World Handicap System (WHS) & Handicap Reviews

Developed by The R&A and USGA in collaboration with pre-existing handicap bodies, the WHS is a single, consistent measure of playing ability that calculates a golfer's handicap in the same way regardless of their location in the world, and gives golfers of all abilities a more unified and inclusive experience in the sport. The World Handicap System (WHS) is explained in full  here.

All members are bound by  The Rules of Handicapping  as well as the  Rules of Golf  and the club’s  Competition Bye Laws . 

National associations, regional association and golf clubs all have responsibilities and functions. And you, as golfers, also have responsibilities to;

  • Act with integrity by following the Rules of Handicapping and to refrain from using, or circumventing, the Rules of Handicapping for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage
  • Attempt to make the best score possible at each hole
  • Submit acceptable scores for handicap purposes as soon as possible after the round is completed and before midnight local time
  • Submit acceptable scores to provide reasonable evidence of your demonstrated ability
  • Play by the Rules of Golf
  • Certify the scores of fellow players

You must return cards for all qualifying rounds. This includes medals and stableford competitions that you enter at the club. Your entry to these competitions is taken as your intent to enter a qualifying score.

Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the competition and, should no scores be submitted, a score of 18 x 9s will be entered as their score. A card with more than eight ‘NR’s in an 18-hole competition will be treated in the same manner. Members who persist (i.e., more than twice in any six month period) in failing to submit a full scorecard after their round may have their handicap suspended and may be prohibited from entering any further competitions until they have submitted three new cards for handicap purposes.

You must also return cards for all qualifying rounds played away from Muswell Hill Golf Club. You will not be able to enter these on IG but you can enter your scorecards from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England on the England Golf app. The R&A/USGA are working with IT providers around the world to develop the ability to submit scores/look up handicaps anywhere in the world. Until this facility is available to all golfer, please send or give your scorecards from courses outside of these home nations to our General Manager, who will add these scores to the WHS data base.

If in doubt, please ask our General Manager or any member of the Competitions Committee for help. Or, check the Rules of Handicapping.

Handicap Reviews

The Competitions Committee is responsible for reviewing members' handicaps and making adjustments where appropriate. The Club's policy is advised by the R&A 'The Rules of Handicapping' and can be viewed here .