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USGA & WHS

The World Handicap System and the USGA rules behind it, explained step by step for players outside the United States too.

All Guides Handicap Fundamentals (12) Handicap Calculation (4) USGA & WHS (2) Course Rating & Slope (3) Handicap Improvement (2) Golf Scoring & Stats (7) Competitive Golf (3) Handicap Technology (3) International Handicaps (2)

How the World Handicap System works: Score Differential, Handicap Index, Course Handicap and Playing Handicap

August 13, 2026 USGA & WHS

The USGA Handicap System Explained

If you play golf in the United States, Mexico, or several other jurisdictions around the globe, your golf handicap is governed by the United States...

The Score Differential formula: 113 divided by Slope Rating, multiplied by adjusted gross score minus Course Rating minus PCC

August 13, 2026 USGA & WHS

How the World Handicap System Works: Complete WHS Guide

The World Handicap System (WHS) is the unified, global framework used to measure a golfer’s potential ability and allow players of different skill levels to...