Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Under the World Handicap System, a Home Club is the player’s primary golf club, chosen by the player, that manages the player’s Handicap Index under the Rules of Handicapping. A player with several memberships designates one club and should tell the other clubs about that designation.
How it matters in match play
Home Club does not decide the winner of a match or change the hole-by-hole scoring. It matters before play when players use current Handicap Indexes to establish Course Handicap and Playing Handicap under the competition’s terms. The Home Club’s administration of the scoring record helps ensure the handicap used for the match is the player’s authorised, current record.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Home Club |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 1.3; Rule 1.4b |
| Related concepts | Handicap Index, Handicap Committee, Scoring Record, Authorized Association, Handicap Review |
Worked example
Alex belongs to two clubs and designates Lakeside as his Home Club; for a match against Ben, Alex uses the current Handicap Index managed through Lakeside, then applies the competition’s stated handicap method rather than choosing whichever club gives a more favourable result.
Rule reference: WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 1.3; Rule 1.4b
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Can a golfer have more than one Home Club?
No. A player must designate one golf club as the Home Club responsible for maintaining the Handicap Index. A player who belongs to multiple clubs must tell each club which one has been designated.
How should someone choose a Home Club?
The WHS interpretation says the choice should be based on relevant factors such as proximity to the primary residence, frequency of play, or where most acceptable scores are submitted. It must not be made to obtain an unfair handicap advantage.
Does a Home Club give strokes in match play?
No. The Home Club administers the Handicap Index; it does not allocate match-play strokes. The applicable competition terms determine the handicap calculation and allowance, using the player’s authorised handicap information.
Can a player change their Home Club?
Yes. When changing the designation, the player must inform all clubs of membership and provide the new Home Club with the scoring record, in line with the WHS interpretation of Rule 1.4b.
Is Home Club a Rules of Golf term?
It is a defined term in the World Handicap System’s Rules of Handicapping, not a scoring result or match-play format in the Rules of Golf.
Does every club automatically become a player’s Home Club?
No. The player designates one club, and the club must be affiliated with the relevant Authorized Association and administer handicaps in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping.