World Handicap System
Why has the WHS been created? To allow as many golfers as possible the opportunity to: * 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, fairly regardless of where they play With golf being centred around one standard set of rules governed by the R&A and USGA, it makes sense to unify the previous six different Handicapping Systems, making for a more inclusive and equitable sport. The WHS was therefore developed with consideration given to club golfers who play both sporadically and more regularly. With all golfers only initially required to submit scorecards for 54 holes to acquire a Handicap Index, the new WHS is less formidable for new players.
How does WHS work? For golfers in England, calculating a new Handicap Index will be front of mind when adopting the WHS. The process will begin in the same way throughout the world - by accurately measuring a player’s golfing ability. For regular golfers, this will be done by: * The WHS Software calculating the average of the eight best scores from the previous 20 rounds For new golfers, they will have to: * Submit scorecards of 54 holes (3 x 18 holes, 6 x 9 holes or any combination of 9 and 18 holes) to their golf club’s Handicap Committee From this, they will be provided an initial Handicap Index. After a player has achieved 20 scores, a “fully developed” Handicap Index can be calculated to provide the most accurate representation of a player’s ability. To ensure a player has only one Handicap Index, the player will nominate a home club. The home club is determined by the player, but for practicality, it is recommended this is where the player typically submits the most of their scores. Find out more by clicking here.
Course Rating and Bogey Rating... What is the 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)
A Bogey Rating is a measure of playing difficulty from a set of tees when played by a Bogey Golfer (a player who has a Course Handicap of approximately 20 for a male and 24 for a female). Knowing the Course Rating and Bogey Rating allows the WHS to assess and rationalise the relationship between the two. From this, the difficulty of the course for all other levels of ability can be deduced. .................................................................................................................... IMPORTANT All Course Ratings have been determined by highly trained teams, with all findings checked and verified prior to being published to ensure consistency and equity across England. .................................................................................................................... Noel Mack - Handicap Secretary
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