World Handicap System
Welcome to our World Handicapping pages which we have put together to try and explain to our members about the significant changes that are being implemented on how handicaps will be maintained.
The World Handicap System (WHS) is being introduced on the 2nd November 2020. It is designed to welcome more players, to make golf easier to understand and to give all golfers a handicap which is portable all around the globe. It will replace the 6 different systems currently used by over 15 million golfers in more than 80 countries.
It has been developed by The R&A and The United States Golf Association (USGA), supported by the world’s handicapping authorities, including CONGU, which represents the four home countries of Great Britain and Ireland.
The introduction of the WHS is a major change for all golfers which is very dependent on technology. We hope the transition will run smoothly but we have to implement it on the 2nd November 2020 to allow members to play in competitions at Ellesborough and elsewhere.
WHS Committe
The Rules of Handicapping Player Reference Guide
The Rules of Handicapping Player Reference Guide is now available to download for golf club members, please CLICK HERE to access this resource.
Why has WHS been created?
- Obtain and maintain a Handicap Index and reduce barriers of entry
- Use their Handicap Index on any golf course around the world
- Compete, or play recreationally and fairly regardless of where they play
- Course Rating & Bogey Rating
- Slope Rating
- Handicap Index
- Course Handicap
- Playing Handicap
- General Play & Competition Rounds
Course Rating & Bogey Rating
What is Course Rating?
Golf Course Rating will be used to measure the playing difficulty of a golf course. It measures how many strokes a Scratch Golfer (a player who can play to a Course Handicap of zero on all rated golf courses) should take on any given course. The rating does this by assessing two main types of challenges which, when combined, result in a common base from which to compare players’ abilities:
- The playing length of the course
- The obstacles that a player will encounter (e.g. size of green and hazards)
Slope Rating
What is Slope Rating?
Handicap Index
What is a Handicap Index?
Golfers will consider the Handicap Index to be the most important element of the WHS.The Handicap Index will:
- Measure the ability of a player
- Be portable from course to course
- Allow players to complete fairly and therefore promote inclusivity within the game
Course Handicap
What is Course Handicap?
Before any player starts their round they must convert their Handicap Index into a Course Handicap.The Course Handicap will determine the number of strokes a player will receive for any set of tees on a course. An easy way for a player to remember the WHS, is to think HCP!
England Golf will provide Course & Slope Rating tables to all golf clubs prior to 2nd November 2020.
Golfers have to choose the tees they are playing off that day and cross reference their Handicap Index on the Course & Slope Rating table to ascertain their Course Handicap.
In time, Course Handicap Tables will be available via an App and club handicap software so golfers can view their Course Handicap remotely prior to a round. Should any golfer wish to calculate their Course Handicap manually the formula is as follows:
Handicap Index x (Slope Rating / 113) = Course Handicap (rounded)
Please watch this short video to help understand Course Handicap
Playing Handicap
What is Playing Handicap?
Playing Handicap is a stroke allowance that is implemented in order to maintain the integrity of the WHS when used in competition. It allows golfers to compete on a level playing field, regardless of their Handicap Index.The Course Handicap converts to a Playing Handicap for competition purposes and changes depending on the format of play.The four most important aspects of Playing Handicap to remember are:
- It is only used for competition purposes
- It ensures equity to calculate competition results (via Handicap Allowances)
- Golfers do not need to calculate it (it is generated before their round)
- Golfers should continue to play in the mindset of their Course Handicap in competition rounds
General Play & Competition Rounds
How to submit a score?After the completion of a competition round, a player has to submit their scorecard as soon as possible in order for their Handicap Index to be updated. Preferably, scores should be posted at the venue being played and on the same day, as this will be when a player’s Handicap Index will be updated. Posting of scores is possible by players utilising the technology available at their golf club.
How to verify a score?
In order to verify a score and for it to count towards a players WHS, it must be played:
- In accordance with The Rules of Golf
- In an authorised format of play
- With at least one other person
- On a course with a current Course Rating and Slope Rating
- Pre-registered general play ‘social’ scores
- All individual competition rounds, both 9 and 18 holes, whether played at home or away
- Scores from fourball better ball
- Other matchplay events
Frequently Asked Questions
England Golf have provided a frequently asked question document following feedback they have recieved from the County Unions.