World Handicap System
Find player guidance, key World Handicap System information and the latest men’s and ladies’ Course Handicap Index charts for Enniscorthy Golf Club—all in one place.
Understanding your Handicap Index
The World Handicap System provides golfers with a portable Handicap Index that can be used across rated golf courses. Your Course Handicap and Playing Handicap may change depending on the tees, course difficulty and format of play.
Best 8 of 20
A Handicap Index is normally calculated using the best eight score differentials from the player’s most recent twenty scores.
Course Rating
Course Rating measures the playing difficulty of a set of tees for a scratch golfer under normal conditions.
Slope Rating
Slope Rating indicates the relative difficulty of a course for bogey golfers compared with scratch golfers.
Initial Handicap
New players can receive an initial Handicap Index after submitting acceptable scores covering a total of 54 holes.
What players need to know
Handicap Index
Your Handicap Index is the portable measure of demonstrated ability and is calculated to one decimal place.
Course Handicap
Course Handicap adjusts the Handicap Index to the tees and difficulty of the course being played.
Playing Handicap
Playing Handicap applies the relevant allowance for the format of play and determines the strokes received in competition.
Daily Updates
Handicap Indexes can be recalculated after new acceptable scores are processed.
General Play Scores
Players should pre-register an acceptable general-play score before starting, using the method prescribed by the club.
Golf Ireland Account
Members should use Golf Ireland’s website or app to view their Handicap Index and player record.
WHS player resources
These downloadable guides explain the principles, terminology and practical operation of the World Handicap System.
WHS Player Presentation
A detailed player presentation covering Handicap Indexes, acceptable scores, Course and Slope Ratings, Playing Handicaps and score submission.
Open PresentationFrequently Asked Questions
A concise WHS FAQ covering common questions about Handicap Indexes, scores, formats, calculations and player responsibilities.
Open WHS FAQPlayer Reference Guide
A downloadable player reference guide with practical information about the World Handicap System and the Rules of Handicapping.
Open Reference GuideMen’s Handicap Index charts
Open or download the chart for the tees and number of holes being played. The current website charts are dated 23 June 2025.
Men’s Course Handicap Indexes
Course Rating minus Par methodology
Blue Tees
White Tees
Yellow Tees
Ladies’ Handicap Index charts
Open or download the current red-tee charts for 18 holes, the front nine or the back nine.
Ladies’ Red Course Handicap Indexes
Course Rating minus Par methodology
Red Tees
Before your round
Check your current Handicap Index, identify the tees being used and consult the relevant Course Handicap chart.
During your round
Play by the Rules of Golf, make the best score possible and have your score certified by an authorised marker.
After your round
Return or submit the score in the manner directed by the club so it can be processed for handicap purposes where applicable.
Need help with WHS or your Handicap Index?
Contact the club office if you need your Golf Ireland details, help accessing your account or clarification about the club’s handicap procedures and Course Handicap charts.
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