THE WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM
NOW LAUNCED IN SPAIN
The World Handicap System (WHS) adopted by many countries in January, has now been launched in Spain, providing golfers with a unified and more inclusive handicapping system for the first time.
Developed by The R&A and USGA in close coordination with existing handicapping authorities, the WHS will provide all golfers with a consistent measure of playing ability, with handicaps calculated in the same way wherever they are in the world.
To learn more about what the WHS will mean for you the player, watch the video HERE
A key objective of the initiative was to develop a modern system, enabling as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index. Golfers will be able to transport their Handicap Index globally and compete or play a casual round with players from other regions on a fair basis. It will also indicate the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving the next time they go out to play.
The WHS has two main components – the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System. The Rules of Handicapping are encompassed within seven Rules to inform administrators and golfers on how an official Handicap Index is calculated and administered, with some flexibility given to national associations based on how the sport is played and enjoyed in their region. The Course Rating System, based on the USGA Course Rating System first adopted nearly 50 years ago and already adopted on nearly every continent, sets out a consistent method of determining a course’s difficulty. Together, these components become the foundational elements in determining a golfer’s Handicap Index.
To learn more of how your handicap index is calculated watch the video HERE
The key features of WHS
- Flexibility in formats of play, allowing both competitive and recreational rounds to count for handicap purposes and ensuring that a Handicap Index reflects demonstrated ability
- A minimal number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap; with the number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap being 54 holes from any combination of 18-hole and 9-hole rounds (with some discretion available for national or regional associations)
- An average-based calculation of a handicap, taken from the best eight out of the last 20 scores and factoring in memory of demonstrated ability for better responsiveness/control
- A calculation that considers the impact that abnormal course and weather conditions might have on a player’s performance each day
- Timely handicap revisions
- A limit of Net Double Bogey on the maximum hole score (for handicapping purposes only)
- A maximum handicap limit of 54.0, regardless of gender, to encourage more golfers to measure and track their performance to increase their enjoyment of the game
Click HERE to download / view the World Handicap System 18-hole table for the Indiana course
Click HERE to download / view the World Handicap System 9-hole table for the Indiana course
Once the World Handicap System is fully established throughout Europe, if members have a handicap under another system such as CONGU in the U.K. you will need to identify with both systems which will be your home system recording your WHS handicap. It is expected that you will nominate the location where you play the most qualifying rounds of golf as your home system.
For any additional information please contact Handicap Committee members Chris Robinson or Chris Mear.
