Take the Challenge
May 1 – Oct 15, 2023
Whether you’re starting with a Handicap Index of 54, +1 or anything in between, let’s see how much you can improve this year. Win the Most Improved Golfer of the year! Details and rules.
Standings are updated on the 1st and 15th of each month
Tag us on Instagram and Twitter. We’d love to see where you’re playing and how you’re doing!
#playwagolf, #WAGolfHandicapChallenge
Open to All Handicap Levels!
This five-month long challenge is free and open to all WA Golf members with a Handicap Index. The Most Improved golfer in the Women’s and Men’s division wins a Grand Prize!
But really, getting out there to play as often as you can and trying to improve your game makes you a winner!
Grand Prize
Most Improved Golfer in each division receives
- Four-Round punch card for golf at The Home Course in DuPont, Wash.
- Blue Tees Player Pack – Rangefinder, Wireless Speaker, 6-in-1 Divot Tool
Monthly Winner
We’ll draw one participant a month to receive WA Golf swag!
Looking for a golf coach to improve your game?
Find a PGA instructor in your area as well as tips to improve your game. Find a PGA pro
Details & Rules
Eligibility: Open to all golfers who have an up-to-date USGA Handicap Index issued by Washington Golf. RENEW or JOIN
Entry fee: None
Entries open: April 1, 2023
Entries close: April 30, 2023 at midnight.
Beginning Revision Date: May 1, 2023 – The participant’s Handicap Index on this date will be used as the beginning point for determining improvement through the duration of the challenge.
Ending Revision Date: October 15, 2023 – The participant’s Handicap Index on this date will be used as the ending point for determining improvement through the duration of the challenge.
Minimum Number of Rounds: Golfers must post a minimum of 180 holes in any combination of 9 or 18-hole rounds from May 1, 2023 through October 14, 2023.
Posting Scores: In the spirit of the Rules of Handicapping, players are expected to post ALL ELIGIBLE SCORES immediately after play.
Divisions: Field will be split into two divisions for Women and Men.
Determination of Winners
Winners will be determined using the USGA recommended method for determining the Most Improved Player. The method is as follows:
Add 12* to the player’s Handicap Index at the start of the season. This is Value A. Add 12 to the player’s Handicap Index at the end of the season. This is Value B.
Divide Value A by Value B and round to three decimal places. This is the improvement factor. The player with the highest improvement factor will receive the Most Improved Player award.
Example: Starting Handicap Index = 22.6, Ending Handicap Index = 17.4
Value A: 22.6 + 12 = 34.6
Value B: 17.4 + 12 = 29.4
A / B: 34.6 / 29.4 = 1.177
Improvement Factor: 1.177
*The number 12 has been determined by the USGA as equitable in gauging the improvement of players encompassing the entire spectrum of handicaps. For example, it is relatively the same improvement factor to go from a 20.0 to a 10.0 Handicap Index (improvement factor of 1.454) as it is to go from a 5.0 to a scratch, or zero Handicap Index (improvement factor of 1.416), yet the change in Handicap Index is “10” (20 – 10) versus “5” (5 – 0) strokes. The number 12 takes into consideration the level of a player’s improvement rather than the net change in Handicap Index.
Breaking Ties: Ties will be broken by extending beyond three decimal places until a winner is determined. Example:
Player A Improvement Factor (IF): 1.134 (Beg. Index = 15.1, End Index = 11.9)
Player B Improvement Factor (IF): 1.134 (Beg. Index = 31.3, End Index = 26.2)
Player A Expanded IF: 1.1339
Player B Expanded IF: 1.1335
Since Player A’s IF is larger by .0004, she is the winner.