Is the World Handicap System app another step into golf's future?
The World Handicap System was launched in 2020 and the England Golf app accompanied it in November of the same year.
Golf stepped into a new realm last year when the World Handicap System was introduced, changing the whole way in which course handicaps are determined.
The system was developed by The R&A and the USGA to provide all golfers with a consistent measure of their playing ability and a more inclusive handicapping system.
When you arrive at a course to play, you will have a handicap index which you measure against the slope rating of the course and tees you are playing off. This will give you a course handicap for that day.
Recently, England Golf revealed that they had received thousands of emails with questions from club members concerning their handicaps and membership numbers.
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The organisation launched the My England Golf app which allows players to access their handicap index, submit social scores to go towards their handicap and calculate their handicap index at any course.
The app also allows you to track your overall playing record and follow friends on the online network. I think the app is another clear development in the history of modern golf.
In terms of regular golfers and their handicap management, there has never been an app such as My England Golf that allows players to take control of their game and keep track of their progress.
It is often that the technological advances in golf benefit professional players the most, as they can take advantage of the latest clubs and equipment to their full potential.
My England Golf is a significant development that has provided a glimpse into the future of local golf and how general things in life are entering into the digital world.
You could argue that an app that club golfers rely on could leave behind some of the older and experienced players who aren't as familiar with technology as younger people, but they won't be left behind as scorecard submission is still a common denominator of the old and new handicap systems.
The World Handicap System has advanced the regular player's chance to engage with a wider golfing community and it is a significant step forward for the sport at a grassroots level.
