2024 WHS Update - Unrounded Course Handicap

2024 WHS Updates such as the below come into effect in Ireland on 1st April 2024.

A Course Handicap™ is the number of shots the golfer receives for the tee set they are going to play. Currently in Ireland, England and Wales this value is calculated to a decimal and then rounded for the golfer, which is the value they use when playing golf for handicap purposes (both general play and competition golf).

As of April 2024, for competition purposes, the calculated and “unrounded” Course Handicap will be carried through to the Playing Handicap™ calculation using machine precision*. For General Play scores, the golfer will continue to use the calculated and “rounded” Course Handicap. The Playing Handicap will be rounded to a whole number at the end of the calculation (example below). 

*Machine precision – utilizing the computer software to ensure the accuracy of the calculations. 

Example: A player playing from the White tees (C.R. 73.6, Slope 145, Par 72), with a Handicap Index® of 10.0. 

Current Rounded Method 

CH = (H.I.® x (SLOPE/113)) + (C.R.-PAR) 

CH = (10.0 x (145/113)) + (73.6 – 72) 

CH = (10.0 x 1.28318584) + (1.6) 

CH = 12.8318584 + 1.6 

CH = 14.4318584 (ROUNDED to 14) 

With a Handicap allowance of 95% the Playing Handicap is: 

PH = 14 * 0.95 = 13.3 (ROUNDED to 13) 

Unrounded Method 

CH = (H.I. x (SLOPE/113)) + (C.R.-PAR) 

CH = (10.0 x (145/113)) + (73.6 – 72) 

CH = (10.0 x 1.28318584) + (1.6) 

CH = 12.8318584 + 1.6 

CH = 14.4318584 

With a Handicap allowance of 95% the Playing Handicap is: 

PH = 14.4318584 * 0.95 

PH = 13.71026549 = ROUNDED to 14 

The difference in the Playing Handicap is 1 shot.