Scottish Golf v's Handicap Master

Ullapool golf club will move systems in 2026 from Handicap Master to Scottish Golf's new VMS system, offering more efficient management and operation features.

We have put together this article to highlight the differences.  The change is for the benefit of the members and growth of the club, including being able to integrate its membership into one system, as well as running club and open competitions, and keep everything club related in the same system.

Here’s a clear explanation of the difference between Scottish Golf VMS and HandicapMaster, and the advantages of each — both are used in golf club operations and handicapping, but they serve quite different roles.

Scottish Golf VMS

Venue Management System (VMS) is Scottish Golf’s club-level all-in-one management platform used by clubs in Scotland (and increasingly across GB&I). It’s a cloud-based, full-service system that integrates many parts of a club’s operations:

• Membership database

• Competitions and event management

• Tee time bookings

• Payments and invoicing

• Scoring, leaderboards and WHS handicap integration

• Integrated mobile app and kiosk scoring

• Website and communications tools
  All these are connected back to the national WHS (World Handicap System) database automatically. (Scottish Golf)

Key idea: VMS is a comprehensive club operations platform, not just a handicap calculator.

HandicapMaster

HandicapMaster is a specialised software application focused on golf handicapping and competition management. It’s widely used by golf clubs and societies across the UK, Ireland, and beyond:

• Calculates handicaps and competition results (WHS compliant)

• Allows score entry from multiple formats

• Manages memberships for handicapping purposes

• Runs a wide variety of competitions and league formats

• Offers online entry, tee sheet booking and result publishing (e.g., to MasterScoreboard.co.uk) depending on edition
  It’s typically installed on a club’s PC (with cloud or network options) rather than a full cloud service.

Key idea: HandicapMaster is a *dedicated *competition & handicap engine with some club admin features.

Core Differences

🔹 Advantages of Scottish Golf VMS

1. Full-Club Platform

• Handles almost every aspect of running a golf club — from bookings and payments to communications and web presence.

2. Seamless WHS Integration

• Directly tied into the national WHS/CDH infrastructure, so handicap updates and score posting are automatic for members.

3. Modern Mobile Experience

• Members can use the My Scottish Golf app to book, score and manage their golf digitally.

4. Cost Efficiency

• No extra software cost for affiliated clubs — it’s included as part of Scottish Golf membership.

5. Broad Toolset

• Includes financial tools, POS integrations, online shop support, and email communications all in one place.

Great for: Clubs wanting an all-encompassing cloud system that reduces admin overhead and offers a modern digital experience for members.

🔹 Advantages of HandicapMaster

1. Specialist Competition & Handicapping

• Very strong at the core tasks of handicap calculation, competition results and detailed reporting.

2. Flexible Competition Formats

• Supports many competition types (Singles, Foursomes, Eclectics, Order of Merit, Knockouts, etc.) with fine-tuned controls.

3. Established & Trusted

• Used by many clubs over many years with strong support and reporting capabilities.

4. Broad Choice of Editions

• Clubs can pick the edition that fits their needs (local society use, club WHS integration, online entry, etc.).

5. Less Overhead

• Simple software setup primarily for competition and handicap secretaries — no need to manage wider club admin modules.

Great for: Clubs or societies whose primary concern is handicap/competition management, especially if they already have other systems for bookings or finances.

Summary

✔️ Scottish Golf VMS

• Best for a modern, integrated, all-in-one system covering club management, membership, bookings, finances and handicap integration — especially for Scottish clubs.

✔️ HandicapMaster

• Best for clubs or societies where competition & handicap management is the core need and they don’t require broader venue management tools, or already use other systems for those.