Australian Handicapping Rule Changes from 2 October 2025
Golf Australia have advised us that from 2 October 2025, your GA Handicap will be recalculated using updated Australian Rules of Handicapping, aligned with changes to the World Handicap System.
These changes are based on millions of rounds of analysis and will deliver fairer, more consistent results, reflective of actual playing conditions.
Four Key Changes
- Greater equity in daily handicap calculations for women and girls – via a new “Consistency Factor.”
- A fairer formula for 9-hole rounds to more accurately reflect half of an 18-hole handicap.
- Adjusted expected scores for holes not played, using statistical modelling.
- A refined ’Daily Difficulty’ calculation (PCC), back-calculated to 1 January 2023.
Impact on your GA Handicap
Most golfers will see a small change — projected to be less than 0.5 strokes on average. Although some players may see a bigger adjustment based on their unique scoring history.
How to Access Your Updated Handicap
From 2 October, you can view your GA Handicap:
- In the new Official Golf Australia App
- In your personal golfer portal at the new GOLF.com.au website
What you can do before October 2
- Check your golf.org.au account details are up to date.
- If you don’t already have an account and you want to view your handicap history online or use the new app, create an account at golf.org.au.
- If you need to change the email address associated with your account, please register for a new account here: www.golf.org.au/registration
The changes are automatic within the handicap system, so golfers aren’t required to do anything else at this stage.
You can read more detail about the changes on the Golf Australia website here.
FAQs
1. Why is Golf Australia updating the handicapping rules?
Golf Australia is aligning the Australian Rules of Handicapping with updates to the World Handicap System (WHS). This ensures handicaps are fair, consistent, and globally aligned. The timing coincides with the launch of Golf Australia CONNECT, the new Official Golf Australia App, and golfer portal on GOLF.com.au, allowing all changes to take effect in one seamless transition.
2. Why is the ‘Daily Difficulty’ being back-calculated to 1 January 2023?
To remove any mismatch between old and new formulas and ensure Australia’s handicaps are fully aligned with WHS standards. This retroactive adjustment provides golfers with the most accurate and fair handicap possible from day one.
3. Will my past rounds change?
No, your past scores and results will stay the same. What changes is the calculation of your current handicap from 2 October. However, the Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) will be back-applied to scores from 1 January 2023, so that handicaps are based on the most accurate playing conditions data.
4. What if a member still has questions or concerns about their handicap after 2 October?
We encourage Members with individual handicap concerns to contact the Golf Australia Customer Service Centre, which has been expanded to assist with golfer enquiries during the transition.
They can be contacted 7 days a week on:
- Email: help@golf.com.au
- Web: help.GOLF.com.au
- Phone: 03 7037 0400
Regards
Geoff Kuehner
CEO
The Brisbane Golf Club
