What Does WD Mean in Golf?
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This abbreviation is most often used in tournament play. You might have seen WD next to a player’s name on a leaderboard on TV and wondered what it stood for.
There are a couple of situations where a player may be listed as WD (withdrawn):
- A player notifies the organizers of the competition prior to the start of their round that they are unable to play for some reason.
- Where a player becomes ill or injured during the round or is unable to complete the round for some other reason (such as a family emergency).
It’s not unheard of in professional events for players that have a particularly bad opening round to withdraw from the second round since they have very little chance of making the halfway cut. They will often cite some sudden injury in order to justify their withdrawal!
I have compiled a list of common abbreviations used in tournaments.
Is WD used by Your Golf Club?
You may also find WD used on the handicap list at your golf club. If your handicap is listed as WD then this means the handicap committee has withdrawn your handicap. This would be in response to a player who has repeatedly failed to meet their responsibilities under the World Handicap System.
For more abbreviations associated with handicapping check out this list.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]
What Does JWD Mean in Golf?
JWD stands for Justified Withdrawl.
This was used in AJGA (American Junior Golf Association Tournaments) where a golfer appeared to have legitimate reasons for not completing the round/competition. For example an injury, illness or family emergency.
Use of this designation meant the withdrawal would be disregarded in terms of their rankings since a withdrawal would normally mean the player is assumed to have “lost” to every other competitor in the field.
It no longer appears to be used, however.
What Does DNS mean in golf?
DNS stands for Did Not Start. The player registered for the competition but failed to turn up.
What Does DQ Mean In Golf?
The abbreviation DQ stands for disqualified. The player has breached the Rules of Golf or the competition.
What Does NS Mean In Golf?
In a multi-round competition, a player who completes at least one round but fails to turn up for subsequent rounds would be listed as NS.
What Does NC Mean In Golf?
NC stands for No Card. A player who starts a round and fails to return their card or sign it would be listed as NC.
What Does MC mean in golf?
MC stands for Missed Cut. In professional events, there is usually a cut after the first 2 rounds. Only the top 65 or 70 players progress to the weekend the rest go home empty-handed.
What Does WD Mean On A Golf Leaderboard?
WD on a golf leaderboard means that the player has withdrawn for some reason. Usually, this will be due to injury or illness.
What Does WD Mean in Masters Golf?
In the Masters golf tournament, a player with WD next to their name has withdrawn from the event. This would be down to illness or injury usually.
What Does W/D mean in golf?
W/D in golf stands for withdrawn. A player who is listed as W/D has suffered an injury or illness that has forced them to quit the tournament.
