The European Golf Association (EGA), together with The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA), recently hosted a World Handicap System (WHS) Course Rating Calibration Seminar at Bogogno Golf Resort in Italy.

The event brought together 75 delegates from 24 nations, all sharing a common goal: to ensure that golf courses across Europe are rated in a consistent and standardised way. This alignment allows handicap indices obtained at any course to remain fully portable throughout Europe and around the world.

The programme featured both a Training Seminar for newer raters and a Calibration Seminar for experienced raters. Sessions combined practical demonstrations, methodological discussions, and opportunities for knowledge exchange among experts from across the continent.

“It was very inspiring to see raters from different nations and golfing cultures get together and share experiences and knowledge,” said Jan Visser, Chairman of the EGA’s Handicapping and Course Rating Committee.

“It's essential for the World Handicap System that course raters from different countries work in the same manner to ensure the portability of handicaps across borders. We were delighted to have such strong international participation at the seminar in Italy. We extend our gratitude to the World Handicap Authority for their continued collaboration, and to the Federazione Italiana Golf and Bogogno Golf Resort for their warm hospitality.”

The European Golf Association is responsible for the oversight, implementation, and administration of the World Handicap System as the exclusive authorised handicapping body in Continental Europe. Since the launch of the WHS, the EGA has supported its member associations in implementing the system, working toward a single, unified handicapping standard for golfers worldwide.