The PEIGA is happy to introduce Travis Carr as the Junior Development Team and Canada Games Coach!

Travis was born in Marshfield, PEI on June 13, 1990. He picked up the game of golf at a young age and developed an instant passion for it. As a junior golfer, Travis represented Team PEI many times at Provincial, Atlantic and National competitions as a team member from 2005-2008.

With the intention of building a career in the golf industry, Travis studied at Holland College, where he completed the Golf Club Management and Professional Golf Management programs.

Following that, Travis attained his professional status in 2014 and recently received his Class “A” member status through the PGA of Canada. At the 2020 PGA of Canada awards, Travis received the honor of Class “A” professional of the year in the Atlantic Zone. He is now a finalist for the national award which will be selected in January, 2021.

Over his 17 years of employment in the golf industry, Travis has worked many different jobs including turf maintenance, back shop attendant, pro shop attendant, junior program coordinator and teacher. Although he enjoys all areas of golf course operations, he has become particularly passionate about teaching golf and more specifically junior player development.

Aside from using his competitive golfing background, Travis uses the most up to date technology to help improve his students. This includes: Flight Scope (a 3D Doppler tracking radar which measures the launch and flight of the golf ball and provides quantitative data about a player’s golf swing and performance), BodiTrak (a pressure-sensing mat that helps athletes understand how they interact with the ground), as well as, SuperSpeed Training (an overspeed training program used widely on all major tours, designed to gradually develop more clubhead speed).

Aside from golf, Travis is a competitive CrossFit athlete and has a keen interest in fitness and nutrition. Last year he travelled to Ottawa to get certified as a L1 CrossFit coach and he currently coaches CrossFit in the offseason.

Travis is always trying to stay up to date and evolve as a professional and aspires to use his knowledge to improve golfers of all skill levels and ultimately grow the game of golf here on Prince Edward Island.

The PEIGA will be announcing details for the Junior Development Team Program in early January.

Golf Course Guidelines: Phase 4

Golf course operators on Prince Edward Island are required to implement the measures noted below to protect the health and safety of employees and players on Island courses. Additional workplace guidelines and public health measures required to be followed by all businesses can be found in the Renew PEI Together document found at https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/renew-pei-together

Public Health Measures:

• Stay informed, be prepared and follow public health advice
• Physical distancing must be observed at all times, with a minimum of two metres between individuals. This applies to all public areas as well as employee designated areas such as break areas and pro shop.
• Adhere to mass gathering limits.
• Encourage frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; if not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains 60% – 80% alcohol.
• Ensure enhanced cleaning and sanitizing of frequently touched surfaces.
• Encourage vulnerable individuals to exercise caution and minimize high-risk exposures.
• An illness exclusion policy must be in place which requires staff to stay home if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Players exhibiting signs of illness will be asked to leave.

Course Operation:

• Tee times will only be made online or over the phone.
• Where possible encourage online, debit and credit transactions.
• Tee time intervals will be increased to ensure groups are evenly spaced throughout the entire round. Pace of play must be monitored to avoid congestion on the course.
• Groups will consist of no more than 4 people. Physical distancing must be observed at all times, with a minimum of two metres between players.
• Groups will be asked to wait to be called to first tee to start.
• Club storage is not permitted.
• One day tournaments and similar events are permitted where the total number of people does not exceed the organized gathering limit (50 in phase 4).  This is to keep contact tracing manageable in the instance of a positive case.  There could be potential for a second group of 50 players up to a maximum of 100 people across gatherings provided the two groups do not mix (as per the multiple gathering guidance).  Pre-approval of the operational plan would be required should the total number of people involved exceed 50.
• Lessons can be offered where physical distancing and gathering limits can be observed.
• Driving ranges can open if physical distancing can be maintained and range balls can be cleaned and disinfected between customers.
• Practice putting and chipping greens can open if physical distancing can be maintained and devices or systems are in place to allow removal of the ball from the hole without the player touching the flag or reaching into the hole.
• Retail and pro-shop sales are permitted in accordance with the Retail Guidelines.
• Food service areas, including in-room dining are permitted to operate in accordance with the Food Premises Guidelines.

Lessen Touch Points:

• Course furniture; benches, ball washers, shoe scrapers, rakes, club cleaners, sand dispensers, and first tee scorecard/pencil holders will be removed where possible or made inaccessible.
• Consumables such as scorecards and pencils will be made available to each group as they arrive at the tee.
• Devices or systems must be in place that allows removal of the ball from the hole without the player touching the pin or reaching in the hole.
• If golf cart and pull cart rentals are permitted, they must be cleaned and sanitized between uses. Walking is encouraged to reduce the use of shared equipment.
• Limit of one person per golf cart, unless the occupants can prove they reside in the same household or a physical barrier is in place between the players.

Education/Best Practices:

• All staff will be trained to observe COVID-19 safety protocols and trained to recognize symptoms of COVID-19.
• Signage will be placed in parking lots and on course encouraging physical distancing and COVID-19 safety practices.
• Staff will ask any player/guest to leave the property if they witness any of the safety protocols being ignored.
• When booking tee times, players will be made aware of the measures the course has taken to make it safe to play. If they book online they will receive information by email, if they call an operator will inform them.

Cleaning and Sanitizing:

• A detailed sanitation plan requiring frequent cleaning and sanitizing of clubhouse and on-course washroom facilities must be in place, with only one individual permitted entry at a time.
• Staff will be provided access to protective equipment which may include gloves, non-medical masks (when required), and cleaning supplies.
• All rental equipment will be sanitized following each use.
• Equipment (computers, mowers, etc.) should be assigned to one user as much as possible to avoid shared use and the continuous need to clean and sanitize between uses. Where equipment is share, or reassigned to a new user, it must first be cleaned and sanitized.

The Prince Edward Island Golf Association (PEIGA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Griffin as their new Executive Director.

Alison’s experience in sport, recreation and communication will be an asset to PEIGA that will allow the association to continue serving members and facilities while growing the sport of golf.

“I am very excited to be joining PEIGA in the ED role, I thank the Board of Directors for this opportunity.” said Griffin. “My predecessor implemented a variety of programs and built positive relationships with members, operators and partners and I look forward to contributing to the exceptional reputation PEIGA has provincially and nationally.

Alison is originally from O’Leary, PEI and has a diploma in Sport and Recreation Management from Holland College. She was the Executive Director for the Western Region Sport and Recreation Council from 2011-2017 and most recently, the Manager of Communications for the Department of Health with the Government of Nunavut in Iqaluit.  Alison also served on the Canada Games Mission Staff for Team PEI in 2015 and 2017 and managed the Team Nunavut Youth Ambassador Program for Arctic Winter Games in 2018 and Canada Games in 2019.

“ Sean’s leadership and continued support has left PEIGA in a great place and although this golf season will be very different from any other, I’m looking forward to seeing what our association can accomplish with Alison as our Executive Director and our current board of directors.” stated PEIGA President, Melissa Castle

The PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando is one of the most vibrant opportunities for golf industry members to connect in the New Year.

This year’s edition was no different.

Thousands of attendees packed the floor of the Orange County Convention Center – they say there are 10 miles worth of walkable area on the convention floor – and pushed through a windy and cold (by Orlando standards) demo day at Orange County National Golf Center’s 400-yard-in-diameter driving range.

The PGA of Canada put on a spectacular evening, as it does every year, to honour many deserving award winners from the year-that-was in Canadian golf, including a special award in 2020 to the president of Golf Canada, Charlie Beaulieu.

That wasn’t the only Canadian connection at this year’s show, as you’ll see when you read on.

The PGA Show is a unique event, and Golf Canada wants to give you an inside look at the goings on from Florida.

Here are the nine things we’re still thinking about from the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show.

1. CELEBRATING CANADA

The PGA Show draws attendees and exhibitors from all around the world, but it was great to see some strong Canadian connections in 2020.

Dormie Workshop – founded by some brothers in Nova Scotia – has quickly become the authoritative name in leather goods. Dormie’s headcovers are world class (you can buy yours from Golf Canada’s website) and this year brothers Jeff and Todd Bishop announced they would be expanding Dormie’s line to include golf bags, luggage, glove covers and more. Dormie has also entered into a partnership called “The Collective” with two other hip golf companies, Foray (clothing) and Asher (gloves).

While Dormie is expanding its assets line, 2UNDR remains committed to supporting the assets of the male golfers out there.

The British Columbia-based underwear company has continued its relationship with star Rickie Fowler and its line of performance undergarments have continued to be well received by many on the PGA TOUR as well as on the course and off.

2. LEGENDS LAUNCH NEW GEAR

Once you’ve reached legend status in golf you just need one name. Tiger, Jack, Arnie, Rory, Annika… you know exactly who they are.

The same goes for Scotty (Cameron) and (Bob) Vokey.

Vokey, a Canadian Golf Hall of Famer, was on-hand this year to launch the new Vokey SM8 wedges, while Cameron happily showed off his new line called Special Select.

The Special Select line blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship, while the SM8’s have seen innovation in three key areas – distance & trajectory control, spin, and grinds.

Both the SM8 line of wedges and the Special Select putters are Tour-proven, look amazing, and are perfect for your bags in 2020.

3. OUTFITTING OUR STARS

Canadian golf had a banner year in 2019 and as we look ahead to 2020, our stars will not only be playing well, but looking good too.

During the PGA Show Levelwear announced it had re-signed some of Canada’s biggest stars in golf including Corey Conners, Michael Gligic, and Taylor Pendrith. The company, based just north of Toronto, had re-signed Adam Hadwin – Canada’s top-ranked male golfer – last year, and its new gear for men and women was on display in Orlando.

It’s likely that Conners and Hadwin will be representing Canada at the Olympics later this summer, and adidas had in its booth the uniforms that Team USA and Team Canada would be wearing on the golf course in Tokyo – with some solid red-and-white accents (of course).

4. GOLF GETS… GREENER

While 2020 will mark the third year Canada has legalized cannabis, it’s not nationally legal across the United States. However, 2020 was a big year at the PGA Show for vendors who produce a variety of CBD products aimed at calming the mind and body of golfers, as many states are starting to legalize it.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a product derived from cannabis but doesn’t cause a ‘high’ like another cannabinoid, THC. Instead, CBD oil – when mixed in chewing gum or edibles has the potential to relax its chewer. When combined with other oils or muscle creams, it provides a new kind of soothing feeling.

While not for everybody, the lines at each of the CBD booths showed that people were at least interested in trying something different.

And, since both CBD and THC are fully legal across Canada, it won’t be the only time interest in the products will be sparked.

5. ON-COURSE FUN

You’re supposed to have fun playing golf. While there were plenty of products at the PGA Show that promoted this, there were two that really stood out.

The first were pushcarts from Walker Trolleys. Brad Payne, who used to work as a designer for Apple, designed the cart. It made its debut at the PGA Show, and it’s a combination of sleek and practical, with whitewall tires, a polished aluminum frame, and a leather handle – plus a customizable canvas storage system. Look for them at some premium golf facilities across North America this summer.

Many golfers – while they’re walking or riding – like to listen to music on the course these days. But Bushnell has invented a new product for 2020 that combines the world of tunes with the world of tight approaches. The Bushnell Wingman is a Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a GPS yardage device. So while you’re rocking out to Rush or The Tragically Hip this summer, you’ll only be interrupted by a voice telling you how far it is to the front, middle, or back of the green you’re staring down.

6. DOING OUR PART FOR THE PLANET

A big trend not just in golf but also in the worlds of retail, technology, and more, is encouraging companies and the general public to be more environmentally friendly.

At the PGA Show this year, for the first time, there were shirts and shoes made out of recycled plastic water bottles. That’s just one example of clothing companies making a concerted effort to try to be more environmentally conscious.

Canadian shaft maker ACCRA also announced at the PGA Show it would be launching a new shaft called the Eco-Satin (a version of its i-Series shaft). Eco-Satin uses fewer chemicals on the finish and nearly 40 litres less water than normal.

7. GOLF GOES DIGITAL

One of the largest – and most impressive – booths on the PGA Show floor in 2020 was that of Foresight. Foresight has made golf launch monitors and HD simulators for nearly a decade. The San Diego-based company now has more than 10,000 of their products in retailers, courses, homes, and driving ranges across North America.

In 2020 it was focused on launching the GCHawk, which is actually an overhead-mounted launch monitor (versus setting the machine on the ground). The GCHawk captures data from every club in the bag, and no matter if you’re a lefty or righty, you don’t need to set yourself up any differently.

It’s hard to beat the Foresight digital experience, and seeing it in action at the PGA Show was truly impressive.

8. SHOES FROM THE SHOW

There is only one part of a golfer’s gear that is used on every single shot plus every single step during a round – his or her shoes.

This year at the PGA Show we saw copious kicks, from modern to classic. If they were tech-first or comfort-first, all the shoes we saw were designed for golfers in mind and to make every swing and every step even more comfortable.

A couple of shoes that really stood out were from FootJoy. The company literally has ‘foot’ in the name – so you know every year you’ll see some solid options. New for 2020 is the Tour X, a shoe inspired by FJ’s vast network of Tour players. You’ll also see an expansion of its FJ Flex line (including another custom design coming for the RBC Canadian Open…) including the Coastal and LE1 – perfect for on-course or off.

Also jumping out at us for 2020 given their fresh design concepts were the Ignite PWRADAPT CAGED shoe from Puma – with a focus on locked-in stability and comfort – and adidas’ new CODECHAOS line, which features several spikeless models with style inspired by running shoes.

9. IT’S A GLOBAL GAME

One thing for certain whenever thousands of golfers and golf industry professionals get together – it’s clear the game has gone global.

Many of the companies above have headquarters in the U.S., with key offices across Canada, Europe, and into Asia. You could sit at a table with people from five different countries, and three or four different languages could be spoken. The PGA of America put on plenty of informative discussions during the show that tapped into global knowledge, while representatives from the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, European Tour, Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada, and the USGA – amongst many others – were all mixing it up during the week.

The USGA, in particular, had a special new announcement for 2020. Just weeks prior to the show it, along with the R&A and Golf Canada, brought forth the World Handicap System (WHS), and it was a hot topic at the PGA Show. Industry professionals learned more about how they can best work with their members and public players this year and moving forward. The WHS provides all golfers a consistent measure of playing ability (more here).

Just like many new and innovated pieces of technology at the PGA Show, the World Handicap System is built to make golf more fun.

Welcome to Golf Handicaps for Dummies: Why having a handicap is not a handicap.

No, I’m not calling you a dummy, but if you’re a golfer of any ability who doesn’t maintain an accurate and consistent handicap, you’re not taking advantage of one of the fundamentals that makes golf the most democratic of sports. And that’s just dumb.

With all due respect, you can’t go one-on-one with a pro basketball player or hope to score on an NHL goalie. They’re not going to let you shoot at a basket that’s lower than regulation or a net that’s 10 feet wide and six feet high.

But golf’s handicap system allows you to compete on an equitable basis with players who are more or less accomplished than you are. Maintaining a handicap also allows you to monitor your progress every time you play. It’s an integral part of your golf experience.

And, starting Jan. 8, the new World Handicap System makes that scenario even more attractive. More user-friendly, in other words.

“The new system gives golfers an increased opportunity to have fun and compete equitably across all skill levels and ages,” says Shaun Hall, Golf Canada’s senior manager of handicap & course rating.

“You don’t have to be a competitive golfer. If you simply enjoy playing, having a handicap makes the game more enjoyable and allows you to track whether you’re improving.”

I reached out on Twitter with the question, “Do you maintain a handicap and why?”  and received some testimonials.

Ontario golfer Donal Byrne says, “I’m a huge fan of keeping a handicap. I was thrilled to have closed the season inside of 20 [Handicap Index] for the first time. We should celebrate everyone who plays, no matter how they play. I just won’t play anyone who doesn’t have a handicap for money!”

And from Charlottetown, Jeff Craig, whose Twitter profile says he’s “dedicated in my quest to break par,” says, “It bugs the Hell out of me when someone [without a handicap] says, ‘Well, I usually shoot in the mid-80s and wants to play for something.’”

On a personal note, my wife loves the game and posts every score. Her pride in seeing her handicap decrease is evident. Because she is diligent about maintaining her handicap and improving her skills, she was able to win the ladies’ net championship at her club. As a side note, she plays annually in a member-guest at another club where you must have an official Golf Canada Handicap Index to participate.

When she first took up golf, she had waffled about establishing a handicap because, in her words, “I don’t think I’m good enough to have a handicap.”

And that’s the most common excuse recreational golfers give for not caring about a handicap. “I’m not good enough.” Hall disputes that, especially given the fact that under the new system the maximum Handicap Index (which replaces the previous “Handicap Factor” in Canada) has been raised to 54.0 for both men and women. Previously, it was 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women.

Another significant change is to Equitable Stroke Control (ESC). Starting in 2020, net double bogey on any hole is the maximum allowed, whether it’s a par 3, par 4 or par 5. So, for handicap purposes, you can count a maximum of two strokes over par plus any strokes you are entitled to, based on the stroke allowance for that hole.

Obviously, from its name, the World Handicap System is now accepted globally, meaning the same parameters are in place no matter where you play, a boon for Canadians who travel and golf outside the country. As before, all scores can be conveniently posted on the Golf Canada Score Centre, club kiosk or Golf Canada app from your phone or tablet.

3 more significant innovations

1. Only three 18-hole scores (or the equivalent combination of nine-hole scores) are needed to establish a Handicap Index. Previously, the minimum was five. What golfer doesn’t play more than 54 holes in a season?
2. Only eight of your lowest 20 most recent scores will be used to calculate your Handicap Index, rather than the previous 10.
3. And a Playing Conditions Calculation will analyze how you played that day compared to your expected performance on that particular course, taking into account weather and course setup.

Don’t ask me how that last one works, because I’m a tech dummy.

If you want to delve deeper into the mechanics and details of the new World Handicap System, click here.

But even if you don’t, don’t be a dummy. Take advantage of the new World Handicap System in 2020.

Thanks to Golf Newfoundland and Labrador, PEI Golf Association Members will once again be able to participate in a weekly webinar that will cover the “new” Rules of Golf.  The webinar will take participants through all the major changes rule by rule and it will also include practice questions that will help prepare for the Level 2 rules exam.

Here are the details:

1. The program runs one night per week (Thursday) for 13 weeks. Each session lasts 2-2.5 hours including a fifteen minute break. Intended start date is Thursday January 9/2020.
2. The program accommodates two types of participants. Active participants (a total of four) and auditors. Active participants are those intending to write the Level 2 Rules exam in April/2020. Auditors may be Level 2, 3 or 4 officials under the former scheme (2016) who want to re-certify under the 2019 code. For information: the former four levels have been reduced to three as of 2019. Level 2 is now designated “provincial” and level 3 is “national” certification. Auditors may also include prospective new officials who may wish to become certified at some point in the future.
3. Each week will include some slides and videos on the rules followed by some questions on the rules of golf. The latter begin in Week 3. These are Practice Problems of the type that appear on rules exams. Only Active Participants will be responding to these problems online. But answers will be provided for every attendee during the session.
4. If the slide presentation of any rule does not get finished during a session, participants are expected to review that rule on their own time.
5. Please contact Sean Joyce at peiga@peiga.ca with any questions or if you would like to register.
Equipment Needed to Participate:
1. The 2019 Official Guide to the Rules of Golf. There are two other publications you may wish to obtain. One is the smaller “Rules of Golf” and the other is the, even smaller, Player’s Edition of the Rules of Golf. The Player’s Edition will not be used in the course. But the Rules of Golf is useful because it has an index that the Guidebook does not have. All are available at nominal cost from the PEI Golf Association.
2. Computer with internet access. Tablets or smartphones may also work. Computer is best.
3. Noise-cancelling computer headset with microphone. USB corded versions cost about $30. USB or Bluetooth wireless headsets start about $80. But, any “gaming” headset should work. Built-in computer microphones usually provide too much feedback to be useful.

For additional information on the Rules of Golf please visit Golf Canada’s website – https://golfcanada.ca/rules-of-golf/ 

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced a new multi-year integrated partnership with Golf Canada as the official hotel partner for the National Sport Federation and its members.

Hilton is proud to support Canada’s legendary National Open Golf Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open. As a result of the partnership, Hilton is now also the official hotel partner for Golf Canada’s National Team Program, Canadian Amateur Golf Championships and the World Junior Girls Championship.

As part of the partnership, Golf Canada members receive access to an array of travel benefits through Hilton including exclusive discounts and special offers.

“We are thrilled to partner with Golf Canada and their world-class golf programs, national team and championships,” said Andrew Flack, vice president, regional marketing & eCommerce Americas, Hilton. “Canada offers golf enthusiasts some of the most pristine courses in the world and we look forward to welcoming golfers from all over the destination with our signature Hilton hospitality.”

“Hilton is deeply engaged, and we are pleased to integrate their commitment to Canadian golf across so many pillars of our organization,” said Laurence Applebaum, CEO of Golf Canada. “Hilton represents the highest quality in hospitality with premium offerings for both serious and recreational golfers. Our robust partnership has a touchpoint with so many levels of Canadian golf and its exciting for our members across Canada to begin accessing a meaningful suite of travel and lifestyle benefits.”

To plan a Canadian getaway, guests can click here.

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.

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 Manager. 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.