World Handicap System
WHS Key Features
The World Handicap System (WHS) came into operation on 2nd November 2020.
Under the new system a player’s handicap will be based on the average of eight best scores from their last 20 rounds.
WHS will take into account factors currently not fully represented in the existing handicapping procedure through a course and slope rating system. For all golfers the process will begin in the same way – by accurately measuring a player’s golfing ability.
For regular golfers – this will be done by the WHS Software calculating the average of the eight best scores from the previous 20 rounds. After a player has achieved 20 scores, a ‘fully developed’ Handicap Index can be calculated to provide the most accurate representation of a player’s ability.
For new golfers – they will have to submit scorecards of 54 holes (3x 18 holes, 6x 9 holes or any combination of 9 and 18 holes) to their golf club’s Handicap Committee. From this they will be provided an initial Handicap Index. After a player has achieved 20 scores, a ‘fully developed’ Handicap Index can be calculated to provide the most accurate representation of a player’s ability.
To ensure a player has only one Handicap Index, the golfer will nominate a home club. The home club is determined by the player, but for practicality it is recommended this is where the player typically submits the most of their scores.
Further Information:
- England Golf FAQs
- Rules of Handicapping – Player Reference Guide
- Fairfield GC Slope Rating
- Find out what the World Handicap System means for you as a golfer
with details ranging from an explanation of WHS and the reason for its creation, to how your handicap is calculated through your handicap index.
WHS Privacy Notice
Members are advised to read the England Golf ‘World Handicap System (WHS) Privacy Notice’.
This explains how England Golf collects and processes personal data of its members. England Golf collect data through details that you give to them or information that they collect through your communications with them. They also obtain some information from your golf club.
PLEASE NOTE: You are not obliged to provide your personal data to England Golf. However, if you do not provide your personal data, they will not be able to provide all services to you. For example, if you do not provide your email address and date of birth England Golf will not be able to provide you with a handicap.
England Golf App (MyEG)
Download the app onto your smart phone to stay up-to-date with your WHS Handicap Index.
The app provides golfers with the ability to access their Handicap Index on the go, as well as to easily keep track of their overall playing record on a regular basis.
The Course Handicap calculator is another unique feature of the new My England Golf app. This function will allow golfers to cross-reference their Handicap Index with whichever set of tees they will be playing from on a particular day, for any course in the country, in order to work out their Course Handicap.
There is also the opportunity to link up with fellow golfers all over England and follow their progress by creating a ‘Friends’ group.