Using our phones to put in scores outside of England has been impossible so far under the World Handicap System. But is that about to change? Steve Carroll has an update
If you’ve been playing around with the MyEG app recently, you might have noticed something interesting. Scottish layouts have started appearing in course lists.
It’s the latest stage of what World Handicap System chiefs in England hope will soon end a long-running saga for golfers.
We thought one of the key parts of the new system would be entering rounds for handicap at courses all over the world. While it’s true that an interoperability pilot, conducted by England Golf and Scottish Golf, means it is possible to enter scores from cross-border rounds in Great Britain and Ireland, it’s currently a non-digital process.
That has left players asking an obvious question. “When we will be able to use a digital app to enter scores?”
Scottish Golf’s recent move to New Zealand-based operator DotGolf’s software means that for the first time since the new handicap system arrived in late 2020 all the home unions are using the same WHS platform.
Handicap chiefs at England Golf are now hoping golfers in the country will be able to pre-register and submit scores in Scotland and other parts of GB&I though their app at some point this year.
They’ve also acknowledged the frustrations of players, particularly those near borders who have cross-country memberships and have found the non-digital return process cumbersome.
“There have been geolocation issues to figure out,” said Mike Greener, England Golf’s handicapping co-ordinator, when asked why it had been so difficult to find an app-based solution.
“The work in the background [to do this] is as good as completed. There is final testing to do and then it will go live.
“We’re not that far off. The situation becomes more complicated when you go outside GB&I. I do know our system is ready to talk with the rest of the world. It’s whether they are ready to talk with GB&I.
“It’s not just about clicking a button and it works. It’s about internal processes and governance, different software that people use, and different APIs you’ve got to connect with.
“But hopefully we will be able to use a digital app in 2023 [in GB&I] and if there is any delay to that we would let people know.”
How can I enter overseas scores now?
Golfers can only pre-register and post scores from general play rounds at any rated course in England via the MyEG app.
General play scores from outside of England must be returned to your home club within three weeks of the round being played. The final adjusted score must be included within the scorecard and, where possible, scores must be countersigned by an official of the course being played – such as the professional or manager.
The scores must be marked by a golfer who holds at WHS index and those submitting scorecards must provide the following information: Date of round, country, venue, tee/marker used, course rating, slope rating, par, the correct final adjusted score, a copy of scorecard signed by marker, name and local Id number of the marker, player’s membership number (once known as CDH).
Are you looking forward to being able to put in scores for handicap in other countries in GB&I? Let me know with a tweet.
- NOW READ: What are your responsibilities under the World Handicap System?
- NOW READ: Don’t make golfers responsible for handicaps, clubs told
- NOW READ: Everything you need to know about the World Handicap System
