Nearly one in three golfers who filled in an NCG survey say they would support a return to the old CONGU handicap system.
And a further quarter of players would also be prepared go back to the old ways if they came with some modernisation to the pre-2020 arrangements.
The numbers may be interesting reading for handicap chiefs, who have insisted there is no possibility of a move away from WHS.
We asked readers to complete a mammoth survey shared across our daily email newsletter and social media channels.
A total of 3,390 of you responded, giving us detailed insights into how club golfers feel about the way handicaps are calculated.
We’ve already revealed what you really think about the World Handicap System and we’ll also break down data on whether you think the system is fair, how you rate general play scores and manipulation, and if you believe WHS truly reflects ability.
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Asked directly, “Would you support a return to the CONGU system?”, what did you tell us?
Just over 29% of you said yes, while shy of 28% said you would also agree to a return with modernisation. 27.5% of you revealed are not in favour of returning to CONGU, while 15.5% either expressed no opinion or said you didn’t know enough about the issue.
On what CONGU did better than WHS – and with the ability to choose multiple answers – many of you cited less manipulation (48.1%), its use in competitions only (38.9%), greater trust (31.5%), clearer rules (28.1%) and giving a better reflection of ability (27%) as reasons for your choice.
But when we also consulted you on how WHS compares to the old CONGU system, the results were more split.
Just over 42% of you said it was either much better (16%) or slightly better (26.2%), while 24% thought it was slightly worse. Some 21.2% of you believe WHS to be much worse than CONGU.
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The remainder – 3.8% – did not hold a handicap prior to WHS.
While the findings show lots of golfers would entertain a return to CONGU, the prospect has been repeatedly ruled out since WHS came into effect in GB&I at the end of November 2020.
In November 2024, while speaking on The NCG Golf Podcast, England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said there would be no turning back.
He explained: “WHS is here to stay and I think it is all our duty and responsibility to try and make sure we move it forward in the best possible light.”
And last year, Sarah Barter, the governing body’s head of handicapping and course rating, told NCG: “The reality is the system is here to stay. I think the sooner people realise that no matter how much you scream and shout and stamp your feet, it’s here to stay. It’s basically something we’re going to have to work with.”
A return to CONGU? Now have your say
What do you think? Is going back to CONGU the answer? Is it even realistic? Or do we just need to keep calm and carry on with the World Handicap System? Let us know in the comments, email me at s.carroll@nationalclubgolfer.com, or get in touch on X.
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