The World Handicap System (WHS) was developed by The R&A and USGA and was rolled out across the globe from early 2020 onwards. Its objective was to make handicapping simpler and more portable around the world. WHS was designed to make it easier for golfers to get and retain a handicap and to make that handicap more representative of their current playing ability. Handicaps used by millions of golfers in 80 different countries should now be equitable. The video below explains how it works…
After a couple of years playing under WHS, most are coming to terms with the new system and understand the basics of Handicap Index, Slope Rating, Course Handicap and so on. There have been teething problems with WHS, and concerns from those affected by the change, as with any major overhaul of fundamental infrastructure. But, generally, WHS has been accepted as the “new normal” for amateur golfers.
That’s not to say it can’t and won’t be improved. The governing bodies are continually monitoring the efficacy of WHS and considering elements of the system that could be enhanced. Here are five things we’d do to improve the World Handicap System.
Create a centralised handicap database
One of the main problems in the early stages of WHS was various handicapping software not communicating properly, or at all.
What we need is a central, global database of handicaps and courses that all scoring/handicap software feeds into. Whether you use the My England Golf app, Scottish Golf app, HowDidiDo or any other software internationally; if you post a score, it should feed directly to a central database altering your WHS handicap accordingly, no matter what course or what tees you’re playing off, anywhere in the world.
Kick-Start Playing Conditions Calculation
(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) was supposed to replace the old Competition Standard Scratch (CSS) system in the UK and Ireland, to take account of playing conditions on any given day. For golf in this country, and many others with volatile weather, it doesn’t kick in readily…
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