The new WHS (World Handicapping System) has been in place for four years and as a result of analysis of how it has been working over the period,a number of changes are being brought in to the system as used in GB & I from 1 April 2024.
Course handicap Calculation
This calculation takes player’s handicap index and converts it to a course handicap taking into account the difficulty of the course. Previously this took into account the slope rating of the course being played. Now a further adjustment is being added to the calculation using the difference between the course rating of the course and the par of the course. Previously the “target” score to play to handicap was the course rating of the course. With the new adjustment it is par that is the target.
If the course rating is higher than par, then players will get additional shots. If the course rating is less than par players will get fewer shots in the competition.
This change brings GB & I into line with other countries (particularly in Europe) which should remove any confusion when playing in different parts of the world.
The board beside the putting green will be changed before 1 April to reflect these changes and there will also be a system using a QR corde to access an app to determine the Course handicap.
Score for Handicap Record and Handicap Index calculation Purposes
The score added to a player’s record to calculate their handicap index is still calculated with reference to the Course Rating of the Course played adjusted for Slope – this hasn’t changed. The only different is the adjusted gross score which is adjusted to take account of any high scores which are changed to a net double bogey may be affected and this takes account of playing handicap / shots received.
9 Hole scores – Expected Score
The method by which a nine-hole score was “grossed up” to be included in a player’s record has been changed. Previously the nine-hole score was added to by adding 9 net pars + 1 shot (17 stableford points) for the second nine. This is now not considered appropriate.
In its place the system will calculate a player’s expected score for the second nine based on the course and the handicap index of the player and add this to the actual 9 hole score. This calculated 18 hole score will then be added to the players handicap record. This calculation will be done automatically and immediately and the grossed up score will be added to the players handicap.
This will also apply when a round is cut short for an acceptable reason – sever weather, injury or illness. Then the holes not played will be given an expected score.
The minimum number of holes to be played in a round for it to be counted remains at 10.
The reason for not completing a round must be acceptable – it cannot be a simple reason of “deciding to walk in”.
This also does not apply for simply a hole not finished – i.e. a no return – the score used is still a net double bogey.
Four Ball Competition Scores
Of no relevance to Luffness but – where there is a 4 Ball Better Ball Stableford, Strokeplay or Par/Bogey competition certain scores may be counted for handicap purposes.
Match play scores are still not counted.
Very good scores will be counted. A score will only be counted if:-
- One players in the pair must have scored on a minimum of 9 holes
- The total score for the pair is at least 42 stableford points or 6 under par
The reasons for this are:-
- Increase the formats of play available for handicap purposes.
- Handicaps will be more reflective of demonstrated ability.
Finally
The system has been refined taking account of experience of the first four years of WHS. The PCC Calculation should have more affect now as the parameters used in its calculation have changed. The changes are designed to make the system more equitable to all and produce a fair index for all players to reflect their ability. The principle remains the same – the more scores submitted the more accurate the index will be to reflect current ability.
General play scores may still be used to supplement competition scores. These should be recorded using the Scottish Golf app or by handing a physical card into the office. If using it must be set up prior to round and completed before leaving the course after the round. If submitting a card your home club must be informed in advance that you are doing a score, and the card must be returned to the home club as soon as possible after the round. This latter principle applies to rounds done outwith GB&I. The Scottish Golf app will work in GB&I.
Any questions on the changes please come to the office and ask.
Further information can be found on the Scottish Golf website under WHS.
