Currently, to be eligible for a Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™, a tee set must be at least 3,000 yards for 18 holes or 1,500 yards for 9 holes.
Starting in 2024, The World Handicap System™ has approved lowering the minimum length for a tee to be issued a Course Rating and Slope Rating to 1,500 yards for 18 holes or 750 yards for 9 holes.
As a result, more than 600 additional golf courses nationally (over 90 in Florida) will qualify for a Course Rating and Slope Rating, if desired.
Reasons for change:
1. Handicap research shows that equity and portability within the system will be retained down to the new minimum tee length.
2. This change will enable scores made at shorter length courses to be acceptable for handicap purposes and allow players with a Handicap Index® to determine a Course Handicap™ and Playing Handicap™ for use during their rounds at such facilities.
3. In recent years, more short courses are being built and shorter length tees are being added at full length courses to accommodate players of all abilities.
4. These courses are often played by beginners and/or players looking to extend their golfing experience as their hitting distance decreases, and this change provides these players with an opportunity to enjoy the game more with the use of a Handicap Index.
5. This change also allows courses that have not previously utilized the WHS™ to create a club structure, affiliate with the Florida State Golf Association, and register golfers for a Handicap Index.
