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.
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.
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.
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:
Find out more about WHS.
Information on the basis of calculations of Handicap Index.
Information on acceptable scores.
Information on course and slope rating.
Information on playing handicap.
Information on maximum hole score.