World Handicap System | Scottish Golf

This page is for affiliated golf clubs to manage the transition to WHS. If you are an individual golfer, please go to this page for information instead.

What is WHS?

As of November 2nd, 2020, the governing bodies of amateur golf in Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales will introduce the new World Handicap System (WHS).

The current golf handicapping system maintained by CONGU will be replaced by WHS which will unify the six different structures currently in operation throughout the world of golf. Under WHS, Scottish Golf is the official handicap supplier for the jurisdiction of Scotland.

With one single, global system in place for the first time, golfer will be able to obtain and maintain a handicap index and use this on any course around the world.

In addition, they will be able to compete or simply play a casual round with fellow golfers anywhere on a fair and equal basis.

As well as encouraging players new to the sport to obtain a handicap with ease, the WHS will also modernise the game for those who have been playing for longer.

Under the new system, a player’s handicap will be based on the average of eight best scores from their last 20 rounds.

WHS will also take into account factors currently not fully represented in the existing handicapping procedure through a course and slope rating system.

What are the features of WHS?

Flexibility in formats of play, allowing both competitive and recreational rounds to count for handicap purposes and ensuring that a golfer’s handicap is more reflective of potential ability.
A minimal number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap; a recommendation that the number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap be 54 holes from any combination of 18-hole and 9-hole rounds, but with some discretion available for national or regional associations to set a different minimum within their own jurisdiction.
A consistent handicap that is portable from course to course and country to country through worldwide use of the USGA Course and Slope Rating System, already successfully used in more than 80 countries.
An average-based calculation of a handicap, taken from the best eight out of the last 20 scores and factoring in memory of demonstrated ability for better responsiveness and control.
A calculation that considers the impact that abnormal course and weather conditions might have on a player’s performance each day
Daily handicap revisions, taking account of the course and weather conditions calculation.
A limit of Net Double Bogey on the maximum hole score (for handicapping purposes only).
A maximum handicap limit of 54.0, regardless of gender, to encourage more golfers to measure and track their performance to increase their enjoyment of the game.

Hive Learning – a new home for Scottish Golf Education

As part of preparing all of our affiliated clubs for the transition, Scottish Golf will be launching an interactive WHS area on our new Hive learning platform.

This will allow you to access a breadth of information on WHS such as an overview, key features, rules and club resources. This area will also enable you to connect with fellow clubs to exchange best practice, tips, insights and ideas. Members of the Scottish Golf team will also be on hand to answer any queries you may have regarding WHS on Hive.

In order to access this new platform, we will require the relevant individual from each club to be registered.

To register, please follow the link here and fill out the necessary details. Please note that registrations for Hive Learning are now being accepted on a rolling basis. You will receive login details within five working days of your completed registration.

Available on both iPhone and Android, the Hive Learning app can be downloaded through the below links:

Please note you will not be able to login to the app until you have received your confirmation email with login details from Hive and Scottish Golf, this will be issued within five working days of your registration.

WHS Resources

To support those involved in supporting Handicapping across the country, The R&A and USGA have put together a number of information videos that explain different elements of the World Handicap System. These videos can be viewed below.

Click links below to download your digital copy of the WHS Rules of Handicapping, Player Reference Guide and CONGU Advice on WHS: