How to Compute a Golf Handicap Index
A golf handicap index is a way of measuring a golfer's potential. The handicap is used to help players of differing abilities play against each other competitively. Handicaps are also used in tournaments to rank players into flights of similar ability. You can use your handicap index to track your progression (or regression) over the course of your golfing career.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Minimum of five most recent scores
- Slope and rating of courses played
- Calculator
- Equitable Stroke Control table
Instructions
-
-
1
Gather your most recent scores. You will need a minimum of five, maximum 20, of your most recent scores.
-
2
Use the Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) system to determine if scores need to be adjusted. According to the U.S. Golf Association (USGA), the ESC system sets the maximum number of strokes for any hole depending on the player's course handicap. For players without a handicap, change any scores on any holes where you recorded more than 10 strokes to 10. This is the maximum number of strokes to record for your handicap.
-
-
3
Subtract the rating of the course that the score was established on from the adjusted gross score. Multiply the result by 113. Divide that result by the slope rating of the course. Round the result to the nearest tenth. You now have the handicap differential for that round of golf. Repeat this formula for each round being recorded.
-
4
Take the best 10 differentials of the last 20 rounds (the USGA determines the amount of differentials to be used if less than 20 rounds are recorded. For example, only one differential is used if there are only five rounds.). Add the best differentials together and divide by the amount of differentials used. Multiply the resulting number by 0.96. This is your handicap index.
-
5
Adjust the handicap index by repeating the formula to determine the differential for each subsequent round played. Compare that differential to the last 19 rounds to determine if it needs to be included in the "best of" calculation. Recalculate accordingly.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Equitable Stroke Control (the maximum strokes to record, per hole, for handicapping purposes) is adjusted according to one's current handicap.
Bear in mind that a handicap index is intended to demonstrate a golfer's potential, not their average ability.
