World Handicap System™ (WHS) Hub
Your resource for information and revisions to the World Handicap System
The revisions to the World Handicap System will launch in January 1, 2024, and will be comprised of the Rules of Handicapping and Course Rating System. This Hub is to provide all information and updates for WHS.
The resources below have been created to prepare golfers for the 2024 update to the World Handicap System. Additional resources will be added periodically between now and January, when the 2024 Rules of Handicapping will go into effect. Please feel free to use the published materials at your club or course to assist in education and awareness.
Articles
World Handicap System™: 3 Key Changes for 2024 • By Terry Benjamin, USGA • November 6, 2023
Revisions Coming to World Handicap System™ • By Janeen Driscoll, USGA • November 8, 2023
Documents
The Rules of Handicapping, Effective January 2024 (PDF)
Change Summaries for the 2024 Revision to the WHS
Player Reference Guide on the Rules of Handicapping (Flipbook)
Infographics
Three Key Changes - 2024
Treatment of 9-Hole Scores Under the World Handicap System™ - Detailed
Hole(s) Not Played Under the World Handicap System™ - Detailed
Calculation of Playing Handicap
Capping Excessive Increases in Handicap Index
Course and Weather Conditions Calculation
Exceptional Scores
Handicap Committee Review
Maximum Handicap Index
Maximum Hole Score for Handicap Purposes
Responsive Handicap Index Updates
Scores Acceptable for Handicap Purposes
Timely Submission of Scores
2024 FAQ Pages - By Topic
WHS™ 2024 Treatment of 9-Hole ScoresWHS™ 2024 Treatment of Hole(s) Not Played
WHS™ 2024: Reduced Minimum Course Length
Video
WHS - Post Your Scores
WHS – Acceptable Scores
WHS – Soft and Hard Caps
WHS – Daily Revisions
WHS – Exceptional Scores
WHS – Handicap Review
WHS – Maximum Handicap
WHS – Net Double Bogey
WHS - Playing Conditions Calculation
WHS - Playing Handicap
The 2024 revision to the World Handicap System will go into effect in January, 2024.
As part of the rollout, the WPGA will be conducting series of seminars throughout our jurisdiction to educate Handicap Committee Chairs, club staff, and the general public. Included in the Rules of Handicapping is a Club Authorization requirement that requires a member of the club, i.e. Handicap Committee Chair, to attend a workshop on the World Handicap System and pass a quiz showing proficiency.
Please contact the WPGA at any time with any questions or if you need assistance. We look forward to seeing you soon.