WHS around the world
The World Handicap System™ (WHS™) is a global standard written by The R&A and the USGA. The core calculation principles are consistent worldwide — but day-to-day administration can vary by country.
What’s the same everywhere
- A Handicap Index® is designed to be portable between courses and countries.
- Course Rating™ and Slope Rating® are used to convert an Index into a Course Handicap / Playing Handicap for specific tees.
- PCC (Playing Conditions Calculation) exists within the WHS framework, even if it’s not always shown in apps.
What can differ by country
Common areas that vary include:
- Who administers handicaps (national federation, regional body, clubs, or a combination).
- Score submission rules (competition vs general play, match play entry, minimum holes, seasonal policies).
- How you submit scores (club terminal, federation app, member portals, online access schemes).
- How strictly compliance is enforced (active/inactive status, peer review expectations, membership requirements).
- Course & tee data availability (what’s public, what’s restricted, and how frequently updates appear).
Why tee data matters
Handicap conversions and strokes-allowance calculations depend on accurate tee information — especially Course Rating™, Slope Rating®, and par — for the exact tees being played. This is why you’ll sometimes see separate values by gender for the same tee colour, or supplementary tees that don’t match the “usual” patterns.
Handicalc™’s approach
Handicalc™ focuses on fast, transparent WHS-style calculations using the course and tee data you select. Where local associations apply extra policies (for example, how general play scores are submitted), Handicalc™ remains calculation-first so you can quickly understand shots received and allowances for common formats.
Trademark and attribution
World Handicap System™ (WHS™), Handicap Index®, Course Rating™, and Slope Rating® are trademarks owned or licensed by The R&A and/or the USGA.