Your golf handicap is changing – find out why it matters
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
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?
Only eight of your lowest 20 most recent scores will be used to calculate your Handicap Index, rather than the previous 10.
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.
Modernized Rules of Amateur Status coming in 2022
The USGA and The R&A are conducting a review of the Rules of Amateur Status to make them easier to understand and apply.
The comprehensive evaluation is part of the continued joint effort to modernize the Rules by reducing complexity and ensuring the Rules effectively guide how the game is played today.
As part of a review process that began earlier this year, the governing bodies will seek the perspectives of golf’s stakeholders as an integral component of the review process, including elite amateur golfers, golf event organizers, national golf associations, professional golf associations and other industry partners.
The aim is to provide the golf community with a modernized set of the Amateur Status Rules in late 2021, with the goal of an effective date of January 1, 2022.
Thomas Pagel, senior managing director of Governance at the USGA, said, “One of golf’s greatest benefits is that it can be played by all ages and played for a lifetime. It is our goal to ensure that the fundamental concept of what it means to be an amateur golfer is clear and retained to promote fair competition and enjoyment for everyone, while still addressing many issues that seek to protect the game. This is a forward-thinking approach and engaging golfers is a key component of doing what’s best for golf.”
Grant Moir, director – Rules at The R&A, said, “We will be looking at the Rules of Amateur Status carefully and considering ways in which we can modernize them and bring them more into line with the way the modern sport is played. The code remains a fundamental framework for amateur golf and we will be listening to the views of players, officials and associations to give us a fully rounded view of how we can improve them.”
In a separate move, effective January 1, 2020, the USGA and The R&A will introduce one change to Rule 3-2b of the Rules of Amateur Status, which regulates hole-in-one prizes. The Rules will no longer limit the prize an amateur golfer may win when making a hole-in-one outside a round of golf, including “stand-alone” and “multiple-entry” hole-in-one events. It is hoped the change will help to promote the game and cater to new audiences as well, and eliminate unnecessary restrictions for event organizers.
New Rule 3-2b will read as follows:
Rule 3-2b. Hole-in-One Prizes
An amateur golfer may accept a prize in excess of the limit in Rule 3-2a, including a cash prize, for making a hole-in-one during a round of golf on a golf course.
An amateur golfer may also accept a prize in excess of the limit in Rule 3-2a, including a cash prize, for making a hole-in-one during contests held outside a round of golf, including multiple-entry contests and contests conducted other than on a golf course (e.g., on a driving range, golf simulator or putting green) provided in all cases that the length of the shot is at least 50 yards.
The NSGA to host the first annual Junior Golf Summit – Nov 23, 2019
A line of children play golf during the annual Junior Golf Clinic on the Oaks Golf Course at Randolph Air Force Base, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, June 13, 2012. The clinic is a recreational activity to teach children of U.S. service members or Department of Defense civilians the basics of golf and course etiquette. (U.S. Air Force photo by Benjamin Faske/Released)
The NSGA will be hosting the its first ever Junior Golf Summit on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the Future Inns in Halifax.
The Association will bring together industry professionals from across Nova Scotia to discuss junior golf and to share the best practices to help attract new junior golfers into the game. The object of the program will be to help develop a roadmap to grow participation in our sport.
“There are a lot of success stories in junior golf right here in Nova Scotia. We want to showcase them and pull together the innovators in our province so that we can all learn to develop a province wide strategy to keep growing the game of golf. Juniors are the key to our future as well as to our long-term success, we must work together to grow the game.” said David Campbell, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Golf Association.
What: NSGA Junior Golf Summit
Where: Future Inns, 30 Fairfax Drive, Halifax
When: Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: FREE – Space is limited to 40 people so REGISTER today!
Sessions include:
Coaching: The future of golf. From grassroots to high performance.
Discussion with Jeff MacDonald, Director of Instruction at Ashburn Golf Club and NSGA Provincial Head Coach.
Safe Sport: Creating and developing policies to create a safe environment at your club. Mike Hudson, Sport Consultant with the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage.
The life cycle of Future Links: Presentation by Brian Affleck, Director of Golf, Antigonish Golf Club and owner of Brian Affleck Golf Academy.
Girls and golf. What can we do? Panel discussion with four golf professionals who will share their experience from growing up as a junior golfer to working in the golf industry.
Sara Wilson, PGA Professional Oakfield and owner of Metro Ladies Golf
Laura Reid, PGA Professional Ken Wo
Daria Leidenius, PGA Professional Glen Arbour
Anne Balser, NSGA Technical Director
Moving forward:
Round table discussion concerning junior golf in Nova Scotia focused on sharing ideas and best practices as to what our next steps should be?
Bill MacMillan honoured with NSGA Distinguished Service Award
The Nova Scotia Golf Association is pleased to announce that William ‘Bill’ MacMillan has been recognized as the recipient of the 2019 NSGA Distinguished Service Award for his long- term service and impact on the game of golf in Nova Scotia.
For the past 32 years Mr. MacMillan has worked tirelessly as a Referee, Course Rater, and a board member for the NSGA and Golf Canada.
In 1985 he joined the NSGA Executive Committee working as an Assistant on rules, handicap and rating chairman that continues to this day. In 1995 he became the first elected Vice-President of the NSGA and served in this role until 1996 when he was elected President of the NSGA.
Highlights during his tenure of president with the assistance of past Executive Director Murray Purcell, were establishing our Player of the Year points system and founding the NSSAF Golf Tournament.
In 2003 Mr. MacMillan was nominated by Alvin Sinclair as a Governor with Golf Canada (formerly the RCGA). He served as a governor for a decade until 2013.
He was the Golf Canada Handicap and Course Rating Committee Chairman from 2009 to 2013. In 2013 he was appointed NSGA Tournament Director until 2018 and now in 2019 serves as the chair of the NSGA Tournament committee and is a member of the Handicap and Course rating committee.
During his time with the NSGA Mr. MacMillan rated over 2400 holes in seven (7) provinces and two (2) states. He has also been an official at over 270 provincial and national championships and 475 rounds of golf.
Also, we’d like to note his work with his home club of Hartlen Point Forces Golf Club for serving on the Executive Committee for 21 years (17 of those as rules and handicap chairman).
Mr. Macmillan lives in Eastern Passage and is retired from the Geological Survey of Canada at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography where he was employed from 1972 to 2010.
2019 NSGA Annual General Meeting – Sunday, Oct 20
The 2019 NSGA Annual General Meeting will be hosted at the Avon Valley Golf Club on
Sunday, Oct 20, 2019*
from 10:00am-12:00pm.
We encourage a representative from all member clubs to attend.
To view the 2018 NSGA Draft Financial Statements please CLICK HERE
Please RSVP to David at
902-468-8844 ex. 1
or
david@nsga.ns.ca
*The AGM will be held on Sunday, Oct 20 not Saturday
CBU Win’s NSGA University & College Championship
The first ever NSGA University & College Championship has come to a close. With 38 competitors representing 6 institutions from across Nova Scotia, it was a great way to kick off the newest competition to the NSGA Championship Schedule.
The team comprising of Nick Carmichael, Kevin George, Colin Fraser, Ian Fraser and Tyler Syms, from Cape Breton University were crowned the 2019 Team Champions with total combined gross score of 305. In close second in the team event was Saint Mary’s University with a combined score of 308.
Claiming top spot in the men’s individual competition, after firing an impressive 2-over-par 70, was Cape Breton University’s Kevin George. On the women’s side, Dalhousie’s Sydney Erb posted a solid round of 86.
Congratulations to the first ever champions of the NSGA Atlantic University/College Championship.
This wraps up our competitive season here with the Nova Scotia Golf Association. Thank you to all those that participated and represented our province locally and nationally. We’re looking forward to seeing you in the 2020.
Special Thank you to SMUSA & SMU Athletics & TD Insurance for Sponsoring the event.
Thank you to Brightwood Golf and Country Club for being an outstanding Host.
For information on the Brightwood Golf Club click here.
If you have any questions please contact Bryce Zinck at bryce@nsga.ns.ca
The NSGA Mourns the loss of Doug McEwan
The Nova Scotia Golf Association mourns the loss of past president Doug McEwan. Doug passed away at his home on September 14, 2019. Born in Montreal, Doug retired in 1995 as a Lieutenant-Colonel from the Canadian Air Force after serving our country for 37 years.
Doug is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Hazel Mary McEwan; sons Duane (Marija) McEwan, Daryl (Rosemary) McEwan and daughter Debra Kruger. Grampa (aka “Mr. Doug”) was also a cherished part in the lives of his step-daughters Diane (JR) Letourneau and Donna (Mike) Lenehan. From this the many grandchildren, nieces and nephews; Holly, Nikita, Logan, Daniel, Marcas, Mitchell, Matthias, John, Kimberly, Allison, Sean, Jillian, Jennifer and Josh, helped complete the circle of his loving family. Doug was predeceased by his parents, Doug and Violet McEwan; sister, Heather and son-in-law Robert.
In 1997 he joined the NSGA Championship Committee as an Assistant Tournament Chair until 1999. In 1999 he became the Chairman of the NSGA Championships Committee and served in this role until 2001. After serving as a tournament administrator he then began his work as Rules Official. He served as the Assistant Rules Director fro 2001 to 2002. In 2003 he became the Chairman of the Rules Committee. A position he held twice during his service to the NSGA.
In 2007, Mr. McEwan was elected to the position of 2nd Vice President of the NSGA. In 2009 he was appointed to the Provincial Council with Golf Canada and was also elected as 1st Vice President of the NSGA.
In 2010 he was elected as the President of the NSGA and served as President until 2013. He subsequently served as NSGA Past President in 2014-2015 and Rules Director in 2016-2018.
During his time with the NSGA, Mr. McEwan has officiated in countless local, provincial and national championships.
In 2018 Doug was awarded the NSGA Distinguished Service Award for the for his long- term service and his impact on the game of golf in Nova Scotia.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20th, 2019 at Queen of Heaven Chapel, 14 Wing Greenwood with Padre Michael Conteh officiating.
A reception will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 98, 1472 Veterans Lane, Kingston. Family flowers only please. Donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., 902-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by clicking HERE
Team New Brunswick wins the 2019 Atlantic Golf Championship
The 2019 Atlantic Golf Championships wrapped up today at the Humber Valley Resort in Newfoundland. Competitors from across Atlantic Canada were treated to wonderful hospitality and a spectacular golf.
Originally contested in 2014, this years’ championship marked the sixth year of the Atlantic Golf Championships where teams from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador compete for both the “Atlantic Cup”, and individual competitions. Players are competing for eight (8) exemptions for 2019 Canadian Championships. Exemptions include men’s and women’s Canadian Amateur, Mid-Master, Senior and Super Senior.
Team New Brunswick has successfully defended their title, this marks the third year in row winning the Atlantic Championship. Team NB finished with a total of 20 points. Team Newfoundland & Labrador finished second with a total of 18 points. Team Prince Edward Island finished in third with a total of 13 points and Team Nova Scotia finished fourth with a total of 7 points.
Bathurst native and member of the Gowan Brae Golf Club, Molly MacDermaid won the Women’s Amateur division with two-round total of 171. Finishing two-strokes behind was Kathleen Jean from Stephenville, NL.
Alex Palmer from The Riverside Golf Club in Rothesay, NB, won the Men’s Amateur division after carding a two-day total of 143 (66-77). Finishing in second place was Micheal Furlong from the Bally Haly Golf Club in St.John’s NL.
Cameron King from Georgetown, PE won the Mid-Master’s division by one-stroke over Greg Jones from the Country Meadows Golf Club in Moncton, NB. King fired a two-day total 148 (76-72).
Erin Musgrave from the Country Meadows Golf Club in Moncton, NB won the Women’s Mid-Master division. Musgrave fired 80 during her final round to finish with a two-day total of 167. Finishing five-stroke behind was Melissa Castle from the Belvedere Golf Club in Charlottetown.
Eddie Bearns from the Bally Haly Golf Club won the Men’s Senior title after firing a two-day total of 146 (74-72) and finished eight stroke ahead of Garry Jenkins from Fredericton, NB.
Stratford, PE native Sherry White from the Belvedere Golf Club won the Senior Women’s title over Mary Walton-Rossignol from the Fredericton Golf Club. White carded a two round total 166 (87-79) to finish three strokes ahead of Walton-Rossingnol.
Wayne Ford from the Blomidon Golf Club in Corner Brook, NL won the Men’s Super Senior with two round total of 151 (74-77).
Sharon Case from the Miramichi Golf & Country Club captured the Women’s Super Senior title after firing a two-day total of 173 (88-85).
For more information and full results on the 2019 Atlantic Championship, please CLICK HERE.
For more information on the Atlantic Golf Championship please click HERE
For more information on the Provincial Golf Association please click below:
The 2019 Atlantic Golf Championships got underway today at the Humber Valley Resort in Western, NFLD. Competitors from across Atlantic Canada enjoyed a beautiful day at the Doug Carrick designed course, ranked 8th in Canada by ScoreGolf in 2019.
Originally contested in 2014, this years’ championship marked the sixth year of the Atlantic Golf Championships where teams from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador compete for both the “Atlantic Cup” as well as eight (8) exemptions into 2020 National Championships in their respective divisions. Exemptions include men’s and women’s Canadian Amateur, Mid-Master, Senior and Super Senior.
After the first round, New Brunswick leads the team competition with a cumulative team total of 19 points. In second place in the team competition is Newfoundland & Labrador with a total of 17 points. Prince Edward Island is currently in third place with 14 points and Nova Scotia is in fourth position with 8 points.
Bathurst, NB native, Molly MacDermaid and Kathleen Jean from Stephenville, NFLD are tied for the lead in the women’s amateur competition after recording rounds of 89. Sitting one stroke behind the leaders is Taylor Cormier from Blomidon Golf & Country Club in Corner Brook, NFLD.
Alex Palmer from The Riverside Country Club in Rothesay, NB had the round of the day after carding a six under par 66 during today’s first round. The 32 year old carded 2 eagles, 4-birdies and 2-bogeys to tie the competitive course record at the Humber Valley Resort. Sitting in second place in the amateur men’s competition is Michael Furlong, the 2019 Atlantic Champion (NFLD). The Bally Haly Country Club member fired a two-over par 74.
Cameron King from Georgetown, PE carded a four-over par 76 today and has a two stroke lead in the men’s mid master division over Stu Musgrave from Moncton, NB and a member of Country Meadows Golf Club. Musgrave carded 6 over par 78.
Melissa Castle from the Belvedere Golf Club in Charlottetown is leading the women’s mid-master competition after carding a first round total of 83. There is a two-way tie for second place between Erin Musgrave from the Country Meadows Golf Club in Moncton, NB and Anderson Creek member Myrna Millar from Ellerslie, PE who each carded first round 87’s.
Eddie Bearns from Paradise, NL and member of Bally Half Country Club is leading the senior division with two-over par 74. Garry Jenkins from the Fredericton Golf Club is one stroke behind Bearns.
Mary Walton-Rossingnol from the Fredericton Golf Club is leading the senior women’s division with a first round total of 83. One stroke behind in second place is Paula Napke-Flanagan from the Miramichi Golf & Country Club.
Sharon Case also from the Miramichi Golf & Country Club is leading the women’s super-senior division with a first round total of 88.
Blomidon member Wayne Ford from Corner Brook, NL is leading the men’s super senior division with a first round total of 74.
For more information on the Atlantic Golf Championship please click HERE
For more information on the Provincial Golf Association please click below:
The beautiful Humber Valley Resort is located in Western Newfoundland. Ranked the 8th in Canada by ScoreGolf Magazine, the Resort features an 18-Hole Championship Golf Course, Wellness Spa, Luxury Vacation Condominiums and Luxury Chalets all in the heart of Humber Valley. The Eagles Perch Clubhouse sits 400 feet above the Humber River offering a panoramic view of Deer Lake and The Appalachian Mountains. This spectacular setting is a premier facility for weddings, golf tournaments, conventions, business meetings and social events.
Humber Valley set to host the 2019 Atlantic Championship
10th hole, Humber Valley Resort - The River Course
The 2019 Atlantic Golf Championship will return to Newfoundland and Labrador, as Humber Valley Resort in gets set to host the 6th Annual Atlantic Golf Championship on September 14 & 15, 2019.
The Atlantic Golf Championship, which brings together the region’s best amateur golfers, will come to the Humber Valley Resort for the first time next week. This best in class championship is host to top golfers from across Atlantic Canada. Amateur, Mid-Master and Senior golfers will compete over 36 holes for both individual and team titles.
The four Atlantic Golf Associations will conduct qualifying tournaments to select 20 players from their respective provinces’ to compete at Glen Arbour in September.
The Atlantic Golf Championship will see male and female golfers in amateur (under 40) Mid-Master (male 40-54 & female 40-49), Senior (male 55+ and female 50+) and Super-Senior divisions for one male (over 65) and one female (over 60) competing for both provincial teams and individual titles.
Similar to the format used at national tournaments the Championship will include two rounds that will determine champions in the team competition and individual competition. Through an agreement with Golf Canada the winners of each division will receive an exemption into respective national championships for the following year.
About the Humber Valley Resort
Humber Valley Resort is located in Western Newfoundland, just 20 minutes from the Deer Lake Airport. The Resort features an 18-Hole Championship Golf Course, Wellness Spa, Luxury Vacation Condominiums and Luxury Chalets all in the heart of Humber Valley. The Eagles Perch Clubhouse sits 400 feet above the Humber River offering a panoramic view of Deer Lake and The Appalachian Mountains. This spectacular setting is a premier facility for weddings, golf tournaments, conventions, business meetings and social events
For more information on the Humber Valley Resort please Click Here
For more information on Golf Newfoundland Labrador please Click Here
For more information on the Prince Edward Island Golf Association please Click Here
For more information on the Nova Scotia Golf Association please Click Here
For more information on Golf New Brunswick please Click Here
