USGA Revised 2024 Rules
The United States Golf Aassociation (USGA) sets and defines the rules of golf and have announced three rules changes for 2024.
The World Handicap System was first introduced in 2020 in an effort to make golf inclusive for all skill-levels, provide a consistent measure of ability, plus remain current with trends. Now four years later the USGA is making their first revision to those original set of rules and there are three changes that will affect your scoring going forward.
1) A lower minimum length for a golf course to obtain a Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™
Under the current system, an 18-hole course must be at least 3,000 yards to receive a Course Rating and Slope Rating (or 1,500 yards for 9 holes). Starting in 2024, the yardage requirements will be cut in half, to 1,500 and 750 yards, respectively. This is good news for golfers who regularly play par-3 and shorter-length courses and have wanted those scores to count toward their Handicap Index®.
2) A new treatment of 9-hole scores
Today, 9-hole scores are combined in the order posted to create an 18-hole Score Differential™. This means that a 9-hole score shot today could be combined with a 9-hole score from days, weeks, or even months before – which can lead to volatile results.
Beginning in 2024, when a player posts a 9-hole score, it will be combined with their expected Score Differential over 9 holes to create an 18-hole Score Differential for immediate use – with expected score based on the player’s Handicap Index at the time the round is played as well as a course of standard difficulty.
3) An updated approach for holes not played
At present when a hole isn’t played (due to darkness, for example), the score recorded is a net par. When the 2024 revision goes into effect, when 10-17 holes are played, an 18-hole Score Differential will be determined by adding the player’s Score Differential from the holes played to an expected Score Differential for the number of holes not played. Since a player’s expected score is not specific to a course or reliant upon the course’s stroke index allocation (as net par is today), this will lead to more consistency.
If you plan on playing competitive tournament golf, it is imperative that you know and understand the rules of golf. Proper handicapping is essential to maintain a level playing field for all contestants in a handicap event.
For more clarification visit: https://www.usga.org/.
