Understanding Your Handicap
Depending on your gender and which tees you play from, your Handicap Index converts to a Course Handicap based on the USGA Slope Rating of the course played. A player's Handicap Index is formulated using differentials in his or her scoring record. Differentials are calculated using players' adjusted gross scores and the USGA Course and Slope Ratings on which they are played.
The USGA Handicap Index Formula
An example of how a differential is calcuated:
| Adjusted Gross Score - USGA Course Rating: | 92 - 70.5 = 21.5 |
| Difference X Standard Slope Rating: | 21.5 X 113 = 2429.5 |
| Result / Slope Rating: | 2429.5 / 125 = 19.436 |
| Handicap Differential (Rounded): | 19.4 |
It takes a minimum of 5 scores to receive a USGA Handicap Index but a more
accurate Index is calculated when 20 scores are posted. The typical scoring
record displays the players past 20 scores, highlighting his best 10
differentials. The best 10 differentials are used to calculate the player's USGA
Handicap Index.
An example of how a USGA Handicap Index is calculated:
| Total of lowest 10 Handicap Differentials: | 160.0 |
| Average: | 160 / 10 = 16 |
| Average multiplied by .96: | 15.36 |
| Delete all digits after the tenth: | 15.3 |
| Handicap Index: | 15.3 |
This index demonstrates a measure of this player's potential ability. On average,
players will shoot 3 to 4 shots higher than their Target Score. Target Score is
the term used to describe what a player would shoot when he/she plays their
best.
Course Handicap and Target Score
Player "A" has a USGA Handicap Index of 15.3. "A" is playing today's
round from the blue tees at his home club, which have a 72.1 USGA Course Rating
and a 132 USGA Slope Rating. By using the USGA Handicap Conversion
Chart, "A" calculates his Course Handicap to be 18. By adding his
Course Handicap to the USGA Course Rating, "A" determines his
Target Score for the day is 72.1 + 18 = 90. This is what "A" has the
potential to shoot if he plays to his ability. On average, "A" is
expected to shoot 93 - 94.
Now that Player "A" knows what he has the
ability to shoot on this particular course, there are some things he needs to
know about posting the score he actually shoots...
Score Posting and Equitable Stroke Control
"A" plays his round and shoots what would be considered an average score for
him, 93. Before "A" can post his score he needs to examine his individual hole
scores to see if on any hole he exceeded his Equitable Stroke Control
limit. Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) refers to the maximum number of
strokes per hole a player may record for handicap purposes. This subsequent
downward adjustment of strokes helps keep a player's handicap index "in check"
so that the system can still recognize his / her true potential as a player. The
number of strokes a player can record for any hole is incumbent on his / her
Course Handicap.
| 18-Hole Course Handicap | Maximum ESC Number On Any Hole |
| 9 or less | Double Bogey |
| 10 through 19 | 7 |
| 20 through 29 | 8 |
| 30 through 39 | 9 |
| 40 or more | 10 |
**Implementing ESC is not an option and any player who fails to do so is deemed to
not have a valid USGA Handicap Index.**
To learn more, select one of the following links: