HANDICAPS – the World Handicapping System (WHS)
Handicap Index and Course Handicap
The World Handicap System is designed to welcome more players, to make golf easier to understand and to give all golfers a handicap which is portable all around the globe.
A handicap is obtained by submitting cards covering 54 holes of play. This becomes your Handicap Index.
Once established, your Handicap Index is based on the best 8 scores from the most recent 20 qualifying competitions played within a 2-year period. Systems exist to cater for players who have yet to complete 20 qualifying rounds and also for those who do not play that number within a 2-year period.
Depending on the course you play, your Handicap Index changes to become your Course Handicap. The necessary details can be obtained by clicking on the buttons below. The Course Handicap may be higher or lower than your Handicap Index.
Course Handicap Tables are also displayed on the external Notice Board and in the Locker Rooms. England Golf recommend downloading the MyEG app which enables you to view your Course Handicap at any course in the U.K.
The Course Handicap can be calculated manually using the equation formula below:
Handicap Index X (slope rating ÷ 113) = Course Handicap
Example :
Using the Course Handicap Table : Handicap Index 22.5 playing the Summer White Tees : Course Handicap 21
Using the manual method : Handicap Index 22.5 x (104 /113) = 20.7 which rounds up to 21.
Playing Handicap
Having obtained your Course Handicap, a further adjustment is required. which changes your Course Handicap to your Playing Handicap. This should only be used when playing competitive rounds of golf.
Details of the adjustment can be found by viewing the WHS Playing Handicap Allowances Table. The adjustment differs depending on the type of competition in which you are playing.
To calculate your Playing Handicap for a competitive round you need just one calculation : Course Handicap x Handicap Allowance = Playing Handicap
Example : Handicap Index 14.9 playing the Summer Red Tees : Course Handicap 15.
Individual Stableford/ Medal Allowance 95% of 15 : Playing Handicap thus becomes 14.