ACGA - WHS Handicap changes
ACGA EMBRACES WHS
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
At the last AGM, members voted overwhelmingly for the society to drop its own handicap rules in favour of the WHS handicapping system. This was agreed on a trial basis and a decision on whether or not to keep it will be voted on at a later AGM. The new committee has considered how best to adopt the new handicap system and has decided that the way forward is to phase in the change as this will allow us to explain to members how the new system will work, as well as to get members to prepare for its implementation. The new system will be implemented in full at Major number 3 on June 7th 2024 at Windlesham.
The implementation of WHS handicap index will see some members with handicaps that are higher, some significantly higher, than their previous ACGA handicap. There are a small number where this will be lower. This is the result of the winners’ cut and other particular ways in which the society’s bespoke handicap system has worked over the years.
Therefore, the committee has decided that to ensure fair competition, we need a level playing field. And the best way to achieve this, is to agree to the basic principle that if a member wants to use the WHS handicap index then they will need to comply with the rules of the WHS system.
The committee has therefore developed the following rules on how it expects members to comply with the WHS system:
Have a Valid WHS Handicap Index - All members will be required to have a valid and active WHS handicap index, in order to compete for a major title.
For a WHS handicap index to be valid, it must meet the following criteria:
Be Current (meaning, members must have submitted a card to their WHS system within the last 80 days*). This period being the current adjusted average of all members.
Submit Regular cards (meaning, members must submit the 20 cards used by WHS to calculate their handicap within the average time that it takes the rest of the members to do so). At present this is 230 days*.
Submit All Cards (particularly those that would positively affect their handicap index).
Those members who do not have a valid WHS handicap index will still be able to attend and take part in golf days and because they do not have a valid WHS handicap, they will be able use their old ACGA handicap, but will not be eligible to win the major.
The phase introduction of the change to WHS will give those members who currently do not meet the criteria set out above sufficient time to regularise their WHS handicap status so that they can take advantage of the new system.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?
If you don’t have a WHS handicap index, get one by joining a golf club or joining iGolf (this will cost £46 per year).
If you already have a new WHS handicap index but it is still pending, please submit the required number of cards to make your WHS index active and current.
If you have an active WHS handicap index, please submit regular cards and continue to do so. You can still submit cards retrospectively via your club handicap secretary. So, if you have old scorecards lying around that haven’t yet been added to your WHS record, please dig these out and add them. Scores achieved at ACGA golf days will now automatically added to your WHS handicap index.
Get into the habit of maintaining your handicap. The easiest way to do this is via the MyEG app, you can record your score as you play and get this attested by a playing partner after the round, its quick and easy, and free.
Remind members to submit their scores. If you are playing with a member or hear that they have played, particularly if they have had a good score, please remind them to enter that score onto their WHS record. If you wish, please send me a message and I will get in touch and remind them to submit the score.
It is in all our interest that all members abide by the rules, so we have a level playing field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What happens if I don’t have a WHS handicap index? - You will not be allowed to compete for a major. This is because you do not have a handicap that has been calculated and tested in the same way as the other members. But you will still be able to play in ACGA events. This will not apply until the 3rd major so anyone playing in the first 2 events will be eligible to win those majors.
How can I get a WHS handicap index? - If you are a member of a golf club, you will automatically have a WHS handicap index. If you are not a club member you can join iGolf and have all the benefits of a club member including a WHS handicap index.
Why do I have to submit all cards? - Your current handicap is a measure of how well you are playing within the time it has taken you to play 20 rounds. If you do not submit cards, you are not allowing WHS to keep your handicap current. If you do not submit cards that would positively impact your handicap, (i.e. roughly where you score around 36 points or more, you will be playing off an index that is higher than it would be had the card(s) been submitted and therefore gaining an unfair advantage). WHS rules require all golfers to submit all cards every time they play, where the rules of golf are followed.
What happens if I do not submit recent cards? - If you do not submit recent cards, compared to the rest of the members you are not having your recent form recorded and your handicap reflect your current playing ability. This is unfair to the rest of the group and therefore while you will be allowed to play on golf days you will not be allowed to compete for the major?
Why do I have to submit 20 cards within a certain period? - 20 cards is how long it take for the WHS to use the best 8 cards of those 20 to calculate your handicap index. If you take longer than the average of the group your index is not being calculated within the same timeframe as the others
What happens if I’m ill or injured and can’t play? - Members who have difficulty submitting cards do to illness, injury, living overseas or any other circumstances can communicate this to the Handicap Secretary and this will be reviewed on a case by case basis and discretion applied where merited.
* reflects the current average as of March 28th 2024, this will change as members playing record change over time