LIBERTY CORNER, N.J., and ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (Nov. 4, 2019) – The World Handicap System (WHS) is ready to be launched in January 2020 and will provide golfers with a unified and more inclusive handicapping system for the first time.

Though many countries are planning to adopt the new system in January, the system will go live in other parts of the world throughout the year to accommodate different implementation plans and variations in the golf calendar.

Developed by the USGA and The R&A in close coordination with existing handicapping authorities, the WHS will provide all golfers with a consistent measure of playing ability, with handicaps calculated in the same way wherever they are in the world.

A key objective of the initiative was to develop a modern system, enabling as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index. Golfers will be able to transport their Handicap Index globally and compete or play a casual round with players from other regions on a fair basis. It will also indicate the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving the next time they go out to play.

The table lists the estimated implementation timeframes for a selection of countries:

The WHS has two main components – the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System. The Rules of Handicapping are encompassed within seven Rules to inform administrators and golfers on how an official Handicap Index is calculated and administered, with some flexibility given to national associations based on how the sport is played and enjoyed in their region. The Course Rating System, based on the USGA Course Rating System first adopted nearly 50 years ago and already adopted on nearly every continent, sets out a consistent method of determining a course’s difficulty. Together, these components become the foundational elements in determining a golfer’s Handicap Index.

“When the golf community works together, everyone benefits,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA.  “We have seen the benefit that handicapping has provided for decades, providing greater enjoyment for all who play. To have a single set of Rules of Handicapping for the game will connect golfers from country to country, and we are excited to bring the best of all worlds together through this initiative.

“It is one of the many ways we are investing in golf’s future, to strengthen and foster growth of the entire game for years to come.”

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “The game of golf is transforming to meet the needs of the modern-day golfer; modernizing the Rules this year was an important step forward in that regard and the World Handicap System will be another.

“Our hope is that the launch of the WHS will be a catalyst for change; signalling the start of a new era of golfer engagement, being inclusive by embracing all golfers, whatever their level of ability, and broadening its appeal to a much wider audience.”

“Change also means opportunity and, managed appropriately, this can only be good for the game. It does mean there will be a period of adjustment, as we saw with the new Rules, but once it beds in golfers and golf clubs will benefit in many ways from the new system.”

In preparation for the launch of the WHS, more than 3,000 golf courses have been rated for the first time and an extensive education program has been delivered. By the end of 2019, more than 90 National Associations will have attended an educational seminar and a robust library of resources is hosted on WHS.com to support regional education.

Rules of Handicapping books are being produced and will be translated and delivered through national associations.

In addition, the USGA and The R&A have developed a series of golfer-focused materials, including videos, infographics and posters, which can be used by national associations and shared with golf clubs for the benefit of golfers.

This includes a promotional video which can be seen here featuring Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player and voices of recreational golfers from around the world to encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a handicap.

The materials explain the system’s key features, including:

• Flexibility in formats of play, allowing both competitive and recreational rounds to count for handicap purposes and ensuring that a Handicap Index reflects demonstrated ability
• A minimal number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap; with the number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap being 54 holes from any combination of 18-hole and 9-hole rounds (with some discretion available for national or regional associations)
• An average-based calculation of a handicap, taken from the best eight out of the last 20 scores and factoring in memory of demonstrated ability for better responsiveness/control
• A calculation that considers the impact that abnormal course and weather conditions might have on a player’s performance each day
• Timely handicap revisions
• A limit of Net Double Bogey on the maximum hole score (for handicapping purposes only)
• A maximum handicap limit of 54.0, regardless of gender, to encourage more golfers to measure and track their performance to increase their enjoyment of the game
• The formation of a World Handicap System was first conceived in 2011 between the USGA and The R&A in an effort to engage more golfers in the game and promote equity, no matter where golf is played. The effort unites six existing handicapping systems into one, while embracing the many ways the game is played across cultures.

Beginning in 2020, the new WHS will be governed by the USGA and The R&A and administered by national and regional golf associations around the world.

The existing six handicapping authorities, Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the USGA, represent approximately 15 million golfers in 80 countries who currently maintain a golf handicap.

As an extension of their support of the Rules of Golf worldwide, Rolex has made a commitment to support the USGA’s and The R&A’s efforts to implement the World Handicap System.

INZAI CITY, Japan – Tiger Woods won the Zozo Championship to tie Sam Snead’s PGA Tour record of 82 victories.

The 43-year-old American played the final seven holes Monday in the rain-hit tournament, completing a 3-under 67 to beat local favourite Hideki Matsuyama by three strokes at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club.

“It’s just crazy. It’s a lot,” Woods said. “I’ve been able to be consistent most of my career. … Today was one of those days where I was able to pull it out.”

Woods had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee two months ago – his fifth on the same problem joint. He was making his first start in his 23rd season on the PGA Tour.

“I can still manage my way around the golf course,” Woods said. “I know how to play. I was able to do that this week.”

The fourth round was suspended because of darkness Sunday, and Woods took a three-stroke lead over Matsuyama into Monday in the first official PGA Tour event in Japan.

 

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Does it get any better than this guys?! We’ll never forget your 24th #PGATOUR win at the #RBCCO, and we’re honoured to play a part in the journey to Chasing 82. ⁣ ⁣ Congrats, @TigerWoods.⁣ ⁣ Love, your Canadian fans.

A post shared by RBC Canadian Open (@rbccanadianopen) on Oct 28, 2019 at 6:05am PDT

He bogeyed his first hole Monday, the par-4 12th, but was solid the rest of the way with birdies on Nos. 14 and 18 to finish at 19-under 261. Matsuyama also closed with a 67

Rory McIlroy, the highest ranked player in the field, completed his round with two birdies for a 67 to tie for third at 13 under with Sungjae Im. Im had a 65.

Woods opened with consecutive 64s, with a day off in between because of rain. He had a 66 on Sunday in the third round.

“It’s been a long week,” Woods said. “Five days at the top of the leaderboard is a long time.”

Does it get any better than this guys?! ??#PGATOUR #LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/gsD8KEhby0

— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) October 28, 2019

As the U.S. Presidents Cup captain, Woods was asked about picking himself for the team,

“I think the player got the captain’s attention,” Woods said.

PGA TOUR

 Tiger Woods completed a wire-to-wire victory to win the Zozo Championship, tying Sam Snead’s PGA Tour record of 82 victories. Woods was making his first start of the season after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee two months ago – the fifth such procedure on the same knee. Local favourite Hideki Matsuyama finished three strokes back. ..Corey Conners notched his first top 10 result of the 2020 season. …Adam Hadwin has played 10 of his first 12 rounds of the new season in even par or better.

NEXT EVENT: Bermuda Championship  (Oct. 31)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Graham DeLaet, Michael Gligic, David Hearn, Roger Sloan, Mike Weir,

EUROPEAN TOUR

England’s Steven Brown carded a final round 66 to win the Portugal Masters for his first European Tour title. Brown made par or better on each of his last 36 holes to finish one stroke better than South Africans Justin Walters and Brandon Stone. No Canadians were entered in the event.

NEXT EVENT: WGC-HSBC Champions  (Oct. 31)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Corey Conners, Adam Hadwin

LPGA TOUR

Ha Na Jang birdied the third playoff hole to beat Danielle Kang at the LPGA’s BMW Ladies Championship. Jang is the second non-LPGA member winner of the 2019 season, joining Women’s British Open champion Hinako Shibuno. She is eligible for immediate LPGA Tour membership, or she can defer it to the 2020 season. Kang was looking for second consecutive win on the Asian swing after winning last week’s Shanghai tournament. …Alena Sharp has played even par or better in 10 of her last 12 rounds. …Through the first two events of the Asian swing, Brooke Henderson is a total of -14 par through the first two rounds but is two over par in the final two rounds.

NEXT EVENT: Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA (Oct. 31)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp

SYMETRA TOUR

Muni He is the outright leader at 9-under par halfway through the LPGA Q-Series. …After struggling to 6-over par in the first two days, Maddie Szeryk carded back-to-back 68s to put herself back in contention for a tour card.  …The final four rounds of the Q-Series will take place Oct. 30-Nov. 2 with the top-45 finishers and ties receiving LPGA Tour membership in 2020.

NEXT EVENT:  LPGA Q-Series (Oct. 21-Nov 2)
CANADIANS ENTERED:  Maddie Szeryk

PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS

NEXT EVENT: Invesco Championship  (Nov. 1)

CANADIANS ENTERED:  Stephen Ames

PGA TOUR LATINOAMERICA

NEXT EVENT: Termas de Rio Hondo Invitational  (Oct. 31)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Wil Bateman, Russell Budd, Jared du Toit, Sebastian Szirmak,

Alberta Golf (Calgary) – Alberta Golf offers opportunities for interested applicants to assist in a variety of operational and governance roles that best suit their interests, knowledge and skills.

Assistance is always appreciated at our community events, course ratings, rules of golf, tournaments and casinos.  If you are able to support the organization (even if it is for only 2 or 3 days throughout the summer) we encourage you to find out more on how you can become involved with us.

Applications for 2020 are now open using the attached form.

2020 Volunteer Application Form 

Any time Adam Hadwin is asked about his professional goals, he mentions playing in the Presidents Cup.

The product of Abbotsford, B.C., debuted in the international team event two years ago and it was a seminal moment in his career. After two top-five finishes to start the 2020 PGA Tour season, Hadwin is in good position to make it back to the Dec. 9-15 Presidents Cup and the 31-year-old golfer relishes the opportunity to re-immerse himself in the prestigious tournament’s atmosphere.

“It’s been on my mind since the last one ended,” said Hadwin. “It was such an incredible experience. Being a part of a team is something you rarely get in golf. So being part of such a great group of individuals that are all trying to come together for the same goal is special.”

Although Hadwin’s international team lost 19-11 to the United States at Liberty National Golf Club in 2017, he was bitten by the bug.

“I know we got waxed by the Americans but it was still such an incredible experience being around the top guys in the world,” said Hadwin. “Once you’re a part of it once you never want to be left off of it again.

“I didn’t play well enough in the past year to get into that top eight and really felt like I needed to do some good work in these fall events before (Els) would pick his team.”

Els is expected to make four selections as captain’s picks the week of Nov. 4.

Hadwin has posted some strong results early in the 2020 season. He shot a 16-under overall to finish second at the Safeway Open and then fired a 20-under overall to tie for fourth at the Shriners Hospital for Children Open.

Those back-to-back top-five finishes have Hadwin ranked fifth in the FedExCup standings with 415 points headed into this week’s Houston Open.

Hadwin’s strong play has caught the eye of at least one other person: fellow Canadian Graham DeLaet, who played in the 2013 Presidents Cup.

“I would be surprised if Ernie (Els) didn’t give him a shot to play down there in Melbourne. I think he deserves it,” DeLaet told Golf Canada earlier this week. “He’s got some experience underneath him. There are some new faces on that team so I think some of that experience is going to be helpful. He’s playing great, which has been good to see.”

Hadwin’s fast start hasn’t just made a return to the Presidents Cup possible, it’s made the rest of the PGA Tour season significantly easier.

“It definitely helps. It takes a lot of pressure off the rest of the season,” said Hadwin. “Not that I’m going to relax and rest on some good early play but being in a nice position, earning a bunch of FedEx points early, it sets up a whole season.

“I know that I’m not going to be stressing at the end of the year about keeping a job. More than anything it validates all the work we’ve been putting in.”

Hadwin is spending a couple of weeks at his home in Phoenix before heading to Asia for the ZOZO Championship in Chiba, Japan and then the HSBC Champions, a World Golf Championship event, in Shanghai.

PGA TOUR:
Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., will be in the first group teeing off at No. 1 at the Houston Open on Thursday. DeLaet, from Weyburn, Sask., Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont., David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., and Roger Sloan of Merritt, B.C., will also be in the field at the Golf Club of Houston.

MISSISSAUGA, ON – The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and Bayer Environmental Science (Bayer) have announced James Beebe from Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club in Priddis, Alta. as the CGSA/Bayer Superintendent of the Year for 2019.

The annual award recognizes a member of the CGSA who has held the position of golf course superintendent for a minimum of five years and who has distinguished her or himself through dedication to the profession, performance as a golf course superintendent and contributions to their profession and their community.

“The CGSA is incredibly proud to bestow this recognition to James; he epitomizes leadership and professionalism in his role as Golf Course Manager,” said Greg Austin, CGSA President. I’m one of dozens of golf industry people that have worked with James at Priddis Greens, and all will tell you of his great mentorship and humble leadership. I’m extremely lucky to call James not only a colleague but a friend. Congratulations on this well-deserved award, James.”

“It is truly a great honour to be recognized as the CGSA/Bayer Superintendent of the year,” said Beebe. I feel very thankful to have been surrounded by incredibly supportive people throughout my career without whom this award would not have been possible. Receiving this prestigious award from the CGSA & Bayer is made special because of my long standing relationship and friendships with the wonderful people in these two organizations.”

As the CGSA/Bayer Superintendent of the Year winner, James receives the following:

• Attendance at and participation in the 2019 Fall Field Day from October 9-11 including golfing both days at Cabot Resort. This includes registration fee, travel costs, car rental, if necessary, and hotel accommodation for up to three nights;
• James and his wife Janet will receive an “All-Access” registration to The Canadian Golf Course Management Conference, 4 nights’ accommodation at the Westin Ottawa Hotel and transportation to the conference from March 2-5, 2020;
• A site visit with a written agronomic report from a Bayer Green Solution Specialist;
• Including a $5,000 Bayer plant protection package for the golf course; and
• A trip for two to attend a Bayer educational opportunity that would include golf.

James has been a CGSA member since 1992. He served as the CGSA President in 2016 and was the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA) President in 2004. James has received several awards and recognitions including the CGSA Environmental Achievement Award in 2005, the AGSA Walt Gooder Distinguished Award in 2017, GCSAA/Golf Industry Environmental Leader Award in 2006, as well as making Priddis Greens the first Alberta golf course to be a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 1998. He has sat on numerous committees for both the CGSA and the AGSA.

James graduated from Seneca College in 1989 with a diploma in Golf Course Technology. His early work experience took him from Riverside Golf Club in Saskatoon, to East Essex Golf Club in England from 1989-1991. In 1991 James moved to Alberta where he worked at Woodside Golf Course for two years. He then honed his skills in a role at D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club before moving to Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club. Still into his young career, James elected to return to school and attended Penn State University where in 1995 graduated as valedictorian with an Associates Degree in Golf Course Turfgrass Management. In 1996 James was promoted to Golf Course Superintendent at Priddis Greens.

Over the last 25 plus years James has been known for providing elite playing conditions for his membership and has hosted three LPGA Tour events, including the CP Women’s Open in 1999, 2009 and 2016.

Beebe will receive the CGSA/Bayer Superintendent of the Year award on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 during the Awards Lunch at the Westin Ottawa Hotel as part of The Canadian Golf Course Management Conference.

Alberta Golf (Calgary) – Alberta Golf has announced their Players of the Year for 2019. The categories are Player of the Year for Mens & Ladies, Junior Girls & Boys and the champions on the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour. Here’s a look at this year’s winners.

2019 Ladies Player of the Year – Calgary’s Kehler Koss, a junior at New Mexico State University, is the 2019 Ladies Player of the Year. Koss had a consistent year at events across North America. The 2019 Calgary Ladies Amateur champion is ranked 11th on Golf Canada’s National Order of Merit.

Kehler Koss

2019 Mens Player of the Year – Brendan MacDougall of Calgary, a senior at High Point University in North Carolina is the 2019 Mens Player of the Year. MacDougall reached the finals of the Alberta Match Play Championship and is ranked 10th on Golf Canada’s National Order of Merit.

Brendan MacDougall

2019 Junior Girls Player of the Year – Annabelle Ackroyd is the 2019 Junior Girls Player of the Year. The Calgarian and freshman at The University of Minnesota defended her Alberta Junior Girls title with an impressive 9-stroke victory at Highwood Golf in High River in July.

Annabelle Ackroyd

2019 Junior Boys Player of the Year – Carter Graf of Sylvan Lake is the 2019 Junior Boys Player of the Year. Graf won the Alberta Junior Boys title with a one-stroke victory over Ethan de Graaf at Highwood Golf in High River in July and also finished 3rd at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

Carter Graf

2019 Alberta Junior Tour Girls Champion – Jayla Kucy of Camrose is the 2019 Alberta Junior Tour Girls Champion. Kucy beat a strong field at the Old Course at the Wolf Creek Golf Club in Ponoka this summer to win the Tour Championship on the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour.

Jayla Kucy

2019 Alberta Junior Tour Boys Champion – Cole Bergheim of Red Deer is the 2019 Alberta Junior Tour Boys Champion. Cole played well at the Old Course at the Wolf Creek Golf Club in Ponoka to win the Tour Championship on the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour and also won a gold medal at the Western Canada Summer Games in Swift Current.

Cole Bergheim

VIDEO: 2019 Players of the Year crystal awards

Alberta Golf (Calgary) – Alberta Golf has unveiled it’s 2020 Sport Development Program to support athlete development throughout the province. The continued use of a tiered support program will encourage participation by private members at their home clubs as well as public players who want to develop their game. Jennifer Davison, the Director of Sport Development for Alberta Golf says this support will be far reaching across Alberta.

“Alberta Golf is proud to support athletes in their local area, as well as their identified professionals,” said Davison. “Once a local player reaches the benchmark levels they will be invited to join the High Performance tier and be given the opportunity to apply for funding support.”

At the Tier 1 entry level there will be a greater awareness placed on the roadmap to success and parents of all athletes entering the earliest stages of competition will become more informed about the various development opportunities.

Tier 2 is a very broad level for players playing at the club and local level. Provincial hubs will be created to encourage athletes to seek out the most ideal coaching services in their area.

“The Hub system in Tier 2 will expand Alberta Golf’s reach into local communities” said Davison. ” These hubs will be operated by local professionals who are in touch with the needs of their community.”

Once athletes reach Tier 3 they will be competing at a high level and proving themselves at provincial and national competitions with onsite coaching assistance. Once players reach this benchmark they will be given the opportunity to apply for funding support.

“The program was designed with long term sustainability in mind,” said Davison. “The next steps are to seek out fundraising opportunities to help the program to continue to grow.”

This program hopes to assist athletes on their trajectory towards international competition and also the pathway to earn post-secondary scholarships.

Click here for more information on the 2020 Player Support Program

Click here for the 2020 AB Golf HP Tier Breakdown (Appendix A)

Whether you’re a club member, an avid public player or a new enthusiast to the game, spending on the sport of golf drives massive benefit to communities across Canada.

The impact of golf on the Canadian economy is enormous—an economic impact in excess of $14B is only part of the story. Golf courses and the industry at large account for hundreds of thousands of jobs. Canadians and international visitors plan golf vacations to communities that market themselves as golf destinations and resorts offer golf packages that result in millions of tourism dollars. Tens of thousands of charitable causes use golf as the platform to general $500M annually for worthwhile causes. The golf industry—including more than 5M golfers, nearly 2,300 facilities and local retailers plus countless superintendents, PGA of Canada professionals and industry stakeholders—play a vital role in the continued growth and health of the sport.

Understanding the full scope of Canadian golf including the economic, employment, environmental, tourism and charitable impact of the game in communities from coast to coast is critical. Evaluating that impact is why We Are Golf, a coalition of Canadian golf associations, are inviting Canadians to participate in the latest iteration of the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

The survey, which takes approximately 12-15 minutes to complete, will generate incredible insights, spending trends and meaningful data towards understanding the current impact of golf in Canada.

As part of the survey, We Are Golf wants to know how much you have or expect to spend on golf and golf related activities or purchases. From green fees and equipment to trips or other golf related spending, the confidential information and insights you share will help estimate the economic impact of golf in your community.

The Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study will be carried out by Group ATN Consulting and your privacy as well as any personal or proprietary information shared will be protected in strict confidence. Results of the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study will be reported in early 2020 and the information gathered will only be used to report aggregate results both at the national and provincial level.

We Are Golf includes Golf Canada, the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada, the PGA of Canada, the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association and the Canadian Society of Club Managers. The results of the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study will be shared across the Canadian golf community and used to advocate the benefits of our sport.

Thank you for your participation in the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study.