Search
Close this search box.

Understanding the Golf Handicap

World Golf Handicap System

Your guide to your new global golf handicap

What is a golf handicap

Learn more about the World Handicap System - the first global approach to your Golf Handicap

A golf handicap is the measurement of your golfing ability and allows you to play against other golfers on a fair basis. It’s therefore an excellent measurement of how your game is improving and in an ideal world your handicap should always be reducing or staying the same – we did say ‘ideal’.

Benefits of the World Golf Handicap System

1) The WHS uses both the USGA Course Rating and the Slope Rating systems to evaluate the difficulty of the course based on the tee that the players use. 

 

2) The idea of a Course Handicap has also been introduced. Before each round, the golfer receives (or calculates) their handicap for that particular course and tee. 

 

3) The WHS also introduce Playing Conditions Calculations which adjusts the expected player’s scores (during course competitions) based on the course condition. The PCC has a range from -1 (when the course is playing easier) to +3 (when the circumstances make the course more difficult).

 

4) The maximum golf handicap has now been standardised at 54 – representing a three-over-par on each hole. 

 

5) The WHS has also introduced the Nett Double Bogey Adjustment which limits the maximum score on any hole to Nett double bogey ensuring that bad holes don’t impact your handicap too severely. The Stableford scoring approach works in a similar matter by the player scoring zero points for terrible holes. It hurts, but it does not ruin the entire round.

 

6) In the end, the golf handicap calculation changes are designed to ensure that your Handicap Index truly reflects your ability and that it gives you the strokes you need to do well and maximise your enjoyment. It might help reduce the “bandits.”

The Course Slope Rating

Some courses and scoring also use the SLOPE rating, this like the SSS, is used to help adjust play where the course you are playing is easy or difficult.

 

For example, your local course (we guess) is probably not as difficult to play as Carnoustie (try it for yourself). So Carnoustie will carry a higher slope rating, which is then used to level out your handicap calculation, giving you a bit more credit.

Don’t miss out ...

Tee Times, Golf Breaks, Equipment News and more+

Related Articles

HANDICAP

Related Posts

Terre Blanche Golf Course 02

Your Golf Handicap Explained

Golf Handicap – Explained Understanding Golf Handicaps: How They Work and Why You Need to Know Yours   Golf is a game of skill and sportsmanship, and its competitive nature often drives players to improve their game. However, with varying skill levels across players, creating a level playing field can be challenging. Enter the Golf

Read More »

How does your Handicap Change

Understanding the Golf Handicap How does a golf handicap Change Learn how your golf handicap changes with each round you play. Understanding the World Golf Handicap System   The World Golf Handicap System (WHS) is an essential tool for all golfers, providing a standardized measure of a player’s potential ability on the course. Whether you’re […]

Read More »
Golf Handicap

Match Play Golf

How to Play Match Play what is match play golf The most exciting golf competition formula used in the Ryder Cup Match play is the most exciting format of Golf Learn the basics of Match Play and get the friendly competitions started What is Match Play Golf Match play is perhaps one of the most

Read More »

Handicap Stroke Allowance

Stroke Alowance Handicap Stroke Allowance Tables A Guide to golf handicap table and stroke allwance for Stableford and Matchplay competitions Handicap Stroke Allowance Stroke Allowance Guide A Guide to golf handicap table and stroke allowance for Stableford and Matchplay competitions   Handicap Stroke Allowance A quick guide to help you calculate the stroke allowance. The

Read More »
Golf Scorecard

Stroke Play – How Stroke Play Works

Stroke Play Guide Stroke Play Golf Stroke Play is the most widely used scoring system for golf competitions. But how does it work? Quick Links What is stroke play in golf   Our guide to how does stroke play work!   Stroke play refers to a round of golf where the stokes taken over the

Read More »
The World Handicap System - Golf Handicap

How to Calculate Stableford Points

Stableford Scoring How to Calculate your stableford Your guide to the Stableford scoring system, the calculator and how it works.  How to Calculate your Stableford     Stableford is one of the most widely used and best golf scoring systems that can help improve your golf. Its a point system rather than the traditional stroke

Read More »
Awarding Shots in Stableford

Awarding Shots In Stableford

Golf Handicap Awarding Shots in Stableford Awarding Shots Before you can begin to play record your round using stableford points, you first must calculate on which golf holes you will be awarded shots. These Awarded Shots will allow you to correctly calculate your Stableford points and are used throughout the round. What we need to

Read More »

Using the Stroke Index

Understanding the Stroke Index Stroke Index How the stroke index and hole difficulty are related Stroke Index When using Stableford scoring, you must first know your handicap. Your handicap is used to award you with a number of shots per hole depending on the Stroke Index of a particular hole.    The stroke index of each golf

Read More »
Golf Stableford Calculation

Stableford Calculation

handicap stableford calculation Stableford calculation Your handicap Stableford calculation Stableford Calculation and the rules A guide on how to calculate your Stableford Points and calculate your golf handicap, stroke index and more Stableford is a fantastic way to play golf and it’s growing in popularity. Unlike Stroke Play which counts the number of strokes, Stableford

Read More »

Buffer zones and Stroke Index

Your Golf Handicap Golf Handicap Buffer Zones and Stroke Index How does your golf handicap go and down. How does it change? How does your golf handicap change – Buffer Zones and Stroke Index Learn how to calculate your golf handicap Your golf handicap is recalculated every time you add a scorecard either in a

Read More »
Golf Handicap

Golf Handicap Introduction

Understanding the Golf Handicap World Golf Handicap System Your guide to your new global golf handicap What is a golf handicap Learn more about the World Handicap System – the first global approach to your Golf Handicap A golf handicap is the measurement of your golfing ability and allows you to play against other golfers

Read More »
ARTICLES

Golf Course and Travel Reviews

Cascais Golf Pass

Cascais Golf Pass

The Cascais Golf Pass is a must-have for golfers visiting the beautiful seaside town of Cascais, Portugal. With access to some of the region’s most stunning courses and resorts, it’s the perfect way to enjoy

READ MORE
Valencia GOlf Trip Image

6 Best Hotels in Valencia for Golfers

Known for its sun-soaked beaches and vibrant culture, Valencia, located on Spain’s southeastern coast, is also a top destination for golf enthusiasts. The region boasts an array of exceptional golf resorts that combine challenging fairways

READ MORE
Mauritus Golf Resorts

Best Golf Resorts in Mauritius

Mauritius, an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, is well-known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant culture. However, it is also becoming increasingly popular among golf enthusiasts due to its stunning

READ MORE

Subscribe to our newsletter

fb-share-icon
Share