World Handicapping System is on track to be rolled out in 2020
Golf Australia have added a media release from the R&A outlining the progress on the new World Handicap System.
Essentially it will be a very similar implementation to the one that is already in place in Australia – Golf Australia has already been an integral part of the new world handicapping roll-out.
A social media campaign has been launched with a very Coldplay-ish soundtrack – see Twitter video below – to get everyone on board and understanding the reasons for the change.
The countdown to the World Handicap System is on! The R&A and @USGA are starting to release materials, including an animated series of videos, to get associations, clubs and players ready for implementation from 2020. #GolfWHS2020 https://t.co/KRoST25upw pic.twitter.com/BMnndqVJj5
— The R&A (@RandA) April 30, 2019
A big snippet from the R&A media release:
The R&A and the USGA are launching a social media video campaign today to remind golfers of the eight key features of the new Rules of Handicapping and to reveal more details. These features include:
- Minimum number of scores to establish a Handicap Index and maximum Handicap Index of 54.0
- Basis of calculation of Handicap Index
- Acceptability of scores for handicap purposes
- Course Rating and Slope Rating
- Calculation of a Playing Handicap
- Maximum hole score for handicap purposes
- Adjustments for abnormal playing conditions
- Frequency of updating a Handicap Index
Significant progress has been made in preparation for the rollout of the new system, which includes building a library of education materials, finalising the new Rules of Handicapping, release of the technical specifications and the continuation of testing. Many national associations around the world are busy ensuring that their golf courses are rated in accordance with the Course Rating System and working to update local software platforms so that they are ready to apply the new Rules of Handicapping.
While many countries will be ready to transition to the WHS early in 2020, given both the magnitude of the change for some jurisdictions and varying seasonality throughout the world, it is anticipated that some will need more time.
