World Handicap System - Update 4

Following last week’s email introducing the Handicap Index, this week we are looking at the Course Handicap & Playing Handicap.

What is Course Handicap?

Before any player starts their round they must convert their Handicap Index into a Course Handicap. The Course Handicap will determine the number of strokes a player will receive for any set of tees on a course.

An easy way for a player to remember the WHS, is to think HCP!

H - Handicap Index

C - Course Handicap

P - Play

How to work out a Course Handicap?

England Golf will provide Course & Slope Rating tables to all golf clubs. Golfers simply have to choose the tees they are playing off that day and cross reference their Handicap Index on the Course & Slope Rating table to ascertain their Course Handicap. It really is as simple as that!

In time, Course Handicap Tables will be available via an App and club handicap software so golfers can view their Course Handicap remotely prior to a round. Should any golfer wish to calculate their Course Handicap manually the formula is as follows:

Handicap Index   x   ( Slope Rating / 113)    =    Course Handicap (rounded)

You can view a video explaining the Course Handicap by clicking the link below:

COURSE HANDICAP VIDEO

 
What is Playing Handicap?

Playing Handicap is a stroke allowance that is implemented in order to maintain the integrity of the WHS when used in competition. It allows golfers to compete on a level playing field, regardless of their Handicap Index. The Course Handicap converts to a Playing Handicap for competition purposes and changes depending on the format of play. The four most important aspects of Playing Handicap to remember are:

• - It is only used for competition purposes
• - It ensures equity to calculate competition results (via Handicap Allowances)
• - Golfers do not need to calculate it (it is generated before their round)
• - Golfers should continue to play in the mindset of their Course Handicap in competition rounds

The WHS has been designed with the enjoyment of recreational golf at the forefront. The WHS will allow golfers to play with freedom, therefore changing the nature in which they play the game. The focus for golfers should not be on their Playing Handicap.

The Playing Handicap is calculated as follows:

Course Handicap   x    Handicap Allowance   =    Playing Handicap

You can view a video explaining the Playing Handicap by clicking the link below:

PLAYING HANDICAP VIDEO

Next week we will be looking at General Play and Competition Rounds under the new system. If you have missed any of the email updates relating to the WHS, they can all be found in the members' section of the website by clicking the link in the 'Information' drop down menu.