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Hindhead Golf Club


World Handicap System (WHS™) & Handicapping

The World Handicap System (WHS™) was introduced on 2 November 2020.

This page was set up to introduce  WHS™ and help explain how the handicapping system works. We have left the original education resource available.

There is also a  section on returning social scores, both at Hindhead or at an away course for handicapping purposes.

England Golf have created an educational page for golfers - https://www.englandgolf.org/handicapping/


*New* 2024 Update to WHS™ Rules of Handicapping & Course Rating™

On  1st April 2024,  changes to WHS™ Rules of Handicapping & Course Rating™ standards will take effect in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Please reference the resources from England Golf and those produced by the Golf, Membership & Social Committee for Hindhead specific updates.

England Golf Resources

2024 Rules of Handicap Update for Club Members

2024 WHS™ Update Resources - Webpage

Rules of Handicapping - Player Reference Guide

Hindhead Golf Club Resources

Hindhead WHS 2024 Update Notice

Guidance for Mixed Golf

Men's Course Handicap Tables from 1st April 2024

Women's Course Handicap Tables from 1st April 2024


How to return a Social Score at Hindhead

To return a social score at Hindhead for handicapping purposes you have  three  options. In each case you  MUST  register your intention to return a social score before you start play.

1. PSI & Scorecard

Register your intention to return a social score via the  PSI (Player Score Input) screen located in the snack bar area. There are instructions on the desk on how to do this. Mark a scorecard whilst you play in the traditional manner. Have your score marked or verbally verified (allowed whilst we are under Covid-19 restrictions) by one of your playing partners. On the completion of your round enter your score into the  PSI by following the instructions and then place the verified scorecard into the scorecard box.

2. igApp

You will need to have downloaded the igApp onto your smart phone. For more information on the igApp and instructions on how to download it go to  https://www.hindheadgolfclub.co.uk/news.php?newsitem=218

Once you have downloaded the  igApp then instructions on how to use it can be found by watching the following video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FxOAlNRTus

As a means of verifying your score you must take a photo of your scorecard after your round and upload it as instructed.

3. MyEG App

England Golf have launched an App to support WHS and the returning of social scores. Follow this link to find out about the  myEG App, how to download it and how to use it   https://www.englandgolf.org/handicapping/whs-app/

In order to verify your score you will need to know the WHS/CDH number of one of your playing partners. They will be sent a message from the App to confirm your score.


How to return a Score at an Away Club in the U.K. & Ireland

Under the new WHS rules you are permitted to return competition or social scores when you play at another golf course.  Again, in each case you   MUST  register your intention to return a score before you start play. When playing in a competition you will have entered and therefore that will cover your intention to return a score and in the UK those scores will be recorded on your handicap record automatically.

In order to return a social score in the UK you have  two  options as described below.

1. PSI

Register your intention to return a social score via the  PSI (Player Score Input) screen at the golf course you are playing at before you play. You should find a  "Visitors"  option on the screen and you will need to enter your  CDH number. It generally has 10 digits and is unique to you. You can find it on the Hindhead website, by going to  MY GOLF > Handicap Record or on one of the Apps described above. Mark a scorecard whilst you play in the traditional manner. Have your score marked or verbally verified (allowed whilst we are under Covid-19 restrictions) by one of your playing partners. On the completion of your round enter your score into the  PSI by following the instructions.

2. MyEG App

England Golf have launched an App to support WHS and the returning of social scores. Follow this link to find out about the myEG App, how to download it and how to use it   https://www.englandgolf.org/handicapping/whs-app/ .  

In order to verify your score you will need to know the CDH number of one of your playing partners. They will be sent a message from the App to confirm your score.


How to return a Score at an Away Club outside the U.K. & Ireland

As yet the World Handicapping System has not been able to facilitate the easy return of scores from overseas and it may take some years for this to occur. For outside of the UK & Ireland,  in order to return a competition or social you will need notify us in advance of your intention to return a score and then send us details of your score. 

If you are playing at a Club outside of the UK & Ireland where you are a Member, then use their handicapping system to register and then return your score, and then please ask the Club for details of your score(s) and send those to us via email . If you are playing a number of rounds over a number of days, then ideally please send us a summary print out the scores - each score needs to include date played, course name and tee colour, course par, course rating, slope rating and your adjusted gross score.

If you are playing at a Club outside of the UK where you are not a Member then the best way to return a score is to notify us in advance via email of your intention to return a score and then once you have played, email a photo of your scorecard with your  adjusted gross score highlighted to  chrisd@hindheadgolfclub.co.uk  and confirm the name of the course, the tees you played from, the course par, the course rating and the slope rating. 


Handicap Allowances

Click on the following link to see the various Handicap Allowances under WHS depending on the format of your game.

For allowances in team competitions please use the following Shot Calculator to assist. 

Mixed Tee Handicap Adjustments  (will change from 1st April 2024 - new guidance being prepared)


WHS Overview

Click on the following links.

What is the WHS? 

Why has the WHS been created?  

How does the WHS work? 


Course Rating

Click on the following links.

Course Rating Explained

Course Rating Video - Key Features Video from the R&A and USGA


Slope Rating

Click on the following links.

Slope Rating Explained

Slope Rating Video - Key Features Video from the R&A and USGA


Course & Slope Rating: Table Example

Course & Slope Rating: Hindhead Women's Courses

Course & Slope Rating: Hindhead Men's Courses


Handicap Index

Click on the following links.

Handicap Index Explained

Handicap Index Video - Key Features Video from the R&A and USGA

HGC Note - What happens if you don't have 20 scores in your historic handicap record?


Course Handicap

Click on the following links.

Course Handicap Explained

Course Handicap Video - Key Features Video from the R&A and USGA


Playing Handicap

Click on the following links.

Easy As HCP

Playing Handicap Explained

Playing Handicap Video - Key Features Video from the R&A and USGA

Playing Handicap: Allowances Table


General Play & Competition Rounds

Click on the following links.

General Play & Competition Rounds Explained

General Play & Competition Rounds: Authorised Formats of Play


FAQs, Terms & Rules

Click on the following links.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glossary of Terms

Rules of Handicapping - Player's Guide

Rules of Handicapping 2020


Club Members Presentation

Click on the following link to watch the presentation delivered by Gemma Hunter (England Golf's Head of Handicapping & Course Rating)

Rules of Handicapping - Club Members Presentation


England Golf – World Handicap System (WHS) Privacy Notice  






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