World Handicap System (WHS) Background and Overview
- What is the World Handicap System all about?
- Has the World Handicap System impacted the way the game is played in the United States?
- What does a Handicap Index® represent?
- How do I get a Handicap Index?
- How many scores do I have to post before I get a Handicap Index?
- Someone asks me what my handicap is when we are standing on the first tee. What do I tell them?
- What is peer review and why is it important?
- I recently posted scores, but my Handicap Index has not changed. Why?
Handicap Index® Calculation 101
- What is a Score Differential™ and how is it calculated?
- How is a Handicap Index calculated?
- I always play the same tees at the same course. Is my Handicap Index "established" from that set?
- What is the maximum Handicap Index?
- How often is a Handicap Index updated?
- What is the playing conditions calculation (PCC) and how does it work?
- I forgot to post my score the day I played. Will I still get the PCC adjustment?
- What is an "exceptional score" and what happens when I post one?
- What is my Low Handicap Index™ and why is it displayed in my scoring record?
- Is there a limit on how much a Handicap Index can increase?
- How did the treatment of 9-hole scores change under the World Handicap System in 2024?
- How is a golfer's expected score determined to create an 18-hole Score Differential?
- How will a 9-hole score be displayed in my scoring record?
- When establishing a Handicap Index, how are 9-hole scores treated?
- What is my maximum hole score for handicap purposes?
- I started a hole but did not complete it. What score do I post?
- I did not play a hole. What score to do I post?
- Why is hole-by-hole score posting required when 10-17 holes are played?
- How will a 10-17-hole score be displayed in my scoring record?
- If I play 10-17 holes, will it count as 18 holes for the purposes of establishing a Handicap Index®?
Course Handicap™ and Playing Handicap™
- What is the difference between a Course Handicap and Playing Handicap?
- How do I calculate my Course Handicap and Playing Handicap?
- When players compete from different tees, do we have to make any adjustments?
- Where does rounding occur within the Playing Handicap calculation?
- How do I determine if a score is acceptable for handicap purposes?
- How many holes must be played to post an acceptable score?
- I accidently posted the wrong score - how can I change it?
- I would like to play from a set of tees that are not rated for my gender. How can I post a score?
- Are scores designated as "Competition" scores treated any differently?
- I played a round by myself. Why can't I post the score?
- Why am I expected to post my score the day I play?
- I don’t know the Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ for the tees I played, how can I post the score?
- Can I manually enter the Course Rating, Slope Rating and par for a course I played?
- What are handicap allowances and why are they recommended for various formats of play?
- Do handicap allowances favor a plus handicap player since it moves their Playing Handicap closer to zero (up), while those above scratch move down towards zero?
- When running a multi-round competition, should the Handicap Index be updated between each round?
- Should match play scores be posted even if I do not hole out on every hole?
- Why does the player with the lowest Playing Handicap play at scratch (0) in match play?
- At what age should a golfer be allowed to play the forward tees?
- On which holes do players receive strokes in a competition?
- What scores should be posted as "Competition" scores?
- How should scores be posted in competitions where multiple nine-hole rounds are played?
- Should there be an additional adjustment in four-ball stroke play when partners have a large difference in Course Handicap?
- I had a recent injury and can no longer play to my handicap. Can the Handicap Committee make an adjustment?
- There is a player at my club who always tends to play well during net events and wins often. Are there any provisions in place to ensure that everyone is playing on a fair level?
- What is a Penalty Score? How and when is it applied?
- How does the Handicap Committee determine the stroke index allocation at their course?
- I am a member of multiple clubs, why do I have to designate a "home club"?
- Who provides the Course Rating and Slope Rating for each golf course?
- What is a Course Rating and what does it represent?
- What is a Slope Rating and what does it represent?
- Does a course have to be a certain length to have a Course Rating and Slope Rating?
- How does a course get scheduled for a rating visit?
You can also contact the USGA Handicap Department by phone at (908)234-2300 extension 5 or by email at hdcpquestions@usga.org.