Local Knowledge

WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM™: 3 KEY CHANGES FOR 2024

Introduced in January 2020, the World Handicap System (WHS) was based upon three key principles: be inclusive, provide a consistent measure of ability, and remain modern. Four years later, with the first revision to the WHS set for this January, those same principles apply to the main changes going into effect, namely:

1) A lower minimum length for a golf course to obtain a Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™

Under the current system, an 18-hole course must be at least 3,000 yards to receive a Course Rating and Slope Rating (or 1,500 yards for 9 holes). Starting in 2024, the yardage requirements will be cut in half, to 1,500 and 750 yards, respectively. This is good news for golfers who regularly play par-3 and shorter-length courses and have wanted those scores to count toward their Handicap Index®.

2) A new treatment of 9-hole scores

Today, 9-hole scores are combined in the order posted to create an 18-hole Score Differential™. This means that a 9-hole score shot today could be combined with a 9-hole score from days, weeks, or even months before – which can lead to volatile results.

Beginning in 2024, when a player posts a 9-hole score, it will be combined with their expected Score Differential over 9 holes to create an 18-hole Score Differential for immediate use – with expected score based on the player’s Handicap Index at the time the round is played as well as a course of standard difficulty.

3) An updated approach for holes not played

At present when a hole isn’t played (due to darkness, for example), the score recorded is a net par. When the 2024 revision goes into effect, when 10-17 holes are played, an 18-hole Score Differential will be determined by adding the player’s Score Differential from the holes played to an expected Score Differential for the number of holes not played. Since a player’s expected score is not specific to a course or reliant upon the course’s stroke index allocation (as net par is today), this will lead to more consistency.

To learn more about the revisions coming to the WHS in 2024, click here.

FINAL CALL – 2024 TEXAS GOLF CLUBS WORKSHOP

The Texas Golf Association will be presenting a workshop for all golf clubs in Texas on January 8, 2024, at Texas Rangers Golf Club in Arlington, located halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth.

A key focus of the workshop will be on the significant revisions coming to the World Handicap System™ in 2024, such as the Inclusion of Shorter-Length Golf Courses Within the Course Rating System, Use of an Expected Score for a Hole Not Played, Playing Conditions Calculation Adjustments Made More Frequent, and Enhanced Guidance on Conducting a Handicap Review.

In addition to the WHS revisions, among the other topics that will be covered during the workshop include the Rules of Golf, Golf Genius Tournament Management, and the GHIN App. Golf clubs attending the workshop will also have the opportunity to renew their mandatory WHS Authorization, which expires at the end of 2023.

There is no fee for the workshop and the PGA of America has agreed to allow the TGA to offer 8 PDR Credits for the training and education day.

For more information and to register online for the 2024 Texas Golf Clubs Workshop, click here.

REVISED GOLF BALL TESTING CONDITIONS TO TAKE EFFECT IN 2028 [USGA, R&A]

The USGA and The R&A will update the testing conditions used for golf ball conformance under the Overall Distance Standard (ODS), which will take effect in January 2028. The decision aims to reduce the impact increased hitting distances have on golf’s long-term sustainability while minimizing the impact on the recreational game.

The revised ball testing conditions will be as follows: 125-mph clubhead speed (equivalent to 183 mph ball speed); spin rate of 2200 rpm and launch angle of 11 degrees. The current conditions, which were established 20 years ago, are set at 120 mph (equivalent to 176 mph ball speed), 2520 rpm with a 10-degree launch angle.

Under the revised ball testing conditions, which are based on analysis of data from the worldwide tours and the game over several years, the longest hitters are expected to see a reduction of as much as 13-15 yards in drive distance. Average professional tour and elite male players are expected to see a reduction of 9-11 yards, with a 5-7-yard reduction for an average LPGA or Ladies European Tour (LET) player.

The change in testing speed is expected to have a minimal distance impact, 5 yards or less, for most recreational golfers. Research shows an average swing speed of 93 mph for male golfers and 72 mph for female players.

Existing balls approved for conformance in 2027 may continue to be used by recreational golfers until January 2030 to give golfers, manufacturers and retailers additional time to adjust. These decisions are in line with the commitments made by the governing bodies at the project’s inception.

To read the full statement by the USGA and R&A on Revised Golf Ball Testing Conditions, click here.

TGA HOLDIAY OFFICE HOURS

Please take note that the Texas Golf Association’s Main Office in Dallas and South Office in Humble will be closed from Dec. 22 – Jan. 1. Both offices will reopen on Jan. 2 at 9 a.m.

The TGA would like to take this opportunity to thank our Member Clubs for their continued partnership in supporting and advancing amateur golf in Texas. We look forward to serving you long into the future, and we share our warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a successful and prosperous New Year.