This month we provide a snapshot of the rollout of the World Handicap System across the globe, revealing that most countries (including all major golf-playing countries) are now using the unified handicap system.
This means that you will be able to use your Handicap Index (HI) on an equitable basis when playing golf in most countries in the world, while foreign visitors will be able to play off an equitable Course Handicap here.
We also announce the winners of our September OUTsurance Monthly Mug competition. The next event takes place this weekend, so if you’re playing golf on Saturday we’d like to invite you to take part. As you will read, it is free and easy to enter.
The WHS rollout
Although COVID-19 may have delayed the full implementation of the World Handicap System (WHS) rollout in some countries, it is exciting to see that the vision to unify the six different handicap systems that were in use around the world into a single World Handicap System is now a reality.
The WHS began rolling out in January 2020 and millions of golfers from 108 countries around the world are now experiencing the benefits of the new system, which is designed to be consistent, inclusive and modern. To finalise the WHS, it required the commitment of, and collaboration between, many organisations, including GolfRSA, which was one of the very first national federations to adopt the system.
Though many countries have already adopted the new handicap system, other countries will soon be going live to accommodate different implementation plans and variations in their golf seasons.
Below is a map that shows which countries are currently using the WHS (highlighted in blue) and which countries have yet to launch it.
If you’re playing golf on Saturday, why not enter our free OUTsurance Monthly Mug?
How to enter:
It’s easy. First, you need to sign up for the tournament. You can do so by joining the event ‘OUTsurance Monthly Mug Oct’ under the ‘Public Events’ section of the HNA App.
Note: please don’t create a new event. You need to search for OUTsurance Monthly Mug Oct after tapping on the ‘Search’ button in the bottom right corner.
Once you’ve signed up, all you need to do is play your normal round of golf on Saturday (in your club competition) and make sure you enter your hole-by-hole scores in the ‘Events’ section.
Your scores will be pitted against other golfers who are playing at different courses across the country, with prizes for the best verified scores, as well as lucky draws.
Name of Event: OUTsurance Monthly Mug Oct
Format: Individual Stableford
When: Saturday 2nd of October 2021
Field: Limited to the first 5 000 participants who join
Entry Fee: Free
If you have any questions, check out the competition page here.
Congratulations to the previous winners of the OUTsurance Monthly Mug:
September
1. Danie Taljaard (Pretoria Country Club)
2. Adi Shaff (Germiston Golf Club)
3. Hendrik Henderson (Walker Park Golf Club)
4. Leonard von Kleist (Piet Retief Country Club)
5. Daleen du Preez (Irene Country Club)
August
1. Jacques Geldenhuys (Robertson Golf Club)
2. Adam Abro (Killarney Country Club)
3. Lucky Makhubela (Umfolozi Country Club)
4. JC van Niekerk (Wingate Park Country Club)
5. Gabriel Grobler (Pebble Rock Country Club)
Quote of the Month
“The secret of golf is to turn three shots into two.” – Bobby Jones.
