This notice of the new handicap system is sent from the North Halton Handicap Committee. Barb Rieger is the contact if you have any questions.
WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM
(WHS)
Commencing January 1st 2020 the WHS will come into effect for all the golfing organizations world wide. This change has been in the making for over 5 years and is the combined efforts of all the 6 various agencies. For your interest these agencies ,as far as handicapping methods is concerned, are the USGA, the Argentine Golf Association, the European Golf Association, the Council of National Golf Unions ( which includes the R&A) the South African Golf Association and Golf Australia.
As you may know golf already has a single set of Rules, a single set of equipment Rules, and a single set of Rules of Amateur Status overseen by the USGA and the R&A. There have been 6 different handicap systems used and each has been well developed and successfully provides equality for play locally but each system produces slightly different results. The WHS will unify the 6 systems into a single system that will
- Enable golfers of different abilities to play and compete in a fair and equitable basis, in any format, on any course, anywhere the world
- Be easy to understand and implement, without sacrificing accuracy. We are fortunate that we have not been radically affected and have kept the course slope and rating system as the basis for the WHS
- Meet the varied needs and expectations of golfers, golf clubs, and golf authorities all around the world and be adaptable to suit all golfing cultures.
This new system is modern and relevant to how golf is played today around the world.
The world has become a smaller place with many members playing in a variety of countries world wide. This will allow them access to a handicap that is relevant in the country they are playing.
The R&A along with the USGA will oversee the WHS but the day to day administration of handicapping will continue to be the responsibility of existing handicapping authorities and individual Associations.
Over the next few months your Handicap Committee will be sending out blast emails on the various changes that may affect your play. Please read them carefully and perhaps start an electronic file to keep them for your easy access and review.
Each email will have a link that you can access for better understanding and perhaps a video for your enjoyment.
The videos below is a basic explanation of the WHS.
MANY MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW IN UPCOMING EMAILS.
Stay tuned for the next blast about the elimination of ESC and the introduction of Net Double Bogey