Handicap in golf was first introduced in 1911 so that golfers with different skills could compete together in a balanced way. Understanding the handicap index will help you determine the golf course handicap that is right for you on the particular courses you will be playing. Once the handicaps of these courses have been determined, you and your opponents will be able to fairly compare the final scores even if you have different golfing skills.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Calculating Your Handicap Index
Step 1. Find your Adjusted Gross Score
To calculate the Handicap Index, you need a minimum of 5 golf scores and a maximum of 20.
- Collect at least 5 scores at 18-holes or 10 scores at 9-holes and use them to calculate the Adjusted Gross Score.
- To determine the Adjusted Gross Score (AGS) add up all strokes during play and then subtract the maximum score per hole (according to USGA's Equitable Stroke Control rules). Golf courses generally provide their customers with information regarding the maximum score per hole. Try visiting your golf course website or asking the clubhouse directly.
- For example, if you get 8 strokes on a hole with a maximum score of 5, then you record 5 points (not 8) for that hole when you add up the total strokes during the game.
Step 2. Calculate Your Differential Handicap
Once you have earned AGS, use it to determine the Differential Handicap.
- The formula for calculating the Differential Handicap is Course Rating minus your AGS, multiplied by 113 and divided by Slope Rating, or in other words (AGS – Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating.
- Course Rating is a numerical value given by UGSA to each set of tees in the field. Course Rating estimates the number of strokes a novice golfer must take to complete the course. Try checking the course website or asking the clubhouse directly to find out the Course Rating in your course.
- Slope Rating shows the level of difficulty of a course for ordinary golf players. Slope Rating is calculated by comparing the Course Rating with the scores of the golfers who received the bogey. Again, try checking the field's website or asking the clubhouse directly to find out the Slope Rating of your field.
- For example, suppose your AGS is 85, the Course Rating of the field is 69.3 and the Slope Rating is 117. Then the equation you get is (AGS – Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating, which is (85-69.3)113 / 117, which results in a Handicap Differential 15.2.
Step 3. Calculate Your Handicap Index
The formula for the Handicap Index is the sum of your differentials, divided by the number of differentials, multiplied by 0.96, or (Sum of Differentials / Number of Differentials) x 0.96.
- The number 0.96 from the equation represents the “bonus for excellence” assigned by UGSA to the Handicap Index.
- Determine the number of differentials to be used. If you are using 5-6 scores, use the lowest differential; if you use 7-8 scores, use the two lowest differentials; if you use 9-10 scores, use the lowest three differentials; and so on. You can use up to 20 scores which means a maximum of 10 lowest differentials. For more detailed information regarding the number of differentials that can be used, please see the UGSA Differential Handicap Graph.
- For example, if you use 8 scores, then the differential used is the two lowest differentials. Suppose your two lowest differentials are 10 and 11, add them together and divide the result by 2. Then, multiply the result by 0.96 and round until there are no decimal places. The equation will look like this: 10 +11 = 21; 21 / 2 = 10.5; 20.5 x 0.96 = 10.08. After rounding up your Handicap Index is 10.
Part 2 of 3: Calculating Your Field Handicap
Step 1. Calculate your Handicap Index
If you have not obtained your Handicap Index, then you cannot determine the Field Handicap. Please refer to the previous section to calculate your Handicap Index.
Field Handicap takes into account your skills and the level of difficulty of the field in determining the handicap you get on the course. In other words, how many strokes-based on the Handicap Index-can be subtracted from your final score on the course
Step 2. Find the Slope Rating of your field
Your golf course clubhouse should have that information.
Look up your course's Slope Rating on the course's website or ask directly at the Clubhouse
Step 3. Calculate the Field Handicap
Once you have the Handicap Index and Slope Rating of the field, you can calculate the Field Handicap with the following formula: (Handicap Index) x (Slope Rating) / 113. Round up to no decimal places.
- The divisor of 113 comes from the Standard Slope Rating determined by the UGSA.
- Many fields offer conversion tables so you don't have to do any calculations in determining the Field Handicap. UGSA also offers a comprehensive listing of the Field Handicap conversion tables specific to the course you will be playing.
- For example, if the Handicap Index is 10.0 and the Slope Rating is 117, you could use the following equation: (10.0 x 117) / 113, which results in a Field Handicap of 10.3.
Part 3 of 3: Improving Your Handicap
Step 1. Visit the practice site
The more you practice, the more your game will improve.
- Set a schedule so that you can visit the practice site regularly.
- Use the practice ground to polish your shot, which will show in your playing on the court.
Step 2. Check your equipment
Equipment that doesn't fit or is used too often will have a negative impact on your playing on the field.
- Check that your equipment is still in good condition (handles are not deformed, no worn grooves, etc.). If your equipment is in good condition, invest in spare equipment.
- Use the equipment that is right for you. Equipment that is proportionate to your body has a big impact on the quality of your game.
Step 3. Challenge yourself
Having a challenge will keep your skills sharp and varied.
- Try playing on various fields. Don't just play on the same field. Challenge yourself by playing on new courses you've never played before.
- Play in conditions that are not ideal. If the weather is windy, raining heavily, or other conditions are not suitable for playing golf, don't stay home. Challenge yourself to play in bad weather conditions. This will help you develop a wider and varied ability that you can use when playing in better weather conditions.
Tips
- If you are having trouble calculating your handicap, you can find a Handicap Index calculator online.
- Handicap Index and Field Handicap are two different numbers so they should not be confused and cannot be replaced with each other.
- Some golfers refer to the Handicap Index as simply an 'index', which, while inaccurate, is a general term on the course.
- In general, a Handicap Index of 18 or less is considered good, while a handicap of 10 or less is considered very good, and 5 or less is considered extraordinary.
