Why does the World Handicap System use 8 out of 20 scores?
Seven days to D-Day – the dawn of the biggest shake up in amateur golf in decades. The World Handicap System arrives on November 2 and if there are still elements that leave you utterly befuddled, never fear we are here to help.
If you haven’t already, click on to our dedicated WHS page where you can find detailed explanations of everything from how your handicap might move under the new system to what you need to think about in competitions.
But if you’re a bit short of time and just want to get your head around a few of the key concepts then we have also got you covered.
We’ve teamed up with Scottish Golf to produce a series of short 10-minute podcasts going into more depth about some of the new system’s key concepts.
In the second, I’m joined by David Kernohan, the governing body’s head of handicapping and course rating, to talk about how the new averaging system works, why we’re now using the best eight differentials out of the last 20 scores and why it finally means the end of the dreaded .1.
If some of these terms are confusing you, or you’re still unclear as to how it’s all going to affect you from November, click on the link as Kernohan explains all…
Listen to the NCG Podcast with David Kernohan, Scottish Golf’s head of handicapping and course rating:
Want more? Head to our podcast homepage.
Need more information on the World Handicap System?
Visit our dedicated WHS page where you will find everything you need to know and details of how to contact us if you have any more questions.
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Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
