The USGA will be switching to the new World Handicap System on January 1, 2020. The software for your smartphone, the kiosk, and website should be ready by January 6.

If you’re using the GHIN app on your phone, you’ll see changes there (like being able to enter your scores hole by hole, keep track of putts, fairways hit, greens in regulation.) The kiosk computer in the clubhouse will be updated, and the website for posting will also be updated.

For now, I recommend reading “Top 10 New World Handicapping Features“, “WHS – The Five Things you need to know.” and this list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Until the new software is ready, keep your score cards and post after the GHIN-2020 software is ready. This is the only time you should not post scores the same day you play!

You should start using the new “Maximum Hole Score for Handicap Purposes”, instead of ESC, on January 1. That number is net double bogey. In other words, par + 2 strokes+ any handicap strokes you get on that hole.

You will get a bimonthly newsletter, and it will have your handicap index as of the date of that newsletter. It will also be enhanced to show some of your scoring statistics, if you choose to keep them.

We will NOT be posting a file with handicap indicices every day!

To help make the transition easier .. start with this one simple habit: Post your score the same day you play. This basic act will help improve the integrity of everyone’s handicap.

The USGA has a wealth of resources where you can learn all you want about the World Handicap System.

If you’d like to be part of the TGA Handicap Committee, please contact me at skydaver@gmail.com.