In the past four months, we have tackled many different topics in this column. From golf course management, to competition, to my own experiences learning the game, the goal has been to make everything as accessible as possible to anyone who might pick up the paper and decide to check out the sports page. With this entry, however, we’re going to have to get down into the weeds just a little bit – both literally and figuratively.
I came across a Facebook post by the Kentucky Golf Association (KGA) recently that shared some photos of a group of individuals who were out providing course rating services. I thought that enquiring about this process might make for an interesting column. I think I was right, but there is quite a bit to go over, so let’s dive in!
KGA Executive Director Connie Saner, whose comments were featured in a previous Par for the Course column, was kind enough to introduce me to Mr. Alec Bahnick, who is the Handicapping and Course Rating Manager for the KGA.
I was able to pick Bahnick’s brain when it comes to the course rating process during a recent phone call, and he subsequently provided me with a wealth of information, both during the call and with some materials that he sent to me in follow-up e-mails.
Bahnick explained that the KGA rates courses based on guidelines that are established by the World Handicap System (WHS). The WHS is governed jointly by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A), which means that, once a player obtains an official handicap, he or she can then use that to accurately post scores and track their progress at rated courses anywhere in the world (more on how to do that later).
So, what does this rating process entail?
Bahnick said it involves looking at various factors that could potentially affect an individual players’ ability to reach a green on each hole of a golf course. This hole-by-hole evaluation process will be conducted while keeping in mind four different type of players – male and female scratch players (players with an official Handicap Index of zero), and male and female bogey players (Handicap Index of 20 for men or 24 for women). These index values assume play is being conducted under normal course and weather conditions.
This might be a good time to mention that Bahnick and the volunteers that he works with across the state will not only apply a course rating when they do their evaluations, but they will also issue what is called a slope rating. Without going into too much detail, the course rating will primarily take into account how scratch players should perform, while the slope rating will incorporate both scratch and bogey ratings in order to arrive at what he called an accurate “rate of change.”
Just a few of the things that Bahnick and company will look at as they perform their course and slope rating duties include: elevation change, topography, recoverability, bunkers, obstacles (crossing and lateral) and green surfaces, among other variables.
As Bahnick put it, everything adds up to create a “psychological rating” that will factor into how players should perform while on the course.
Once a rating is in place, Bahnick said it will be good for ten years. He explained that features on a course, both natural and manmade, can change pretty drastically in that amount of time. For that reason, it is recommended that official ratings be re-issued at least once per decade.
When asked about the benefits of receiving an official course and slope rating through the KGA, Bahnick said, “It is a big benefit. It helps with marketing to have an active rating, as golfers will be able to go there and accurately post their scores. It allows golfers to fairly compete against each other based on the course handicap.”
While fair competition is certainly an important factor in all of this, Bahnick stressed that it doesn’t have to be about just that. “It just allows you to post an accurate score, making it easier for you to track your own personal progress as you continue to develop your game,” he said. “It just gives you a more accurate reflection of your playing ability.”
When it comes to tracking your progress, Bahnick pointed to the Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) app, which is a service that is offered by the USGA to golf associations worldwide. For more information on that, I encourage you to go to YouTube.com and search for the video titled “Welcome to Prime Golf Season 2025” featuring USGA CEO Mike Whan.
An active membership is required to use the app service, but for anyone who is serious about taking their game to the next level, it is definitely something worth looking into.
Bahnick and the KGA provided comprehensive ratings for 35 courses across the state last year. He said that he would love to get more courses involved in the process, and is always on the lookout for any course managers who might want to learn more. According to the most recent KGA Course Rating Guide, existing association members in good standing are eligible to receive full course rating services at no additional charge at each WHS-required interval. Non-KGA members are encouraged to make contact with Bahnick to explore options and learn more about how to obtain an official course rating.
“We try to be as objective as possible with our process,” Bahnick said. “Not every golf course is the same. That is what makes my job so interesting.”
“We strive to make the sport of golf in Kentucky a little more approachable,” Bahnick added. “All types of courses – 18-holes and smaller, 9-hole courses – can have an accurate USGA rating issued by the KGA.”
For additional information, Bahnick can be reached via e-mail at abahnick@kygolf.org or by phone at (502) 912-9606. For more information on KGA Membership support, e-mail kentucky@kygolf.org or call (502) 243-8295, ext. 305 or 308.
