Play on a Par 3 golf course? You can put in a score for handicap
The rules for Course Rating have changed, and that’s opened up some opportunities for shorter courses
Shorter length courses can now apply for a Course Rating following changes to the World Handicap System.
The measures mean golfers who play on a Par 3 golf course and academy layouts could submit scores for handicap.
The minimum length of an 18-hole course that can receive a Course Rating was 3,000 yards, and 1,500 for 9-holes.
This was because the rating system was previously unable to calculate accurate numbers for courses with a lot of short holes. That has now changed.
WHS Changes 2024: What are the new rules for a Par 3 golf course?
From April 1, those minimums have been cut in half – to 1,500 yards for 18-hole courses and 750 yards for 9-holes.
That should open the door to many courses potentially becoming WHS rated and available for acceptable scores – both competition and general play.
With short courses often providing a first step into the game for many new players, reducing the minimum yardages could encourage more junior, beginner, and golfers with disabilities to gain a handicap and bridge the gap between starter golf and club membership.
It could also allow those clubs with additional shorter courses to provide more attractive membership options as golfers would be able to gain an official handicap there before needing to graduate to the full 18-hole layout.
And it might it also encourage golf facilities not currently affiliated with governing bodies across the home nations to join the fold.
Now have your say
What do you think? Would you put in a score for handicap from a Par 3 course? Should handicaps only apply to full layouts? Let me know by leaving a comment on X.
WHS Changes 2024
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- Your fourball betterball score could soon count towards your handicap!
- What is Course Rating minus Par?
- Competitions with odd numbers of holes?
- What is Expected Score?
- What’s happening to my Course Handicap?
- It’s all about the governance! Why the R&A and USGA have carried a review of the World Handicap System
Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
