The World Handicap System

Your Handicap Index may change

The announcement described how the World Handicap System changed the way a Handicap Index was calculated, using the best eight of 20 scores once a full record was available.

For current information, see a balanced current WHS explanation. For related guidance, see Course Rating, Slope and par.

You need to know your Course Handicap

In the new system, your Course Handicap will be the number of strokes needed to play to par. This will result in greater variance in that number and presents a change, as historically, it has represented the number of strokes needed to play to the Course Rating. This is a good thing, as par is an easy number to remember. The target score for the day? Par plus Course Handicap. The Course Rating will now be inherent within the calculation to be more intuitive and account for competing from different tees.

Net Double Bogey

The announcement highlighted net double bogey as part of the WHS change. Current score-adjustment requirements should be checked in the applicable Rules of Handicapping and national guidance.

Your Handicap Index will be revised daily

The original announcement also highlighted more frequent Handicap Index revisions following score submission.

Safeguards in the new system

The announcement described safeguards for upward movement, exceptional scores and playing conditions. For their current operation, thresholds and national application, use the current WHS guidance linked alongside this article.

These safeguards help maintain the accuracy of a Handicap Index, greater integrity within the system and promote fun and fair play for golfers of all abilities.

Read more about The World Handicap System here: www.whs.com