On November 2nd 2020, the World Handicap System (WHS) came into being in Ireland. The WHS has three main objectives:

• to encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a handicap;
• to enable golfers of differing abilities, genders and nationalities to take their handicap to any course in the world and compete on a fair basis; and
• to indicate with sufficient accuracy the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving on any course around the world, playing under normal conditions.

A Handicap Index is calculated from the best 8 of the last 20 qualifying rounds, and the maximum Index is 54. A Handicap Index is neither a course handicap nor a playing handicap as these are determined by Course and Slope Ratings of the course (and tees) being played, and the format of competitions. Conversion Tables will be available at all courses to convert a Handicap Index to a Playing Handicap.

Under the WHS rules, it is important to note that a minimum number of holes must be played for a score to be acceptable. In an 18-hole event, a minimum of 10 holes must be played and, for a 9-hole event, all 9 holes must be played.

Carton Members who are members of other clubs are reminded that they must nominate only one club as ‘Home’ for handicapping purposes and they must inform the clubs of any other golf club memberships.

Failure to do this will result in an incorrect record of play and consequently will be in breach of the WHS Rules of Handicapping. This is your responsibility, so please do not leave yourself open to any breach of the rules.

You must do the following:
* Complete a Handicap Form (obtained from Jason Totos on joining Carton), this also applies to members who are re-joining after missing a year, or more.
* If moving to Carton from another club, a complete WHS handicap record from the previous club is required.
* If a new golfer, you need to submit cards for 54 holes (18 or 9 hole combinations) played at Carton.

Failure to have a valid Handicap Index may exclude players from entry to the men’s competitions time sheets. Please expedite your set up on the Carton Competition system.
All emails to handicaps@cartonhousemembers.com

A player is expected to:

• Act with integrity by following the Rules of Handicapping and to refrain, or circumventing, the Rules of Handicapping for the purpose of gaining an advantage
• Attempt to make the best score possible at each hole
• Submit acceptable scores for handicap purposes as soon as possible after the round is completed, and before midnight (local time)
• Submit acceptable scores to provide reasonable evidence of their demonstrated ability
• Play by the Rules of Golf
• Certify the scores of fellow players

If you are a member of more than one club you must nominate one as your home club for handicapping purposes. Failure to do this will result in variances in handicaps between each club and will result in disqualification if found to be playing off a lower handicap that what would be calculated if all scores were returned to your home club. It is the responsibility of the golfer to ensure they are playing off the lowest handicap that reflects their level of play.

There will be a review of members’ handicaps at least annually.

You must do the following:

• Complete a handicap form (from Jason Totos on joining Carton, this also applies to members who are re-joining after missing a year or more)
• A complete handicap record (if previously a member of a club)
• If a new golfer, or one who has not been a member in the previous two years, you need to submit cards for 54 holes (18 or 9 hole combinations) played at Carton.

Under the Rules of Handicapping, a Handicap Committee at a Golf Ireland affiliated club is required to review the handicaps of members. At Carton, an annual handicap review process is undertaken (October/November) in accordance with guidance provided by Golf Ireland. Following the review, any adjustments to members' handicaps are made by the Handicap Committee.

Decisions of the Handicap Committee on handicap adjustments may be appealed and the details of the appeals process are below.