After submitting three cards, each member receives a HANDICAP INDEX calculated in accordance with the World Handicapping System (WHS) and stored on the England Golf database.

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The HANDICAP INDEX allows a player to determine the appropriate number of shots they receive when playing a particular course, with allowance given for the set of tees being used, this is known as the COURSE HANDICAP and is used for match play competitions or social golf.

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For all handicap-qualifying stroke play club competitions (medal, Stableford or par format), PLAYING HANDICAPS are 95% of COURSE HANDICAP .

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To work out your PLAYING HANDICAP, first look up your COURSE HANDICAP using the below conversion tables, or the England Golf app which has a 'WHS Course Handicap Calculator' under the 'more' menu.

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Second, adjust - if your COURSE HANDICAP IS:

10 or under :- PLAYING HANDICAP is same as COURSE HANDICAP

11-30 :- PLAYING HANDICAP is COURSE HANDICAP less 1 stroke

31 or over :- PLAYING HANDICAP is COURSE HANDICAP less 2 strokes

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Use your PLAYING HANDICAP to determine your number of strokes received to calculate you net medal score and net pars for Stableford or par formats.

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