Golf Australia is moving handicaps to a new platform and introducing four key rule changes—here’s what every Aussie golfer needs to know.
From October 2, Golf Australia is moving handicaps and the golfer portal to GOLF.com.au – a new, unified website for golfers, fans and clubs.
Golf Australia says, “from October 2, head to GOLF.com.au for all Golf Australia content,” and the current site will redirect automatically.
The timing lines up with updates to the Australian Rules of Handicapping.
Golf Australia notes that almost every club member should expect some change to their GA Handicap, projected to be less than 0.5 on average. As part of the transition, Playing Conditions Calculations (PCC) will also be back‑calculated to 1 January 2023.
What’s changing in the handicap system?
Consistency Factor added to Daily Handicap – A new factor recognises differences in scoring consistency; on average it produces a slight (~5%) increase to women’s Daily Handicaps.
New 9‑hole Daily Handicap formula – A 9‑hole Daily Handicap will now be about half of your 18‑hole number, with clubs able to adopt a simple 1–9 stroke index if they wish.
Expected Score for holes not played – If you only complete 8–17 holes, the system uses a statistically modelled expected score rather than net par to fill the gaps.
Refined Daily Difficulty (PCC) – The PCC is being tuned to recognise abnormal conditions a little more often, with Australian PCCs back‑dated to 1 January 2023 during the transition.
For most golfers, there’s nothing to do—the software updates automatically. You’ll see your handicap and scoring history in the new golfer portal on GOLF.com.au once it’s live.
If you want to read the official detail, Golf Australia’s full explainer on the 2025 changes is here, and the site‑move announcement is here.
Quick FAQ
When is the change happening?
The new website and handicap experience go live on Thursday, 2 October 2025.
Will my GA Handicap change?
Yes, most golfers will see a change, typically less than 0.5 on average when the new settings and PCC back‑calculation take effect.
Do I need to do anything?
No action needed. The formulas update behind the scenes, and you’ll access your details via the new golfer portal at GOLF.com.au.
Is there any downtime?
Golf Australia indicates handicap services will be offline from 28 September, 10pm AEST until 2 October, with some clubs transitioning up to 10 October.
What’s new for 9‑hole rounds?
Your 9‑hole Daily Handicap will usually be about 50% of your 18‑hole number, and clubs may use a simple 1–9 stroke index if they choose.
