World Handicap System (WHS)
This has been developed by the two authorities responsible for the body of rules and regulations in golf, the R&A and the USGA, together with the national federations.
The WHS is intended to ensure that all players, women and men, have a standard handicap that is valid worldwide. This takes into account the increased range of international tournaments on offer and the rising number of rounds played by golfers in other countries near and far. At the same time, the previous practices and experiences of golfers all over the world have been taken into consideration.
As a member of the European Golf Association (EGA), Swiss Golf will be applying the World Handicap System (WHS) from 2021.
Swiss Golf is a licensee for this system and is responsible for adherence to and correct application of the regulations in Switzerland.
WHS in brief
These are the most important principles of the World Handicap System::
- In the WHS, the 20 qualifying scores played last form the basis for calculation of the handicap. From these scores, the 8 best ones are selected. The handicap is then calculated from the average of those 8 best scores. There is no time limit for the scores which influence the calculation. Especially good scores, which give some indication of the potential of the player, are also taken into consideration in the calculation.
- All previously valid forms of play for qualifying tournaments or recreational rounds remain the same.
- As previously, one (1) qualifying score is necessary in order to obtain your first handicap. A valid handicap is, in any case, also calculated when fewer than 20 qualifying scores are available for a player..
- The influence of exceptional course and weather conditions on the scores is taken into consideration.
- Handicaps are updated round by round.
- The maximum score to be achieved on one hole for the calculation of the handicap remains, as previously, the net double bogey (= zero Stableford points).
- The maximum handicap for men and ladies remains at 54..
- The Course Rating System of the USGA will continue to be used for rating golf courses and is an integral part of the World Handicap System. Thus, the handicap can be transferred even more easily than before between different courses and different countries.
What is the difference between the EGA handicap and the WHS Handicap Index?
For players there are no changes with regard to the game. The only thing that changes is the formula for calculating the Handicap Index. Based on the Handicap Index, the players will, as before, get a course handicap on every course. The scores from qualifying rounds (tournaments and EDS) are submitted as usual and used for calculating the handicap.
What does Swiss Golf recommend?
The recommendation is to play for as many qualifying scores as possible to enable the handicap to be calculated on the basis of the greatest possible number of scores. The most important aspects, however, are the pleasure of playing and the shared experience with friends and acquaintances, which make golf so special.
Who manages my handicap and is responsible for applying the handicap rules?
The home club of each golfer manages the handicap. The Handicap Committee of the club is responsible for ensuring that the handicap rules are followed and correctly applied. The duties of the Committee are described in detail in the handicap rules.
What is the role of the EGA and Swiss Golf in the WHS?
Following the introduction of the WHS, the EGA is still the authority with responsibility for the general rules of the handicap system of its member countries. Swiss Golf is responsible for the proper application of those rules and the administration of the handicaps by the clubs in Switzerland. The handicaps are calculated and extrapolated on the centralised database of Swiss Golf. The updated handicaps are transmitted to the clubs on a current and daily basis.