Rules of Handicapping FAQs
Handicap Index Calculation 101
Q. What is a Score Differential™ and how is it calculated?
A. A score of 80 on a difficult course may be a better performance than a 77 on an easier one, and it is the Score Differential calculation that allows this to be captured.
A Score Differential measures the performance of a round in relation to the relative difficulty of the course that was played, measured by the Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ . The result of the daily playing conditions calculation (PCC) is also included in the Score Differential calculation, which may provide an adjustment if course and/or weather conditions significantly impacted scores on that day.
A Score Differential is calculated using the following formula:
(113 / Slope Rating) x (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating - PCC adjustment)
There may be additional adjustments to the Score Differential, such as an exceptional score reduction or Committee-applied adjustment. These would be clearly identified within the scoring record. (Rule 5.1, 5.9 and 7.1a, Rules of Handicapping)