×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Join Thousands of Readers
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

New World Handicap System is no elixir to golf’s perennial Handicapping ills

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Nyeri golf club's handicap 6 caddy Bernard Karigu in action during the Mount Kenya Championship February 3, 2020. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

There is a lot of excitement and anxiety in our golf circles about the new World Handicap System. The positive thinkers understand that the WHS is a way of providing an adjustment, or some equalization to our golf courses since, unlike Soccer or Tennis, no single course is exactly like the other one.

For a long time, golfers have complained of the inaccuracy in assuming the equality in similar numerical Handicaps issued by different clubs. For example, a Handicap 15 issued at the hilly and slope Vetlab course cannot be the same as one issued at the relatively flat Thika Club Course. Neither can a 5-single handicapper at the relatively Railways course be deemed to have similar abilities and proficiency as a 5-Handicapper rated on the longer Limuru Course.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.
Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in
Basketball
Zetech Sparks hold the nerve to edge out Strathmore Swords
Unique Sports
Prisons crowned Japanese Ambassador's Cup champions
Football
Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia go nine points clear
Athletics
Kenya finally removed from WADA watchlist