World Handicap System (WHS) Hub

Table of Contents

1. Basis of Calculation of Handicap Index®
2. Frequency of Revisions
3. Handicap Formula
4. Course Handicap Calculation
5. Playing Handicap
6. Net Double Bogey
7. Maximum Handicap Index®
8. Minimum Scores to Obtain a Handicap Index®
9. Acceptable Scores
10. Treatment of Nine-Hole Scores - New for 2024
11. Playing Conditions Calculation
12. Exceptional Score Reduction
13. Handicap Index® Caps
14. Handicap Review - New for 2024
15. Course Rating System
16. Certification Resources

Basis of Calculation of Handicap Index®

The 8 best of most recent 20 score differentials, which includes a Playing Conditions Calculation to account for any abnormal course or weather conditions.

Frequency of Revisions

A player’s Handicap Index® will update daily, provided the player submitted a score the day before. Otherwise, no update will take place.

Handicap Formula

A general overview of the philosophy of and elements contributing to the Handicap Formula.

Course Handicap Calculation

Determining the number of strokes a player receives in relation the Par of the tees being played, including a Course Rating minus Par element. This is the number that is used to determine the maximum holes score for handicap purposes.

Playing Handicap

The handicap used that maximizes equity when competing by applying a handicap allowance for a specific format.

Net Double Bogey

The maximum hole score for handicap purposes. This maximum is double bogey plus any handicap strokes a player receives based on their Course Handicap.

Maximum Handicap Index®

The maximum Handicap Index® for all golfers is 54.0, regardless of gender.

Minimum Scores to Obtain a Handicap Index®

The minimum is 54 holes worth of scores, most often via three 18-hole scores (including nine-hole scores that are combined into 18-hole scores).

Acceptable Scores

Determining which scores are acceptable for handicap purposes, focusing on playing by the Rules of Golf and playing one’s own ball.

Treatment of Nine-Hole Scores

For a 9-hole score to be acceptable for handicap purposes, a player must play all 9 holes from tees with a published 9-hole Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™.

Playing Conditions Calculation

When abnormal course or weather conditions cause scores to be unusually high or low on a given day, a “Playing Conditions Calculation” will adjust Score Differentials to better reflect a player’s actual performance.

Exceptional Score Reduction

A score that produces a Score Differential of 7.0 strokes or more below the Handicap Index® will result in an Exceptional Score Reduction that changes the Handicap Index®. This reduction is in addition to the normal 8 of 20 calculation and depends on how much better the Score Differential is in comparison to the Handicap Index® used during the round.

Handicap Index® Caps

A Soft Cap and Hard Cap will be included in the calculation to limit the extreme upward movement of a Handicap Index® within a 12-month period. These caps are in relation to the player’s “Low Handicap Index.”

Handicap Review

Along with the introduction of additional reporting tools, USGA handicap administration software will include enhanced capabilities including the ability for the software to produce recommended actions for the Handicap Committee to consider.

Course Rating System

The basis for the World Handicap System. It is also an indication of the difficulty of a golf course for the scratch player under normal course and weather conditions.

Certification Resources

Golf Clubs are required to complete a certification process in order to use the World Handicap System. Participation in a certification seminar and passing a test exhibiting knowledge about the World Handicap System is required.