A Guide to Understanding Golf Handicaps

At Youth on Course, our core values are rooted in relationships, inclusion, play, and learning. Above all, we want our members to have fun and enjoy their time on the course. Whether you’re out for a relaxing round with friends or discovering your love for the game, Youth on Course is here to make golf accessible and enjoyable.

For those looking to measure your improvement, and compete, whether it’s a casual match with family and friends, or a tournaments, or simply measure your improvement, establishing a Handicap Index^® is a great next step.

What Is the World Handicap System (WHS)?
Introduced in 2020, the World Handicap System (WHS) provides a unified way for golfers worldwide to calculate and maintain their handicaps. The system ensures fairness by adjusting for course difficulty and a player’s recent performance, making it easier for golfers to compete anywhere, on any course.

Key features of the WHS include:

• A Handicap Index^® – A number that represents your potential ability (e.g., 12.4).
• Course & Slope Ratings – Adjusts your handicap based on the difficulty of the course you’re playing.
• Net Double Bogey Limit – Prevents one bad hole from drastically affecting your score.
• Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) – Adjusts scores if weather or course conditions are unusually tough.

• Track Progress – See how your game improves over time.
• Compete Fairly – Play in tournaments or matches against friends, regardless of skill level.
• Set Goals – Use your handicap as a benchmark to challenge yourself.
• Access More Golf Opportunities – Some events and leagues require an official handicap.

How to Post Scores via the Youth on Course app:

• Log in - Download the Youth on Course mobile app and log in
• Post Your Scores – After each round, navigate to the Post Score section in the Youth on Course mobile app and enter the course, tees you played, and score for your round. *Note: Certain states do not provide GHIN with memberships so those members will not be able to post scores in the app. 
• Play and Post 54 holes - 54 holes are required to establish a handicap. Your handicap will be No handicap (NH) until 54 holes are reached.
• Watch Your Handicap Update – Your Handicap Index^® recalculates daily, based on your most recent 20 scores.

Tips for Maintaining Your Handicap:

• Post every eligible round
• Play by the Rules of Golf for accurate scoring.
• Keep an eye on your progress—improving your handicap means improving your game!

Ready to Get Started?
Your Youth on Course membership makes it easy to establish and track your handicap—so take advantage of this great resource! Whether you’re playing for fun or aiming to compete, a Handicap Index® helps you measure your growth and enjoy the game even more.

Have questions or want to dive deeper and learn more? Here are some additional resources:

• USGA Handicapping
• The R&A Handicapping
• GolfPass - How Does a Golf Handicap Work?: A Beginner’s Guide
• 10 Things for Golfers to Know
  

While having a GHIN handicap is not required to access Youth on Course benefits, it can be a valuable tool for tracking improvement, playing fair matches, and participating in competitive tournaments. Course rating and slope rating help adjust handicaps based on course difficulty, ensuring a fair assessment of a player’s skill.

For golfers looking to measure their progress or compete at a higher level, maintaining a handicap is a great way to stay motivated and engaged in the game.