Miami Valley Golf’s 2026 course rating season concluded November 5 with the annual Course Rating Review Committee Meeting. The committee reviewed the results of course visits completed throughout the season and finalized updated Course Ratings and Slope Ratings for 2027.

The new ratings will be delivered to clubs in early December and take effect at the beginning of the 2027 season. That schedule gives clubs approximately three months to update scorecards, websites, social media communications and Golf Genius course information before the season begins.

Along with the ratings, Miami Valley Golf provides optional recommendations for handicap hole allocations, formally called Stroke Index Allocations. These determine the order in which handicap strokes are given or received. Clubs may adopt these recommendations or establish their own allocations through their Handicap Committee.

The recommended allocations use course rating data that evaluates how each hole plays for both scratch golfers and bogey golfers. Under USGA definitions, a scratch player has a Handicap Index of 0.0, while a bogey player has a Handicap Index of approximately 20.0 for men or 24.0 for women. The recommendations consider hole difficulty relative to par, with adjustments to distribute strokes appropriately for both stroke play and match play.

Behind this work is a substantial commitment from dedicated volunteers. This season, 29 course raters completed a combined 159 rating shifts. That total does not include the additional hours spent becoming certified, maintaining their knowledge or pursuing independent study.

Their work requires attention to detail, ongoing education and time spent evaluating the many characteristics that influence how a golf course plays. Much of that effort happens outside the spotlight, but its impact reaches golfers throughout our region and the greater golf community.

Course Ratings and Slope Ratings provide an essential foundation for the handicap system, helping golfers of different abilities compete equitably across courses and sets of tees. For the many golfers who enjoy net competition, this work supports everything from a friendly match to a club championship.

To all 29 members of our 2026 course rating team: thank you for your time, expertise and service. Our golf community owes you a great deal for providing the foundation of the net game so many of us enjoy.