World Handicap System

Golf Clubs can visit the DotGolf website and download the new WHS Playing Handicap Tables.

These are the key components of WHS:

• All golfers will have a handicap index that can be used equitably anywhere in the world

• The best 8 of your most recent 20 scores will be the first consideration in calculating a handicap index Click here for the basis of a handicap index calculation

• Handicaps will be revised daily or soon after score cards have been entered in to the system Click here for more information about daily handicaps

• A daily revision of all handicap records will look back 12 months and locate your lowest index in that time. A cap starts to trigger when your index is 3-5 higher Click here for information on your low index and the cap

• A new method of reduction will apply for exceptional scores Click here for more information on exceptional score reduction

• Each night after score cards have been entered, there will be an assessment of the playing conditions on the day. If outside of what is expected, the course rating could move up or down. Click here for information on the new PCC calculation

• 9-hole scores will be scaled up to an 18-hole score for handicap purposes, using the equivalent of 17 stableford points for the back 9. Click here for more information on 9-hole scaling

• The Handicap Index, Slope Number, Average Slope (113) and Course Rating minus Par are used in calculating a Playing Handicap.  The result means more inclusivity and 36 Stableford points will represent playing to your Playing Handicap.  Click here for more information on Playing Handicap Calculations.

Golf New Zealand will continue to add WHS information to this page.

Click here for the new 2024 Rules of Handicapping

Click here for information on Match Play Card Exemptions for Handicapping

Click here for information on Ready Golf Guidelines

Click here for information on Stroke Hole Allocation

Click here for the Handicap Allowance Table

Click here for the email sent 14 April, 2020 to all golf clubs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For quick answers to questions like "Why has my handicap changed?", please visit Handicap FAQ.