First of all, the all-clear: the Breaking 77 golf app calculates your WHS handicap automatically, so you don’t actually need to read on, just track your rounds with Breaking 77. But joking aside. We want to explain to you in a few paragraphs how the WHS handicap system is calculated.

The basis

The World Handicap System (WHS) is the current basis on which golfers around the world have their handicap calculated. Unlike previous handicap systems, the WHS combines the best elements of different systems from different countries and continents to make it more uniform, fairer and easier to understand. But how does it actually work?

What is the WHS?

The WHS (World Handicap System) was introduced to create a standardized handicap system worldwide. The aim is to ensure that every golfer – no matter where they play – can use their handicap worldwide and that it is comparable everywhere. The system is based on the calculation of the best eight rounds from the last 20 rounds played, which makes the handicap fairer and more accurate.

How the handicap is calculated

The WHS looks at a golfer’s last 20 rounds. From these rounds, the eight best scores are selected and the average of these eight scores forms the handicap. This approach makes the handicap less susceptible to outliers – so it remains stable even if there is a particularly bad round.

Weather factor: How the WHS deals with difficult conditions

Another advantage of the WHS is its flexibility in special weather conditions. In strong winds, rain or other unusual circumstances, a round can be more challenging for all players. The WHS automatically takes such conditions into account through a so-called “Playing Conditions Calculation” (PCC). This daily adjustment can make the handicap fairer for rounds played in extreme conditions. This keeps the calculation fair and reflects your actual performance – even if the weather doesn’t play along.

The course and slope rating

Another important factor in the WHS to make the system fair across all golf courses in the world is the so-called course and slope rating. These values take into account the difficulty of the golf course. The course rating value expresses how difficult the course is for a scratch golfer, and the slope value shows how challenging the course is for the average golfer. With these two values, the handicap is adjusted to reflect the course conditions – for realistic comparability. At Breaking 77, we track all course and slope ratings of all courses worldwide.

Daily revisions: the handicap adjusts after every round

The handicap is recalculated after every tournament played or every round entered. This means that the handicap is always up to date and reflects the actual playing strength.

Conclusion: One system for all

The new WHS handicap system simplifies the lives of golfers worldwide. It ensures comparability and is fairer, as it takes into account differences in course difficulty. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, the WHS offers you a reliable basis for measuring your playing strength and tracking your progress.