WINNIPEG – Golf Canada is modernizing how scores are recorded across the country, establishing hole-by-hole score posting as the new standard for all Public Player members, with an effective start date in the Golf Manitoba region of April 15, 2026.

This update is part of a phased national initiative to improve the accuracy of the World Handicap System (WHS). While the transition begins with Public Players this season, Golf Canada has confirmed that hole-by-hole scoring will become the universal standard for all members nationwide in 2028.

Precision Meets Performance

Moving away from total-score entries ensures that every Golf Canada Handicap Index is as accurate as possible. By recording scores hole-by-hole, the Golf Canada system automatically applies Net Double Bogey adjustments—the maximum score allowed for any given hole—removing the need for manual calculations and ensuring a fair field for all golfers.

A Data-Driven Golf Experience

Beyond handicap accuracy, this updated scoring method unlocks a suite of digital tools designed to help golfers understand their game on a deeper level:

• Personalized Analytics: Players gain access to #MyGolfYear, featuring detailed stats like greens in regulation, pars, and birdies.
• Trackable Progress: Identify specific strengths and weaknesses over time to help guide practice and improvement.
• System Integrity: Standardized reporting ensures that the WHS remains a reliable reflection of playing ability worldwide.

Join the Public Player Program

The Public Player program is designed for golfers who do not belong to a private or semi-private club but still want to maintain an official Handicap Index and access the exclusive suite of game enhancing member benefits.

Public Player Membership Includes:

• An Official Golf Canada Handicap Index
• Up to $1,500 in Incident Protection (covering broken windows, equipment theft and cart accidents)
• Exclusive national and regional discounts on travel, insurance and dining

• Eligible to compete in provincial and national championships

Click below to join Golf Manitoba / Golf Canada as a Public Player and start tracking your game today.

Join Golf Manitoba / Golf Canada

Preparing for the 2028 National Standard

By introducing this standard for Public Players now, Golf Canada is paving the way for a smooth transition across the entire membership base by 2028. This phased approach allows the organization to provide dedicated support and ensure the Golf Canada app and Score Centre website continue to offer a seamless user experience.

Contact and Support

Golf Manitoba is committed to assisting players through this transition. For questions regarding score posting, the Rules of Golf, or handicapping, please contact:

Sam Beavis-Hickey Director of Rules and Competitions, Golf Manitoba
Phone: 204-770-4172
Email: sam@golfmb.ca

It is a fundamental truth in amateur sport: No referees, no game.

Since Golf Manitoba’s founding in 1915, volunteers have been the heartbeat of our organization. From our premier amateur championships to junior development programs, we rely on a dedicated community of officials to ensure the game is played with integrity, fairness, and passion.

Being a referee is more than just knowing the Rules of Golf; it is a way of life and a commitment to giving back to the game we love. To support the growth of our championship season, Golf Manitoba is pleased to announce an in-person Level 2 Provincial Certification Seminar taking place March 20-22, 2026.

Why Your Contribution Matters

Volunteering as a referee offers a front-row seat to the best amateur golf in the province. Level 2 certified referees are vital members of our team, eligible to officiate at all Golf Manitoba provincial championships. Whether you are a longtime player, a PGA of Canada member, or new to the rules, your involvement ensures our athletes have a professional and fair environment in which to compete.

As a “professional volunteer,” Golf Manitoba is committed to supporting you. We provide a full uniform package and cover all eligible expenses, including training, travel, meals, and accommodations where necessary.

Seminar Schedule & Location

All sessions will be held at the Sport Manitoba Building in the Theatre Room (Lower Level), 145 Pacific Avenue, Winnipeg.

• Friday, March 20: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 22: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Food, beverage and snacks will be provided for all three days.

Certification Requirements

Golf Manitoba is proud to offer this certification at no charge to those looking to give back to the sport.

• Prerequisite: Candidates must have achieved a score of 85% or better on the Level 1 Online Exam.
• Certification: To become Provincially Certified, attendees must achieve a minimum of 80% on the Provincial exam and complete 50 hours of on-course experience, including 10 hours of mentorship with a Nationally certified Referee.
• Optional Learning: Writing the exam is not mandatory for those simply wishing to advance their rules knowledge without pursuing formal certification.

Registration

Help us safeguard the future of the game in Manitoba. Registration for the Level 2 Seminar will close on March 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

Register for Level 2

For more information on volunteering with Golf Manitoba, please visit our Volunteer Page.

Contact

Please contact Sam Beavis-Hickey (Director of Rules and Competitions) by email for all Level 2 inquiries.

Do you have interest in becoming a certified golf referee? If so, Golf Manitoba is hosting an in-person Level 2 Provincial Certification Seminar April 4-6, 2025. 

This provincial education and certification series is designed for those who are new to rules and wanting to advance their rules education, active Level 2 tournament referees and PGA of Canada members. Level 2 referees who pass the exam become eligible to referee in all Golf Manitoba provincial championships. Please note that writing the exam is not mandatory and is optional only for those who want to achieve provincial certification. The exam will be available at a future date.

Level 2 Pre-requisite:

1. has achieved 85% or better on the Level 1 Online Exam.

Requirements to be Provincially Certified:

1. Attend and achieve a minimum of 80% on the Provincial exam, administered by Golf Manitoba.
2. Complete 50 hours of on-course experience as a Referee.
3. Complete an additional 10 hours accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.

Level 2 certified referees are volunteers however Golf Manitoba covers all eligible expenses including mileage, accommodations (when necessary), meals and also provides a uniform package. To learn more about volunteering with Golf Manitoba, please click here.

Level 2 Schedule & Registration:

1. Friday, April 4, 2025 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
2. Saturday, April 5, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
3. Sunday, April 6, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

All three sessions will be held in person at the Sport Manitoba building in the Theatre Room (lower level) at 145 Pacific Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Golf Manitoba is pleased to offer the Level 2 certification at no charge. Please note that registration will close on March 17, 2025, at 4:00pm.

Register for Level 2

Contact:

For all Level 2 inquires, please contact Golf Manitoba Executive Director Jared Ladobruk by email at jared@golfmb.ca or at 204.925.5729.

Golf Manitoba is pleased to announce its 2025 Winter Rules Education Series which includes virtual, in-person and self-guided learning opportunities.  Sessions include both beginner and intermediate sessions on the Rules of Golf Level 1 Rules of Golf Certification, Provincial and National Certifications.

Winter Rules of Golf Education

Our winter education series is for those interested in learning more about the Rules of Golf.

Rules of Golf

The first of our winter education series will be a virtual Rules of Golf for the beginner session on January 20, 2025, from 7-8:30pm. Our second virtual session is February 18, 2025, from 7-8pm and is for those with Rules experience and for those who want to expand their knowledge of the Rules of Golf.

Both virtual sessions are available at no charge for all Golf Manitoba/Canada members.

Level 1

Level 1 Rules education focuses on easy ways to learn the basics of the Rules of Golf with its main interest on Etiquette, the principle definitions and commonly encountered situations on the course.

Level 1 is available online and students will be able to test their knowledge by taking the review questions at the end of each section before attempting the online Level 1 Exam.

Earn your stripes!

Do you have interest in becoming a certified referee? If so, Golf Manitoba is hosting an in-person Level 2 Provincial Certification Seminar April 4-6, 2025.

This provincial education and certification series is designed for those who are new to rules and wanting to advance their rules education, active Level 2 tournament referees and PGA of Canada members. Level 2 referees who pass the exam become eligible to referee in all Golf Manitoba provincial championships.

Level 2 Pre-requisite:

• has achieved 85% or better on the Level 1 Online Exam.

Requirements to be Provincially Certified:

• Attend and achieve a minimum of 80% on the Provincial exam, administered by Golf Manitoba.
• Complete 50 hours of on-course experience as a Referee.
• Complete an additional 10 hours accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.

Level 2 certified referees are volunteers however Golf Manitoba covers all eligible expenses including mileage, accommodations (when necessary), meals and also provides a uniform package.

To learn more about volunteering with Golf Manitoba, please click here.

Learn More & Register

To learn more about the Rules of Golf and for more information and to register for one of our Rules of Golf education opportunities, please visit golfmb.ca/rules.

Golf Manitoba is pleased to announce its 2024 Winter Rules Education Series which includes virtual, in-person and self-guided learning opportunities.  Sessions include both beginner and intermediate sessions on the Rules of Golf, Level 1 Rules of Golf Certification, Provincial and National Certifications.

The first of the winter education series will be a Rules of Golf for the beginner session on January 25, 2024 from 7-8:30pm. The session is free for all Golf Manitoba/Canada members.

Are you interested in learning more about the Rules or have a desire to referee at the provincial level? If so, please contact David Borowski, Director of Competitions & Rules by email.

For more information and to register for one of our winter Rules sessions, please visit golfmb.ca/rules.

(St Andrews, Scotland and Liberty Corner, NJ, USA) – The R&A and the USGA today announced the first update to the World Handicap System™ (WHS™) as part of an ongoing review of the Rules of Handicapping™ and Course Rating System™ with a continued emphasis on accuracy, consistency and equity. The latest revisions will go into effect January 17, 2024.

Many countries have seen significant increases in the number of scores being submitted for handicapping purposes since the WHS was introduced, reflecting golf’s broadening appeal. More than 100 million scores have been posted each year, unifying millions of golfers through a standard measure of playing ability. The 2024 update leverages the performance data gathered from around the world, in addition to feedback received from many of the 125 countries now using the system.

Significant updates to the WHS include:

• Inclusion of Shorter-Length Golf Courses Within the Course Rating System: The overall length requirements for Course Rating in the WHS will be significantly reduced. A set of tees on an 18-hole course may be as short as 1,500 yards [1,370 metres] to be eligible for a Course Rating and Slope Rating^®, and a set of tees on a 9-hole course may be as short as 750 yards [685 metres]. This change is intended to expand the WHS to thousands of shorter length courses, including par-3 courses, and enable more golfers to obtain and use a Handicap Index.
• Use of an Expected Score for a Hole Not Played: Improvements have been made to the method used to handle holes not played, which will now be based on a player’s expected score rather than a score of net par. This new method will produce a 9-hole or 18-hole Score Differential that more accurately reflects a player’s ability. As golfers across the world are playing more 9-hole rounds, an expected score can also be used to convert a 9-hole round into an 18-hole Score Differential. For some countries, this means that 9-hole scores will be considered in the calculation of a player’s Handicap Index immediately after the day of play, rather than waiting to combine with another 9-hole score.
• Playing Conditions Calculation Adjustments Made More Frequent: The Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) has been modified to increase the likelihood of an adjustment for abnormal playing conditions. National associations were given discretion, beginning in July 2022, to introduce this revision within their computation platforms, which will be complete by 1 April 2024.
• Enhanced Guidance on Conducting a Handicap Review: The role of the Handicap Committee is vital to the success of the WHS and the Rules recommend that a Handicap Review is conducted regularly, or at least once a year to ensure a Handicap Index^® remains reflective of a player’s ability. New reporting tools have been developed that national associations can incorporate into their handicapping software to assist Committees in conducting the review process effectively and consistently.

Since its inception, the WHS has embraced the many ways golf is played around the world by giving national associations scope to apply regional discretionary items, with the objective for greater alignment over time. For this reason, the governing bodies expect countries to continue to shift the way they calculate Course Handicaps so that they are relative to par, making a golfer’s target score to “play to handicap” more intuitive.

Golfers are encouraged to visit their national association’s website to learn more about the discretionary items that apply to their region. Contact details for national associations can be found on the WHS website here: www.whs.com/#association.

The R&A and the USGA have also recently launched a new WHS Software Accreditation and Interoperability Programme to help ensure that there is consistency and accuracy in the calculation of handicaps worldwide, and to assist with the retrieval of a Handicap Index and the return of away scores from country to country. 

Claire Bates, Director – Handicapping at The R&A said, “We have made good progress in the early stages of the WHS but we know there are always areas that can be improved as we gather more data and information on the system from around the world. Conducting a regular review process is important in terms of good governance and enables us to examine some of the key areas in which we have received feedback. We will continue to work with the handicapping bodies and national associations around the world to ensure that the WHS is providing golfers with a system that provides a sensible balance between inclusivity and integrity, making it as easy as possible to get a Handicap Index, subject to meaningful safeguards.”

Steve Edmondson, Managing Director – Handicapping & Course Rating at the USGA said, “The game of golf continues to evolve and the WHS has embraced those changes in a dynamic way to help all golfers, everywhere they play. It is a monumental time in golf, and improving both the accessibility of obtaining a Handicap Index and leveraging powerful data and technology to easily and accurately track performance is a great step forward.”

The R&A and the USGA jointly launched and govern the WHS to provide a modern and responsive system, that gives an accurate reflection of a player’s demonstrated ability. It is calculated by incorporating the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System and is administered by a range of handicapping bodies and national associations around the world.

The more flexible and accessible nature of the system has led to the introduction of successful initiatives from a number of national associations aimed at making it easier to obtain a Handicap Index and be part of the WHS. 

Mirroring the review processes of other areas of governance in golf, including the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status, reviews of the WHS will continue to be conducted at regular intervals, taking into consideration performance data and feedback to help identify areas for improvement.

To learn more about the World Handicap System please visit www.WHS.com.

The World Handicap System stipulates every player is responsible for returning all acceptable scores into one’s scoring record from rounds played on courses observing their active season, which is part of the golf season when courses have acceptable playing conditions.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of authorized provincial golf association to declare active and inactive periods, and it is the responsibility of the area club and golfers to observe these dates for posting purposes.

Each year, provincial associations analyze numerous factors to determine their active seasons. This ensures consistency of when scores would be posted by the majority of golfers to help keep Handicap Indexes accurate.

Scores made at any golf course observing an inactive season are not acceptable for handicap purposes. The rationale behind this is that posting scores during inactive seasons (periods of poor course conditions) could artificially increase a player’s Handicap Index.

Scores made at a golf course in an area observing an active season must be posted for handicap purposes, even if the golf club from which the player receives a Handicap Index is observing an inactive season. The club’s Handicap Committee must make it possible for a player to post these away scores at the beginning of the active season.

For example, if a player belonging to a golf club in Ontario plays golf in Florida during January, any scores made in Florida are acceptable and must be returned to the player’s Ontario golf club. If the player is also a member of a golf club in Florida, scores must be posted to the player’s Florida club.

In Canada, the active season in each province is as follows:

BC =     Mar.1 – Nov.15
AB =     Mar.1 – Oct.31
SK =     Apr.15 – Oct.31
MB =    Apr.15 – Oct.31
ON =    Apr.15 – Oct.31
QC =    Apr.15 – Oct.31
NS =     Apr.15 – Oct.31
NB =     May.1 – Oct.31
PE =     Apr.16 – Nov.14
NL =     Apr.1 – Nov. 30

It’s also important to note that if you are travelling to other countries, you should determine their active seasons to prevent posting unacceptable scores. Your home club needs all acceptable scores from the “off-season” as well to ensure your Handicap Index is accurate once recalculated at the beginning of the season.

For a detailed list of active and inactive schedule in the United States, click here.

For more information on handicapping, click here.

To enter your scores for an official Handicap Index, become a Golf Canada member here.

Golf Manitoba is pleased to announce its 2022 rules education schedule which includes virtual, in-person and self-guided learning opportunities.  Sessions include both beginner and intermediate sessions on the Rules of Golf, Level 1 Rules of Golf certification, provincial and national certifications, and Rules of Handicapping. 

The first of the winter education series will be a Rules of Golf for the beginner session on January 26 from 7-8:30pm. The session is free for all Golf Manitoba/Canada members.

For more information and to register for any of our winter education seminars, please visit golfmb.ca/rules

The unseasonably warm weather has many golfers chomping at the bit to get the season started.  As some courses set to open in March here in Manitoba, there are still a few weeks to wait before you can officially post scores toward maintaining and establishing your Golf Canada Handicap Index with the official score posting season in Manitoba to open from April 15 to October 31. More on that later.

What is a Handicap Index?

A Handicap Index provides you with a portable measure of your playing ability that’s consistent with how golfers are measured world-wide and is always expressed as a number taken to one decimal place (e.g. 21.3). This number is used to calculate how many strokes you would potentially need to adjust your score back to par, and allows golfers of all skill levels to compete equitably regardless of ability or gender. For example, if you have a Handicap Index of 21.3, it means you generally shoot about 21 strokes above par on an average golf course. Under the World Handicap System, a golfer can use their Handicap Index on any golf course around the world.

However, your actual number of strokes will vary depending on the par and rating of the course and set of tees that you play, otherwise known as the Course Handicap. Once you know the Course Handicap for the course and set of tees you’re playing, you can take your gross score (what you actually shot) and subtract the Course Handicap to get your net score. Using the example above of 21.3, a Handicap Index of 21.3 equates to a Course Handicap of 23 when playing the blue tees at Neepawa Golf & Country Club, host of this year’s Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship (we’ll go over how to determine the Course Handicap in the next section). If you shoot a gross score of 94, you would subtract 23 strokes from this number to give you a net score of 71.

How do I determine my Course Handicap?

Now that you have a Handicap Index, you must convert that to a Course Handicap for the course and tees you are about to play. The easiest way to determine your Course Handicap is to use the Golf Canada app. The Golf Canada app has a handy Course Handicap calculator tool (or you can use the Golf Canada Score Centre on your desktop computer) where you can easily find your Course Handicap.  The app will automatically calculate your Course Handicap when you select the Course Handicap feature under the course you are about to play on (see image right).  The Calculator will show your Course Handicap based on all tees available. To download the free app, please click

HERE.

I have my Course Handicap, now what?

If you’re just playing a normal round of golf, it’s usually enough to just know your final net score. However, there are times when you’ll need to know exactly on which holes to allocate your strokes, such as match play, stableford, or even just playing for skins with your friends. Also, when playing in a handicapped tournament or event, you may see dots on different holes on your scorecard. Each dot represents how many extra strokes you are allocated on specific holes.

How do I apply the adjusted strokes?

Each hole on the course is given a number based on the difficulty, with 1 being the most difficult hole and 18 being the easiest. For each hole with a number less than or equal to your Course Handicap, you will subtract a stroke from your gross score for that hole. For example, if you score a 5 on a hole numbered 1-13, your net score will be 4. If your Course Handicap is greater than 18, you’ll subtract 1 stroke for every hole, then continue to subtract additional strokes restarting with 1 until you reach your Course Handicap. For example, a Course Handicap of 20 would subtract 2 strokes on holes rated 1 and 2, and 1 stroke on every other hole. You can always find the rating for each hole on the course scorecard.

Why do I need a Handicap Index?

By playing with a Handicap Index, you can compete with golfers of any golfer regardless of ability or gender. By using a Handicap Index, you can also compete against your own potential scoring ability instead of other golfer’s scores. Sticking with the example from the first section, let’s say you shoot a gross score of 94 with a Course Handicap of 23, and your friend shoots 86 with a Course Handicap of 14. Even though your friend shot a lower gross score (which, based on the handicap differences, they will almost every time), your net score is lower (71 vs. 72).  An official Golf Canada Handicap Index is also required to be eligible to compete in many club level events, charity or corporate events, and also all Golf Manitoba provincial and Golf Canada national championships.

How do I get a Handicap Index?

You can obtain an official Golf Canada Handicap Index in three simple steps:

1. The first is to join a member club of Golf Manitoba/Canada. All member clubs in good standing of Golf Manitoba/Canada are officially rated using the World Handicap System Course Rating System as administered by Golf Canada. All games played at these clubs (and under the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Handicapping) are acceptable for handicap purposes and may be recorded toward establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index. If you are not a member of an member club, you can still establish a Handicap Index by joining the Golf Manitoba/Canada public player program!  The public player program provides the same level of member benefits that you would receive as a member of a club.  Click HERE to learn more.
2. Step two requires you to post a minimum of three 18-hole scores (or a combination of 18-hole and 9-hole scores) at any registered Golf Manitoba/Canada member club that has an official course and slope rating under the World Handicap System.
3. Upon conclusion of posting your third 18-hole game, you will receive a Golf Canada Handicap Index the next day!

When can I post scores?

The World Handicap System stipulates every player is responsible for returning all acceptable scores into one’s scoring record from rounds played on courses observing their active season, which is part of the golf season when courses have acceptable playing conditions. As mentioned earlier, the active score posting season in Manitoba is always from April 15 to October 31. Click HERE to view the active seasons across the country.

Scores made at any golf course observing an inactive season are not acceptable for handicap purposes. The rationale behind this is that posting scores during inactive seasons (periods of poor course conditions) could artificially increase a player’s Handicap Index. It’s also important to note that if you are travelling to other countries, you should determine their active seasons to prevent posting unacceptable scores. Your home club needs all acceptable scores from the “off-season” as well to ensure your Handicap Index is accurate once recalculated at the beginning of the season.

Handicapping education

For more information on the Rules of Handicapping under the World Handicap System, please visit our resource page HERE.

Ready to establish your Handicap Index today? Get started HERE.

The USGA and The R&A have announced proposals for significant changes to the Rules of Amateur Status that govern the game worldwide.

These proposals result from a modernization initiative that has identified a clear need to bring the Rules up to date to reflect today’s global amateur game and ensure that the Rules are easier to understand and apply.

The proposed Rules, along with explanations to key changes, have been posted on usga.org and randa.org and the organizations are now inviting feedback from golfers and stakeholders. Comments will be accepted through Friday, March 26, with the new Rules scheduled to be adopted on January 1, 2022.

A comprehensive review of the Rules of Amateur Status began in late 2017, focusing on three main goals: to ensure the Rules are in the best interests of the game, reflect the modern game, and are easily understood and applied.

This review reaffirmed amateur golf’s important position in the game and the value in maintaining amateur status Rules to safeguard all the ways golf is played and enjoyed.

The result is a set of Rules that redefine the distinction between amateur and professional golf and provide a condition of eligibility – amateur status – for amateurs who compete in golf competitions.

As part of the modernization effort, it is proposed that the new Rules will identify only three acts that will result in a golfer losing their amateur status:

• Accepting a prize in excess of the prize limit
• Accepting payment for giving instruction
• Accepting employment as a golf club professional or membership of an association of professional golfers

To achieve this simplified approach, the following key changes are proposed:

• Eliminating the distinction between cash prizes and other prizes.
• Using the prize limit as the only way an amateur can lose amateur status through their play (meaning that entering or playing a competition as a professional would not, of itself, result in the loss of amateur status).
• Removing restrictions from the Rules surrounding competitions such as long-drive events, putting competitions and skills competitions that are not played as part of a tee-to-hole competition; and
• Eliminating all sponsorship restrictions.

“Golf is unique in its broad appeal to both recreational and competitive golfers,” said Craig Winter, USGA Senior Director, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. “We understand and value how important amateur status is, not only to those who compete at the highest level of the amateur game, but for the millions of golfers at every age and skill level who enjoy competitive events at their home courses. These updates should help simplify these Rules and ensure the health of the amateur game.”

Grant Moir, Director of Rules at The R&A, said, “The Rules of Amateur Status play an important role in protecting the integrity of our self-regulating sport but the code must continue to evolve. This is particularly so in relation to the modern elite amateur game, where many of the players need financial support to compete and develop to their full potential, and the proposed new Rules will give much greater scope for this.”

“Today marks another important step in the process to modernize the Rules of Amateur Status,” said Akash Patel, Rules and Competitions Manager at Golf Canada. “A great amount of work has gone into making the Rules easier to understand and apply for both the recreational and competitive golfer. We are confident that the proposed changes reflect the modern game and will help with our continued efforts to grow the game.”

The proposed new Rules are accompanied by an overview document and explanations that detail the rationale for why changes are being proposed and, in some instances, why they have stayed the same.