEA grants will support many chapter initiatives, including:
- First Tee – Central Carolina, located near Winston-Salem, N.C., will extend its programming from eight months to year-round by hosting Golf and Grades, an after-school tutoring and golf initiative, at indoor and outdoor facilities. The chapter also supports six paid summer internship positions for HBCU golfers that offer valuable instructional opportunities, access to practice facilities and hands-on experience at the PGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship.
- The first chapter in its region, First Tee – Greater Tallahassee (Fla.) engages students in Title 1 schools and predominantly low-income communities by supplying equipment and training physical education teachers to lead in-class activities, while also offering after-school programs and summer camps. The chapter hosts a golf camp and two DE&I Community Field Days in collaboration with Florida A&M University, an HBCU, with transportation and meals provided for participants.
- Through a series of instructional sessions, First Tee – Central Coast offers children from People’s Self Help Housing in Guadalupe, Calif., their first exposure to the game. Over 20 participants from low-income households are invited to two-hour, off-course classes prior to taking lessons on-course at Santa Maria Country Club and Blacklake Golf Course, where they have access to the practice facilities and are able to play a hole of golf.
- In partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, First Tee – Phoenix engages local Latinx youth through a series of outreach initiatives in addition to hiring a translator and hosting listening sessions and focus groups. The chapter also provides clinics tailored toward Latinx families and events around Día Del Niño.
- More than 70 percent of youths in the First Tee – Metropolitan New York’s service area come from traditionally underserved communities. The chapter plans to use its funding to help provide full scholarships for youths from the NYC Housing Authority, Mosholu Montefiore and other community centers.
- First Tee – Virginia Blue Ridge is working to make golf more welcoming and inclusive by providing opportunities for kids to try the game without an intimidation factor. Following the successful launch of putting league competitions at a local putt-putt fun center, the chapter plans to use grant funds to improve the league and establish additional community partnerships that help to reach underserved populations.
- First Tee – Monterey County (Calif.) has identified a growing number of children considered homeless in its area and hopes to inspire and engage these youths with new programs. The chapter plans to allow 25 participants to travel to King City Golf Course, which it assumed management of in 2022, where they will participate in four, two-hour clinics with a PGA instructor. Following the program, the students will take a field trip to Pebble Beach Golf Academy and participate in a clinic hosted by academy director Laird Small.
The USGA IDEA Grant program was established in 2021, building off the strength of more than 20 years of partnership between First Tee and the USGA. Since its inception, 72 grants have been distributed to 46 chapters across 30 states, helping connect more diverse young people to the game and to First Tee’s character-empowering programs.
The full list of 2023 USGA IDEA Grant recipients is as follows:
| First Tee — Central Arkansas | First Tee — Louisville (Ky.) |
| First Tee — Central Carolina (N.C.) | First Tee — Massachusetts |
| First Tee — Central Coast (Calif.) | First Tee — Metropolitan New York |
| First Tee — Central Mississippi | First Tee — Monterey County (Calif.) |
| First Tee — Denver (Colo.) | First Tee — Orange County (Calif.) |
| First Tee — Greater Charleston (S.C.) | First Tee — Phoenix (Ariz.) |
| First Tee — Greater Pasadena (Calif.) | First Tee — Sandhills (N.C.) |
| First Tee — Greater Philadelphia (Pa.) | First Tee — South Central Wisconsin |
| First Tee — Greater Richmond (Va.) | First Tee — South Dakota |
| First Tee — Greater Wichita (Kan.) | First Tee — Southern Colorado |
| First Tee — Indiana | First Tee — Tallahassee (Fla.) |
| First Tee — Inland Empire (Calif.) | First Tee — Virginia Blue Ridge |
| First Tee — Lake Erie (Ohio) | First Tee — West Michigan |
| First Tee — Los Angeles (Calif.) |
IDEA Grant applications were open to all First Tee chapters in the United States, with preference given to those affiliated with one of the USGA’s 58 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs). Located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, AGAs provide USGA resources and services at the community level – helping to increase engagement and participation and improving the golfer experience.
In 2022, 3.4 million juniors played on a golf course – the highest level since 2006 – with studies indicating that this golfer segment continues to be more diverse than the overall golf population. Programs like First Tee and initiatives such as IDEA grants play an important role in that growth, underscoring the need to direct funding toward grassroots efforts.
A recent study conducted by First Tee and Harris Poll highlights the importance of exposing youths from underrepresented backgrounds to golf and similar extracurricular activities in their character development. Eighty percent of parents surveyed stated that participation in extracurricular activities is more about development than recreational activity, with 76 percent also identifying golf as helpful in building character and teaching life skills.
“First Tee is proud to not only introduce kids to the great game of golf, but also to provide fun and safe spaces for young people to build self-confidence, overcome challenges and grow as leaders,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The USGA has been an important partner of First Tee since our inception, and we are grateful for their ongoing support to help us reach kids from underrepresented and underserved communities.”
Additional research from the Harris Poll indicates that black and lower-income families participate in extracurricular activities at lower rates, creating a greater need for initiatives like IDEA grants that help break down barriers to entry. First Tee aims to make programming accessible to families through scholarships and other special programs.
About the USGA
The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment, handicapping and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.
About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
USGA, The R&A Announce 2024 World Handicap System™ Revisions.
LIBERTY CORNER, N.J., USA and ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (Nov. 8, 2023) – The USGA and The R&A today announced the first update to the World Handicap System™ (WHS™) as part of an ongoing review of the Rules of Handicapping™ and Course Rating System™ with a continued emphasis on accuracy, consistency and equity. The latest revisions will go into effect beginning January 1, 2024.
Many countries have seen significant increases in the number of scores being submitted for handicapping purposes since the WHS was introduced in January 2020, reflecting golf’s broadening appeal. More than 100 million scores have been posted each year, unifying millions of golfers through a standard measure of playing ability. The 2024 update leverages the performance data gathered from around the world, in addition to feedback received from many of the 125 countries now using the system.
Significant updates to the WHS include:
- Inclusion of Shorter-Length Golf Courses Within the Course Rating System: The overall length requirements for Course Rating in the WHS will be significantly reduced. A set of tees on an 18-hole course may be as short as 1,500 yards [1,370 meters] to be eligible for a Course Rating and Slope Rating®, and a set of tees on a 9-hole course may be as short as 750 yards [685 meters]. This change is intended to expand the WHS to thousands of shorter length courses, including par-3 courses, and enable more golfers to obtain and use a Handicap Index.
- Use of an Expected Score for a Hole Not Played: Improvements have been made to the method used to handle holes not played, which will now be based on a player’s expected score rather than a score of net par. This new method will produce a 9-hole or 18-hole Score Differential that more accurately reflects a player’s ability. As golfers across the world are playing more 9-hole rounds, an expected score can also be used to convert a 9-hole round into an 18-hole Score Differential. For some countries, this means that 9-hole scores will be considered in the calculation of a player’s Handicap Index immediately after the day of play, rather than waiting to combine with another 9-hole score.
- Playing Conditions Calculation Adjustments Made More Frequent: The Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) has been modified to increase the likelihood of an adjustment for abnormal playing conditions. National associations were given discretion, beginning in July 2022, to introduce this revision in their computation platforms, which will be complete by April 1, 2024.
- Enhanced Guidance on Conducting a Handicap Review: The role of the Handicap Committee is vital to the success of the WHS and the Rules recommend that a Handicap Review is conducted regularly, or at least once a year to ensure a Handicap Index® remains reflective of a player’s ability. New reporting tools have been developed that national associations can incorporate into their handicapping software to assist Committees in conducting the review process effectively and consistently.
Since its inception, the WHS has embraced the many ways golf is played around the world by giving national associations flexibility to apply regional discretionary items, with the objective for greater alignment over time. For this reason, the governing bodies expect countries to continue to shift the way they calculate Course Handicaps so that they are relative to par, making a golfer’s target score to “play to handicap” more intuitive.
Golfers are encouraged to visit their national association’s website to learn more about the discretionary items that apply to their region. Contact details for national associations can be found on the WHS website here: https://www.whs.com/#association.
The USGA and The R&A have also recently launched a new WHS Software Accreditation and Interoperability Programme to help ensure that there is consistency and accuracy in the calculation of handicaps worldwide, and to assist with the retrieval of a Handicap Index and the return of away scores from country to country.
Steve Edmondson, Managing Director – Handicapping & Course Rating at the USGA said, “The game of golf continues to evolve and the WHS has embraced those changes in a dynamic way to help all golfers, everywhere they play. It is a monumental time in golf, and improving both the accessibility of obtaining a Handicap Index and leveraging powerful data and technology to easily and accurately track performance is a great step forward.”
Claire Bates, Director – Handicapping at The R&A said, “We have made good progress in the early stages of WHS but we know there are always areas that can be improved as we gather more data and information on the system from around the world. Conducting a regular review process is important in terms of good governance and enables us to examine some of the key areas in which we have received feedback. We will continue to work with the handicapping bodies and national associations around the world to ensure that the WHS is providing golfers with a system that provides a sensible balance between inclusivity and integrity, making it as easy as possible to get a Handicap Index, subject to meaningful safeguards.”
The USGA and The R&A jointly launched and govern the WHS to provide a modern and responsive system, that gives an accurate reflection of a player’s demonstrated ability. It is calculated by incorporating the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System and is administered by a range of handicapping bodies and national associations around the world.
The more flexible and accessible nature of the system has led to the introduction of successful initiatives from a number of national associations aimed at making it easier to obtain a Handicap Index and be part of the WHS.
Mirroring the review processes of other areas of governance in golf, including the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status, reviews of the WHS will continue to be conducted at regular intervals, taking into consideration performance data and feedback to help identify areas for improvement.
