The idea for a unified handicap system was conceived by the USGA and The R&A and developed following an extensive review of systems administered by six existing handicapping authorities – Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the United States Golf Association (USGA).

The education aspect of the World Handicap System is presented as one video separated into three segments with voice-over, providing a detailed presentation of the Rules of Handicapping.  The user can complete the videos at their convenience and the total run time of the three videos is approximately 75 minutes.  The videos can be accessed at the following links:

Video 1 – Click here  | Video 2 – Click here  | Video 3 – Click here

CERTIFICATION EXAM & OTHER EDUCATION MATERIALS:

The Rules of Handicapping consists of revised definitions, seven (7) rules – each of which are prefaced with a Principle Statement (setting out the philosophy behind the Rule), and Appendices which contain further, more detailed information.

The idea for a new, unified system was conceived by the USGA and The R&A and developed following an extensive review of systems administered by six existing handicapping authorities – Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the United States Golf Association (USGA).

Interpretations, examples and illustrations have also been included to highlight and explain key principles. The Rules of Handicapping are divided into five sections:

1) Fundamentals of Handicapping (Rule 1)

2) Scores for Handicap Purposes (Rules 2-4)

3) Handicap Calculation and Updating a Handicap Index (Rules 5-6)

4) Administration of a Handicap Index (Rule 7)

5) Appendices (A-G)

Knowing the proper procedure will help provide a framework for equitable and enjoyable games.As the owner of the term Golf Canada and a Licensee of USGA and The R&A trademarks and service marks included in the Rules of Handicapping, Golf Canada has the sole right to authorize the use of those marks by others.

Reminder, the requirement through the Handicap License Agreement is:

“Within the Term of this Agreement, Member Club must have a minimum of one representative to complete a Handicap Certification seminar (conducted by the authorized provincial golf association or Golf Canada™) and pass a test exhibiting knowledge of World Handicap System™ and its policies. Certification can be achieved online or in person.”

The World Handicap System launched its first revision in Canada Jan. 17th, 2024 as part of an ongoing review of Rules and Handicapping™ and Course Rating System™ with a continued emphasis on accuracy, consistency and equity.

Many countries have seen significant increases in the number of scores being submitted for handicapping purposes since the WHS was introduced, reflecting golf’s broadening appeal. More than 100 million scores have been posted each year, unifying millions of golfers through a standard measure of playing ability. The 2024 update leverages the performance data gathered from around the world, in addition to feedback received from many of the 125 countries now using the system.

Significant updates to the WHS include:

Golf Canada is excited about the above changes, and is also proud to continue to offer the following features of the World Handicap System:

As the governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada requires that all member clubs have at least one certified Handicap Official, as well as have a Handicap Committee in place.

Handicap Certification can be achieved either through the Golf Canada online seminar and certification test, or through Handicap Seminars conducted by your Provincial Golf Association.

The Online Rules of Handicapping Certification consist of a series of videos that will guide you through the Rules of Handicapping, providing the knowledge necessary to achieve certification and successfully oversee handicap duties at your club.

To learn more about new features of the World Handicap System, please see the articles here.

Your local Provincial Association may also be presenting Rules of Handicapping education opportunities throughout the season. These sessions are an opportunity for club representatives, volunteers and any member interested to improve their knowledge in Handicapping. These sessions offer the chance to interact with others, share ideas, and ask questions.

VIDEOS

World Handicap System – For golfers | 2020 Handicap System – For golfers | World Handicap System – For golf stakeholders | Playing Handicap | Playing conditions | NET double-bogey | Course/Slope rating | Scoring record | Inclusive 54

INFOGRAPHICS

Highlights for the World Handicap System | Map for the World Handicap System | Course Handicap Poster

RELATED LINKS

Why a World Handicap System | A Collaborative Process | FAQ’s

Handicapping System Education

2024 HANDICAP IN PERSON SEMINARS:

DateTimeLocationInstructors
TBD 
TBD