Introducing the World Handicap System
What is the World Handicap System?
The World Handicap System begins on Jan. 1, 2020, and is intended to bring six different handicap systems together into a single set of Rules for Handicapping, enabling golfers of different abilities to play and compete on a fair and equal basis, no matter how or where they play.
To review the new Rules of Handicapping, click here to download a PDF copy.
One important thing to realize is that nearly every golfer will see a change in his/her handicap index once the system launches on January 1, 2020. To find out what your handicap index will be under the new WHS calculation, just enter your GHIN number in the form below and click “Submit.”
Key Changes in the World Handicap System
Click on an Item Below for a Full Description
Handicap Index Computation
Course and Playing Handicap
Playing Conditions Calculation
Exceptional Score Reduction
Daily Revisions
Under the World Handicap System, handicaps are updated daily, instead of the current system where handicaps are revised on the 1st and 15th of each month.
Maximum Score for Handicap Purposes
Previously, Equitable Stroke Control was used to determine the maximum score a golfer could post for handicap purposes on a given hole. Now in WHS, the maximum score for a golfer for handicap posting purposes is Net Double Bogey.