W.W.G.S.
Section 3 - Handicap and scoring system
As a friendly society we have our own method of handicap adjustment aimed at weeding out Bandits and allowing fair competition for players of all abilities.
Handicaps
In 2018 we adopted a system of adjusting personal handicaps based on the official CONGU method, taking into account each players handicap band when adjusting. From 2024 we also incorporated some aspects of the World Handicap System, especially the course & slope raitings into our Society handicap adjustment system. We now use a player's Personal Handicap Index as the base and adjusting playing handicaps in line with the course raiting and slope values after each round and before the next.
Starting Handicap
INITIAL personal handicaps for new players will be calculated using their official club handicap index if available. If not, new members who have not played with the society previously will be given an initial handicap of 18, this will be reviewed by the Committee after playing three rounds. Once a new player is classed as a Full member their handicap from then on will be based on their Society record NOT their Official WHS index. Existing Society members who played in previous seasons will have their starting handicap index based on the previous seasons results. For the 2025 season we raised the maximum handicap to 36 and as before personal handicaps will be recalculated after each round. Playing handicaps and Stableford points scored will be used to adjust personal handicaps using the formula below :-
Starting Handicap of 0-12 (Band A)
Score 0-30 points - INCREASE by 0.1 stroke per point below 31 up to a maximum of 1 full stroke per match.
Score 31-36 points - No change
Score 37+ points - DECREASE by 0.1 strokes per point above 36
Starting H/C of 13-24 (Band B)
Score 0-30 points - INCREASE by 0.1 stroke per point below 31 up to a maximum of 1 full stroke per match.
Score 31-36 points - No change
Score 37+ points - DECREASE by 0.3 strokes per point above 36
Starting H/C of 25-36 (Band C)
Score 0-30 points - INCREASE by 0.1 stroke per point below 31 up to a maximum of 1 full stroke per match.
Score 31-36 points - No change
Score 37+ points - DECREASE by 0.5 strokes per point above 36
PLUS
The highest scorer (or scorers*) will have their handicap reduced by an additional -
If in Band A - Minus 1 stroke
If in Band B - Minus 2 strokes
If in Band C - Minus 3 strokes
Round Winner / Highest Scorer(s) Bonus
In addition to the points scored out on the course the round winner and/or highest scorer's (see below*) will each receive a 5 point bonus. This will be applied AFTER the individual's handicap has been recalculated.
*If there is a tie for first position, ALL tied players will have their handicap reduced by the relevant amount from the table above.
To decide the recipient of the round winners prize in the event of a tie the usual "Count Back" will be implemented on the back nine, six, three or the final hole. If still tied then we will take into consideration the Stableford scores posted on the most difficult holes (Stroke Index 1,2,3 etc) and so on until the tie is resolved.
Scoring System
We will use the standard Stableford scoring system as we have in the past. Stableford is a scoring system with points allocated according to your position relative to the par score for the hole (nett).
Two or more over par = 0 points
One over par = 1 point
Level Par = 2 points
One under Par = 3 points
Two under Par = 4 points
Three under Par = 5 points
If you score better than that you should be on the PGA Tour!
For full details go to section 3 of the Society Constitution HERE