As well as putting with the flag in – some clubs have upturned the cup, allowing players to claim a holed putt when it strikes the plastic, leaving some unsure of the rules.
Picture by ANDY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR MEDIA

THE R&A has issued advice on the Rules of Golf affecting competitions and handicaps in light of the campaign to keep playing golf during the coronavirus.

The Home Golf Unions have been encouraging clubs to remove rakes from the course and getting players to observes rules on social distancing on and off the course, as well as following personal hygiene rules.

And some clubs have gone further than recommending players putt with the flag in by raising the cups to above the hole – meaning any ball that strikes the plastic cup is regarded as holed – to avoid having to remove the ball from the hole.

The last practice has raised questions over whether using raised holes in a competition comprised the scores for handicapping purposes.

So on Friday, the R&A published guidance on the Rules of Golf in view of the Covid-19 outbreak and the questions it has posed.

And in the case of rules regarding the absence of rakes in bunkers and changes to the hole, it advises clubs to contact CONGU – the Council of National Golf Unions – for an ultimate decision over how such changes affect handicapping.

A statement on its website said: “It is not the purpose of this communication to make recommendations or offer guidance in relation to the playing of golf at this time. Please refer to the appropriate body in your country for such guidance.

Scoring in Strokeplay (Rule 3.3b)
In view of concerns around handling and exchanging scorecards – which may be in paper or electronic form as already provided in the rules – on a temporary basis, Committees may choose to allow methods of scoring in strokeplay that do not strictly comply with Rule 3.3b, or do not comply with the normal methods used under Rule 3.3b.

For example:–

• Players may enter their own hole scores on the scorecard – it is not necessary for a marker to do it
• It is not necessary to have a marker physically certify the player’s hole scores, but some form of verbal certification should take place
• It is not necessary to physically return a scorecard to the committee provided the committee can accept the scores in another way.

Flagsticks
Committees may choose to adopt the following policies on a temporary basis:–

• Requiring players leave the flagstick in the hole at all times. It is a matter for the committee to decide whether it establishes this policy by way of a code of conduct or Local Rule, and whether it provides a penalty under the code of conduct or for a breach of the Local Rule
• Not have flagsticks at all.

Hole
No modifications to the definition of hole are offered, but if a committee chooses not to follow the requirements in the definition of hole, which may also have an impact on the definition of “holed”, the committee should consult its national association for guidance on whether scores submitted in such circumstances are acceptable for handicapping purposes.

Bunkers
If rakes have been removed from the course, or if the committee has requested that rakes not be used, it is recognised that bunkers may not be smoothed as well as when there are rakes on the course. But it is recommended that no modification is made to the Rules of Golf in such circumstances, and that players are requested to smooth bunkers using their feet or a club.

If, as a result of there being no rakes, the committee decides to introduce a Local Rule relating to bunkers, the committee should consult its handicapping authority for guidance on whether scores submitted under such Local Rule are acceptable for handicapping purposes.

ONLINE PETITION TO KEEP GOLF OPEN

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How The R&A and USGA have been explaining the new WHS programme.
Courtesy of The R&A and USGA

THE new World Handicap System (WHS) is ready to be launched from January, the game’s governing bodies have confirmed – and will provide golfers with a “unified and more inclusive handicapping system” for the first time.

Though many countries are planning to adopt the new system in January, the system will go live in other parts of the world throughout the year with Great Britain and Ireland set to join in between September and December 2020.

The staggered introduction will accommodate different implementation plans and variations in the golfing calendar across six controlling bodies.

A new video featuring Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player as well as ordinary club golfers has been produce to help explain the changes and encourage as many people to obtain one of the new handicaps.

The video can be seen here. There are also infographics and posters, which can be used by national associations and shared by golf clubs for the benefit of golfers all over the world.

Developed by The R&A and USGA in close co-ordination with existing handicapping authorities, the World Handicap System (WHS) will provide all golfers with a consistent measure of playing ability, with handicaps calculated in the same way wherever they are in the world, they believe.

A key objective of the initiative was to develop a modern system, enabling as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index.

Golfers will be able to transport their Handicap Index globally and compete or play a casual round with players from other regions on a fair basis.

It will also indicate the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving the next time they go out to play.

The following table lists the estimated implementation timeframes ina number of countries.

*Subject to change

The WHS has two main components – the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System.

The Rules of Handicapping are encompassed within seven rules to inform administrators and golfers on how an official handicap index is calculated and administered.

Some flexibility will be given to national associations based on how the sport is played and enjoyed in their region.

The Course Rating System, based on the USGA Course Rating System first adopted nearly 50 years ago – and already adopted on nearly every continent – sets out a consistent method of determining a course’s difficulty.

Together, those components become the foundation in determining a golfer’s Handicap Index.

One of the biggest anamolies in the UK comes when elite amateurs head to the USA on golf scholarships.

Their handicaps are effectively frozen while they are in the States because their scores do not count back home.

And with the number of home-based players with plus-handicaps growing each year, some find entering some of the UK’s leading amateur events – which are based on handicap rather than world rankings – more and more difficult.

And another consequence of that is some players will pick which events – or courses – they play to protect either their World Amateur Golf Ranking, or their handicap.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said, “The game of golf is transforming to meet the needs of the modern-day golfer.

“Modernising the rules this year was an important step forward in that regard and the World Handicap System will be another.

“Our hope is the launch of the WHS will be a catalyst for change – signalling the start of a new era of golfer engagement, being inclusive by embracing all golfers, whatever their level of ability, and broadening its appeal to a much wider audience.

“Change also means opportunity and, managed appropriately, this can only be good for the game.

“It does mean there will be a period of adjustment, as we saw with the new rules, but once it beds in golfers and golf clubs will benefit in many ways from the new system,” Mr Slumbers added.

“When the golf community works together, everyone benefits,” said USGA chief executive Mike Davis.

“We have seen the benefit handicapping has provided for decades, providing greater enjoyment for all who play.

“To have a single set of Rules of Handicapping for the game will connect golfers from country to country, and we are excited to bring the best of all worlds together through this initiative.

“It is one of the many ways we are investing in golf’s future, to strengthen and foster growth of the entire game for years to come.”

In preparation for the launch of the WHS, more than 3,000 golf courses have been rated for the first time.

An extensive education program has also been delivered on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as South America, Africa, Asia, and Australasia.

By the end of 2019, more than 90 national associations will have attended an educational seminar, and a robust library of resources is hosted online at WHS.com to support regional education.

Rules of Handicapping books are being produced and will be translated and delivered through national associations.

The materials produced to explain the system’s key features, include:–

• Flexibility in formats of play – allowing both competitive and recreational rounds to count for handicap purposes, ensuring a Handicap Index reflects demonstrated ability
• Minimal number of scores needed to obtain new handicap – 54 holes from any combination of 18 and nine-hole rounds (with some discretion for national or regional associations)
• Average-based calculation of a handicap – taken from best eight out of the last 20 scores, and factoring in memory of demonstrated ability for better responsiveness/control
• Calculation considering external factors – including impact of abnormal course and weather conditions on players’ performances each day
• Timely handicap revisions
• A limit of nett double bogey on maximum hole score – for handicapping purposes only
• Maximum handicap limit of 54.0 – regardless of gender which will encourage more golfers to measure and track their performance to increase their enjoyment of the game

Eight years of work to create golf’s WHS

THE formation of a World Handicap System was first conceived in 2011 between the USGA and The R&A in an effort to get more golfers involved in the game – and promote equity, no matter where golf is played. 

The new WHS unites six existing handicapping systems into one, while embracing the many ways the sport is played across cultures, say the organising bodies.

Beginning in 2020, the new WHS will be governed by The R&A and the USGA and administered by national and regional golf associations around the world.

The existing six handicapping authorities represent approximately 15 million golfers in 80 countries who currently maintain a golf handicap.

They are:–
Golf Australia
Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) Great Britain and Ireland European Golf Association (EGA)
South African Golf Association (SAGA)
Argentine Golf Association (AAG)
The United States Golf Association (USGA)

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CONGU has confirmed the new World Handicap System being introduced by golf’s eight governing bodies worldwide in November 2020. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

THE governing bodies of amateur golf in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have signed the licence for the new World Handicap System (WHS) which will come into operation on November 2, 2020.

As members of the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU), England Golf, the Golfing Union of Ireland, the Irish Ladies Golfing Union, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf have been driving forces in planning for the new system in alliance with The R&A and USGA.

The current Golf Handicapping System – maintained by CONGU – will be replaced by WHS which will unify the six different structures presently in operation throughout the world of golf.

With one single, global system in place for the first time, golfers will be able to obtain and maintain a handicap index and use this on any course around the world.

In addition, they will be able to compete or simply play a casual round with fellow golfers anywhere on a fair and equal basis, the governing bodies say.

As well as encouraging players new to the sport to obtain a handicap with ease, the WHS will also modernise the game for those already well-versed in the game of golf.

Under the new system, a player’s handicap will be based on the average of eight best scores from their last 20 rounds.

WHS will also take into account factors currently not fully represented in the existing handicapping procedure through a course and slope rating system.

England Golf chief executive Nick Pink said: “We believe the introduction of the new World Handicap System will have a hugely positive impact for golf around the globe.

“Our team are working hard to deliver the transition from the current system to WHS and will continue to confer with the clubs, counties and our technology partners to ensure everything runs to plan ahead of the start date.”

Sinead Heraty, chief Executive of the ILGU, said: ‘The Irish Ladies Golf Union and the Golfing Union of Ireland are delighted the new World Handicap System will come into practice in November 2020.

“The transition from an incremental system to an averaging one will be period of great change.

“However once a planned education process is complete, the new system will make handicapping much more consistent globally.”

Pat Finn, chief executive of the Golfing Union of Ireland added: “We look forward to meeting with our member clubs over the coming months to outline the World Handicap System.

“With CONGU adopting the system for Ireland and Great Britain from late next year we need to ensure golfers across Ireland are prepared for the change.”

Andrew McKinlay, chief Eexecutive of Scottish Golf, said: “Following recent education seminars across the country, Scottish Golf is pleased to confirm the new World Handicap System will be implemented on time on November 2, 2020.

“We believe moving to a more unified handicap system will be beneficial to all golfers.

“The team at Scottish Golf will continue to liaise with, and support clubs across the country to ensure the transition between now and next year is as seamless as possible for everyone involved.”

Wales Golf chief executive Richard Dixon was also delighted to mark another step on the road to WHS.

Mr Dixon said: “A lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes in preparation for the launch of the World Handicap System and we are delighted we have reached this key stage of the process.

“We are very excited about the positive benefits WHS will have to the game of golf in Wales and across the golfing world.

“The Wales Golf team look forward to working with our clubs, fellow home Unions, technology partners and the R&A over the next year to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible for clubs and most importantly for golfers.”

CONGU, the United States Golf Association (USGA), Golf Australia, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA) and the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) represent around 15 million golfers in 80 countries who currently maintain a handicap.

The aligning of all six handicapping authorities behind the WHS is a hugely significant step in the modernisation of golf across the globe.

WHS has been introduced under the auspices of the USGA and The R&A.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the latter, said: “The R&A’s purpose is to ensure golf is thriving in 50 years’ time, and the World Handicap System (WHS) is one of the key ways in which we can ensure the long-term health of the sport.

“We all want to encourage more people to take up golf and having a handicap which provides an accurate measure of playing ability is one of the best ways of achieving that.”

Further information about the new World Handicap System can be found at https://www.englandgolf.org/article/world-handicap-system-whs and also via the R&A website at https://www.randa.org/WorldHandicapSystem

For details on England Golf’s WHS educational workshops visit  https://www.englandgolf.org/handicaps-rules/whs-2020/whs-club-workshops/

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