One of the core principles of the World Handicap System (WHS) is fairness. For golfers of all skill levels to compete equitably, handicaps must reflect a player’s demonstrated ability as accurately as possible. A key part of achieving this is peer review — a principle that promotes transparency, accountability and integrity in the game.

What is peer review?

In the context of handicapping, peer review is the process by which fellow golfers, club members and club officials can view — and, if necessary, question — the scores a player submits for handicap purposes. It ensures that a player’s scoring record is open to reasonable scrutiny, promoting a culture of trust within the club.

The concept is simple: golf is largely self-regulated. With no referee overseeing every round, players are responsible for recording and attesting to scores in a manner that reflects the true spirit of the game. Peer review provides a safeguard within the self-managed system, allowing the golf community to support the integrity of each player’s scoring record.

What’s expected of golfers?

For peer review to work effectively, golfers are expected to:

• Submit all acceptable scores: This includes both competition and casual rounds played under the Rules of Golf, ensuring the Handicap Index is a true reflection of ability.
• Be truthful and transparent: Players should not manipulate scores to influence their handicap.
• Play by the Rules of Golf: Proper rules knowledge and consistent application ensure scores are fairly comparable across players and courses.
• Support fellow members: If there are irregularities or concerns with a player’s scoring record, golfers are encouraged to raise them constructively through the club’s handicap committee.
• Attest when required: In formal competitions, signing a fellow competitor’s scorecard is a direct form of peer review.
• Understand the Rules of Handicapping: A basic understanding of the WHS can help players know what should or shouldn’t be done on course or when posting a score.

Benefits to the club

Peer review strengthens the golfing community at your club in several ways:

• Promotes fairness: By discouraging manipulation and encouraging accountability, it ensures that competitions are won by ability rather than questionable handicaps.
• Builds trust: Knowing everyone is playing on a level field fosters confidence in the system and the club environment.
• Supports the handicap committee: Peer review provides the committee with valuable feedback, helping them address anomalies or investigate unusual scoring patterns.
• Encourages participation: When members trust the system, they are more likely to take part in competitions and club events.

Benefits to the World Handicap System

On a broader scale, peer review is fundamental to the integrity of the World Handicap System:

• It ensures a player’s Handicap Index is portable and meaningful worldwide.
• It provides a consistent, player-driven safeguard against misuse of the system.
• It maintains the reputation of the WHS as a fair and credible measure of golfing ability.

Golf has long been known as a game of honour. Peer review reinforces that tradition within the modern framework of the World Handicap System. By being open, honest and supportive of one another, golfers not only protect the integrity of their own handicap but also help sustain the fairness of the game at their club and around the world.

CALGARY, Alta. — First Tee – Alberta celebrated a milestone moment in 2025, with nearly $200,000 raised through the generosity of its partnership with the Rogers Charity Classic.

Backed by Calgary’s Patron Group of business leaders along with PGA TOUR professional Stephen Ames, the Rogers Charity Classic (formerly the Shaw Charity Classic) is the lone Canadian stop on the PGA TOUR Champions. Since its launch in 2013, the tournament has raised an incredible $137 million for more than 300 charities supporting children and families in need across Alberta.

The generous funding to First Tee – Alberta is helping Golf Canada expand the reach of its youth development program across the province, providing more equity-deserving children access to golf while fostering life skills development, confidence and community connection. Since 2024, First Tee – Alberta has introduced more than 6,000 youth to the sport through programming at schools, community centres, and golf facilities.

“A year like this doesn’t happen without meaningful partners who believe in what we’re building,” said Kelsey Chadwick, development officer of First Tee – Alberta. “The impact of the Rogers Charity Classic and its philanthropic efforts in the community have been transformational. First Tee is proud to be supported by the Rogers Charity Classic and the event’s tremendous commitment to helping the next generation of golfers thrive both on and off the course.”

A highlight for the program’s fundraising activity came during the Rogers Legends of Hockey Shootout, where junior elite golfer Sydney Bisgrove represented First Tee – Alberta in a 100-yard closest-to-the-pin challenge. Bisgrove’s performance helped secure a $115,000 donation, marking a turning point for the chapter.

“Being part of that moment was unbelievable,” said Bisgrove. “To represent First Tee – Alberta in front of so many people and know that it helped raise such a big donation that will have an impact on grassroots golf opportunities across the province is something I’ll never forget.”

Sean Van Kesteren, executive director of the Rogers Charity Classic, is proud to see the tournament’s impact extend far beyond golf.

“Our mission has always been to showcase the game’s greats while using the tournament to give back,” Van Kesteren said. “The Legends of Hockey event brings fans and families together in a unique way, while also driving real support for charities like First Tee – Alberta.”

Through the 2025 Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink program, donations made between March and August were matched up to 50 per cent, generating additional funding of $17,000 for the Alberta chapter.

First Tee – Alberta also received a $50,000 Charity Champion Grant earlier this season which supported First Nation outreach and provided access to the program for communities that may not otherwise have the opportunity to play.

“The Rogers Charity Classic has become a staple in Calgary’s summer calendar and a great example of what can happen when community and sport come together,” said Van Kesteren.

First Tee – Alberta continues to grow thanks to the generous support of donors, organizations and events such as the Rogers Charity Classic. The support of Calgary’s signature championship in helping the chapter achieve this fundraising milestone demonstrates the power of sport in bringing people together and creating lasting change both on and off the golf course.

To learn more about First Tee – Alberta, visit firstteealberta.ca.

As the leaves turn and temperatures drop across the country, fall is one of the most scenic — and often favourite — times of year to be on the golf course. It also signals the approach of the end of the active season, which varies by province.

Before you pack up your clubs for winter, it’s important to know how fall golf can affect your Handicap Index under the World Handicap System (WHS).

Here are six things to keep in mind:

1. Active seasons vary by Province

The Active Season is the period when scores from your specified area are eligible for handicap purposes. These dates are based on when courses are typically in mid-season condition, as they were when rated.

Weather and course conditions can affect the accuracy of course ratings, which is why scores eventually become ineligible for handicap purposes. Even if the active season is over, you can still post your scores to your Golf Canada account, though they won’t be factored into your Handicap Index.

2. Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC)

Frost delays, soggy lies and swirling winds are all part of fall golf. Conditions can be unpredictable, but the Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) helps account for tougher days.

PCC is an automatic process that compares daily scores against expected scoring patterns. If enough players post scores outside expectations from the same course on the same day, the WHS adjusts score differentials to reflect difficulty. The PCC only activates if at least eight rounds are posted from the same tee/course, so post your score the same day.

3. Preferred lies and wet fairways

When the ground gets damp, many clubs implement preferred lies (lift, clean and place) to ensure fair play. These rounds are still acceptable for handicap purposes under the WHS, as long as the local rule is in place and the round follows the Rules of Golf. When in doubt, check with the pro shop.

4. Shorter days means more 9-Hole and incomplete rounds

With less daylight in the fall, fitting in 18 holes can be a challenge. The WHS supports posting 9-hole rounds and incomplete rounds (10–17 holes).

As long as you play a full front or back nine, your score can be posted. You’ll receive a score differential for the holes played and the system will combine them to produce an 18-hole differential. Twilight nines are still a great way to keep scores in your record.

5. Playing on aerated greens

Many Canadian courses aerate their greens in the fall. While bumps and sand may affect putting, these scores are still valid.

Rounds played on aerated greens are acceptable, and a PCC adjustment may apply. It’s important to post these scores, even if conditions feel less than ideal.

6. Keep posting your scores

Fall golf in Canada can be both stunning and challenging. While the season may be short, those final rounds still matter in maintaining a fair and accurate Handicap Index.

Whether you’re playing competitively or just enjoying the last stretch of good weather, remember the WHS is designed to account for seasonal conditions.

So don’t put your clubs away just yet — post your scores, enjoy the colours and finish your season strong.

VICTORIA, B.C. — Drew Nesbitt delivered a career-defining performance Sunday at Uplands Golf Club, rallying to defeat fellow Canadian A.J. Ewart in a playoff and capture the 2025 Times Colonist Victoria Open presented by Andrew Sheret Limited.

Nesbitt erased a four-shot deficit with a 5-under 65 in windy conditions, pulling level with Ewart at 20-under 260 after regulation play. The 30-year-old from Horseshoe Valley, Ont., sealed the victory on the third extra hole, draining a 15-foot birdie putt at the par-3 ninth.

“I’ve been out here a little longer than some other guys, but I’ve dug deep internally and really tried to show myself that I can do this, that I’m able to play to my potential,” said Nesbitt, reflecting on a victory that underscores years of persistence on the professional circuit.

The win vaulted Nesbitt to No. 7 in the Fortinet Cup standings, setting up a pivotal week at the season-ending Fortinet Cup Championship at Morgan Creek Golf Course in Surrey, B.C. The top 10 players in the standings will earn Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2026.

“Job’s not done,” said Nesbitt, who had his father, Dave, on the bag this week. “Just because you’re in a position to earn Korn Ferry Tour membership doesn’t mean anything is guaranteed. This tour is strong, there are good players, and anything can happen. My goal is to go out next week, play the best I can, and let the results take care of themselves.”

Nesbitt’s victory is his first in 21 PGA TOUR Americas career starts. He becomes the first Canadian to win this season and the fourth across the Tour’s two-year history, joining Matthew Anderson, Stuart MacDonald and A.J. Ewart as national champions.

It continues a strong campaign that already includes three top-10 finishes in nine starts — highlighted by a solo third at the Explore NB Open and a T4 at the ECP Brazil Open. A long-time professional, Nesbitt has never played a Korn Ferry Tour event. His lone previous PGA TOUR-sanctioned win came at the 2019 Mexico Open on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, where he also carded the Tour’s first-ever 59 in 2018.

He has also appeared six times on the PGA TOUR, including three RBC Canadian Open starts. His most memorable moment came at the 2019 Honda Classic, where he famously saved par from the water with his pants rolled up and shirt off, making the cut on the number.

Ewart, who began Sunday with a four-stroke cushion, settled for a runner-up finish after being denied a second career PGA TOUR Americas title. The 25-year-old from Coquitlam, B.C., still moved up to No. 12 in the Fortinet Cup standings, just outside the top 10.

Elsewhere, Costa Rica’s Paul Chaplet recorded a career-best solo third at 17-under, while Florida’s Brett Roberts finished solo fourth, improving from No. 60 to No. 39 in the standings.

Fortinet Cup leader Michael Brennan added another top-10 with a T5 finish at 16-under. Already a three-time winner this season, Brennan has clinched his Korn Ferry Tour card for next year.

Huang wins her maiden LET title at 16 years, 10 months and 22 days
The Canadian jumps up to 22^nd in the LET Order of Merit

Canada’s Anna Huang Claims Historic First LET Title at La Sella Open

Canada’s Anna Huang captured her maiden Ladies European Tour (LET) victory in commanding style at the 2025 La Sella Open, finishing with a remarkable 20-under-par total at La Sella Golf Resort.

Just 16 years, 10 months, and 22 days old, Huang displayed maturity well beyond her age as she completed a wire-to-wire win, firing rounds of 64-66-69-69 to secure a seven-shot triumph. Her victory makes her the youngest winner on the LET in 2025 and only the second Canadian ever to claim a title on the Tour. The first was Brooke Henderson, who triumphed at the 2022 Amundi Evian Championship, a major. Huang, however, is the first Canadian to win a non-major LET event.

“Honestly, I’m really shocked right now! I can’t believe I just won,” Huang said, still in awe of her achievement. “It feels crazy. I tried to stay in the moment all week and focus on each shot, instead of letting the scores distract me. Sticking to my game plan really paid off.”

On Sunday, Huang opened her final round with a birdie at the third and added another at the ninth. The back nine tested her resilience—she dropped shots at the 13th and 15th but immediately bounced back with birdies at 14 and 16. She sealed her victory in style, sinking a final birdie at the 18th for a closing 69 (-3).

Sharing the moment by her father Alex’s side, who has caddied for her since the beginning of her golfing journey, made the win even more meaningful. “It’s super special to have my dad on the bag,” she said. “Winning at 16 feels unreal. I never thought this would happen, but I’m so proud of myself. I can’t wait to reply to all the messages from friends and family.”

Huang’s journey makes her breakthrough even more remarkable—she began the season without a full LET card and entered some events as a reserve. “At the start of the season, I didn’t even have a full card. I was just a reserve at the Wistron Ladies Open and the Aramco China Championship,” she explained. “To be standing here as a winner now is absolutely insane.”

With her first professional trophy already secured, Huang has announced herself as one of golf’s brightest rising stars.

LA SELLA, Spain — Canada’s Anna Huang fired a second-round 66 on Friday to grab a three-stroke lead at the halfway point of the La Sella Open.

Huang sits at 14-under 130 after opening with a 64 on Thursday. The 19-year-old from Vancouver continued her composed play in breezy conditions, stringing together five birdies against a single bogey.

“It was important to stay patient,” Huang said. “The course played tougher today with the wind, but I trusted my game and kept to my plan.”

France’s Natacha Nadaud is alone in second at 9-under, while Singapore’s Shannon Tan holds third at 8-under. Spain’s Nuria Iturrioz and Australia’s Kirsten Rudgeley share fourth at 6-under, keeping the home crowd hopeful for a weekend charge.

Huang has been particularly strong on the par-5s, playing them in seven under through two rounds. She will look to maintain that momentum over the closing 36 holes.

The La Sella Open continues Saturday with the final round set for Sunday.

ENFIELD, N.S. – Something special was bound to happen with seven players within two strokes of the lead entering Thursday’s final round of the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada at Oakfield Golf & Country Club.

That moment came from Ashburn Golf Club professional Josh Landine, who chipped in on the 18th hole to force a playoff with Yohann Benson, sending the gallery into a roar.

“The chip came out exactly how I wanted it to,” said Landine, who carded rounds of 68-69-70 on the week. “It looked like it might hang on the lip, but it had just enough to drop.”

Both Landine and Benson held the lead at different points in the afternoon. Benson made three straight birdies from Nos. 4 to 6 to open a three-shot advantage, while Landine responded with birdies at 8, 9, 11 and 12 to pull ahead by two.

A double bogey on the par-3 13th brought Landine back into a tie with Benson, with Wes Heffernan and James Swan close behind. Bogeys at 17 for Heffernan and Swan left the final hole to the two leaders.

Benson rolled a 40-foot putt to tap-in range, setting the stage for Landine’s must-make chip from 20 feet. He delivered.

Earlier in the round, Landine cracked the sole of his driver. While he was able to use it during regulation, rules required him to replace it in the playoff.

“Oddly, I was calm going in,” said Landine, whose wife was on the bag. “We joke that she’s undefeated in playoffs. That gave me some confidence.”

In the playoff, Landine hit his approach to 15 feet while Benson, playing from a tough downslope in the rough, saw his shot bounce over the green. Unable to get up-and-down, Benson watched as Landine two-putted for the victory.

“It was a crazy day,” said Landine with a laugh.

Heffernan finished third, while Maxwell Cohen fired a final-round 65 – the tournament’s low score – to tie for fourth with Swan, Khan Lee and Mitchell Fox.

Full leaderboard

LA SELLA, Spain – Canada’s Anna Huang carded a bogey-free eight-under 64 on Thursday to take the opening-round lead at the La Sella Open, a Ladies European Tour event in Denia, Spain.

The 16-year-old from Vancouver sits two shots ahead of a pair at six-under, that includes France’s Natasia Nadaud and Germany’s Leonie Harm.

Huang, who turned professional earlier this year after coming through qualifying school, is in her rookie LET season. She has already posted multiple top-20 results, but this marks the first time she has topped the leaderboard in a tour event.

“I just tried to stay patient out there and stick to my routines,” Huang said. “The putts started dropping and I was able to keep a clean card, which always feels good.”

Huang’s round featured eight birdies, with no bogeys. Her strong start continues a breakthrough year for the teenager, who also won final qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open earlier this summer.

Chasing her at eight under are a cluster of experienced competitors, while a larger group sits two shots back at six under. With three rounds still to play, the leaderboard is tightly packed.

The La Sella Open continues through Sunday.

In golf, par is one of the most familiar — and sometimes misunderstood — terms. It’s more than just a number on a scorecard. Par is the benchmark that helps golfers measure performance, compare scores and set personal goals. Whether you’re logging a casual round with friends or competing in a tournament, knowing what par means can make the game more enjoyable and less intimidating.

What is par?

Par is the standard number of strokes a scratch golfer (a golfer with Handicap Index of 0.0) is expected to achieve on a hole under normal playing conditions. This includes two putts on the green plus the strokes needed to reach it from the tee.

• Par 3: One stroke to the green, two putts.

• Par 4: Two strokes to the green, two putts.

• Par 5: Three strokes to the green, two putts.

Guidelines for establishing par are outlined in the Rules of Handicapping and are determined mainly by hole length for each gender.

Why correct par values matter

With the World Handicap System (WHS), the assigned par for each hole — and for the course overall — carries weight well beyond tradition. Correct par values affect:

1. Course Handicap calculations: par is part of the formula that determines your Course Handicap. Wrong values can mean golfers aren’t receiving the right number of strokes.
2. Posting scores: your maximum hole score (net double bogey) is tied to par. Incorrect values can inflate or deflate a Handicap Index.
3. Tournament play: formats such as Stableford, scoreboards and competition fairness all rely on accurate par values.
4. Enjoyment and expectations: understanding par helps golfers set realistic goals and celebrate achievements.

Net par – a personal benchmark

While par reflects the standard for a scratch golfer, net par adjusts that benchmark for each player’s ability. It is calculated by adding the handicap strokes you receive to the hole’s par.

• A golfer with a Course Handicap of 18 receives one stroke per hole. On a par 4, a score of 5 is considered net par.
• A beginner who receives two strokes on a par 5 can take 7 and still record a net par.

Why net par matters

• Builds confidence: meeting your personal standard is a real accomplishment.
• Creates realistic goals: helps golfers focus on progress at their own pace.

• Makes the game more enjoyable: encourages healthy competition against yourself, not just against par.

Enjoy the game to its fullest

Focusing only on par can discourage newer or higher-handicap golfers. Net par reframes each hole as a personal challenge and allows every golfer to find success.

By understanding both par and net par, you can:

• Track improvement more meaningfully

• Compete fairly with players of different skill levels

• Celebrate the small wins that make golf so rewarding

Take the next step

Par and net par aren’t just numbers. They are tools to help you enjoy the game more. Make sure your club is using correct par values and that you’re posting scores accurately.

If you or your club have any questions about par, reach out to Golf Canada’s Memberships team or visit Golf Canada’s Handicap Resources to learn more.

Understanding par is the first step to playing your best—and enjoying golf to its fullest.

Course Ratings happen quietly in the background, but its impact is felt by every golfer, every day. They provide the foundation for fair handicapping, equitable tournament play, and consistent competition across all skill levels.

While your Provincial Golf Association is responsible for conducting and issuing Course and Slope Ratings, it’s valuable to understand how the process works and why it matters.

Understanding Course Rating and Slope Rating

Course Rating and Slope Rating might not be something golfers think about every day, but they shape the fairness and accuracy of play at your club.

• Course Rating measures the difficulty of the course for a scratch golfer (a player with a handicap of 0) under normal playing conditions.

• Bogey Rating measures the difficulty of the course for a bogey golfer (a player with a Handicap Index of approximately 20.0 -24.0).  The Bogey Rating is not commonly promoted but is essential when calculating the Slope Rating.

• Slope Rating compares the relative difficulty for a bogey golfer versus a scratch golfer.  It is effectively the slope of the line (rise/run) between the Course & Bogey Ratings when plotted on a graph.

Together, these ratings are core components of the World Handicap System, ensuring golfers of different skill levels can compete equitably.

How and When Course Ratings Are Conducted

Course Ratings are administered by trained volunteers from your Provincial Golf Association using standardized procedures from the World Handicap System.

• Ratings are valid for up to 10 years, but most courses are re-rated on an 8–9 year schedule.

• A re-rating is triggered sooner if major changes occur—such as altering yardages, redesigning holes, adding or removing hazards, or making substantial modifications to greens, bunkers, or tee boxes.

During a rating visit (or part of a pre-rating visit), teams:

• Measure and verify yardages for each tee

• Rate each tee for both genders (for both the scratch and bogey golfer)

• Consider factors that impact the effective playing length of the hole, including elevation, roll and doglegs/forced layups.

• Analyze landing zones based on shot distance and accuracy patterns and assess how obstacles affect difficulty.

• Assess obstacles, including bunkers, water hazards, rough, trees, penalty areas, and green speed.

Preparing for a Course Rating Visit & What to Expect Afterwards

Club staff play a key role in supporting a successful rating process. Ahead of the visit:

• Your Provincial Association or a Course Rating Team Leader will reach out to verify information about the course, which could include:

• Any changes made to the course since the last rating,

• Course maintenance practices (mower heights, watering schedules, etc.).

• A date will be scheduled for the Course Rating Team to visit the course (this may also include a pre-visit where initial measurements are collected).

Once the rating is completed:

• The Course & Slope Rating will be calculated for each set of tees (for each gender).

• These ratings are reviewed by the Course Rating Team and Provincial Golf Associations before being released to the club.

• The Golf Canada Score Centre is updated with the new ratings

• As part of the Course Rating process, you will also have access to recommended Stroke Index Allocations, which are based on Course Rating data.

Why Accurate Ratings Matter to Your Club

Course maintenance practices can impact the accuracy of the Course & Slope Ratings, so it is important for course set up and conditions to reflect the normal conditions as much as possible.  Any significant differences should be communicated to the Provincial Golf Associations to determine if an adjustment is required.

Accurate Course and Slope Ratings are more than just numbers—they’re the foundation for fairness, trust, and compliance:

• They ensure handicaps reflect true playing ability, and that a Handicap Index is portable for competition outside of your club.

• Helps Maintain fairness and credibility in tournaments

• Your club stays in good standing with your Provincial Golf Association and the World Handicap System.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your Course & Slope Ratings —or think a re-rating might be necessary—contact your Provincial Association for guidance, clarification and next steps.