Whether you’re teeing off for the first time or you’ve been playing for years, understanding, maintaining and using your handicap can add a layer of enjoyment and fairness to the game.
In this guide I look at the current handicap system and hopefully highlight some of the benefits it brings to the amateur game.
The World Handicap System (WHS)
In 2020, the golfing world witnessed a transformative shift with the introduction of the World Handicap System (WHS).
This system, developed through a collaboration between The R&A and the USGA, brought consistency and accessibility to the handicapping process, making it easier for golfers worldwide to obtain an official handicap.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the WHS is that you no longer need to be a member of a golf club to hold an official handicap.
This change opened doors for non-member golfers who wished to establish their handicaps. Now, anyone, anywhere, can enjoy the benefits of a golf handicap.
Decoding Golf Handicap Terminology
Before we dive into how handicaps are calculated, it’s important to understand some of the golfing terms and jargon that is used.
Terms like bogey rating, course rating, and slope rating may sound intimidating at first, but they’re straight forward once you get to know them
Here’s a brief overview of what each of these terms mean:
Bogey Rating
This measures the playing difficulty from a set of tees when played by a Bogey Golfer.
A Bogey Golfer is someone with a Course Handicap of approximately 20 for males and 24 for females.
Course Rating
It represents the number of strokes a Scratch Golfer should take on a given course.
A Scratch Golfer is someone who can play with a Course Handicap of 0 on all rated golf courses.
How Is Course Rating Determined?
The Course Rating is determined by considering factors like the effective playing length and obstacles on either 9 or 18 designated holes.
Expressed in strokes to one decimal point, the Course Rating serves as an indicator of the anticipated score for a scratch player.
Read my other guide for a more in depth break down of how course and slop ratings are calculated.
Slope Rating
Calculated using the Bogey Rating and Course Rating, this metric assesses the relative playing difficulty of a course for Bogey Golfers compared to Scratch Golfers.
The higher the Slope Rating, the more additional strokes a Bogey Golfer will need to play the course, and vice versa.
How Your Golf Handicap Is Calculated
The WHS simplifies the process of calculating your Handicap Index, which is a measure of your golfing ability.
It’s determined using your eight best scores from your most recent 20 rounds, making it a reliable indicator of your current skill level and form.
Here’s a breakdown of how it’s calculated:
1. The system calculates a handicap differential for each round using the course rating, slope rating, and your adjusted gross score.
The formula is: (113 / Slope Rating) – (Adjusted Gross Score – Course Rating – Playing Conditions Calculation).
2. From these differentials, your Handicap Index is determined by selecting your best eight scores, add them together and then divide this total by eight.
3. Your Handicap Index provides an accurate representation of how well you’re likely to play on a course of average difficulty, rather than reflecting your average score.
Understanding Your Course Handicap
Your Course Handicap is what allows golfers to compete fairly across any golf course in the world, accounting for the course’s difficulty and the tees you’re playing from.
Calculating your Course Handicap is a straightforward process, and it requires your Handicap Index and the slope rating of the course you’re about to play.
The equation to calculate your Course Handicap is the same whether you’re using the My EG app or consulting a handicap board at the golf course.
It goes like this: Course handicap = Handicap Index x (Slope Rating / 113).
With this calculation in mind, you’ll be able to determine your Course Handicap ahead of your next round, whether you’re playing at your local course or trying out a new one.
Thanks to the World Handicap System, obtaining and understanding your handicap has never been easier.
It’s a powerful tool that promotes fairness, encourages improvement, and adds an exciting new dimension to your golfing journey.
So, next time you hit the course, remember to enter your round and ensure that your handicap is a true refection of your game.
This will contribute to a more enjoyable and equitable round of golf.
