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Rules of Handicapping FAQs

Handicap Index Calculation 101

Q. How is a Handicap Index® calculated?

A. A Handicap Index can be calculated with as few as three 18-hole scores. When less than 20 scores are in your scoring record, a fewer number of scores are used to calculate your Handicap Index.

Once you have 20 scores in your scoring record, your Handicap Index is calculated by first averaging the best 8 Score Differentials™ out of your most recent 20 scores. This value may be adjusted due to built-in safeguards that are applied when:

  • You submit an exceptional score, which is 7.0 strokes or better than your Handicap Index at the time the round is played, or
  • Your 8 of 20 calculation is 3.0 or more strokes above your Low Handicap Index™ from the previous 365 days.

If either one of those safeguards are applied, it will be clearly identified in your scoring record. (Rule 5, Rules of Handicapping)