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/
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
Men's Course Handicap Tables from 1st April 2024
Women's Course Handicap Tables from 1st April 2024
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.
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.
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.
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)
Click on the following links.
Click on the following links.
Course Rating Video - Key Features Video from the R&A and USGA
Click on the following links.
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
Click on the following links.
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?
Click on the following links.
Course Handicap Video - Key Features Video from the R&A and USGA
Click on the following links.
Playing Handicap Video - Key Features Video from the R&A and USGA
Playing Handicap: Allowances Table
Click on the following links.
General Play & Competition Rounds Explained
General Play & Competition Rounds: Authorised Formats of Play
Click on the following links.
Rules of Handicapping - Player's Guide
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