Benefits of World Handicap System Now Obvious

It's an understatement to say that the World Handicap System has divided opinion among many golfers since it was introduced back in 2020, but new figures revealed by England Golf have underlined the benefits of the system.

10,213,894 scores were submitted by golfers in 2024, which is the most since the system was established, representing a significant 811,712 more scores posted than in 2023, which is an increase of 8.63%.

Breaking down those numbers even further, 754,009 more scores were submitted by male golfers (an increase of 8.93%) while there was an increase of 57,703 scores submitted by female golfers (an increase of 5.98%).

One notable feature of the WHS has been the embracing of nine-hole scores, which has proven to be beneficial to many golfers who would otherwise struggle for time to maintain a Playing Handicap, and that was further evidenced last year, when there were 142,043 more nine-hole scores submitted, showing a dramatic increase of 17.89% on 2023.

Ensuring that golfers can keep track of their game and present an accurate handicap, general play scores saw an increase of 13.67% last year, totalling 539,428 more than the previous season.

England Golf Chief Operating Officer, Richard Flint said: "As a national governing body, we are doing all we can to try and drive participation in the game and one of our key focuses over the past 12 months has been inclusion and accessibility.

272,284 more competition scores were entered at an increase of 4.99%, while there were 669,669 more 18-hole scores submitted, representing an increase of 7.78%.

"The MyEG app caters for all, from iPlay, to iGolf, to club membership, and by providing more opportunities for people to take up the game and enter scores, it is paying dividends.

"The huge increase in 9-hole scores submitted shows that there is an appetite for shorter forms of the game, especially in that it helps cater for some people’s lifestyles.

"And with the enormous amount of general play scores being entered, it is demonstrating that people are getting to grips with the app and wanting to monitor their progress which is fantastic to see.

"We want to embrace people to golf in whatever way, whether that’s playing 18 holes, 9 holes, or even playing some adventure golf with friends and family. The MyEG app is there for everyone to experience and track their progress when playing different forms of golf.

"We simply wish to get as many people to taste the game, and then go as far as they wish."

Laudable ambitions and it's now clear that the World Handicap System (WHS) has been at the forefront of this drive for accessibility and inclusivity, making it easier than before for golfers to secure and maintain a handicap.

Especially with regards to nine-hole rounds and shorter forms of the game, in this time-pressured age that many of us find ourselves mired in, that may just represent the future for the coming generations of golfers.

While there are undeniably complaints about the WHS that remain, it's encouraging to see that more golfers than ever before have ultimately embraced the system and are now enjoying the benefits.

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