The World Handicap System (WHS)

Recently, painstakingly, I assembled a three-part series on the USGA’s Handicap System (“The Handicap System: Fundamentals & Concepts”, “The Handicap System, Part 2: The Math”, “Handicap System, Part 3: Specific Course Details”).  I can only assume a very small percentage of our followers, painstakingly, trudged through the three-part series, searching for a chuckle, with none to be found!

The reason I tackled the assignment had more to do with my lack of knowledge on the subject, never really understanding such concepts as Equitable Stroke Control, Bogey Rating, Slope Rating, Course Rating and how these concepts interact to calculate a players Handicap Index (Portable Index).  I was pleased I sorted it all out however it was clearly at the expense of our audience!

On January 1, 2020, the USGA and the R&A announced the new World Handicap System (WHS), thus making my three-part series irrelevant.   The WHS unifies six different handicap systems (including our USGA system) previously utilized worldwide, enabling players around the world to compete on fair and equitable ground.

A quick summary of the changes are as follows:

• How is the World Handicap Calculated: Under the old USGA system, the best 10 rounds out of your past 20 rounds contributed towards your Handicap Index.  With the new WHS system, the best 8 rounds of your past 20 rounds contribute towards your Handicap Index.  A player’s Handicap cannot increase by more than 5 shots during a 12 month period.
• Handicap Index Updates: Under the old USGA system, Handicap Indexes were updated twice a month.  With the new WHS system, Handicap Indexes will update the day after posting a new score.  The USGA and R&A encourage the prompt posting of scores.
• Net-Double-Bogey Standard: Under the old USGA system, the USGA employed Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) for the posting of a maximum score on any hole.  The ESC utilized a sliding scale based on your Handicap Index (i.e. Handicap Index between 10-19/Maximum Score of 7).  With the new WHS system, a “net-double-bogey” on any hole is the universal standard.

Examples: On any hole (without receiving strokes); the maximum score is a double-bogey.  On any hole (when receiving strokes), the maximum score is a “net-double-bogey”.  Calculation:  Par, plus 2 strokes, plus handicap strokes received.

• Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC): The PCC (utilizing algorithm accounts) will adjust scores due to inclement weather, based on the average of all scores posted at that course on that day. 
• Strokes Received: Under the old USGA system, your Course Handicap represented the number of strokes you received based on your Handicap Index in relation to the Course Rating.  With WHS, Handicaps reflect the strokes you receive in relation to Par, which may be a more intuitive measure for the golfing masses.  The Course Handicap values from tee to tee will vary more under the new system.  Golfers playing forward tees will receive fewer strokes than before while golfers playing back tees will receive more strokes.
• “Five Things You Need to Know About the New World Handicap System” (Golf World-December 31, 2019)
• “World Handicap System, So What’s New” (Golf Punk)

Having finally sorted out our old system, the implementation of a new system makes me somewhat cranky. The old system was comfortable and user-friendly.  Based on my Handicap Index (11.4), my Maximum Score (Equitable Stroke Control) was a 7 on any given hole.  After my round, I would adjust my scorecard accordingly and post my score in the automated GHIN system.

Now, based on the new WHS system, I need to calculate my Course Handicap to determine total strokes received based off of my Handicap Index.  On holes where I do not receive a stroke, my Maximum Score is a double-bogey (i.e. Par 5 + 2 = 7).  On holes where I receive a stroke, my Maximum Score is a “net-double-bogey” (i.e. Par 5 + 2 = 7 + 1 = 8).  After my round, I will adjust my scorecard accordingly and promptly post my score in the automated GHIN system.

I am certain I will get used to the new WHS system, however for a simpleton like myself it is a bit more complicated, not to mention I doubt I will be playing any worldwide matches anytime in the near future!

Once again, in an attempt to get my arms around the World Handicap System, I have alienated our non-golfing followers!   We appreciate your indulgence.

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