As the weather turns cooler and courses across Ontario transition into winter conditions, golfers may notice a shift from an “active” to an “inactive” posting season for their Handicap Index®. But what exactly does this mean? Here’s everything you need to know about the inactive season, why it exists, and how it impacts your scores.
What is the Inactive Season?
The inactive season is a designated period when scores from rounds played in Ontario no longer count toward your Handicap Index.
Why Don’t Scores Count During the Inactive Season?
The inactive season helps ensure fairness by accounting for the impact of weather on course conditions. Golf Canada issues a Course Rating and Slope Rating for each set of tees based on normal playing conditions. During the colder months, courses in Ontario may remain open but often cannot maintain typical playing conditions. Counting these scores could lead to inaccurate Handicap Index calculations.
What if I Play in a Region That’s Still Active?
If you play golf outside of Ontario during the inactive season (e.g., in Florida or Arizona), those scores still count. Just be sure to post your score as an “Away” round when submitting it to your Handicap Index.
Who Decides the Inactive Season?
The start and end of Ontario’s inactive season are determined by Golf Ontario, based on local weather patterns and course conditions. While Ontario has an inactive season, some regions, such as British Columbia or southern U.S. states, remain active year-round due to favourable climates.
Where Can I Learn More?
Golf Canada and Golf Ontario provide many resources to help you understand your Handicap Index, including FAQs, articles, and instructional videos. For more details, visit the Golf Canada Handicapping hub or contact Golf Ontario directly.
Stay informed and enjoy the off-season responsibly!
