On 2nd November 2020 the new World Handicap System (WHS) was rolled out across England to over 1,800 golf clubs and 630,000 golfers; a historic moment in time for the game of golf and signifying the biggest shift in the handicapping system in modern history.
Developed by the golf’s governing bodies, The R&A and USGA, the WHS unites six bodies across the globe under one standardised system, which allows golfers from England to transport and use their ‘Handicap Index’ on any course around the world. The new system makes for a fairer and more equitable system of handicapping as well as establishing a more accurate way of calculating a golfer’s current playing ability.
With this historic moment, Performance54 were proud to partner with England Golf, the governing body of the amateur game, to help develop a new education campaign called ‘Know the Score’ and create a bespoke WHS toolkit, which contained eye-catching and easy-to-understand resources for golf clubs to access and educate their members.
The English press were also keen to know the score and learn more about the WHS, with coverage generated by the national press such as the Daily Mail, The Times and multiple regional titles, in addition to leading golf media including Golf Monthly, Today’s Golfer, UK Club Golfer and National Club Golfer. England Golf’s Head of Handicapping & Course Rating, Gemma Hunter, a key figure behind the transition, also appeared on the Rick Shiels Golf Show podcast, as well as hosting a live Q&A session with Women & Golf’s members to discuss the key features of WHS.
