How do I put in a general play score under the World Handicap System?

Ever since we moved into the World Handicap System era, it’s been one of the things that has caused the most controversy.

It’s the idea of putting a score in for handicap purposes from a round that’s not necessarily a club competition. That’s right, we’re talking about general play.

Say you turn up at the course, it’s a lovely day, and you just feel like taking on your handicap in a social game – rather than the rest of the field.

Well, you’re positively encouraged to do so under WHS. With handicap records focusing on your last 20 scores, and the best eight differentials being averaged out for your WHS index, it’s clear that the more scores you can submit the more accurate your handicap will be.

But how do we go about conducting a general play round? Can we just turn up and play or is there more to think about? We explain all right here…

How to submit a general play score

You must declare an intent to submit a general play round before you tee off.

That means you either have to sign in if your club is using software to manage WHS, tell your pro or club manager you’re going to turn in a score that counts for your handicap, or use a digital app.

There are acceptable formats of play in the UK, so individual Stroke Play, Stableford, Par/Bogey and Maximum Score can all be used to submit a score.

Fourball stroke play, individual match play and fourball match play rounds can’t be used for general play.

Once you’ve signalled your intent, and worked out your Course Handicap for the tees you are playing from, go out and play but remember, for your course to be verified and to count towards your WHS record, it must be played:

• In accordance with the Rules of Golf
• Over a minimum of 10 holes for an 18 hole round
• With at least one other person
• On a course with a current Course and Slope Rating
• Ensuring the round is played to the Rules of Handicapping

Once you’ve finished, submit your score in the usual way and try to do it quickly.

Then wait for the score to be processed, with the WHS system adding overnight any adjustment required for the Playing Conditions Calculation for that day’s play, and check the following morning to see how the score affected your WHS index.

Now have your say

What do you think of general play scores? Are you submitting them alongside your competition scores? Let us know by leaving a comment on X.

• NOW READ: A cheat’s charter – or has general play made golf more accessible?

• NOW READ: Does your club ban general play scores? Here’s why they have to STOP