The World Handicap System has lowered the minimum length requirement for courses to receive a Course Rating and Slope Rating. The new limits are 1,500 yards for 18-hole courses and 750 yards for 9-hole courses, a significant reduction from the previous minimums of 3,000 yards and 1,500 yards, respectively. This change means over 600 additional golf courses, primarily par-3 courses, are now eligible for these ratings. The change begins on April 1, 2024.
Inclusion of Shorter-Length Golf Courses: The WHS now allows Course Ratings™ for 18-hole courses as short as 1,500 yards (1,370 meters) and 9-hole courses as short as 750 yards (685 meters). This change includes shorter courses, such as par-3 courses, enabling more golfers to obtain and use a Handicap Index®. Ratings are capacity-dependent and conducted by local County rating teams during summer months.
Use of Expected Score for Holes Not Played: The method for handling holes not played has been improved, now based on a player’s expected score rather than net par. This adjustment will provide a more accurate reflection of a player’s ability in 9-hole and 18-hole Score Differentials™. The calculations consider standard difficulty ratings and are not shared by the USGA.
Frequent Playing Conditions Calculation Adjustments: The PCC within GB&I has been modified to increase the likelihood of adjustments for abnormal playing conditions, enhancing accuracy.
Enhanced Handicap Review Guidance: Handicap Committees are encouraged to conduct regular Handicap Reviews, at least annually, to ensure Handicap Indexes® reflect player abilities accurately. New reporting tools will assist committees in conducting these reviews effectively and consistently.
Inclusion of Four Ball Better Ball Scores in GB&I: Scores from Four Ball Better Ball competitions will now be mandatory for handicapping. Competitions must use software to ensure timely score recording. Only scores of 42 points or more, where a player has featured 9 times or more, will be included in the handicap calculation.
Course Handicap™ Using CR-Par: The calculation of Course Handicaps will now be relative to par, aligning with global practices and making it more intuitive for golfers to “play to handicap.”
Rounding Adjustments: For competition purposes, the unrounded Course Handicap™ will be used in the Playing Handicap calculation with machine precision. For general play score submission, the calculated and rounded Course Handicap™ will continue to be used.
Team Match Play Allowance Application: The application of allowances in team match play events will now be applied to the difference rather than the individual.
