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.
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.