One of the objectives of the World Handicap System (WHS) was to make players’ handicaps more reflective of their current playing ability. The system allows handicaps to be more fluid with calculation based on average scoring rather than aggregate scoring, as per the old system.
A player who regularly enters counting scores from either competitive golf or General Play rounds should see their Handicap Index remain at the correct level for their playing ability.
There may be exceptions though and, for that reason, the handicap review process gives a golf club’s handicap committee the ability to ensure that players at their club have a Handicap Index that is reflective of their playing ability.
A review of a player’s handicap can take place at any point but The R&A’s Rules of Handicapping recommend that a committee carries out a handicap review, of all players at their club who have that club as their home club, at least annually.
WHS software will produce reports and give recommendations to help the handicap committee identify players who might require a handicap review and a player must be made aware and given the chance to contribute towards the handicap review process.
A committee may also choose to conduct a handicap review if a player at their club is consistently returning stores that are either far better or worse than their Handicap Index would indicate.
Alternatively, a player may request a handicap review if they feel their scoring returns are not in line with their Handicap Index.
What Is The Review Process?
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According to The R&A’s Rules of Handicapping, when conducting a handicap review, a handicap committee might consider the following:
· The player’s scoring record history.
· The trend of the player’s Handicap Index, such as differences in a player’s Handicap Index over the past 12–24 months.
· Deviations from the expected scoring performance for the player.
· Frequency of score submissions in the past 12 months versus previous 12-month cycles.
· Comparison of average Score Differentials between competitive and casual rounds.
· Comparison of average Score Differentials in match play versus stroke play formats of play.
· Comparison of average Score Differentials in individual versus team formats of play.
· Any scores from, or performances known, in non-authorized formats of play.
· Any other knowledge…
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