The World Handicap System™

 

The World Handicap System™ helps golfers of every skill level compete fairly, track improvement, and enjoy the game wherever they play.

Your Handicap Index® is a measure of your demonstrated playing ability and helps golfers of different skill levels compete fairly. 

 

 

World Handicap System™ Explained

World Handicap System

The World Handicap System™ provides one consistent method for calculating and maintaining a Handicap Index®, making it easier to take your handicap from course to course. Under the World Handicap System™, eligible scores are converted into Score Differentials™ that account for the difficulty of the course and tees played. As your scoring record grows, your Handicap Index® is updated to reflect your demonstrated ability. Golfers with 20 scores in their record generally have their Handicap Index® calculated using the best 8 Score Differentials from their most recent 20 scores.

The system is designed to welcome golfers of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels while creating a fair and equitable way to compete. It also allows golfers to establish and maintain a Handicap Index® through a variety of eligible formats, including 9-hole and 18-hole rounds.

For Arizona golfers, an official Handicap Index® provides a trusted way to track progress, compete in eligible tournaments and events, and play equitably with golfers of different abilities. Whether you're new to handicapping or have maintained a Handicap Index for years, the World Handicap System™ provides a consistent standard wherever you play.

Key Changes From 2024

As announced by the USGA and The R&A, several updates to the World Handicap System™ went into effect in January 2024. These updates remain important for golfers using the World Handicap System™ in 2026 and are designed to make handicapping more inclusive, consistent and easier to use.

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A Lower Minimum Length for a Golf Course to Obtain a Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™

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A New Approach to 9-Hole Scores Creates More Consistent Handicap Calculations

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A More Consistent Approach to Calculating Scores When Holes Are Not Played

Handicapping Resources

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Popular Topics

A Handicap Index is a measure of your demonstrated playing ability - in other words, your potential. It doesn’t reflect your average score - instead, it’s calculated from your better rounds, providing an equitable comparison between players of all skill levels. Because of this, most players only play to their handicap about 20-25% of the time, making it a reflection of what you can achieve when playing well.

USGA Know Before You Play: What is a Handicap Index Video

WHS 10 Things to Know Poster

Easily find your Handicap ID (GHIN Number) and club membership status.

Handicap ID Look Up Tool

Understand which scores count toward your Handicap Index.

Acceptability of Scores Poster

USGA Know Before You Play Video

WHS Acceptable Scores Video

Lowers a Handicap Index for standout scores.

WHS Exceptional Score Reduction Poster

WHS Exceptional Scores Infographic

Your Handicap Index is a portable number that reflects your demonstrated playing ability. It is based on your past scores and difficulty of the courses and tees you played.

How is a Handicap Index Calculated?

Handicap Index Calculation Poster

WHS Safeguards Poster

USGA Handicap Index Calculation Video

USGA Importance of the Score Differential Video

How to post your score when you play 10-17 holes.

Holes Not Played Poster

USGA Holes Not Played Video

When a hole is started but not finished.

Most Likely Score Poster

USGA Most Likely Score Video

Prevents extreme increases of a Handicap Index.

WHS Soft Cap & Hard Cap Poster

WHS Capping Excessive Increases in Handicap Index Infographic

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Handicapping
Frequently
Asked
Questions
A Handicap Index® is calculated using Score Differentials™ from your eligible rounds. A Score Differential™ accounts for your adjusted score and the difficulty of the course and tees played as represented by the Course Rating and Slope Rating. Once you have 20 scores in your scoring record, your Handicap Index generally uses the best 8 Score Differentials™ from your most recent 20 scores.
A Handicap Index® is a measure of your demonstrated playing ability. It allows golfers of different skill levels to compete on a fair basis, helps you track improvement over time and may be required to participate in certain tournaments and competitions.
Your Handicap Index® is updated overnight after eligible scores are posted and processed. Golfers should post scores as soon as possible after completing a round so their scoring record remains accurate and current.
Yes. The World Handicap System™ is designed for golfers of all skill levels, including beginners. Once you have enough eligible holes posted to establish an initial Handicap Index®, you can begin using it to track your progress and compete fairly with other golfers.
To establish an official USGA Handicap Index®, golfers must be affiliated with an authorized golf club. Arizona golfers can join an AZ GOLF member club or eligible online club to establish and maintain their Handicap Index.
Golfers can establish an initial Handicap Index® after posting scores from a minimum of 54 holes. As more scores are added, the Handicap Index® calculation adjusts to use the applicable number of Score Differentials™. Once 20 scores are available, the best 8 of the most recent 20 are used.
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