×

Top Links:

Get A Golf Handicap

UK Golf Guide

Golfshake Top 100s

Find Golf Travel Deals

Golf Competitions

Search

Community Forum

Course:

Tee Times | Search | Reviews

News:

Gear | Tour | Industry Insider

Tuition:

Video Library | Tuition Sections

Community:

Join | Log In | Help | Useful Links

×

The World Handicap System Officially Launches

By: Golfshake Editor | Mon 02 Nov 2020


Following a lengthy development and education process, the World Handicap System (WHS) has officially launched, marking the most significant change for handicapping since the process was introduced over a century ago.

Developed by golf’s governing bodies, The R&A and USGA, the WHS – for the first time – unites six bodies across the globe under one standardised system. Within England alone, that will now be directly accessed by over 630,000 golfers at the 1,800 golf clubs.

For the first time ever, golfers will be able to transport and use their ‘Handicap Index’ on any course around the world. The new WHS makes for a fairer and more equitable system of handicapping as well as establishing a method for more accurately calculating a golfer’s current playing ability.

Further changes from the old CONGU system include a player’s Handicap Index being calculated from an average of the best eight of last 20 returned scores, allowing golfers to easily obtain and maintain a handicap, as well as compete, or play recreationally, regardless of where they tee it up.


Golfshake Content on the WHS

Golfers Give the World Handicap System a Thumbs Up

Golfers Just Want a Handicap System That is Fair

World Handicap System - A Step Forward Or Cause For Confusion

The World Handicap System - Your Questions Answered

Are You Ready For The World Handicap System

The World Handicap System - All You Need to Know


Since 2019, England Golf has been committed to helping golf clubs educate their members on the key changes to the WHS; hosting seminars across 35 counties to help educate over 4,500 handicap committee members and secretaries.

WHS

England Golf CEO, Jeremy Tomlinson, said: “November 2 marks an historic day for everyone associated with the game of golf in England. We have been planning and working towards this day for a long time and, despite the difficult period we have encountered this year, cannot wait to see it roll out into golf clubs across the country.

“We believe the new system will be extremely beneficial for golfers as part of our great game’s continued development and modernisation. We hope it will encourage further growth on the back of a significant rise in memberships throughout England in the last few months. As well as growing the game, we also want to be able to give golfers the chance to enjoy the sport and to compete fairly, no matter where they are playing at home or abroad.”

England Golf’s Head of Handicapping & Course Rating, Gemma Hunter, added: “We are confident that the new WHS will be a success throughout the country. The new system allows golfers to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index based on their current playing ability. In addition, it gives them the opportunity to experience even more ways to submit a score for handicap purposes and be able to play against any fellow golfer on an equitable basis and on any course around the world.”

For more information on the World Handicap System and the impact on golfers in England, visit https://www.englandgolf.org/whs.


What do you think? post your thoughts and feedback on the Golfshake Forum: https://forum.golfshake.com/


Tags: World Handicap System rules GOLFERS Amateur Golf



Scroll to top