World Handicap System - CSGA Memo #2

The new GHIN and World Handicap Systems (WHS) have been live for a little over one week now. We have heard from many of you with questions about the changes to the systems and overall the transition has been a relatively smooth one. This is the second in a series of weekly emails introducing CSGA golfers to the new World Handicap System and GHIN Golfer tools.

Last week, we covered posting scores under the WHS. Key takeaways are Maximum Hole Score for Handicap Purposes and the Timely Submission of Scores. Using the GHIN Mobile App, available for Android and IOS devices, assists the golfer in meeting both of these Rules of Handicapping requirements.

This week's topic is the calculation of your Course and Playing Handicap.

Your Course Handicap is the number of handicap strokes you receive, before handicap allowances, from a specific set of tees as determined by the Slope Rating and the difference between Course Rating and par (see Rule 6.1 Course Handicap Calculation). See video

Your Playing Handicap is the Course Handicap adjusted for any handicap allowances or Terms of the Competition. It represents the actual number of strokes the player gives or receives for the round being played (see Rule 6.2 Playing Handicap Calculation). You may view recommended handicap allowances for various forms of play in the Rules of Handicapping manual.

The Stroke Index is the value assigned to each hole on a golf course to indicate where handicap strokes are given or received (see Appendix E: Stroke Index Allocation)

Your Course Handicap and Stroke Index will determine on which holes you are to receive strokes for handicap posting purposes.

Your Playing Handicap will determine the number of strokes you are to receive for Net Stroke Play competitions. Your Playing Handicap and Stroke Index will determine on which holes you are to receive strokes for Net Match Play and Net Stableford competitions.

To accurately determine your Course Handicap is it recommend that you use the Course Handicap Calculator at GHIN.com, on the GHIN Mobile App or on your Club's GHIN Kiosk.

As always, if you have any questions about the World Handicap System or the new GHIN golfer tools, please reach out to us via email.

Regards,

Bill Bigler

Director, Member Services

Connecticut State Golf Association