Playing golf abroad? Here’s how to submit a score under the World Handicap System

By , Contributing Editor (mainly contributing unwanted sarcasm and iffy golf takes, to be honest)

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You can add overseas scores to your World Handicap record – if you follow the correct process.

Many golfers think they can’t submit overseas scores – but you can, as long as you follow the correct process. Here’s how it works…

As we get into summer holiday season, there’s a chance you may be lucky enough to play some golf abroad. Playing overseas often means getting to experience different course styles and conditions – which is great fun and improves you as a golfer.

But what does it mean for your handicap?

Given we have a World Handicap System (WHS), introduced in 2020, you might assume you can simply fire up your usual app and submit scores as normal. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

“Currently, golfers in England can submit scores from Scotland, Wales, and Ireland via the MyEG app,” Sarah Barter, Head of Handicapping and Course Rating at England Golf, tells TG. “If your home course is in England and you’re playing outside one of those territories, you won’t be able to submit scores via the app.”

That said, not being able to use the app doesn’t mean you can’t submit an overseas scorecard – though that’s a common misconception.

The World Handicap System was introduced to make golf fairer and more inclusive, but with suggestions it’s being manipulated by unscrupulous individuals, the R&A is taking action.

The handicap system does permit golfers to submit Overseas Scores to their handicap record, provided the usual criteria are met:

  • The golfer has declared their intention to submit the score prior to play.
  • The round has been played in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping and the Rules of Golf.
  • The score has been attested / witnessed by a fellow golfer.

It’s not as simple as entering a round from your home country, but it’s still possible.

“Upon completion of the round, it is the golfer’s responsibility to ensure that the score is returned to their home club, where the Handicap Committee can manually input the score into their handicap record,” Barter explains.

If you’re lucky enough to have memberships in multiple countries, it’s on you to keep your handicap and scoring records consistent across the board.

The changes to the World Handicap System will give more powers to golf clubs.

“For golfers who hold memberships at both a club in England and Overseas, it is essential that their scores are reported to both clubs and that identical handicap records are maintained,” Barter says.

Wouldn’t it be great if the World Handicap System truly lived up to its name – and you could submit scores in Kyrgyzstan as easily as you can in Kent?

Well, that dream scenario might not be too far off.

“We are actively working with the R&A on increasing interoperability, which allows golfers to return scores from more countries,” Barter adds. “We are confident this will be happening soon.”


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