Golf · Most Improved Handicap
Golf Most Improved Handicap Award
A golf most improved handicap award goes to the member whose handicap has fallen the most over the season. It is one of the few prizes that rewards hard work rather than one good round, and it often goes to a newer golfer or a junior. Under the World Handicap System the figures are easy to check, which makes it one of the simplest awards to settle fairly.
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End of season award prices: £8.99 small · £13.99 large
Mix sizes and designs freely. One delivery charge per order.
Minimum 5 awards. Delivery £10.00 per order.
Golf end of season awards: measuring improvement under the World Handicap System
Under the World Handicap System every player has a handicap index based on the best eight of their most recent twenty scores. Clubs usually compare each player's index at the start of the season with the index on a set date near the end, and the biggest reduction wins.
Decide the start and end dates in advance and publish them. You also need a minimum number of qualifying scores, so a player who submits only a couple of rounds cannot win on a lucky streak.
Shots or percentage
A drop of five shots is far more impressive for a player starting on 12 than for one starting on 36. Some clubs use the raw reduction, others use a percentage, and some split the award into handicap bands. There is no single right answer, but saying which method you use avoids arguments at the dinner.
Many clubs run separate awards for men, ladies and juniors. Juniors in particular can cut their handicaps very quickly, so a junior section award keeps the main prize open to adults.
What to put on the award
"MOST IMPROVED HANDICAP" fits on line 1, though some clubs prefer "MOST IMPROVED GOLFER". The improvement makes a good line of its own, such as "28.4 to 19.1", which tells the story at a glance. Put the winner on line 3 and the year on line 4.
If you run divisions, use line 2 for the section, such as "Ladies' Section" or "Juniors". Every line is optional, so leave out anything that crowds the design.
Small or large
This award usually sits below the club championship and captain's prize in the order of the night, so many clubs choose the small square block and save the large size for the headline events. For a junior section, though, it can be the main prize, and a large block is a nice way to mark it.
The handicap secretary is the best person to confirm the winner, as they can pull every member's index history from the handicap system. Ask for the result a week or so before you plan to order, so there is time to double-check close calls and confirm how the winner would like their name shown. A golfer who has worked hard on their game all summer will notice if the figures are slightly out.
Good to know
Questions
How do clubs work out the most improved handicap?
Most compare each member's handicap index on a fixed start date and end date, then award the biggest reduction. Some use a percentage instead, and many set a minimum number of scores to qualify.
Can we show the handicap change on the award?
Yes. One line can carry the start and finish index, such as "24.6 to 16.2". Check the figures with the handicap secretary first, as the text prints as entered.
Should juniors have their own award?
Many clubs think so, because junior handicaps often fall faster than adult ones. Separate awards keep both fair, and both can go in the same order.
How much is delivery?
A flat £10.00 per order, whatever the quantity. Small blocks are £8.99 each and large blocks £13.99, with a minimum of 5 awards per order.
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Finish one design, then reuse the same crest with a new name. Or paste a list of names and add every award in one go. Whatever the number of awards, there is one delivery charge per order.
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