Effective January 1, 2020 a new handicap system, known as the World Handicap System, will go into effect. This new system will combine the 6 different world wide handicap systems so that your handicap index will be valid no matter where you play throughout the entire world.

As a part of this new combined system there are numerous significant changes to the handicap system which has been in effect for many years here in the USA. Following are some of the most significant changes to the prior handicap system.

1. 1.      There will no longer be a revision of your handicap index on the first and fifteenth day of the month. Index revisions will take place on a daily basis between 12 am and 1 am local time. This means that your playing index could change on a daily basis and it wil be imperative for you to check your index every time you play to insure you are playing to the correct index. Your Handicap Committee strongly suggests that you download the mobile GHIN App to quickly check your index on a daily basis. This is also a quick and easy way to post your scores immediately following your round. Remember, even if the posting computer in the locker room is inoperable for any reason it is still your obligation to post your rounds following completion of play. In addition to the mobile GHIN app you may post your rounds on SCGA.org.
2. 2.      Currently your handicap index is calculated by taking your best 10 scores of your last 20 postings x 96%. Effective January 1 your index will be calculated by averaging your best 8 scores out of your last 20 postings. 
3. 3.      Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) which is the maximum allowable strokes you may take for posting purposes on any hole, will change to NET DOUBLE BOGEY for all golfers, regardless of their playing handicap. This calculation means your maximum allowable strokes for any hole is double bogey, plus any handicap strokes you would receive on any hole played.
4. 4.      Course Handicap formula has been changed from: Handicap index x slope rating divided by 113, to: Handicap index x slope rating divided by 113 plus rating minus par.
5. 5.      Previously if you played 7 holes but less than 13 holes you posted a nine hole score. That has been changed to 7 holes but less than 14 holes. If you play 14 holes but less than 18 holes you record net par for the holes not played.
6. 6.      There will be a total blackout of the GHIN system from 1/1/2020 to at least 1/5/2020. This means you will not be able to look up your index during that period nor post any scores. You should save your scores and post them as soon as the system is operable again.
7. 7.      There are many other changes which will take effect 1/1/20 under the WHS but the above are the most significant for you to be aware of on a daily basis. For detailed information on all changes as a result of the World Handicap System you can visit the SCGA’s website at: www.scga.org/whs-hub