WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM
TO ROLL OUT IN 2020
The World Handicap
System (WHS) is ready
to be launched from
January 2020 and will
provide golfers with
a unified and more
inclusive handicapping
system for the first time.
T
hough many countries are planning
to adopt the new system in January,
the system will go live in other parts
of the world throughout the year
to accommodate different implementation
plans and variations in the golfi ng calendar.
Developed by The R&A and USGA in close
coordination with existing handicapping
authorities, the WHS will provide all golfers
with a consistent measure of playing ability,
with handicaps calculated in the same way
wherever they are in the world.
A key objective of the initiative was to
develop a modern system, enabling as many
golfers as possible to obtain and maintain
a Handicap Index. Golfers will be able to
transport their Handicap Index globally and
compete or play a casual round with players
from other regions on a fair basis. It will
‘The game of golf
is transforming to
meet the needs of the
modern-day golfer’
also indicate the score a golfer is reasonably
capable of achieving the next time they go
out to play.
The WHS has two main components – the
Rules of Handicapping and the Course
Rating System. The Rules of Handicapping
are encompassed within seven Rules to
inform administrators and golfers on how
an offi cial Handicap Index is calculated and
administered, with some fl exibility given
to national associations based on how the
sport is played and enjoyed in their region.
The Course Rating System, based on the
USGA Course Rating System fi rst adopted
nearly 50 years ago and already adopted on
nearly every continent, sets out a consistent
method of determining a course’s diffi culty.
Together, these components become the
foundational elements in determining a
golfer’s Handicap Index.
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The
R&A said, “The game of golf is transforming
to meet the needs of the modern-day golfer;
modernising the Rules this year was an
important step forward in that regard and the
World Handicap System will be another.
In preparation for the launch of the WHS,
more than 3,000 golf courses have been rated
for the fi rst time and an extensive education
program has been delivered. By the end of
2019, more than 90 National Associations
will have attended an educational seminar
and a robust library of resources is hosted
on WHS.com to support regional education.
Rules of Handicapping books are being
produced and will be translated and delivered
through national associations.
In addition, the USGA and The R&A
have developed a series of golfer-focused
materials, including videos, infographics
and posters, which can be used by national
associations and shared with golf clubs for
the benefi t of golfers.
GolfPlus Junior November-December 2019 11