Rules of Handicapping - Resources For Players

This resource provides a high-level overview of the World Handicap System and is intended to teach players the basics of handicapping. Getting Started, Before Your Round, During Your Round, and After Your Round.

Learn about how nine-hole scores are treated for handicap purposes under the 2024 revision to the WHS.

Learn about how and when your Handicap Index is converted to a Course Handicap and/or Playing Handicap. 

Find out how and why the soft cap and hard cap limit the extreme upward movement of a player's Handicap Index.

Learn about the playing conditions calculation, which uses scoring data collected each day to determine if an adjustment is needed to account for abnormal playing conditions.

Learn about when and how an exceptional score reduction is applied to your scoring record.

Learn about the important role that a Handicap Committee plays in administering the Rules of Handicapping at the local level.