Course Handicap and Playing Handicap

Course Handicap

The Course Handicap in WHS (World Handicap System) is the number of handicap strokes a player receives for handicap purposes. It is calculated for each specific set of tees at the course being played. The formula is based on the Handicap Index, the Course Rating (CR) and the Slope Rating (SR).

course handicap in whs - formula for calculation
The handicap strokes are awarded per holes depending on the Stroke Index (abbreviation on scorecards: SI, HCP or HDCP) of a particular hole. The Stroke Index of each golf hole is defined as the difficulty of one hole in comparison to other holes on the same course.
All holes are numbered from 1 to 18. Stroke Index 1 means the hardest hole, while Stroke Index 18 means the easiest one. On 9-hole courses all holes have Stroke Indexes from 1 to 9.

 

Playing Handicap

The Playing Handicap is the number of handicap strokes a side (player or team) receives (or gives) in a handicap competition. It is the percentage of the Course Handicap determined by the Committee in charge of the competition. The Handicap Allowance in a handicap competition must be laid down by the Committee in the conditions under which the competition is to be played.

playing handicap calkulation basing on course handicap and allowance
The handicap strokes are awarded per holes depending on the Stroke Index of a particular hole.

Go directly to Playing Handicap calculator
for single player

Go directly to Playing Handicap calculator
for 2-player team

 

WHS recommends that the following Playing Handicaps apply in the following forms of play:

  • Singles – The player receives 95% or 100% of his Course Handicap.
  • Four-ball (Better-ball) – Each partner receives 85% or 90% of his Course Handicap.

For some competitions the Committees determine Playing Handicap as 75% or 50% of the Course Handicap.

For handicapping purposes (i.e. handicap adjustment), all acceptable scores must be adjusted basing on 100% of Course Handicap.

 

NOTE:
Until the end of 2023 there is the difference in Course Handicap calculations between the CONGU countries (UK and Ireland) and other countries (Rest of the World ). The difference is in the approach to a par-based adjustment (Course Rating minus Par). CONGU countries do not apply this adjustment, while other countries use the CR and par values in the formula.
From January 1, 2024, the calculation of the Course Handicap and Playing Handicap will be unified: in Great Britain and Ireland the calculations will be performed in the same way as in the rest of the world.

 

 



 

Calculations for a Team/Side

The Playing Handicap of the team is the number of handicap strokes the side receives (or gives) in a handicap competition. Playing Handicaps in a handicap competition must be laid down by the Committee in the conditions under which the competition is to be played. Usually it is the percentage of the partner’s Course Handicaps.

WHS recommends that the following Playing Handicaps apply in the following forms of play:

A scramble is not played under the principles of The Rules Of Golf, but WHS recommends the following solution:

 

 

 



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update: March 2024