Why We Compare to the World Handicap System™ (WHS™)

The World Handicap System™ (WHS™), developed by the USGA and The R&A, is the most widely recognized golf handicap model in the world. It serves as the current standard for how handicaps are calculated and used in official competitions and is governed exclusively by Authorized Associations.

Handicomp, Inc. (GolfHandicap.ai) is not affiliated with the USGA, The R&A, or any Authorized Association, and we do not use the WHS™ calculation formula, the Course Rating System™, or any part of the WHS™ infrastructure. We do not issue Handicap Index® values.

Instead, we offer an independent, A.I.-powered score prediction and handicap model designed to give golfers a forward-looking, personalized view of their expected performance based on historical scoring patterns and nearly 100 variables. Because the WHS™ is so widely known and widely adopted, we provide comparisons for educational and analytical purposes only—to help users understand how our approach differs and what makes it unique.

These comparisons are transparent, data-driven, and made in good faith. Our intention is not to replicate, replace, or misrepresent the WHS™, but to showcase an innovative, predictive approach that may offer additional value to golfers, leagues, and clubs—particularly in informal or non-WHS-based play.

Trademark Notice:

The following trademarks and service marks are owned or licensed by the USGA and the R&A; all rights reserved: World Handicap System™, WHS™, Handicap Index®, Score Differential™, Low Handicap Index™, Course Handicap®, Playing Handicap®, Course Rating System™, Course Rating™, Bogey Rating™, and Slope Rating™.

This website and service are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected in any way to the USGA, The R&A, or the WHS™. Any references to the WHS™ are made solely for legitimate educational and comparative purposes.