The USGA held its annual Eastern Course Rating Calibration January 26 & 27 at the PGA Education Center and PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie. In attendance from the FWSGA and FSGA were Pat Case, Tisha Vogell, Carolyn Ingram, Sharon Baerenklau Mallory Privett, Ron Audi, Carl Schlanger, Brian Robideau, Jim Parr, Ken Hagamann, and Andy Green.

The Course Rating Captains rated 4 holes on the PGA Dye course and then calibrated and compared their results to the USGA Master Raters. All Florida teams scored in the top tier of all golf associations.

The FWSGA women finished second overall in the women’s category and the FSGA men’s Team 1 placed fourth overall in the men’s category. As part of the overall national calibration, each team took a written exam both as a team and as individuals. The total of the on-course calibration, team exam and team average of individual scores comprise the grading method to establish the best team score.

The Captains also attended breakout sessions to discuss course rating issues such as USGA measuring techniques, new equipment - Clinometers (measuring elevation), rater retention, moral and methods to increase the speed and efficiency of ratings.

The FWSGA and FSGA will incorporate and add to the contents of this seminar in upcoming regional calibrations. Dates and times are coming soon!