In golf, there are several topics discussed on the fairways and in clubhouses all over the world, like dress codes, the professional game and etiquette. But, based on my experiences and those of others in the Golf Monthly team, the World Handicap System would be at the top of the list.
While many believe the new system is an improvement on what came before – particularly nomadic golfers – others feel it’s ruined golf for low handicappers and it’s the only sport that rewards mediocrity.
At the moment, there does appear to be a growing divide between club golfers and nomadic players, something I’m concerned about. The WHS definitely feeds into that.
But should golfers put a card in every time they play? It’s a complicated debate without an easy answer. The R&A encourages submissions as often as possible, even in general play rounds, but many members understandably don’t want the pressure of playing with a card all the time.
Nick Bonfield
While I appreciate the arguments against, the goal of the World Handicap System is to make handicaps as fair, relevant, accurate and equitable as possible. Surely the best way to achieve this is for every golfer to submit a card every time they play? It’s certainly the viewpoint of the game’s governing bodies.
I think there’s a real contrast in mindset between club golfers and nomads. Members generally play more seriously during an official club competition and perhaps take a more relaxed approach during casual rounds. But many nomads, many of whom don’t play as often as they’d like, want to put a card in every round as they don’t have the luxury of weekly competitions and don’t know when they’ll next be playing.
Putting in a general play card doesn’t mean you have to act as if you’re in an important competition – you can still have fun, take on shots you perhaps wouldn’t otherwise and play with a more relaxed mindset.
Often, golfers choose not to put in a card when they’re not playing well and do so when they are, but does this really reflect their true ability? Everyone has peaks and troughs. You can’t manipulate a handicap if you’re…
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