Calculate your USGA Handicap Index using the World Handicap System
Your Handicap Index is calculated from the best score differentials among your recent rounds. The World Handicap System uses your lowest 8 of 20 most recent differentials.
Formula
Differential = (Score - Course Rating) × 113 / Slope Rating
A 90 on a course rated 72.0 with slope 125: (90 - 72) × 113 / 125 = 16.3 differential. Average your best differentials × 0.96 for Handicap Index.
Consistent posting (good and bad rounds) gives accurate handicap. Cherry-picking inflates it.
Equitable Stroke Control caps max score per hole based on handicap to limit blow-up holes.
Different course/slope ratings help calibrate your true ability.
Watch your differentials over time to see improvement patterns.
Calculate strokes given/received in matches.
Monitor improvement over time.
Establish official handicap for league play.
Set realistic scoring goals per course.
Course Rating = expected score for a scratch golfer (0 handicap). Slope Rating (55-155, avg 113) indicates difficulty for bogey golfers relative to scratch golfers.
Minimum 3 rounds for a handicap. 5-20 rounds uses varying numbers of differentials. 20+ rounds uses best 8 of most recent 20.
Scratch: 0 or below. Single digit (<10): competitive. 10-18: average recreational golfer. Above 20: still learning.
The "bonus for excellence" encourages playing to your potential. It slightly reduces your handicap to promote improvement.
Your Handicap Index adjusted for course difficulty: Index × (Slope / 113). This is how many strokes you get on a specific course.
No. Handicap is calculated from posted scores, not during play. Post scores after rounds for accurate tracking.