April 19, 2017
World Handicap System On Its Way
The USGA and The R&A are working with golf’s handicapping authorities to develop a single World Handicap System.
More than 15 million golfers in over 80 countries currently have a handicap, a numerical index long used as a reference to gauge a golfer’s potential skill level. Today, handicaps are delivered through six different systems around the world.
The aim of the proposed World Handicap System is to adopt a universal set of principles and procedures that will apply all over the globe.
An extensive review of existing handicap systems administered by Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AGA) and the USGA has been undertaken.
Golf organizations from different parts of the world have also been engaged with the current handicap authorities for the past two years to help shape the proposed system, which takes into account the many different golf cultures and most common formats of play. Research conducted to date has also reviewed systems and best practices inherent to handicapping, such as course rating and administration.
A joint committee led by the USGA and The R&A has been formed, including representatives from each handicap authority as well as the Japan Golf Association and Golf Canada. The joint committee plans to announce its proposals later this year.
“One wonderful aspect of golf that separates it from other sports is the ability of players of differing abilities to play on an equitable basis through handicapping, “USGA Executive Director/CEO Mike Davis said. “With one global system, golf courses will be rated and handicaps calculated in a like manner everywhere in the world. Reducing borders or barriers to provide an easy way for all to play together is great for the game and golfers everywhere.”
Added Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, “We have been concerned for some time that many golfers find the handicapping landscape to be complicated and can be frustrated when it is not always applied in the same way in different parts of the world. We are working closely with the existing handicapping bodies to benefit from their insights as we try to formulate a system that will be easy to understand and can be applied consistently on a global basis. We very much appreciate their support for this initiative.”
Here’s a Breakdown of the Changes:
What are the key objectives of this initiative?
To unify 6 different handicap systems into a single World Handicap System that will:
- enable golfers to play and compete anywhere around the world on equal terms;
- be easy to understand and implement, without sacrificing accuracy; and
- meet the needs and expectations of golfers, golf clubs and golf authorities all around the world.
Why would this be a good change?
Each of the existing handicap systems is well received in the areas where it operates. However, because they all calculate handicaps differently, the result can be players of the same ability having different handicaps. AWorld Handicap System would mean that a handicap of 6.0 in Lima should be the same as a handicap of 6.0 in both London and Los Angeles.
What are the other benefits of aWorld Handicap System?
As the world becomes a smaller place with a much greater frequency of international play, we believe that the game of golf will benefit from a unified handicap system, where handicaps are portable from country to country. It would result in less confusion, easier administration of international events and, potentially, it could allow national associations more opportunity to focus attention on golf development and strategic planning to support the game. A single world handicap system would also provide the opportunity to aggregate data to help ensure the game remains healthy.
Where are the existing systems currently used around the world and how do they differ?
The attached map and tables show the current handicapping landscape around the world and compares the key components of each system.
Is it possible to have one identical handicap system the world over?
It is true that there are variations in how golf is played around the world and it is not our intention to try to force a cultural change in the way that golf is played. Through collaboration with national associations around the world, the goal is to try to accommodate those cultural differences within a singleWorld Handicap System.
Does the project have the support of National Associations around the world?
A series of briefing sessions was conducted all around the world in 2015, which aimed to cover as many National Associations as possible. The reaction was very positive.
It is also worth stressing that the work that is being done to develop aWorld Handicap System is very much a collaborative effort and all of the National Associations who are directly involved in the process are very supportive of the initiative.
When will details of the proposed new system be made available?
After additional collaboration around the world, we plan to share the details of the World Handicap System later in the year.
What will the system be called?
It is proposed that the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System together will be jointly referred to as the World Handicap System (WHS).
Have you consulted with golfers on this proposal?
Until now, consultation and feedback has been mostly restricted to National Associations. However, we will be embarking on a communication effort with golfers and handicap administrators during the Summer of 2017.
-NCGA Staff
