CONGU Unified Handicapping System – RIP
Getting to grips with the World Handicap System is presenting some of you with problems.
But now that England Golf and Independent Software Vendors are managing to overcome some of the teething problems it is evident, from the many emails I am receiving, that many of you, who can play golf at the moment, are doing so and entering and organising a number of competitions.
In1983 the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) introduced the Unified Handicapping System) UHS) to GB&I for the first time.
It was based on the Australian Handicapping System and has stood us in good stead since then.
But on 2nd November 2020, the World Handicap System (WHS) was introduced bringing together and regularising six different Handicap Systems.
So, what does this mean for us and organisers of competitions?
Firstly, a steep learning curve because there are many changes to get used to and implement.
Secondly, the CONGU UHS Manual no longer applies as a source of reference and we must turn to new publications for information on Handicapping.
The sources we must now use and rely on are:
- England Golf Rules of Handicapping
- CONGU – Guidance on Rules of Handicapping as Applied to GB&I and
- Guide for Committees on the effect of 2019 Rules of Golf on CONGU Handicapping
Unfortunately, the Guidance on Rules of Handicapping as Applied to GB&I, is not as clear and precise as the old CONGU UHS Manual, and no doubt will be re-written over time, but it is all we have at the moment.
But love it or hate it, the WHS is here to stay and once understood and used properly will, in my opinion, provide a much fairer Handicapping System for all.
Keep safe
Tony