CDH ID Number

If you've ever entered an open competition online, you'll probably have been asked for a "CDH number" — a unique handicap reference that lets the host club verify your Handicap Index without you needing to bring a paper certificate to the first tee. Here's exactly what it is, how to find yours, and what to do if you can't.

CDH stands for Central Database of Handicaps. It was the GB&I-wide system used under CONGU (the previous handicapping body) to store and verify every affiliated golfer's handicap record.

Strictly speaking the term "CDH ID" is now historic — under the World Handicap System it has been rebranded (in England, as the WHS / England Golf membership number; equivalents exist in Scotland, Wales and Ireland). But in practice nobody uses the new terminology. Golfers, club secretaries and entry forms all still say "CDH ID" or "CDH number," and the numbers themselves were ported directly across when WHS launched in November 2020 — so your old CDH number is your WHS ID. They are the same thing.

Throughout the rest of this page we use "CDH ID" because that's the term you'll see on most open competition entry forms.

A CDH ID is a unique 10-digit number that typically starts with 10. It's allocated to you for life when you first join an affiliated club, and it stays with you even if you change clubs, take a break from membership, or move home. Your scoring record is permanently linked to it.

When you enter an open competition at a club that isn't your own, the host club has no way of verifying your handicap on the day. Your CDH ID lets them look up your current Handicap Index on the WHS platform and confirm three things:

• That you are a current member of an affiliated golf club (or hold an independent handicap via iGolf or similar).
• That you hold a recognised, up-to-date Handicap Index.
• That your Index is at or below the maximum entry level set by the host club for that event.

It saves everyone time, removes the need for a printed handicap certificate on the day, and stops golfers entering events under an out-of-date or unverifiable handicap.

1. Check your club app or online member portal. Most clubs use ClubV1, BRS, IG (intelligentgolf), HowDidiDo or similar. Your CDH ID is usually shown on your profile page or near your Handicap Index.
2. The MyEG app (England only). Download the MyEG app from the App Store or Google Play, sign in, and your CDH number (now badged as your membership number) appears on the dashboard.
3. Your handicap certificate. If your club issues a printed or PDF certificate, your CDH ID will be on it.
4. Ask your club / handicap secretary. Five-minute job. Most secretaries are well used to this question.
5. Look at previous open competition entries. If you've entered an event before, the confirmation email or your account on the host club's entry system will often show the CDH you entered with.

The CDH database is GB&I-wide and your number works across all four home nations, but the app or platform you use to find it differs:

• England — MyEG app, or your club's member portal
• Scotland — Scottish Golf app, or your club's member portal
• Wales — Wales Golf platform, or your club's member portal
• Ireland — Golf Ireland online services, or your club's member portal

In each case, your home club / county / national association can confirm your number if you can't find it through an app.

If you hold an independent Handicap Index through iGolf (England) or one of the equivalent independent golfer schemes in Scotland, Wales or Ireland, then yes — you have a unique WHS membership number that performs the same role as a CDH ID. It is shown in the MyEG app (or the equivalent for your home nation).

Whether you can use it to enter a particular open is up to the host club. Some clubs welcome iGolf entries; others restrict entry to affiliated club members only. Always check the event's terms before entering. See our World Handicap System guide for more on iGolf and independent handicaps.

"I think I've got two CDH numbers."
This is more common than you'd think. If you've changed clubs, or your old club's records weren't tidied up properly before WHS migrated everything across in 2020, you might have ended up with duplicate records. Call your current club's handicap secretary — they can contact the relevant national body to have the records merged so your full playing history is restored.

"I'm a returning golfer — will I get my old number back?"
Yes, in most cases. CDH IDs are intended to be lifelong. When you rejoin a club (or sign up to iGolf), provide them with your old CDH number if you can find it — your previous scoring record and Handicap Index should be reinstated.

"My CDH number isn't being accepted on an entry form."
Most online entry systems verify your number live against the WHS database. If it's not accepted, double-check you've entered all 10 digits correctly and that there are no extra spaces. If the problem persists, contact the host club directly — occasionally it's a system glitch at their end.

"I can't remember my CDH and my club is closed for winter."
The national bodies (England Golf, Scottish Golf, Wales Golf, Golf Ireland) can usually help with this if you contact their handicap helpdesks directly. Have your full name, date of birth and previous club details ready.

Most clubs now verify handicaps electronically through your CDH ID, so a printed certificate is no longer required. However, it remains a good idea to take a current copy with you — or have it on your phone — just in case the host club's system is offline or they need to confirm something on the day. It costs you nothing and can save a frustrating exchange at the registration desk.

• The World Handicap System explained — how Handicap Index, Course Handicap and Playing Handicap work
• Why enter an open competition?
• Open competitions FAQ — everything else you need to know

Now that you've got your CDH ID sorted, there are over 10,000 open competitions waiting for you across the UK.

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