This is a sponsored post produced in partnership with Golf Swing Systems, the UK’s leading bespoke golf simulator specialists. 

Having a personal golf studio is a lifelong ambition for many golfers. However, these projects aren’t exclusively reserved for tour professionals or those with an abundance of disposable cash. Advances in launch monitor technology, simulator software, and garden room construction have allowed the team at Golf Swing Systems to perfect bespoke solutions for any serious, committed golfer. 

Whether it’s a weekend player looking to sharpen their game through winter, a club professional upgrading to an immersive simulator bay, or a commercial venue looking to diversify revenue streams, Golf Swing Systems specialises in designing and installing bespoke setups for homeowners and leading commercial clubs in the UK and Europe. Having helped hundreds of golfers discover the benefits of a personalised golfing space, the team guides clients through all planning, design, and construction phases with complete transparency. 

If you’re considering a project like this, here is what you need to know before getting underway.

Confirm the Space and Dimensions

The most important factor when setting up a personal golf studio is ensuring you have the right capacity and space for it. For a full-swing simulator setup, a recommended minimum footprint is 4.5m deep, 3m wide, and 3m high (14.8ft x 10ft x 10ft).

While these are the minimum requirements, adding more depth and width will allow for more flexibility with “throw distance” (the distance from the projector to the screen), side netting, and the general “professional” feel of the room. 

The Advantage of Customisation

Garden rooms specifically designed and built for regular golf don’t have to conform to off-the-shelf setup dimensions. Through Golf Swing Systems’ partnership with local garden room experts Green Retreats, studios and cabins can be engineered from the ground up to work around awkward corners or challenging ceiling heights. These cabins are equipped with high-quality insulation, integrated electrics, and premium interiors.

What’s more, these spaces are frequently multipurpose; perfect for those seeking a bespoke, golf “cave” capable of doubling as a cinema, home office, or gym. For such multipurpose golf cabins, the depth should be extended to 7 metres to allow a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. 

Note on planning: Most garden rooms fall under permitted development rights in the UK, so planning permission may not be required. However, if the building is over a certain height, close to a boundary wall, or in a conservation area, permission may be needed, but the knowledgeable Golf Swing Systems team can provide planning support to ensure your build is compliant.

What’s Needed for a Simulator Setup?

Once the space is determined, focus shifts to bringing the virtual course to life. Drawing on a wealth of industry knowledge, Golf Swing Systems can guide you on every essential component of a high-quality simulation system that defines the quality and accuracy of the simulator experience:

1. Launch monitor – The technical heart of the system, this captures ball and club data (such as swing speed, spin rate, face angle, club path and more) before feeding it into the simulation software. Leading brands like Trackman, Foresight Sports, SkyTrak and Uneekor offer radar or camera-based systems suited to varying budgets and spaces.
   
2. Impact screen – Built to order and made from resilient materials, these high-gain, tensioned screens display ultra-high resolution without sagging, fading or warping from repeated golf club strikes.
   
3. Projector – Whether short-throw or ultra-short-throw, these are positioned overhead or behind the player, to ensure the most logical, clear immersive view.
   
4. Enclosure – Custom-made golf simulator enclosures are designed to catch the ball safely at full speed while maintaining the integrity of projected image.
   
5. Hitting mat – A quality golf mat replicates the feel of a real fairway, protecting the floor, club, and player posture. Options include interchangeable surfaces to make specific shot practice even more realistic.

Further choices of additional training aids and products, will make each session on your simulator even more rewarding. 

Further Support

Golf Swing Systems also supports technology integration across the golf industry, providing launch monitors, video coaching equipment and total academy assistance to facilities nationwide. The company is committed to providing industry-leading technology and solutions to support pro-level training into the home environment. 

For golf club owners and hospitality managers, a standalone garden studio with commercial-grade finishes, aesthetic touches, and year-round accessibility, offers immense commercial potential. Golf Swing Systems provides a wide range of bundles and packages tailored to commercial needs, and is available to discuss bespoke requirements for any facility. 

One thing is certain – a golf studio is one of the most rewarding investments that a serious golfer can make. When done well, it pays dividends in uninterrupted, dedicated, and purposeful practice time, year after year. 

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Introduction

Let’s start with a bold statement. I think Ram are one of golf’s more under-rated brands. 

The best driver I’ve ever owned was the Ram FX V. I’ve never had anything before or since that went straighter. When I’m hitting massive hooks now, I lament the day I ever let it go. 

Remember the Ram Zebra putter? Man, that mallet was a cult all its own. And Tom Watson gamed the brand too, along with Nick Price, Ray Floyd and Gary Player. Ram were a serious brand for serious players when I was taking my initial steps in the game. 

They live on and the traditionalist in me is delighted to see them doing so.  

But this isn’t some rose-tinted stroll down memory lane. When I took Ram’s new FX-LOCK Silent Trolley Bag out for a spin, I quickly realised it was an impressive bit of kit – with one very cool innovation you might not have seen before.  

Keywords

Ram Golf FX-LOCK Silent Trolley; Ram Golf; Ram trolley, Ram trolleys, Ram, Ram lock trolley, golf bag, Ram golf trolley bag  

NCG Summary and rating

NCG Summary

A spacious trolly bag with more pockets than you’ll probably ever need but which will live and die in your eyes by the 14-club locking divider system. I found it very useful – an easy way to store and find clubs – but wonder how it will look after a year of heavy use.   

PROS

• Extremely good value 
• Many spacious pockets  
• Lock system keeps your clubs securely in place

CONS

• How durable will the divider system be long term?  

Key Facts

Key benefits and downsides

First Impressions

I’m out of the stand bag game. I’m pushing 50 and, though I’ll continue to carry in the winter, the thought of hawking around a full set – particularly in these never-ending heatwaves – is not on my wish-list.  

When the RAM FX-LOCK Silent Trolley bag turned up, there was instant appeal. Particularly at the £119 price tag.  

I’ve recently bought a new set of irons and wanted to resist the understandable urge to splash out on covers to protect them. I’m still in the honeymoon stage where I’m gutted about every little dent.  

It’s here the bag’s club dividers – this innovative locking system – really stood out and they do dominate everything about this product.  

We’ll get into that in some detail shortly, but I really liked the red, white and blue colour scheme. And having only owned one cart bag before in my golfing life, I couldn’t get over the number of pockets – and their size!  

How I undertook the review

I tested the bag on a push trolley during several club competitions at Sandburn Hall, in York, and then on a golf buggy during a 36-hole day at Close House.  

What I found

Let’s get straight to it. If you’re looking at buying this – and that would be why you’re reading this review – you’re probably interested in two things: the price point and the divider system. 

At £119, this is exceptional value without being budget. I’ve yet to see whether it’s fully waterproof – this is the hottest summer ever, apparently – but if it’s not you are not missing out on much else.  

Pockets

There are an incredible number of pockets, 10 at my count and I may have missed a couple of hidden ones inside. 

They’re not gimmicks, either. The four front pockets – one for balls, one for tees, a cooler pocket, and I don’t even know what the top one is for – are incredibly spacious. You could fit every accessory you owned, plus two drinks and your suncream into the quartet alone. I know this because I’ve pretty much tried it.  

Two small zip pockets on each side are perfect to keep phones and keys apart and the two outside pockets were large enough to put a shoe in each (I was breaking in a new pair). 

I could comfortably insert a pair of waterproofs, take off the midlayer on a warm day, and have space for more in the larger inside pockets. 

You will never find yourself making compromises with kit again and I’ve not even mentioned the umbrella holder, towel buckle, or the glove patch. 

14-way Club Locking Top

Then there is the 14-way Club Locking Top. Ram say this is to solve the “annoying…rattle, tangle, and clatter on every bump of the cart path”. 

It is described as a “silent club-lock top that features 14 individual dividers with rubber sleeves that grip each shaft”. 

They look a little ungainly at first, but they are very effective. Not only do they hold your clubs firmly in place, but they also remain in situ even if you’re bumping from path to heavy rough.  

At first, I thought it was going to be a real hassle trying to figure out which divider I’d taken a club from as I tried to replace it after hitting a shot. 

But it’s very easy to locate the space and it’s even easier to find a club if you spend a second or two ordering them properly.  

My only concern here, and it’s probably unfounded, is how durable the rubber sleeves will continue to be with prolonged use. As you remove and replace a club, they spring back into place. That keeps the tension and it will be interesting to sure whether that plasticity remains the longer I use the bag. 

Putter Holder

Other highlights of this bag include the external putter holder, which is large enough to fit the driver as well, and, at 3.3 kilograms, this bag is an easy pick up even holding a full set.  

I’m using a Motocaddy push trolley and the Ram FX-LOCK Silent Trolley Bag fits very well and stay in place – no more mid-round adjusting because my carry bag has started to lean to the side. 

NCG Final Say

This is a seriously impressive golf bag at a value price. It’s light, seems to have space for everything, and comes in four colour options. How invested you get will depend on how you perceive the Club-Locking Top, but it’s an innovation that should be applauded and it works extremely well out on the course.  

Price information

RRP: £119.99 / $179.99

Other product details

Colours: Black-Grey / Black-White / Blue-White-Red / Blue-Grey

Bag height: 92cm

Type: Trolley bag

Use: Push or cart (buggy)

Rain hood: Comes complete with a matching rain hood to keep clubs and grips dry, plus an umbrella holder, velcro glove patch, and a buckle for your golf towel.

More information: Ram Golf UK / Ram Golf US

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The accuracy of your golf simulator setup boils down to the calculations that the launch monitor computes. Launch monitors, such as the GCQuad and Trackman 4, are highly accurate. For example, Trackman suggests that their device can accurately detect the landing point of your golf ball by 1½-yards.

I’ve personally found these premium launch monitors to be incredibly accurate. This provides detailed insight into my golf game and helps me better understand my club selection, swing path, and launch angle.

However, this level of accuracy is not found in more affordable home golf simulators. That is because they measure fewer data points. For example, the OptiShot 2 measures your club speed, path, and face angle at impact. This helps you determine the apex, distance, and direction of each golf shot.

Conversely, the Trackman 4 measures detailed club and ball data to receive a clearer picture of your shot. Naturally, the added data points help the Trackman provide more accurate readings. As opposed to its affordable competitor.

That is understandable and something to keep in mind when planning your golf simulator setup. As an average golfer, you need golf simulation software to enable you to play on a virtual golf course and driving range at any time.

Your mission is to improve the mechanics of your swing and ball striking. You do not need to focus on highly accurate data. Your mission is to learn how to consistently strike a ball with your golf clubs first.

Golf Simulators vs. Launch Monitor

The majority of golf simulators require a launch monitor for operation. However, launch monitors can be used independently of the simulator. Launch monitors are portable and can be employed on the driving range, the course, or as part of your home golf simulation setup.

Launch monitor technology calculates output for your shot. Therefore, it measures your clubhead and ball speed, face angle at impact, and launch angle. This information is then calculated to provide the direction and distance results. Golf simulators partner with launch monitors to provide a virtual experience.

Golf simulator software allows you to play a virtual course, practice on the range or undertake different challenges. The simulator provides a visual representation of your ball flight, direction, and distance on the screen.

An accurate golf simulator gives you the experience of a life-like round, showcasing your distance and direction. Less-accurate devices may present a few yards less or more than their premium competitors. However, this is no train smash for the average golfer.

Let me use a car analogy for the motorheads. The launch monitor is the engine, and the simulator is the chassis. It brings the work of the launch monitor to life, displaying your shot results on the screen.

There are a couple of golf simulators that do not require launch monitors. They are entry-level products that are easy to use. One that I have already mentioned is the OptiShot 2. It uses optical sensors to measure club data, eradicating the need for a launch monitor.

In addition, there is PhiGolf Mobile Home Simulator, where a motion sensor stick detects your club data. The results are displayed on your TV screen through the WGT golf game. Although I love what they are doing, I find this more like playing Nintendo Wii than using a home simulator.

How Golf Simulators (Should) Improve Your Game

Golf simulators give you the platform to improve your game. If you transform your garage or basement into a home simulator, you can practice every day of the week. You can still get some training in, on days where it is impossible to make it to the range.

They help your game because they provide detailed insight into your shot to help you take corrective action. A simulator allows you to practice with purpose instead of aimlessly whacking balls at the range and achieving the same outcome.

Understanding your average ball speed, smash factor, face angle, and launch angle empower you to improve your game. Once you identify your ideal backswing and angle of attack for a shot, you can consistently practice it and awaken your muscle memory.

Recommended Golf Simulators

I recently unveiled my top 10 golf simulators under 00. They are ideal for casual golfers to practice and play virtual tournaments. I recommend looking at the post to get an idea of what setup is best for you.

But if you want something quicker, I’ve compiled a mini-review of my top 3 home golf simulators below, including entry-level, mid-range, and premium products.

SwingLogic Home Golf Simulator

Pros

• Super affordable
• The sensor clips onto your shaft
• The set includes a swing stick
• Measures 5 data points
• It includes a license to E6 Connect

Cons

• Inaccurate data
• The price does not include a complete simulator setup.

The SwingLogic Home Golf Simulator is an entry-level simulator that is easy to operate and is suitable for beginners and high handicappers. A sensor clips onto your shaft below the grip, and measures distance, backspin, sidespin, face angle, and swing tempo.

It records fewer data points than premium models resulting in less accurate information. However, it is not a train smash for the average golfer who can live with imperfections.

Although it is an affordable golf simulator, it does not include a mat for your hitting surface, nor an impact screen or net. It does include a subscription to E6 Connect software, enabling you to play virtual rounds of golf and practice whenever you have a moment.

Ultimately, it is an ideal product to consider if you are not willing to pull the trigger on a complete setup at this point.

OptiShot 2 Golf In A Box

Pros

• It includes a net
• Easy to setup
• Measures club data
• The set provides a hitting mat
• Affordable

Cons

• It does not measure ball data.

The OptiShot 2 Golf In A Box Simulator is the best value for money simulator that you can get. It works for mid and high handicappers looking for entertainment and a platform to train. For less than $1000, you can take home a complete set.

This simulator includes a hitting net, mat, and impact pad, packed with 16 sensors that respond to infrared light. The sensors track your club path, clubhead speed, and face angle to calculate the outcome of your shot. Naturally, the lack of ball data leads to inaccurate results. But again, this is not the end of the world for casual golfers.

The OptiShot 2 Simulator lets you play on 15 renowned golf courses as you work to lower your handicap. Call 3 buddies over for a couple of beverages and a night of fun on the simulator. You can play 18-holes or tackle challenges to see who is the best in your group.

Foresight Sports Sim-In-A-Box

Pros

• Highly accurate data
• Access to 21 world-renowned golf courses
• It measures ball and club data
• The package includes hitting mat, impact screen, PC, and access to the FSX software

Cons

• Too expensive for the average golfer

I understand that it is difficult for the average golfer to justify dropping more than $16,000 on a golf simulator. However, I want you to see why a premium launch monitor costs thousands of dollars versus an entry-level model.

The Foresight Sim-In-A-Box Birdie Package is one of the more affordable (believe it or not) premium simulator setups. It includes a GC3 launch monitor, a gaming optimized PC, an impact screen, and hitting turf. Plus, the set is sold with a frame to provide the appearance of an enclosure around the screen.

Besides the robust features of this set, it also provides access to the company’s FSX 2020 software. It contains 21 world-class golf courses and a virtual practice range and gives you the chance to compete against other golfers across the globe.

The GC3 launch monitor measures 10 ball and club data points to increase the accuracy of the measurements. Therefore, its superiority in this field makes it an ideal option for low handicappers and serious golfers.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years. Current Handicap: 8

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A bit of a late bloomer to the game of golf, Max fell in love with the sport when he attended Saturday coaching sessions down at his local golf club after being inspired by friends and family members.

Max has remained a member of Eden Golf Club in Carlisle for a number of years now as he looks to get his handicap down into single figures. Most of his golfing career has been spent battling a permanent slice off the tee, which has led to some ugly rounds.

Having studied at the University of Sunderland, Max is starting out his dream career in sports journalism. During his time at university, he picked up valuable work experience at Reach PLC, BBC Radio Cumbria and GiveMeSport, whilst also getting work published in the Teesside Live. He also spent time working at a local weekly newspaper, Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, as a general news reporter partially covering some local sport just north of the border in Langholm.

Max has just started his journey with the NCG working as the assistant equipment editor. He looks forwarded to reviewing the latest golf equipment, taking up an interest in reviews when buying his first golf club, a Cleveland RTX wedge.

With his bag not going under too many changes throughout the last few years, Max carries an M3 driver, Titleist GT3 Fairway Wood, M2 hybrid, a set of M2 irons, Callaway Jaws wedges and a TaylorMade Spider putter. And yes, Max is a bit of a self-proclaimed TaylorMade fan boy.

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Split tees refer to scenarios when a golf course starter sends the players off the 1st and 10th tees. Golfers with a tenth tee block time will finish their round on the 9th. Conversely, those playing their first tee shot on the first hole end their long

The main objective is to increase the number of golfers who get through 18-holes on scheduled long days. Two sets of tee boxes are helpful when there are 140 plus golfers in a field, and there is limited daylight for everyone to tee off the 1st.

It is an effective way to increase the field’s capacity, leading to a growth in revenue from green fees and other tournament-related revenue.

In addition, more foursomes of golfers get to tee off on a scheduled day. Given its rise in popularity, a starting time has been hard to come by at some clubs. This is one way to ensure more of us get to play.

Furthermore, a two-tee start alleviates a backlog if bad weather leads to a delay. It enables competitors to complete their rounds without being affected by less daylight.

As a junior, I played many Provincial 36-hole strokeplay league events. The field usually consisted of 80 odd players.

Where I grew up on the East Coast of South Africa, we had plenty of sunlight. However, getting all those youngsters to finish up 36-holes in a day required serious logistics. That is why split tees were employed.

Especially since we were traveling from across the province, which was a 3 to 4-hour drive for some.

The tournament couldn’t start excessively early because of the long-distance travelers, nor could it end at sundown. Somehow, the organizer managed to pull it off and throw prize-giving into the mix.

When Professional Tournaments Use Split Tees

You typically see split tees used in professional tournaments where fields reach as many as 156 professionals. This is commonly found in National Opens. These events extend invitations to International stars and amateurs.

If you watched the PGA Championship last weekend, you would have noticed that split tees were employed on Thursday and Friday. You will also witness this in the upcoming British Open. They use two tees to maximize daylight, and the first group is penciled in for an early tee time.

What Are Double Tees?

Double tees refer to when a golf course sends groups of players off the 1st and 10th tee simultaneously during an allotted period. For example, the starters assign a tee time between 7 and 9am to the 1st of 10th holes.

A challenge that arises with this setup is the pace of play. If players complete the back 9-holes faster than those on the front, you experience delays at the turn. However, when foursomes of golfers are playing at a consistent speed, it flows seamlessly.

What Is The Average Tee Time Interval?

The average schedule allows for 7 to 10-minute intervals. This is determined by the local club and is often based on the time it takes for the group ahead to play their second shot and clear the fairway or green.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some courses increased the interval time to 12 minutes, ensuring social distance protocols.

Other Start Types in Golf Tournaments

Standard

The standard start is where every golfer tees off the first and completes their round on the 18th. This is common in instances where fewer golfers are on the tee sheet, and there is ample time to complete 18-holes.

You will find that regulation PGA Tour events follow this procedure because the tournaments are restricted to exempt players. The only major tournament to use this start is the Masters. The system works differently at Augusta National compared to the other majors.

Shotgun

A shotgun start is an efficient approach for 72 golfers to complete 18-holes simultaneously. Each fourball is assigned to different tees around the golf course at the same starting time.

For example, the organizer decides that the event starts at 1pm. So, you meet your foursome at the clubhouse and walk over to your assigned tee box.

When you hear the starter’s horn, you commence your round and follow the layout until you have completed 18 holes. If you start on the 4th hole, your 18th will be the 3rd.

Every shotgun start I have played in has been a charity event with a post-round auction. The idea is that everyone finishes simultaneously to keep the participants around for the auction.

A standard start or split tees leads to some players finishing hours before the rest of the field. As a result, some participants leave early, and organizers limit their upsell potential.

Besides extracting cash from the field, a shotgun start works wonders during the time of year with less daylight.

Double Shotgun

A double shotgun start is the same as a single, except that every tee box is assigned two groups of foursomes. Let us call them group A and B. The 18 foursomes from group A tee off at 8:00am, while those in group B hit the links at 12:00pm.

Reverse Shotgun

Reverse shotgun is based on the premise of the original idea. However, it is crafted to cater to fewer players. Instead of the participants teeing off on every hole simultaneously, golfers are assigned to holes 18 and backward. For example, If there are 9 foursomes, they will tee off simultaneously on holes 10 through 18.

This frees up non-tournament players to enjoy a round of golf without being held up or interfering with the pace of play.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years. Current Handicap: 8

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Is there a big difference between the competition and general play scores of golfers around the world? How often are players recording exceptional rounds?

A World Handicap System Data Report, produced by The R&A and USGA, provides a fascinating look at the way millions of golfers interacted with the game last year.

It was put together after submissions of scoring data from 57 national associations captured 150 million rounds played by over 6.5 million golfers.

So what did the numbers say? Are handicaps changing? Are they being held down by caps and how many times did the Playing Conditions Calculation come into play? Let’s look at the numbers in the World Handicap System data report…

World Handicap System Data Report: Key findings

• Average male handicap: 16.9
• Average female handicap: 29.0
• 72.8% of submitted rounds were general play
• 83.4% were 18-hole rounds
• PCC was applied to 8.9% of scores
• 96.9% of players produced no exceptional scores

Where did the scores come from?

In Great Britain & Ireland, 631,500 golfers in England accounted for 11.3 million of the rounds, with Ireland reporting 3 million rounds (174,900 players), Scotland 2.2 million (131,800 golfers) and Wales 678,600 rounds (40,400 players).

Unsurprisingly, the United States made up the largest share of submitted scoring data of 2.8 million golfers and 82.3 million scores reported in 2025.

Other prominent associations to submit large numbers of scores included Australia (10.1 million scores), Canada (11.1 million scores), Sweden (6.6 million scores) and Japan (3.7 million scores).

What was the average golf handicap in 2025?

The average handicap index of male golfers worldwide was 16.9 and 29.0 for female players. The largest group of male golfers – 42.3% – had a handicap index between 10.1 and 20.0. Just over a quarter were between 20.1 and 30.

For females, a third of players had a handicap between 20.1 and 30, with just under a quarter holding an index between 30.1 and 40.

Male golfers made up 83.1% of those with a handicap index and they submitted an average of 23.4 scores in 2025. Female golfers recorded 21.4 scores and made up 16.9% of players.

How many competition rounds were submitted versus general play scores?

General play accounted for 72.8% of all rounds (or 106.6 million in total), with competition rounds accounting for 27.2% of rounds (39.9 million).

Female golfers submitted fractionally more competition scores than male players – around 6.8 scores versus 6.2.

But those numbers were dwarfed by general play. On average females submitted 14.5 general play scores in 2025 and males put in 16.9.

How many rounds were 18 holes versus nine holes?

18-hole rounds were still the dominant format – accounting for 83.4% of the total rounds, or 125.1 million, submitted in 2025.

Female players were more inclined towards 9-hole outings. The shorter format made up 27% of all rounds they submitted, compared to just 15% for males.

Did golfers score better in competitions or general play?

With some critics maintaining that general play scores make it easier to manipulate a handicap, you might expect to see some variation in the average score differentials in 18- and 9-hole rounds compared with competition scores.

But the WHS data report suggests this is not the case, with Competition Play score Differentials “consistent to General Play score differentials across most handicap ranges for both male and female golfers” in 18 and 9-hole rounds.

For example, the average score differential of male players in 18-hole rounds with a handicap between 10.1 and 20 was 18.3 in competitions and 18.5 in general play.

At the higher end, for players with an index of 30.1 to 40.0, it was 36.5 in competitions and 36.0 in general play.

In 9-hole rounds, the scoring differentials across those same two categories was 10.2 in competitions and 9.4 in general play and 19.5 in competitions and 19.6 in general play.

How often did the WHS Playing Conditions Calculation apply?

Remember the PCC? The Rules of Handicapping says it looks at whether “playing conditions on the day differed from normal conditions to the extent that an adjustment is needed to compensate”.

It does that by comparing scores submitted by players on a given day against “expected scoring patterns”. There are some rules. At least eight acceptable scores are needed for a PCC to take place, it doesn’t include any scores from players with a handicap index of 36.0 or above and doesn’t count 9-hole scores that are scaled up.

A PCC adjustment was applied to 8.9% of the scores submitted, with 1 shot (3.9%) the most common. A PCC of -1 was applied in 2.8% of scores, with no adjustment applied 91.1% of the time.

How often did players record an exceptional score reduction?

This is triggered when a score differential is at least seven strokes better than the player’s WHS index when their round was played.

For scores between seven and 9.9 better, a one-stroke reduction is applied to every one of the last 20 score differentials in their handicap record.

If the differential is 10 strokes better or more, it’s a two-stroke reduction.

For players that don’t have 20 scores, the reduction is applied to all the scores they have recorded. 

So how often was it triggered? Very rarely, according to the R&A and USGA numbers. There was no exceptional score for 96.9% of golfers, with a mere 1.2% of players triggering a one-stroke reduction.

Only 0.7% of golfers saw a two-shot reduction.

Within these tiny fractions, the handicap index (both male and female) most likely to trigger a one-shot reduction was between 20.1 and 25.0 – accounting for just under 31% of the total. 

For a two-stroke reduction? This one might surprise you. Though the numbers were spread out much more evenly, 10.1 to 15.0 handicappers – at 22.8% – were the most likely to have a career day on the course. 

How often are WHS soft and hard caps applied?

These are designed to stop handicap indexes going up too quickly. The maximum number of strokes a handicap can increase in any calendar year is five above the Low Handicap Index.

But there is a further anchor. When an index has risen three shots, any further increase is limited to half. That’s the soft cap. And when it gets to five, that hard cap is applied. There is much more detail on the soft and hard cap here.

Were lots of caps applied? Not according to this worldwide data. It says 96.38% of golfers had no cap applied.

Of those that did receive one, 49% were likely applied to players with an index of between 10 and 20.

To look at the figures in more detail, check out the World Handicap System data report.

• This piece also appears in the GCMA’s monthly Insights newsletter that is packed with expert opinion on matters relating to golf club management. Sign up to Insights for FREE here.
  

Now have your say

What do you make of this World Handicap System data? Does it tally up with how you are feeling and approaching the game where you play? Let me know in the comments below, or get in touch with us on X.

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Acer SR1 Titanium Mini Driver Delivers a Compact Alternative for Greater Confidence Off the Tee

ROSEVILLE, Ca. — Hireko Golf is excited to announce the expansion of our Acer Golf SR1 Series with the introduction of the new Acer SR1 Titanium Mini Driver. Designed as a compact alternative to the traditional oversized driver, the SR1 Mini Driver gives golfers a smaller profile at address for greater consistency and confidence off the tee.

Featuring a 40mm shallow face, 13° loft, and rearward weighting, the SR1 Mini Driver is designed to promote easy launch, stability through impact, and consistent distance. Its titanium construction and neutral ball flight provide a blend of distance, forgiveness, and control, while the compact 300cc head makes accuracy and shot placement a priority.

Complete the Acer SR1 Series

The new Acer SR1 Mini Driver joins the Acer SR1 lineup, which also features Titanium Drivers (Standard and Low Spin), Fairway Woods, Hybrids, and Irons. All SR1 products are available as clubheads and custom assembled, giving golfers and club builders the flexibility to create a setup tailored to their game.

The Acer SR1 Mini Driver is now available at www.hirekogolf.com and through authorized retailers worldwide.

About Hireko Golf

Hireko Golf is a manufacturer of golf equipment and accessories headquartered in Roseville, California. Hireko’s stable of brands includes Orlimar, Intech, Juggernaut, Karma Grips, Acer & Dynacraft Golf Components and SK Fiber Golf Shafts. Hireko is also the licensee for PowerBilt in the USA.

For more information, or to become a dealer, contact support@hirekogolf.com or call +1 (626) 330-5525

Media Contact:
Hireko Trading Co., Inc
Ja’Monie Johnson
626-330-5525
jamonie@hirekogolf.com

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The duration of a golf tournament varies depending on the format and whether it is for professionals or amateur golfers.

I’ve played in tournaments ranging from 9-hole team match play events to 72-hole amateur tournaments.

The duration of a tournament depends on the format, size of the field, and the tournament profile…

How Long Golf Tournaments Last

Club Competitions

The standard Wednesday or Saturday competition at your local golf course typically lasts one afternoon or morning. However, serious events such as club champs are often played over 2 days. It is up to the club to make that decision.

State or Provincial Amateur Tournament

A state amateur tournament is generally scheduled for 3 or 4 days, giving the top amateurs a taste of the stamina required for professional golf.

National Amateur Championship

National Amateur Championships vary in length depending on the format. For example, the U.S Amateur is played over 5 days, as it combines stroke play and match play. In 2021, over 312 golfers secured tee times for the medal portion of the event. After 2 days, the field is cut to 64, who battle each other in match play for the title.

Another example dearer to me is the South African Amateur Championship. It is a pure match play tournament contested over 4 days. Naturally, this event does not attract the magnitude of players found on the tee sheet at the U.S Amateur.

Pro Am Tournament

The average Pro-Am tournament lasts for one day. These are often held on the Wednesday preceding a professional golf tournament. However, there are Pro-Am events where amateurs compete alongside professionals for 4 days.

The most famous 4-day Pro-Am events are the AT&T Pebble Beach and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. These tournaments follow the best ball format, where you take the lowest score from your pairing on each hole.

Pro Am’s offer the average golfer a chance to test their skills against Tour Pros. Sometimes, you may get lucky and play with legends like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, or Bryson DeChambeau.

Professional Tournament

Tournaments for professional golfers usually last 4 days, excluding practice rounds and the Pro-am. This is the case at the British Open, PGA Championship, US Open, the Masters, and most regulation events.

However, there are exceptions to the rule. The WGC Dell Technologies Matchplay is contested over 5 days. Conversely, team events such as the Presidents, Solheim, and Ryder Cup last 3 days.

Although the US Open is scheduled for 4 days, it previously reserved an extra day for ties after 72-holes. The USGA changed this rule in 2018 to a 2 hole playoff. The golfer with the lowest score after 2 holes wins. If the scores remain deadlocked, they proceed to the 3rd hole for a sudden-death playoff.

The idea before 2018 was that tied players would return on day 5 for an 18-hole playoff. 3 of my compatriots successfully weathered the playoff to claim the U.S Open. Gary Player did it in 1965, and 29 years later, Ernie Els lifted the trophy. Retief Goosen added to the tally when he defeated Mark Brooks in 2001 by 2 shots.

This is exciting for fans who can never get enough of the majors, but most of us have to work on a Monday, leading to fewer viewers. The last memory we will cherish of an 18-hole U.S Open playoff is the 2008 edition at the Torrey Pines South Course.

Tiger Woods played with a torn ACL and 2 stress fractures in his left leg and still managed to beat Rocco Mediate. Although he required reconstructive surgery, it propelled the big cat to his 14th major victory, 4 shy of Jack Nicklaus’ record:

The Number of Rounds Played in a Golf Tournament

Club Tournaments

The majority of club tournaments consist of one round of 18-holes. However, Club Championship events could consist of two 18-hole rounds. Obviously, this assumes that the event is stroke play or Stableford. If it is match play, you may play 36 holes per day. Therefore, if the tournament is scheduled for 2-days, you could play 4 rounds of 18 holes.

State Or Provincial Amateur Tournaments

Provincial or state amateur tournaments range from 3 to 4 rounds of 18 holes if it is a strokeplay tournament. Should it function as a matchplay event, the winner may play 7 rounds of golf. Every match is 18-holes, except for the final, which is reserved for 36-holes. This counts as one round or match.

National Amateur Championship

National Amateur Championships tend to follow the same procedure as State competitions. Every round, except for the final, is contested over 18-holes, and winners of the morning match proceed to the afternoon. This repeats until the semi-finals.

The winners of the semis proceed to the 36-hole final, which counts as 1 round. Therefore, the finalists play in 7 rounds during the tournament.

Pro Am Tournament

The standard Pro-Am tournament lasts for a single round of 18 holes. The chief exceptions to this norm are the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Dunhill Links Championship. Players that make the cut for Sunday will play a total of 4 rounds of 18-holes.

Professional Tournament

PGA and DP World Tour events are contested over 4 rounds of 18 holes. This is the standard, and the events run from Thursday to Sunday. However, the structure differs when there are special match play tournaments.

Participants play 36 holes a day, resulting in two 18-hole rounds. Every match is decided over 18-holes, except the final contested over 36-holes. In these events, the finalists play 9 rounds of golf. Despite being a 36-hole final, it is viewed as one round.

Team events such as the Ryder Cup are contested over 5 rounds. Days 1 and 2 see teams play a total of 4 rounds. In addition, every team member is drafted for singles matches over 18 holes.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years. Current Handicap: 8

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A complete list of the golf equipment Scottie Scheffler used to win the PGA Tour’s FedEx St. Jude.

A complete list of the golf equipment Scottie Scheffler used to win the PGA Tour’s FedEx St. Jude:

A bit of a late bloomer to the game of golf, Max fell in love with the sport when he attended Saturday coaching sessions down at his local golf club after being inspired by friends and family members.

Max has remained a member of Eden Golf Club in Carlisle for a number of years now as he looks to get his handicap down into single figures. Most of his golfing career has been spent battling a permanent slice off the tee, which has led to some ugly rounds.

Having studied at the University of Sunderland, Max is starting out his dream career in sports journalism. During his time at university, he picked up valuable work experience at Reach PLC, BBC Radio Cumbria and GiveMeSport, whilst also getting work published in the Teesside Live. He also spent time working at a local weekly newspaper, Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, as a general news reporter partially covering some local sport just north of the border in Langholm.

Max has just started his journey with the NCG working as the assistant equipment editor. He looks forwarded to reviewing the latest golf equipment, taking up an interest in reviews when buying his first golf club, a Cleveland RTX wedge.

With his bag not going under too many changes throughout the last few years, Max carries an M3 driver, Titleist GT3 Fairway Wood, M2 hybrid, a set of M2 irons, Callaway Jaws wedges and a TaylorMade Spider putter. And yes, Max is a bit of a self-proclaimed TaylorMade fan boy.

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