Are you ready for the World Handicap System?

The World Handicap System is being launched in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland on November 2 this year. Here’s what you need to know

- Fergus Bisset

Developed by The R&A and USGA, the World Handicap System (WHS) represents a major shift in handicapping and will unite six bodies across the globe under one standardised method.

It should also make for a fairer and more equitable system of accurately calculating a golfer’s current playing ability.

With just a few months to the implementation of the WHS in this country, England Golf launched ‘Know the Score’ – a campaign to help clubs provide members the information they need before November.

Scottish Golf, Wales Golf and the Golfing Union of Ireland have also educated clubs and players on the system. Here, we give the lowdown on some of the key things you need to know about WHS for the November launch.

Why is WHS being adopted?

The principal aim is to make handicapping easier to understand and transferable to any course across the globe.

Handicaps used by 15 million golfers in 80 countries worldwide will be equitable.

It also aims to make it easier for players to obtain and maintain a handicap and to enjoy a level playing field, wherever they play and whether in recreational games or in competition; the objective being to grow the game.

How do I get a WHS handicap?