The World Handicap System (WHS) was launched in November 2020 and provides golfers with a unified and more inclusive handicapping system for the first time.

Developed by The R&A and USGA in close coordination with existing handicapping authorities, the WHS will provide all golfers with a consistent measure of playing ability, with handicaps calculated in the same way wherever they are in the world.

A key objective of the initiative was to develop a modern system, enabling as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index. Golfers are able to transport their Handicap Index globally and compete or play a casual round with players from other regions on a fair basis. It indicates the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving the next time they go out to play.