New handicap rules 2021

How will my handicap be calculated in the future?

First of all, in the future my handicap will no longer be called the EGA standard, but rather the World Handicap Index (WHI). The Personal Handicap Index (WHI) is determined by averaging the top 8 of the last 20 of my scores. The standard calculation according to Stableford, standard classes and buffer zones are no longer required.

How can I achieve a relevant result?

As before, I can play handicapped private rounds. These are no longer called “Extra Day Scores” (EDS rounds), but rather “pre-registered private rounds”. This only changes the name or designation, the process does not change. And of course, handicapped tournament rounds can still be played. Nothing changes here, except that the name or designation changes (“handicap-relevant tournament rounds”) and all individual stroke play formats in the playing season are automatically handicap-relevant. But don't forget, only the best of my 8 results are relevant.

How do I get my new handicap index?

At the end of 2020, all personal handicaps will be converted directly into the personal handicap index by the DGV (German Golf Association) (handicap = index). The handicap index is automatically recalculated by the DGV (according to the average calculation, see above). The last 20 results from the previous year that were achieved in accordance with the target count. If there are no 20 results from the past year, results from the past four years are used. If there are still not 20 results available, fewer results will be used. The DGV ID card 2021 contains my new personal handicap index.

What else is changing?

Even in the current handicap class I (handicaps up to -4.4), pre-registered private rounds and handicap-relevant 9-hole tournament rounds can be played in the future.

What stays the same?

There is still a personal handicap (new: the handicap index) up to -54. The previous course rating including the slops rating also remains. Furthermore, there is no automatic increase for Handicap Indexes worse than -26.5. With regard to the possible handicap rounds, everything remains the same as before, for example, “pre-registered private rounds” must be registered at the golf club before the round. This also means that private rounds (without submitting the result) can continue to be played as before.

Those: https://www.golf.de/publish/regeln/vorgabensystem/60226343/world-handicap-system-kurz-erklaert