How to Get a Golf Handicap in the UK — Step-by-Step Guide

A golf handicap lets players of different abilities compete fairly. It also opens the door to club competitions and many visitor tee times. Still, getting one in the UK is simpler than many people think. This guide explains the World Handicap System step by step.

What is a golf handicap?

A handicap is a measure of how well you can play. In short, a lower number means a stronger golfer. In a competition, you receive strokes based on your handicap, so a beginner can compete with a scratch golfer on fair terms.

What is the World Handicap System?

The World Handicap System (WHS) is one set of handicap rules used around the world. The R&A and the USGA run it. It came into use in Great Britain and Ireland in November 2020, replacing the old CONGU system.

Under the WHS, your Handicap Index travels with you, since every club uses the same rules. You then turn it into a Course Handicap for the course and tees you play.

Step 1: join a golf club

In the UK, you usually get a handicap through a golf club. The club must be affiliated to your national body, such as England Golf, Scottish Golf, Wales Golf or Golf Ireland.

Finding a club

Start with clubs near home or work, since you will play there most. For example, the directory pages for golf courses near Leeds, golf courses near Bristol and golf courses near Glasgow list clubs with contact details. You can also browse every course we list in England.

What to look for

Look for a club with friendly members, a good practice area and a range of membership types. Many clubs offer cheaper options such as weekday, flexible or points-based memberships. In addition, England Golf runs its own scheme for golfers without a home club, so check its website if a full membership does not suit you.

Step 2: register through your club

Once you join, the club registers you with the national body. As a result, you get a membership number and access to your national app. That is where your scores and Handicap Index will appear.

Step 3: submit scores for a first Handicap Index

To get your first Handicap Index, you must submit scores from 54 holes. That can be three 18-hole rounds, six nine-hole rounds or a mix of the two.

How scores are submitted

Before you play, register your round in the app or at the club. Meanwhile, arrange to play with a marker, who checks and signs your score. Finally, submit the score through the app or the club system on the same day.

What makes a score count?

A score counts for handicap if you play under the Rules of Golf on a course with an official rating. In addition, it must be in an authorised format, such as stroke play or Stableford. For handicap purposes, the most you can count on any hole is a net double bogey. As a result, one disaster hole cannot wreck your figure.

Step 4: how your Handicap Index is worked out

Score Differential

Each score becomes a Score Differential, which allows for how hard the course was. It uses the course’s Course Rating and Slope Rating. The formula is: (113 ÷ Slope Rating) × (Adjusted Gross Score − Course Rating − playing conditions adjustment).

Best 8 of 20

Once you have 20 scores, your Handicap Index is the average of your best 8 differentials from your most recent 20. There is no extra multiplier.

Fewer than 20 scores

Until you have 20 scores, the WHS uses fewer differentials, with an adjustment for very small records:

The maximum Handicap Index is 54.0, while there is no minimum.

Course Handicap

Your Handicap Index is not the number of strokes you get. Instead, you convert it to a Course Handicap for the tees you play. The formula is: Handicap Index × (Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating − Par). Most clubs show a table in the clubhouse or app, so you rarely need to work it out yourself.

Apps for managing your handicap

Each national body has its own app. For example, England Golf’s app is called My England Golf, while Scottish Golf and Golf Ireland have their own apps too. The apps show your Handicap Index and score record. Many also let you register and submit rounds.

Playing abroad with your handicap

Since the WHS is used worldwide, your Handicap Index works at clubs abroad too. That makes booking visitor rounds much easier, especially at clubs that ask for proof of handicap.

Playing in club competitions

Once you have a handicap, you can enter club competitions. These usually use stroke play, Stableford or match play. Our golf rules guide for beginners explains the formats and the basic rules.

Golf societies use handicaps too, since they mix players of all standards. Our golf society day guide explains how handicap allowances work on the day.

How long does it take to get a handicap?

It depends on how often you play. Since you only need 54 holes, keen golfers can have a Handicap Index within a few weeks of joining. However, it will then change as you add more scores.

Advice for beginners

Do not rush. Many golfers play for a while before they join a club, so they enjoy the game first. Our top tips for golf beginners and our guide to golf courses for beginners will help you get started.

Juniors and women can often join at reduced rates. In addition, many clubs run beginner schemes. Our junior golf guide and our guide to women’s golf cover these in more detail.

When picking a golf rangefinder, our guide covers what to check.