World Handicap System (WHS) 2024

The purpose of the WHS is to enable as many golfers as possible the opportunity to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index that can be used on any golf course around the world and compete, or play recreational golf, with anyone else on a fair and equal basis

What is a Handicap Index?  This will replace your current club handicap and is designed to better represent your 'demonstrated playing ability'. Your new Handicap Index is obtained by calulating the average of your lowest 8 scores, from your most recent 20 scores. For example 6.4, or 15.1, or 25.7, or 36.5 etc

What Scores Can I Use? All Single Stroke Play or Stableford Competition Rounds are Mandatory (9 or 18 Holes). In addition any Social/ General play scores can also be used but these would need to be pre registered to be acceptable. Such pre-registration must be made before you start the round and must be in the manner prescribed by the club where the score is being played. 

What is Slope Rating? This is the number which indicates the relative playing difficulty of a course for bogey golfers, compared to scratch golfers, multiplied by a constant factor. It is expressed as a whole number from 55 to 155. A golf course of standard relative playing difficulty has a Slope Rating of 113.

Calculating Course Handicap™ using CR-PAR: It is an adjustment for the difference between the Course Rating and Par of the course being played. It will be implemented as part of the Course Handicap™ Calculation to give players the number of strokes required to play the course. If the Par is lower than Course Rating, players will receive additional strokes, if the Par is higher, they will not receive as many. This applies for all handicap indexes. Without C.R.-PAR, the “play to handicap score” for a golfer is the Course Rating™. With C.R.-PAR implemented, it will move the “play to handicap score” to PAR of the course or 36 points. This will align with other Countries around the world.

 The above is only a basic overview. The following links provide you with more detailed information:

1. Cornwall Golf Union

2. WHS™ Resources (dotgolf.co.uk)

If you have any questions then please ask your handicap secretary.