
CDH stands for 'Central Database of Handicaps' and is a unique handicap reference number for golfers. The World Handicap System (WHS) introduced in November 2020 by the governing bodies of amateur golf in Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales, replaced the previous CONGU system and unified the six different handicap structures that were previously in operation globally. The WHS allows golfers to obtain and maintain a handicap index to be used on any course worldwide, enabling them to compete or play casually with fellow golfers on a fair and equal basis.
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CDH stands for 'Central Database of Handicaps'
CDH stands for Central Database of Handicaps. It is a unique handicap reference number that golfers can use on any course worldwide. Golfers can access their CDH ID number online and use it to register and log in to websites such as scottishgolf.org. Here, they can view their current handicap and all their handicap records.
The Central Database of Handicaps is part of the World Handicap System (WHS), which was introduced in November 2020 by the governing bodies of amateur golf in Scotland, England, Ireland, and Wales. The WHS replaced the previous golf handicapping system maintained by CONGU. With the WHS in place, golfers can obtain and maintain a handicap index to use on any course globally, allowing them to compete or play casually with fellow golfers on a fair and equal basis.
The World Handicap System offers flexibility in play formats, allowing both competitive and recreational rounds to count for handicap purposes. It ensures that a golfer's handicap reflects their potential ability. The system recommends a minimum number of scores to obtain a new handicap, suggesting 54 holes from any combination of 18-hole and 9-hole rounds. However, national or regional associations have the discretion to set a different minimum within their jurisdiction.
The WHS provides golfers with a consistent handicap that is portable across courses and countries through the worldwide use of the USGA Course and Slope Rating System. This system is already successfully used in over 80 countries. The calculation of a handicap under the WHS is average-based, considering the best eight out of the last 20 scores and factoring in memory of demonstrated ability for better responsiveness and control.
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CDH is a unique handicap reference number
CDH stands for Central Database of Handicaps and is a unique handicap reference number for golfers. The World Handicap System (WHS) was introduced in November 2020 by the governing bodies of amateur golf in Scotland, England, Ireland, and Wales. This system replaced the previous six different structures in operation across the world of golf.
The WHS provides golfers with a single, global handicap index that they can use on any course worldwide. This allows golfers to compete or play casual rounds with fellow golfers anywhere on a fair and equal basis. The system is based on the USGA Course and Slope Rating System, which is already used in over 80 countries.
A golfer's CDH number is meant to be a lifetime number. However, issues with the old CDH database, which lacked personal information such as email addresses and dates of birth, have made it difficult to identify old or forgotten numbers. In such cases, a new number is issued, resulting in thousands of abandoned or duplicate accounts in the database.
To access your handicap records, you can visit the official website of the golf governing body in your country or region. For example, golfers in Scotland can register and log in to the Scottish Golf website using their CDH number, email address, and password. Once logged in, they can access their current handicap and all stored handicap records.
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CDH is a lifetime number
CDH stands for 'Central Database of Handicaps' and is your unique handicap reference number. Golfers can use this number to obtain and maintain a handicap index, which they can then use on any course worldwide. This allows them to compete with fellow golfers anywhere on a fair and equal basis.
The Central Database of Handicaps is a global system that replaces the six different structures previously in operation throughout the world of golf. This means that a golfer's handicap is now consistent and portable from course to course and country to country. The system uses an average-based calculation of a handicap, taken from the best eight out of the last 20 scores, and factors in memory of demonstrated ability for better responsiveness and control.
To obtain a CDH number, golfers can register with their national golf association. For example, in Scotland, golfers can register on the Scottish Golf website by providing their surname, CDH number, email address, and mobile phone number. Once registered, golfers can log in to access their handicap details, including their current handicap and all handicap records stored for them. These records are used by the system to calculate a golfer's handicap index.
It is important to note that a CDH number is a lifetime number, meaning that it remains the same throughout a golfer's playing career. This unique identifier allows golfers to track their handicap over time and provides a standardised way to measure and compare playing abilities across different courses and countries. Golfers can use their CDH number to enter open golf competitions and showcase their handicap index, which represents their potential ability.
By having a Central Database of Handicaps, golf governing bodies can promote flexibility in formats of play, allowing both competitive and recreational rounds to count for handicap purposes. The CDH system also ensures that golfers can obtain a handicap with a minimal number of scores, typically requiring 54 holes from any combination of 18-hole and 9-hole rounds. However, national or regional associations may set a different minimum within their jurisdiction.
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Golf clubs were asked to 'purge' old records, making it hard to find old CDH numbers
CDH stands for 'Central Database of Handicaps' and is a unique handicap reference number for golfers. In 2020, the governing bodies of amateur golf in Scotland, England, Ireland, and Wales introduced the new World Handicap System (WHS). This unified the six different handicap structures that were previously in operation across the world of golf.
As part of the transition to the new WHS, golf clubs were asked to ''purge' their records. This involved removing members who had left the club, passed away, or were otherwise no longer active. While a CDH number is ideally meant to be a lifetime number, the old CDH database lacked personal information such as email addresses and dates of birth, making it challenging to identify old or forgotten numbers. As a result, there are now thousands of abandoned or duplicate accounts in the new WHS database, and some golfers have had to be issued new numbers.
If a golfer needs to find their old CDH number, they can try contacting their previous club or England Golf at [email protected]. It may be helpful to provide as much information as possible, such as their name, date of birth, last club, address when they were last a member, and any other relevant details. Additionally, they can try searching the CDH database using the "General Reports" and "Find Players" functions, although this may be more difficult if the golfer has left the club some time ago.
While the transition to the new WHS has brought about a more unified and equitable handicapping system for golfers worldwide, the process of purging old records and migrating data has created some challenges in terms of identifying and locating old CDH numbers. Golfers who find themselves in this situation may need to be patient and persistent in their efforts to retrieve their old handicap information.
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The new World Handicap System (WHS) unifies the six different handicap structures worldwide
CDH stands for Central Database of Handicaps and is your unique handicap reference number.
As of 2 November 2020, the governing bodies of amateur golf in Scotland, England, Ireland, and Wales introduced the new World Handicap System (WHS). The WHS replaces the previous golf handicapping system maintained by CONGU.
The WHS unifies the six different handicap structures previously in operation worldwide. The six global handicap systems that were unified are:
- The Rules of Handicapping
- The Course Rating System (formerly the USGA Course Rating System)
- A system from Scotland
- A system from England
- A system from Ireland
- A system from Wales
The WHS brings consistency to golf handicaps worldwide. It is jointly governed by the USGA and The R&A. It is designed to be easy to understand and implement, without sacrificing accuracy, and to meet the varied needs of golfers, golf clubs, and golf authorities.
The WHS allows for flexibility in formats of play, counting both competitive and recreational rounds for handicap purposes. It also ensures that a golfer's handicap is reflective of their potential ability. The system includes safeguards to limit the extreme upward movement of a Handicap Index, the immediate reduction with exceptional scores, and considerations for abnormal course or weather conditions.
To obtain a Handicap Index, a player must play and post a total of 54 holes, which can be a combination of 9-hole and 18-hole rounds. A player's Handicap Index will update daily if they submit a score.
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Frequently asked questions
CDH stands for 'Central Database of Handicaps'.
A CDH number is a unique handicap reference number that golfers can use on any course worldwide.
You can obtain a CDH number by registering with your country's golf association, such as Scottish Golf or England Golf.
Yes, a CDH number is typically a lifetime number that remains with you even if you are no longer a member of a golf club.











































