All the content contained within the WHS section has been supplied by England Golf.

The new World Handicap System (WHS) is designed to:

• Attract more players to the game
• Make handicapping easier to understand
• Give all golfers a Handicap Index that can be transferable from club to club

WHS came into play on 2nd November 2020 in Great Britain and Ireland and replaced the CONGU handicapping system. It is part of a system used by over 15 million golfers in 80 countries worldwide.

To allow as many golfers as possible the opportunity to:

• Obtain and maintain a Handicap Index and reduce barriers of entry
• Use their Handicap Index on any golf course around the world
• Compete, or play recreationally, fairly regardless of where they play

With golf being centered around one standard set of rules governed by The R&A and USGA, it makes sense to unify the previous six different handicapping systems, making for a more inclusive and equitable sport.
The WHS was therefore developed with consideration given to club golfers who play both sporadically and more regularly.
With all golfers only initially required to submit scorecards for 54 holes to acquire a Handicap Index, the new WHS is less formidable for new players.