Embracing the responsibilities of players under the World Handicap System (WHS)

England Golf has shared an easy-to-understand document about the responsibilities of players under the World Handicap System (WHS). Below, you'll find the key points, along with some helpful guidance on submitting your scores. This info is all about ensuring that everyone is on the same page when it comes to following the Rules of Handicapping. Happy golfing!

Pre-register

The pre-registration process is a crucial measure designed to ensure that you commit to submitting a score for handicap purposes at the beginning of the round, rather than making a decision based on how you played at the end. It is the responsibility of all golfers to ensure that they do not:

• Circumvent the process by selectively choosing which scores to submit to their records.

• Submit scores that have not been played or that are inaccurate.

Try

When submitting a score for handicap purposes, you must try to make the best score possible on each hole. It is manipulating the system if you:

• Deliberately play badly to increase your score and your Handicap Index.

• Deliberately start playing badly during the round to submit a higher score.*

Certify

If you are marking someone else’s scorecard, it is your responsibility to ensure that everything is correct. So be sure to:

• Double-check that all scores are accurate.

• Refuse to attest any scores that seem incorrect or altered (and notify your playing partner!)

Golfers can reject a score using the MyEG app, allowing their playing partner to correct any errors before resubmitting for attestation.

Submit

The more scores you submit, the more accurately your Handicap Index will reflect your demonstrated ability. It is considered manipulating the system if you:

• Deliberately play a general round to remove a good score from your scoring record to increase your Handicap Index for a competition or match.

• Use general play rounds to increase your Handicap Index before a major prize event, or to decrease your Handicap Index to qualify for an elite-level event.

Be Honest

The Rules of Handicapping depend on all players acting with integrity and not trying to exploit or bypass these rules to gain an unfair advantage. It is considered dishonest for you and other players to intentionally manipulate your Handicap Index, regardless of the method or purpose. Ensure that you and your fellow players are fully aware of your responsibilities when submitting a round.

Returning of WHS Scores

The Rules of Handicapping clearly state that returning all acceptable scores for handicap is the responsibility of the golfer. Acceptable scores include singles stroke play and fourball betterball scores. Failure to submit all scores may result in a penalty score being added to your handicap record or the risk of disciplinary action.**

Please make sure you follow these requirements. Seek guidance if you are uncertain about when a score can or should be submitted.

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