
The maximum handicap for all players has now been established at 54.0.

Reviewing the Handicap Index of each member and making adjustments as necessary.Ensure that the Handicap Index of its members is administered within the Rules of Handicapping.Establishing a Handicap Committee to ensure compliance with the Rules of Handicapping.The clubs within each association’s jurisdiction also have responsibilities which include: Providing clubs with stroke index allocation recommendations.Assisting Handicap Committees with adjusting the Handicap Index of players as necessary.Certifying member clubs to use the Rules of Handicapping.Providing each golf course within its jurisdiction a Course Rating and Slope Rating.These responsibilities can also be delegated to state and regional associations known as Allied Golf Associations that are affiliated with the USGA.Īllied Golf Associations are responsible for: In the United States, every handicap index is calculated by the USGA data services platform which enhances the integrity and the accuracy of the system. In order to use the world handicap system, a national association must be authorized by the USGA and the R&A, and the national association has the exclusive rights to implement and administer the World Handicap System, including the issuance of a golfer's handicap index to member golfers. The system does a revision now on a daily basis and accommodates handicap allowance based on a player's performance for different tees, courses, etc. Whoever you are, whatever your ability, and wherever you are playing in the world, this global system ensures that you are able to match your skills against other players of differing abilities through your score, making the game even more competitive and enjoyable. The World Handicap System, which replaced the USGA handicap index and other local indexes, provides a handicap index that is truly universal. Compete and/or play a casual round with anyone else fairly through the implementation of each player’s ability (handicap).Be able to use their Handicap Index on any golf course around the world.Obtain and maintain a golf Handicap Index.In 2020, the governing bodies of the game of golf, including the United States Golf Association ( USGA), released the World Handicap System ( WHS) in an effort to enhance all player’s enjoyment of the game of golf and give nearly every golfer the opportunity to: The Purpose of the World Handicapping System

Reducing the required number of scores to the equivalent of three 18-hole rounds (or 54-holes) affords all players with the opportunity to have a Handicap Index, monitor their improvement, and play a fair game against players of varying abilities who have a higher or lower handicap than they do.

This more consistent manner of measuring a golfer’s ability allows for more universal play among golfers, no matter what particular course they go play in the world. The governing bodies of the game of golf came together to create the World Handicapping System. Your Handicap Helps Golfers Measure Their Ability and Enjoy Competitive Rounds with Anyone Who Has a Handicap
