As you may know, on January 1, 2020 the World Golf Handicap System transferred to a global system. For the first time in the U.S., every handicap index will now be computed through a centralized database to ensure consistency and integrity in every number. While it may seem overwhelming don’t let it discourage you; just go out and play the best golf you can! Please take a look below for details on what you can expect with this change and for more information please visit https://iowagolf.org/whs/. The Handicap Index calculation is changing: Your number will be based off your 8 best scores out of the past 20. For most U.S. golfers, the change will be minor, but you may see that your Handicap Index is different now, despite not playing any rounds. Creating a Handicap: As opposed to prior when it took 5 rounds to establish a handicap, now it can be done in only 3. You will have a Playing Handicap: Slope Rating and now Course Rating and Par will be used to determine your Playing Handicap, allowing players to compete from different tees more easily. This is a big change for us, whether you are playing in a tournament or a regular round of golf players can play different tees and easily figure out their handicaps. Net Double Bogey will replace ESC.: The maximum hole score for handicap posting purposes will be limited to Net Double Bogey (Par+2+any handicap strokes you receive on that hole). You will have more responsive Handicap Index updates: Your Handicap Index will update the day after you post a score. On days you don’t submit a score, no update will take place. For tournaments here we will have a deadline date that we use for establishing handicaps for the event. Safeguards have been added to protect your Handicap Index: The system will account for abnormal playing conditions, limit extreme upward movement of a Handicap Index, and reduce a Handicap Index when an exceptional score is posted. Nine Hole Postings: Many of you ask if you can post scores for 9 holes, and the answer is absolutely yes. In fact, if you only get 6 holes in you can still post a 9-hole score. You would post on the final 3 holes that you don’t play (par+any handicap strokes you are to receive). This spring we will be hosting a short seminar put on by the Iowa Golf Association; they will be going over these new changes and answer any questions you may have.
On a final note, I hope you had a chance to read the email sent last Monday regarding Troon Privé. We have received some great feedback from our members and the results from this program have been terrific. If you have any questions please let me know, as the system is very easy to use and gains you access to some great courses. All the best, Matt Matthias General Manager/Director of Golf | 