Dear Golfer,
This month, we’re focusing on one of the most important aspects of the World Handicap System™ – correctly entering your scores. We’ll explain when a score must be submitted, and when a round should be marked as a ‘No Return’ if it doesn’t meet the requirements for handicap purposes.
HANDICAP NEWS
Do I Need to Enter a Score for Every Round I Play?
Yes – if your round meets the conditions for a valid score, it must be submitted for handicap purposes.
A score is acceptable when:
- The round was played in an authorised format of play, such as stroke play, Stableford, or Match play (as defined in WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 2.1a)
- You completed at least the minimum number of holes required – 9 for a 9-hole score or 10 for an 18-hole score (see Rule 2.2)
- The round was played in the company of at least one other person, who may act as your marker, provided the round adheres to the Rules of Golf (see Rule 2.1b)
- The course had a valid Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™, and was set up for normal playing difficulty (see Appendix G)
- Your score is properly certified as required (see Rule 4.4)
If any of these criteria are not met, the round is not acceptable for handicap purposes and should be closed with a ‘No Return’. This ensures the round does not affect your Handicap Index®.
What Score Do I Enter?
The system calculates your handicap using your Adjusted Gross Score to calculate your handicap differential. This is your total score after applying the maximum hole score rule.
For players with an established Handicap Index®, the maximum hole score is net double bogey:
- Par + 2 strokes + any strokes received on that hole (see Rule 3.1b)
For unfinished holes or holes not played due to valid reasons (e.g., bad light, injury), an expected score is used based on your demonstrated ability (see Rule 3.2b).
Quote of the Month
“Discipline and concentration are a matter of being interested.” – Tom Kite
Swing easy!
The Handicaps Team
