The new revision went into effect in January 2024 . |
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USGA |
the USGA , there is a growing number of short courses being built and shorter length tees being added at full-length courses to accommodate players of all abilities . These courses are often played by either beginners or golfers with shorter hitting distances , and this change provides these players the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of maintaining a Handicap Index .
“ The goal of our short courses has always been to create a welcoming and inclusive community of golfers of all ages , skill levels and diversities ,” said Ryan Carmen , Director of Golf Operations
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for Fairfax County Park Authority , who oversees seven courses , including two par-3 courses . “ With the update to the World Handicap System™ to include short courses , the equity and accessibility factors of growing this great game will create an even more positive shift forward in relation to the growth of new golfers .”
The change to the rules allows courses that have not previously utilized the WHS™ to affiliate with the VSGA for club membership and register golfers for a Handicap Index . Since the beginning of the year , the VSGA has seen nine new shorter length golf courses join as member clubs , including :
• Appleland Sports Center ( Stephens City )
• Burke Lake Golf Center ( Fairfax Station )
• First Tee-Hampton Roads ( Virginia Beach )
• Kanawha Club ( Manakin Sabot )
• Links at City Park ( Portsmouth )
• Oakmont Golf Center ( Oakton )
• Sterling Golf Club ( Sterling )
• The Schoolhouse Nine ( Sperryville )
• Virginia Golf Center ( Clifton )
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“ Joining the VSGA as a member club has been great for so many reasons ,” said Nick Lomauro , Executive Director at First Tee-Hampton Roads . “ We invest money to improve our facility each year , but becoming a member club has added reputability to the golf experience at First Tee-Hampton Roads . We have a lot of members who enjoy using our course and practice facility to sharpen their skills . It can be hard to fit in 18 holes these days , so to come out and walk nine and record a score in just over an hour is awesome .”
The VSGA ’ s course rating teams have been busy rating these courses , as well as The Bear Course at Independence Golf Club ( Midlothian ), so all golfers playing them will be able to determine a Course Handicap™ and Playing Handicap™ for use during their round and post their score to their scoring record after the round .
“ There is great diversity in how we play and enjoy the game ,” Edmondson continued , “ and we feel these revisions welcome all golfers the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of maintaining a Handicap Index ® and be part of the WHS™ community of over 3 million golfers in the U . S .”
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