Every four years the WHSâ„¢ Rules of Handicapping are reviewed by the USGA and R&A, with changes planned within GB&I to take effect from the 1st of April 2024.

As these changes will impact clubs and golfers, England Golf are offering club delegates the opportunity to attend a face-to-face workshop as part of their commitment to supporting and educating the golfing community, on the key subjects of handicapping and Course Ratingâ„¢.

These workshops, which can be viewed HERE, will clarify the changes coming into effect, terms of competition, WHSâ„¢ Portal reports, and provide delegates with an opportunity to ask questions linked to the Rules of Handicapping and Course Rating.

Important WHS 2024 Updates
County and Club 2024 Updates

Rules of Handicapping 2024

Expected Score Video
Course Rating minus Par Video

Major Changes (effective 1st April 2024)

• Course Handicap using CR - Par
• Inclusion of shorter-length Golf courses within the Course Rating System
• Inclusion of 4BBB Scores
• Use of Expected Score for a hole not played
• PCC Adjustments made more frequently
• Enhanced guidance on conducting a Handicap Review
• Rounding

The updated Player Guide provides an overview of the WHS and outlines the basic information about handicapping in golf. 

Standardisation of Par

Where appropriate, standardisation of Par and SI values across all tees for each gender is recommended, once the Par for the main/master tee sets have been established.

Four Ball Better Ball

Click here for information

This will only apply to 4BBB Stroke Play competitions and would only apply if:

• Teams net score is 6 or better than Par or 42 points
• Players individual score counted on at least 9 holes
• Players individual score is better than or equal to 36 points

Rounding

Currently a player's course handicap is calculated as an integer.

This is changing to an unrounded number which is then used in calculating the playing handicap based upon the handicap allowance.   

Matchplay

The way handicaps are applied in 4BBB and foursomes match play games is also being altered. 

Players will calculate their Course Handicap and then take shots from the lowest golfer. It's only at this point, they'll work out the 90% allowance. 

In foursomes, it is 50% of the difference between each team's combined Course Handicaps.