Active and inactive golf handicap season is not talked about enough. But without a doubt, handicapping is vital to the equitability of amateur golfers. Simply put, it enables players across various skill levels. It is also crucial to note that each golf-playing country has an authorized body responsible for implementing and administering these handicap rules. These authorized bodies do this in conjunction with each country’s provincial golf associations.
A golf handicap is defined as the numerical measure of a golfer’s potential to enable each player of varying abilities to further compete against each other. Players with low handicaps are better golfers.
Active and inactive handicaps have been around since January 2010. The WHS (World Handicap System) was launched in 2020 and provided golfers with a more unified and inclusive handicapping system. Before this new system was in place, players were required to return three qualifying scores a year.
The sole purpose of the WHS is to make golf more enjoyable for its players by basically providing consistent means of measuring their progress and performances to enable them to compete equally. The measuring index is calculated using the lowest of the player’s most recent score differentials. The handicap is also updated with every new round played. Many golf-playing countries have adopted the system, but we believe it will eventually go live in other countries.
It is very important to understand how the handicap is calculated into your score. An active season is when players submit eligible scores for handicap purposes. It is referred to as the period during which scores recorded by players in an area will be accepted and determined by the authorized golf association in each given area.
Also, any non-member of an authorized golf association will be required to observe all established inactive seasons by the golf association saddled with the responsibility of managing golf-related events in each region.
An active handicap identifies a player that has returned a minimum of three qualifying scores per year. In contrast, an inactive handicap, on the other hand, identifies a player that has returned less than three qualifying scores. In fact, according to the rules of handicapping, every golf player is responsible for submitting valid scores into one’s record for each golf round played on courses during the active season.
It is the responsibility of all golf playing nations’ associations to declare active and inactive seasons, with golf players required to note these different dates for score posting purposes. Most national golf federations consider the active seasons of the golf course when scores are posted and whether it should be considered when calculating players’ handicap indexes.
Just like the evolution of the golf ball, handicap scoring has come a long way. Countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia have unique handicap active and inactive seasons schedules.
Scores recorded at any golf course on the inactive season aren’t valid and can’t be recorded for handicap calculation purposes. The reason is that the course conditions during this season are often inconsistent with how the course and slope ratings are determined. As a result, the rating process can impact the overall accuracy of a golf player’s handicap index (for better and worse).
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Meanwhile, the scores made at a course in a specific area observing an active season must be posted, even if the club has active members observing an inactive season. But here’s the catch, the club’s handicap committee must provide an enabling environment for players to post their away scores at the beginning of every active season.
But note, that it is crucial to recognize that you should first confirm your active seasons before traveling to other regions. It ensures all acceptable scores are recorded and posted. Also, your club needs all acceptable scores to ensure that your index is perfectly recorded and reflects your ability.
Traditionally, a club doesn’t have to impose restrictions regarding inactive handicaps coupled with entry into golf club competitions. So, if a club prefers to include restrictions on inactive handicaps, it may do one of the following:
Reiteratively, an active identifies a golf player has made a turnover of at least three qualifying scores per annum. Meanwhile, an inactive handicap identifies players with a turnover that’s less than three qualifying scores.
If you are a category one golfer, you aren’t permitted to return supplementary or 9-hole qualifying scores for handicap–related purposes. And to have this handicap, you are required to submit the required scores in qualifying competitions.
No! an inactive handicap is still an official USGA or CONGU handicap. Therefore, you’ll still be able to receive a handicap certificate and gain access to events that don’t require an active handicap. Just look out for such events, which will help while you wait for the active season.
As highlighted earlier, the handicap system was launched in January 2010. During this period, the active members were required to turn over three qualifying scores a year prior. Therefore, these members needed this score to get an active handicap at the beginning of 2010.
No, you won’t. Having an active handicap doesn’t mean you’ve lost your real handicap. Instead, each qualifying score will synchronize with your current handicap – giving you an updated handicap score. Meanwhile, the club is prohibited from issuing a new handicap to return the qualifying scores.
To gain access to the active handicap perks, members must return certain qualifying scores achieved in the previous calendar year. Often includes turnover scores in club qualifying competitions, 9-hole qualifying competitions, and supplementary scores. Unfortunately, the scores returned by each active member in non-qualifying golf tournaments and social golf aren’t valid.
Learn more on how to calculate golf handicap here.Â
There are various reasons why your handicap index may not change, even after making changes. But the common reason is that the differential of the score you posted isn’t among the lowest eight of your recent 20. And if that’s not the case with you, then chances are, it could be a result of a soft/hard cap. Both soft and hard caps are applied to one’s handicap index calculation.
This procedure was first introduced with the WHS to help limit an index’s extreme upward movement and ensure that a series of bad scores don’t impact your overall index. Â Â
Well, the answer to that is not farfetched. But, first, note that the following circumstances exclude a player from getting an active handicap:
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