World Handicap System Highlights

On January 1, the World Handicap System replaced the various different systems used around the world (USGA, R&A, European Golf Association, Golf Australia, etc.).

Here are some highlights of the changes:

• You can now obtain a handicap index after posting only 54 holes (three 18s, six 9s, or a combination). Previously you needed to post 90 holes.
• Handicap indexes will be updated daily. Previously there was a revision every two weeks. For this reason, please be sure to post your scores immediately after playing a non-tournament round (the CCMGA will continue to post your tournament scores).
• Handicap indexes will be calculated using the best eight scores (differentials) of the last twenty. Previously, the best ten were used.
• The maximum index has increased from 36.4 to 54.0.
• The maximum score for posting purposes (previously referred to as Equitable Stroke Control) is now the same for all players: net double bogey. 
  • Example 1: if you have a course handicap of 13, you are conceptually getting a stroke on the holes labeled 1 to 13 under Men’s Handicap on your scorecard. So for those holes you can post a gross triple bogey (net double).  For the holes labeled 14 to 18, you are not getting a stroke and you can only post a double bogey.
  • Example 2: if you have a course handicap of 20, you are conceptually getting two strokes on the holes labeled 1 and 2, and one stroke on the rest.  For the holes in which you get two strokes, you can post a gross quadruple bogey (net double).  For the remainder of the holes, you can post a triple bogey (net double).
  • Since your course handicap can now be changing daily and this is somewhat complicated, it is strongly advised that you make use of the new Hole-By-Hole posting feature in the USGA GHIN app and on the computers at the golf courses. Just enter your actual gross score on each hole and the software will adjust them accordingly.  
• The course handicap calculation has changed so that the course rating in relation to par is taken into effect.  This negates the need to change a player’s handicap when playing from different tees.
  • The new formula:  Course Handicap = (index * slope/113) + course rating - par
• There is now a provision for an adjustment to be made to your scoring differential based on abnormal playing conditions.  This will actually be some factor determined statistically by the scores posted on the course.
  • This will show up under PCC (Playing Conditions Calculation) in your scoring record.
• Round types displayed in your scoring record are now shown as:
  • C = Competition (formerly T)
  • N = Combined 9-Hole Rounds (formerly C)
  • E = Exceptional (new)
  • H = Home
  • A = Away
  • P = Penalty
• There are caps in place that limit extreme upward movement of a handicap index over a rolling 12-month timeframe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our handicap chairman, David Ewing, at davidaewing@comcast.net.