Posted on 15th January, 2020
Source: Website
The new universal World Handicap System (WHS) is here... the golf industry (ie: Golf Canada, USGA and the R&A) has joined together to bring you one unified, consistent handicap system that will enable golfers of different abilities to play and compete on a fair and equitable basis, in any format, on any course, anywhere around the world.
As a result, the GolfBC Game Tracker is no longer accurate and relevant. Come January 15, 2020 we will be discontinuing GolfBC Game Tracker in efforts to not only support Golf Canada’s implementation of the new WHS, but to also ensure you don’t have an inaccurate handicap.
This new WHS is using an entirely different algorithm to generate your handicap, meaning our current Game Tracker program is out of date and inaccurate, thus our decision to begin phasing out the program entirely. We would like to thank you for participating in Game Tracker over the years, and hope you have enjoyed our fun handicap tool.
GolfBC owns and operates five golf courses in British Columbia and three in Maui, and we have an amazing team of golf professionals who can help answer questions about WHS or handicap tracking in general, or feel free to reach out to your local golf association (British Columbia Golf, Golf Canada, USGA) for assistance. We have included a number of helpful links to videos and articles further in this email.
To recap.. what this means for GolfBC Game Tracker:
Effective January 15, 2020, GolfBC will begin to discontinue Game Tracker, and will no longer offer support or updates. You can still access your existing rounds for the next few months, but there will be no new courses added, no changes to slope/rating info, and no general support. You can print off a list of your golf rounds using the "print handicap" button on our website.
So, what's next?
Golfers who wish to continue tracking their rounds and handicaps will have an option to take advantage of an offer to sign up for an official WHS account with Golf Canada (Canada's officially recognized organization for rules and handicapping) for a free introductory membership until May 31st plus a promotional rate for the first year - more info below.
There are also many golf apps available that offer score-keeping or handicapping - search for options in your favourite App Store. (Unfortunately we don't have a recommendation for a free option - apps and tools are costly to build and maintain, and there will likely be fees).
Golf Canada Offer for GolfBC Game Tracker Users:
(1) Introductory Offer from Golf Canada: FREE account until May 31!
Register for a new account before February 29th using the special GolfBC registration link (below) and receive a complimentary basic Golf Canada Gold membership, valid until May 31, 2020.
Register for a new account before February 29th using the special GolfBC registration link (below) and receive a complimentary basic Golf Canada Gold membership, valid until May 31, 2020.
(2) First year at special promotional rate!
On May 31, 2020: option to re-establish Golf Canada 1-year membership at promotional rate of $42 +gst (reg. $49.95 +gst). Promotional membership will be valid for one year, expiring on May 31, 2021.
This membership includes:
On May 31, 2020: option to re-establish Golf Canada 1-year membership at promotional rate of $42 +gst (reg. $49.95 +gst). Promotional membership will be valid for one year, expiring on May 31, 2021.
This membership includes:
- Invitation to participate in the “Rules Modernization” seminars, and opportunity enroll in online Level 1 Rules of Golf education seminars at no charge
- Golf Canada Equipment Identification & Retrieval labels (tracking labels tied to smartphone notification system)
- Discounts on Golf Canada merchandise
- Access to premium member benefits (discounts on select apparel, car rental and more)
- Preferred access to events such as the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open (Shaughnessy, Summer 2020)
- Golf Canada Incident Protection (up to $6,000 worth of reimbursement protection related to golf, ie replacing lost, stolen, or damaged golf equipment; damaged golf carts; errant golf shots; worldwide coverage).
(3) After May 31, 2021
Golf Canada memberships can be renewed annually, at current rates; no additional discounts.
Golf Canada memberships can be renewed annually, at current rates; no additional discounts.
How do I sign up for a Golf Canada account?
Golfers will receive a welcome email from Golf Canada with information on how to access their accounts. Starting May 1, 2020 golfers will receive notifications to re-establish their membership prior to the May 31 expiry date. First year will be at a promotional rate; regular renewal rates apply after that. Golfers will receive full value benefits package upon membership purchase.
Scores cannot be automatically transferred over. Golfers can print off their GolfBC Game Tracker scores, and manually enter them into their new Golf Canada WHS accounts.
Golfers who have an existing Golf Canada membership that expires prior to February 29th, 2020 will be eligible to sign up for the complimentary trial.
Questions can be directed to Member Services at [email protected] or by telephone at 1-800-263-0009 ext: 399.
What exactly is the new Worldwide Handicapping System?
In addition to the Rules Modernization that was launched in early 2019, the governing bodies of golf have also announced changes coming to the handicapping systems in 2020, creating a unified Worldwide Handicapping System that will:
- enable golfers of different abilities to play and compete on a fair and equal basis, in any format, on any course, anywhere around the world;
- be easy to understand and implement, without sacrificing accuracy;
- and meet the varied needs and expectations of golfers, golf clubs and golf authorities all around the world and be adaptable to suit all golfing cultures.
Helpful Links
British Columbia Golf: 9 Things to Know
Golf Canada: Your golf handicap is changing – find out why it matters | Handicapping
Golf Canada: Your golf handicap is changing – find out why it matters | Handicapping
