Check Your Handicap Index!

 The WHS runs in parallel with the current Unified Handicap System (UHS) and went live on 1st November 2020. What does it mean for the golfer? Rather than try to explain the fairly complex method of handicap calculation as this early stage, it is a little more beneficial to the golfer to clear up some myths and give some facts below: 

1. Handicaps are based on an average of the best 8 scores from the last 20 recorded

2. You no longer go up 0.1 if you don't play to your handicap and there is no buffer zone

3. Your handicap can change every time you enter a card into the system, as the newest round added causes the oldest in the last 20 to be discounted BUT it’s still the best 8 from the last 20 rounds that determine your actual handicap, therefore unless your scoring fluctuates wildly there is unlikely to be change

4. Once you have a handicap it cannot lapse - there is no longer a need to submit 3 cards or play any set number of rounds in a year to maintain your handicap. If you only play social golf, your handicap will stay the same. You still need to submit a minimum of 3 cards to get a handicap.

5. Only stableford/medal scoring count (i.e. rounds played in match play/4BBB will not be recorded on your handicap record)

6. Supplementary scores are unlimited but, like the current system, only count if you register with the Professional before you play

7. There will be no CSS – it’s all based on Slope Index (a greater explanation on this will follow in a future newsletter)

8. Handicap committees can still increase/reduce handicaps for extraordinary scores

9. Most likely when the system goes live, there will be an adjustment to most players handicaps reflecting the average of the 8 best scores recorded from the last 20

10. If you are a competitive golfer and want to get a true reflection of your playing ability then submit as many scores as possible between now and 1st November 2020, during the golf season

The foregoing is an attempt to abbreviate fairly complex changes and keep it relevant to the golfer. As stated herein there will be more on the WHS over the next year, via Club emails and Social Media channels, where hopefully by the time it goes live, Members will have a reasonable idea of how it all works.

In the meantime, please have a look through the series of videos below which are provided by the USGA and the R&A.