The
USGA and The R&A are working with golf’s handicapping authorities to
develop a single World Handicap System for the sport.
More
than 15 million golfers in over 80 countries presently have a handicap, a
numerical index long used as a reference to gauge a golfer’s potential skill
level. Handicaps are currently delivered through six different systems around
the world.
The
aim of the proposed handicap system is to adopt a universal set of principles
and procedures that will apply all over the world.
An
extensive review of existing handicap systems administered by 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 United States Golf Association (USGA)
has been undertaken.
Golf
organisations from different parts of the world have also been engaged with the
current handicap authorities for the past two years to help shape the proposed
system, which takes into account the many different golf cultures and most
common formats of play. Research conducted to date has also reviewed systems
and best practices inherent to handicapping, such as course rating and
administration.
A
joint committee led by the USGA and The R&A has been formed, including
representatives from each handicap authority as well as the Japan Golf
Association and Golf Canada. The joint committee plans to announce its
proposals later this year.
Martin
Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “We have been concerned for
some time that many golfers find the handicapping landscape to be complicated
and can be frustrated when it is not always applied in the same way in
different parts of the world.
“We
are working closely with the existing handicapping bodies to benefit from their
insights as we try to formulate a system that will be easy to understand and
can be applied consistently on a global basis. We very much appreciate their
support for this initiative.”
Mike
Davis, Executive Director and CEO of the USGA, said: “One wonderful aspect of
golf that separates it from other sports is the ability of players of differing
abilities to play on an equitable basis through handicapping.
“With
one global system, golf courses will be rated and handicaps calculated in a
like manner everywhere in the world. Reducing borders or barriers to provide an
easy way for all to play together is great for the game and golfers
everywhere.”
Key
quotes:
John
Hopkins (Chairman, Golf Australia) said “Golf Australia believes that
significant benefits will flow to players around the world by having a global
handicap platform. We are already very encouraged by how the World Handicap
System is coming together.”
Bob
Carrick (Acting Chairman of CONGU) said, ““The Council of National Golf Unions
(CONGU) welcomes the R&A / USGA’s initiative to develop a single Worldwide
Handicapping System for the sport. We think that this is an exciting
opportunity for standardising the system and for more players to obtain an
official handicap. We will be delighted to work closely with other handicap
authorities to ensure a smooth implementation.”
Jean-Marc
Mommer, President of the EGA declared: “It has been acknowledged that the
European Golf Association (EGA), comprising 47 member national golf federations
representing over four million registered golfers, has achieved considerable
success to date in bridging a culturally diverse membership, and assisting the
development of emerging golfing nations, with the EGA Handicap System. We are
looking forward to contributing our knowledge, expertise and experience in
working with The R&A, USGA and golf’s other handicapping authorities in pursuing
this most worthwhile task of uniting the golfing world under a single handicap
system.”
Geoff
Taylor, President of the South African Golf Association said “The SAGA welcomes
this initiative to standardise the handicap system methodology globally and which
will in turn improve our local handicapping system. In anticipation of this
implementation, a programme to re-rate all the golf courses in South Africa was
embarked upon in 2016. While this programme presents a number of significant
challenges, we believe that the benefits to golf globally and locally will be
beyond measure in years to come. We shall continue to work closely with the
R&A and USGA governing bodies to ensure a smooth and rapid transition.”
Paul
Feeney, Board Member of the AAG said: “The AAG is committed to assisting the
development of a World Handicap System. We understand that golf has become a
global sport and we are very enthusiastic about working together with many
other associations in the development of WHS. A lot of work needs to be done;
course ratings are one of the most significant challenges for Argentina, which
we are trying to address.”
Far
Hills, USA and St Andrews, Scotland
