World Handicap System
Comparison of the World Handicap System to OurGolfStats
The whole world will use the USGA Slope and Tee Rating system.
OurGolfStats already uses Slope and Tee Ratings properly in calculations.
Handicap Indices can be used after only 54 holes rather than 90 in GHIN.
OurGolfStats has always allowed use of Handicap Guide after 3 rounds, which is 54 holes.
Re-calculations of the Handicap Index are daily, not twice a month as with GHIN.
OurGolfStats has always re-calculated the Handicap Guide immediately for keeping one's handicap current.
Handicap Indices are based on the best 8 out of the last 20 rounds.
OurGolfStats has always allowed each league to set its own parameters for how many rounds to use. Each league sets the best "x" of last "y" rounds for Handicap Guides. Best 8 of last 20 is easy to set and is the default, if that is what is desired by the league.
Maximum Handicap Indices are now be 54.0 rather than the previous 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women.
OurGolfStats has been modified to reflect these new maximum handicap guides.
Handicap Indices can now be revised from both 18 hole scores and 9 hole scores.
OurGolfStats has always allowed the use of 9 hole scores in re-calculating handicaps, as long as the league allows it.
WHS will only allow a maximum of "Net Double Bogey" to be used in determining the updated handicap. For example, for a golfer with a Course Handicap of 18, they will get 1 stroke per hole for 18 holes. Their max score for any one hole, FOR RE-CALCULATION PURPOSES ONLY, will be triple bogey. All strokes for the round must still be counted in turning in the score shot.
OurGolfStats has been modified to reflect this change. In effect, this replaces the GHIN system Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) and the OurGolfStats Handicap Leveling calculation.
WHS has identified that a Playing Conditions Adjustment, which considers the impact of weather, will be available. They have not yet defined what this is or how it will work. It appears to be designed to be applied by a handicap committee and more appropriate for multi-day tournaments or extreme changes in weather during a day.
OurGolfStats will add a feature for the future that will allow leagues to identify if they will allow Playing Condition Adjustments in their tournaments. The default will be "not allowed". Various manual adjustments are available within OurGolfStats currently that allow people with the proper passwords to make adjustments as needed, should a league want to use this feature.
The World Handicap System went into effect January 1, 2020. It is a consolidation of rules and processes for handicaps of golf associations from around the world. In effect, it replaces the GHIN system of the USGA, although the USGA may still keep the GHIN name. Key features of the WHS and changes to GHIN are highlighted below, along with a comparison to Handicap Administration in OurGolfStats.com: