We’re redundant. We know it. We really want to show it. That’s because the World Handicap System affects all GAP members. Golfers of different abilities can play and compete on a fair and equal basis, regardless of how or where they play. The World Handicap System takes the lowest eight of a golfer’s 20 most recent score differentials, thereby meaning a change in Handicap Index. Lower handicap players will likely see a slightly lower Handicap Index, higher handicap players a slightly higher Handicap Index. For more WHS nuggets, visit www.gapgolf.org, scroll to the “Play” tab and select “World Handicap System” from the dropdown menu. Rinse and repeat.
- Steve Latos, GAP Manager of GHIN Technical Support, and Mario Machi, GAP Director of Member Services, appeared on a recent “Inside Golf” episode and answered key questions regarding the World Handicap System.
- Under the World Handicap System, a golfer needs 54 holes to establish a Handicap Index. By requiring fewer scores, golfers who only play sporadically may be more likely to obtain a Handicap Index.
- All scores posted by a golfer are considered for possible reduction of a Handicap Index if a score differential is at least 7.0 strokes below the golfer’s Handicap Index on the day of play.
- When a golfer submits a score differential of at least 7.0 strokes lower than his or her Handicap Index, then he or she will be subject to an Exceptional Score Reduction (ESR) adjustment. The adjustment ranges from -1 if the score differential is 7.0-9.9 strokes less than the current Handicap Index, or -2 if the score differential is 10.0 strokes less than the current Handicap Index.
- The Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) will be used to potentially adjust a golfer’s score differential upon calculation of the Handicap Index to account for any abnormal course or weather conditions.
