Topic - Handicap Index Calculation
What you should know - In 150 words or less
Your Handicap Index is a portable number that represents your demonstrated golfing ability. It is based on your past scores relative to the difficulty of the course and tees played, as well as the playing conditions during each one of those rounds.
To calculate your Handicap Index, your 8 best Score Differentials from your most recent 20 scores are averaged, and additional safeguards are included that:
- Prevent excessive upward movement within one year (see caps), and
- Further reduce a Handicap Index after an exceptional score is posted (see exceptional score reduction).
The following table shows how a Handicap Index is calculated for players with fewer than 20 scores in their scoring record.
Additional Resources:
- Quick Read Flipbook - Player Reference Guide on the Rules of Handicapping
Read the Rules:
- See Rule 5 - Rules of Handicapping