2023 IGA Yearbook

13 that were rated, 177 were for men and 172 were for women. You can only expect to see more and more tees rated in the future. In fact, you may have seen the news that the World Handicap System has approved lowering the yardage limit for courses to be issued a Course Rating and Slope Ratings. If a tee is at least 1,500 yards for 18-holes and 750 yards for 9-holes a Course and Slope Rating can be produced. As a result of this change, more than 600 additional golf courses (mostly par-3 courses) and shorter tees will qualify to receive a Course Rating if desired. We are very excited about this change and believe it will compliment other initiatives that are designed to grow the game. As you may remember, it was in 2020 that the USGA and the R&A launched the World Handicap System. The WHS created a unified measurement for standard playing ability across the globe. Players from 125 countries can now use their Handicap Index to compete against anyone on any course. The initial launch was a great success andmodernized the process for getting and keeping a Handicap Index. January of 2024 will mark the next revision of the World Handicap System. This revision will improve on a few different items with the goal of making the World Handicap System more inclusive, accessible and equitable for all. Expect the IGA staff to be hard at work in 2024 ensuring that all clubs utilizing the World Handicap System will be educated on the changes. There will be a number of in-person seminars available for club administrators to learn more. There are a lot of exciting things ahead. We hope to see the upward trend continue and will do all we can to make it a successful 2024! Executive Course at Jester Park Golf Course, now eligible for a Course Rating