For 2026/27 Scottish Golf have advised Clubs that we can review the previously mandatory 95% restriction of Course Handicaps when playing Singles or Fourball competitions. The Cub conducted a consultation on this with our members, analysed the possible effect of changes on results, and considered official advice from Scottish Golf on the most appropriate restriction for Winterfield competitions. Following this process, the Club has decided that in both men’s and women’s competitions Playing Handicaps this year will be 100% of our Course Handicaps.
This means that we won’t have to calculate a separate Playing Handicap – subject only to the maximum PH of 28 for men’s comps, and 24 in most men’s Opens (28 in the Seniors’ Open).
This will only affect singles and fourball strokeplay and stableford competitions. It will not change matchplay, where we already use the full Course Handicap.
We do not believe this will significantly affect competition results – but we will review it again after the summer to check this. It will mean that working out strokes in both strokeplay and stableford will be simpler than before. We hope that members will appreciate the change.