On January 1, 2020, the The World Handicap System™ brought six different systems together into a single set of Rules of Handicapping.  This was adopted by golfers everywhere, enabling golfers of different abilities to play and compete on a fair and equal basis, no matter how or where they play.

The purpose of the World Handicap System™ is to enable as many golfers as possible the opportunity to:

• Obtain and maintain a Handicap Index,
• Use their Handicap Index® on any golf course around the world, and
• Compete, or play recreationally, with anyone else on a fair basis.

On January 1, 2024, the first revision to the World Handicap System took effect.  The revisions include three key changes:

• Courses as short as 750 yards for 9 holes and 1,500 yards for 18 holes are now eligible for a Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ - enhancing the portability of a Handicap Index to make the system more accommodating for all players.
• The use of expected Score Differential™ for rounds played over 10-17 holes, introducing more flexibility to score posting.
• 9-hole scores will count toward your Handicap Index the very next day - placing a premium on the holes you played and combined with an expected Score Differential for consistency and fairness.

To learn more about the WHS™ and the changes for 2024, the VSGA invites you to attend one of its upcoming seminars.  We hope you will join us!

PGA Professionals will receive three (3) PDR credits for attending.

For any questions, please contact Michael Walder (mwalder@vsga.org) or Brian Wright (bwright@vsga.org) by email or phone at (804) 378-2300.