News
USGA, R&A to roll out new World Handicap System in 2020
A new handicap system is here, or rather, it will be once the USGA and R&A begin to fully implement the World Handicap System in 2020.
The new system focuses on achieving three main objectives: 1) encouraging as many golfers as possible to maintain a handicap, 2) enabling golfers of different abilities, genders, and nationalities to compete fairly, and 3) determining the score a golfer is reasonably capable of shooting at any particular course anywhere in the world.
Currently there are six handicapping systems worldwide, owing to the existence of six handicapping authorities: Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the USGA.
The six handicapping authorities represent approximately 15 million golfers in 80 countries who currently maintain a golf handicap.
Under the new program, the USGA and R&A will oversee the World Handicap System and the governing bodies will be in charge of local administration.
The USGA presents the WHS as a better system that simplifies the existing structures. Not surprisingly, the organization believes the WHS will compel more golfers to maintain a handicap.
“For some time, we’ve heard golfers say, ‘I’m not good enough to have a handicap,’ or ‘I don’t play enough to have a handicap,’” USGA executive director Mike Davis said. “We want to make the right decisions now to encourage a more welcoming and social game.”
Davis sees the new system marching arm-in-arm with the revisions to (and simplification of) the Rules of Golf.
“We’re excited to be taking another important step – along with modernizing golf’s rules – to provide a pathway into the sport, making golf easier to understand and more approachable and enjoyable for everyone to play.”
Key features of the WHS include:
- Flexibility in formats of play, allowing both competitive and recreational rounds to count for handicap purposes and ensuring that a golfer’s handicap is more reflective of potential ability.
- A minimal number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap; a recommendation that the number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap be 54 holes from any combination of 18-hole and 9-hole rounds, but with “some discretion available for handicapping authorities or national associations to set a different minimum within their own jurisdiction.”
- A consistent handicap that “is portable” from course to course and country to country through worldwide use of the USGA course and slope rating system, already used in more than 80 countries.
- An average-based calculation of a handicap, taken from the best eight out of the last 20 scores and “factoring in memory of previous demonstrated ability for better responsiveness and control.”
- A calculation that considers the impact that abnormal course and weather conditions might have on a player’s performance each day.
- Daily handicap revisions, taking account of the course and weather conditions calculation.
- A limit of net double bogey on the maximum hole score (for handicapping purposes only).
- A maximum handicap limit of 54.0, regardless of gender, to encourage more golfers to measure and track their performance to increase their enjoyment of the game.
The USGA and R&A conducted quantitative research in 15 countries around the world. 76 percent of the 52,000 respondents voiced their support for a World Handicap System, 22 percent were willing to consider its benefits, and only 2 percent were opposed.
The research also helped model the tenets of the WHS, but, as mentioned, don’t tear up your GHIN cards just yet: We’ve only just begun the two-year transition period prior to the implementation.
To provide feedback to the USGA on the new World Handicap System, golfers can email the USGA at [email protected], or see usga.org/whs for more info.
Additionally, the USGA created this FAQ.
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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Wlcdrifter
Feb 22, 2018 at 1:09 pm
If they are going to throw out the 12 worst scores, they should throw out the best 2 scores. Unless they are tournament scores.
Just my opinion.
Peter Renggli
Feb 21, 2018 at 10:55 pm
This is the best thing you can do for anoid slow play
Tom
Feb 21, 2018 at 10:03 pm
A couple of major issues exist with very active players and with players with very few rounds. The small number of score players will have a big variance in scores. The active 4 or more rounds a week players go through the motions of experimenting daily. Then when it counts don’t experiment any more. They then are known far and wide as baggers even though they put in all their scores… My suggestion is to continue to take the best 8 scores but over a larger sample of scores for the active players. They play more so they likely don’t exert the same amount of intensity when casually playing. Bet the farm on competitions.
Regis
Feb 21, 2018 at 9:31 pm
The only suggestion I have is for the USGA to provide a service (for a fee) so as to allow golfers to maintain a handicap directly with them. If you don’t belong to a club, association, or play one course regularly (assuming they provide a service) it’s difficult to maintain a handicap. I have a number of friends who play all over and that’s the reason they can’t maintain a legitimate USGA handicap
Laurie Blundell
Feb 21, 2018 at 5:52 pm
a 54??? Must be a misprint. Maximum double bogey would mean maximum 36…which is BAD enough!
peter collins
Feb 21, 2018 at 1:52 pm
“We want to make the right decisions now to encourage a more welcoming and social game.”
I will not welcome a 54HCP player to my round of golf, i for one, will NEVER go round with a 54 HCP.Make them take lessons and get a decent HCP before mucking up my round of golf.
This is the worst backward step i have ever heard of.
Keep the Hcp system as it is, just introduce the slope system.
David R
Feb 21, 2018 at 2:10 pm
If a 54 handicap is the average of your best 8 rounds from the last 20, then you have no business being on a golf course let along getting a handicap.
Max handicap should be 24, not 54.
Jason
Feb 21, 2018 at 4:12 pm
How can it be higher than 36 if double bogey is going to be the max score for cap purposes???
Daniel
Feb 21, 2018 at 6:08 pm
Perhaps re read the article.. 54 holes of golf to obtain your handicap, which australia already do but others dont. Nothing to do with max scores at all.
GMatt
Feb 21, 2018 at 11:35 am
I’m curious as to how they are going to calculate based on weather conditions. Are you going to have to enter temperature, relative humidity, and wind speeds when you enter your scores?
But then again when the USGA is involved, everything is clear as mud….
David R
Feb 21, 2018 at 2:08 pm
I read they would take all scores posted from your course that day and use some kind of algorithm to figure out how well you scored relative to everyone else. If scoring was tough, your score would be reflective of conditions.
Good idea I would say.
Jason
Feb 21, 2018 at 4:14 pm
Good idea… sounds like a mess..
I think they should have weather days.. Like level 1,2,3,4 or something. and you can that maybe times your score by a factor for each level.
Each day the course sets the level of weather.
OninTwoDowninOne
Feb 21, 2018 at 5:57 pm
No, David R.’s statement is better than “weather days”. It’s almost like a “strength of course” rating and as such already has weather and course conditions baked in.
Jack Nicholas
Feb 27, 2018 at 9:55 am
Spot on comments. The R&A should be the one and only body for world golf. Let the US loose on anything and they have to create something different just to be different.
the dude
Feb 21, 2018 at 10:25 am
max handicap of 54……LOL!!!
James T
Feb 21, 2018 at 12:08 pm
Please, please, please don’t pair me up with a 54!
Peter Renggli
Feb 21, 2018 at 10:46 pm
You absolutely right. Get to your Pro and take some more lessons. HC 36 is already high!