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

Steve Carroll

Social scores count for the World Handicap System. But what’s the best way to go about it? Here’s how to submit a general play score

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

About the author

Steve Carroll

A journalist for more than 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’d like to tell you he floats around 10. The reality is more like 13.

Steve plays at Sandburn Hall, in York, and is a country member at Close House in Newcastle. He has served on various club committees during his time in the game, and is the current Rules Secretary at Sandburn.

Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NCTJ exams at Darlington College of Technology. He began his career working on weekly papers in Newcastle, before joining the York Press in 2001. After five years as a news reporter, he joined the sports desk – specialising in horse racing and snooker – and was Digital Sports Editor when he joined National Club Golfer in 2016.

What’s in Steve’s bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; Caley 01T irons 4-PW; TaylorMade Hi-Toe wedges, Odyssey 2Ball Microhinge putter.

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