R&A UNVEIL MAJOR CHANGES TO THE WHS FOR 2024
Martin Slumbers warned us that some big updates were coming to the World Handicap System (WHS). Now we can reveal that these revisions will be coming into effect in the UK on April 1 and will change the way scores are submitted and processed in a bid to “improve the accuracy, consistency and equity” of handicaps. The most significant changes include:
The use of an ‘expected score’ for holes not played
This will change the way nine-hole scores are upscaled/adjusted for 18-hole score differentials. The current system uses net par to calculate a score differential for holes not played, but a gender-specific ‘model scoring formula’ has been created for every handicap range. This will be applied to your handicap index and create an ‘expected score’ for any holes you may have missed.
More frequent PCC adjustments
The Playing Conditions Calculation is in the process of being modified to increase the likelihood of an adjustment for abnormal playing conditions. National associations were given discretion in July 2022 to implement the new software, and this will now be complete by April 1, 2024.
Golfers will receive shots based on course difficulty
This refers to how your course handicap is calculated. Currently, the formula used is
Handicap Index x (Slope/113), but the new calculation for course handicap will be Handicap Index x (Slope ÷ 113) + (Course Rating – Par).
On paper, at least, it sounds more complicated, but without it the target score for a golfer to play to handicap is the course rating. This updated formula will move that target score to net par/36 points for all handicap indexes. Basically, this means if the course rating is higher than par, players will receive additional strokes.
Whereas, if the course rating is lower than the par, they will lose strokes.
More stringent handicap reviews
The rules recommend that a handicap review is conducted regularly, or at least once a year, to ensure a handicap index remains reflective of a player’s ability. New tools have now been developed for national associations to incorporate into their handicapping software to assist each Handicap Committee in conducting the review process more effectively.
Fourball betterball scores counting towards handicap
From the start of April, scores from fourball competitions (such as strokeplay, Stableford and par/bogey) can be used for handicap purposes.
The only caveat is that one player of the pair must have scored on a minimum of nine holes, and the total pair score must be at least 42 points (or six under par).
If these triggers are hit, the golfer who has scored on the minimum nine holes will have an upscaling value added for their ‘unplayed’ holes, based upon their playing partner’s score. If this score equates to 36+ points (level par or better), a score differential will be calculated and recorded for handicap purposes.
For a full breakdown of the changes, you can visit your national association’s website and get lost in the complexity of it all. So much for making the game easier, hey...