How to Calculate Your Golf Handicap

The golf handicap was introduced in 1911 to allow golfers of differing abilities to play together in a relatively evenly-matched way. Knowing your Handicap Index will allow you to determine what your Course Handicap should be for the specific golf course on which you’re playing. When you and your golfing partner(s) have determined your specific Course Handicaps, you can then tally your final scores in such a way that you can compare them fairly, even if you play at different skill levels.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Calculating Your Handicap Index

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1
Find your adjusted gross score. To calculate your Handicap Index, you’ll first need a minimum of five golf scores (and no more than 20).^{[1]XResearch source}
- Gather at least five scores 18-hole scores or ten 9-hole scores and use them to calculate your Adjusted Gross Score.
- To determine your Adjusted Gross Score (AGS), total up the number of strokes taken during a round, then adjust for the maximum per-hole scores (determined by the USGA’s Equitable Stroke Control guidelines). Most golf courses make the information on maximum per-hole scores available to the general public. Check the course’s website or inquire at the clubhouse.
- For example, if you took 8 strokes on a hole whose maximum-per hole score is 5, you would count 5 strokes (not 8) for that hole when adding up your total number of strokes for the game.
2
Calculate your Handicap Differential. Once you have your AGS, use it to determine your handicap differential.^{[2]XResearch source}
- The equation for a Handicap Differential is the AGS minus Course rating, multiplied by 113, and divided by the Slope Rating, or (AGS - Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating.
- The Course Rating is the numerical value given by the UGSA to each set of tees on a course. It approximates the number of strokes it should take a scratch golfer to complete the course. Most courses make this information available via the course website or at the clubhouse.
- The Slope Rating shows the difficulty of a course for an average golfer and is calculated by comparing the Course Rating to the scores of bogey golfers. Most golf courses make the Slope Rating available to their guests; again, check their website or at the clubhouse.
- For example, say your AGS is 85, the Course Rating is 69.3, and the Slope Rating is 117. You would have the equation (AGS - Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating, or (85 - 69.3) x 113 / 117, which results in a Handicap Differential of 15.2.
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3
Calculate your Handicap Index. The formula for your 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.^{[3]XResearch source}
- The figure of 0.96 in the equation represents the “bonus for excellence” that the UGSA has figured into the Handicap Index.
- Determine the number of differentials to be used. If you’re using 5-6 scores, use the lowest differential; if you have scores from 7-8 rounds, use the lowest two differentials; if you have scores from 9-10 rounds, use the lowest three differentials; and so on). You can use up to 20 scores (for which you would use the 10 lowest differentials). For more detail on how many differentials to use, see the UGSA Handicap Differentials Chart.
- For example, if you’re using 8 scores, you’ll be using the lowest two differentials. Let’s say your two lowest differentials are 10 and 11. To average them, add them together, and then divide the resulting number by 2. Then multiply the result by 0.96, and drop any digits beyond the tenths place. The equation would look like this: 10 + 11 = 21; 21 / 2 = 10.5; 10.5 x 0.96 = 10.08. Dropping the digit beyond the tenths place gives you a handicap index of 10.0 (remember not to round up).

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Calculating Your Course Handicap

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1
Calculate your Handicap Index. If you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to calculate your Handicap Index in order to determine your Course Handicap (see previous section).
- Your Course Handicap takes into account your ability and the course’s difficulty in order to show you your handicap for that particular course, or, in other words, how many strokes--based on your Handicap Index--you can deduct from your final score for this particular course.
2
Find the Slope Rating of your course. Most golf courses make this information available to players at the club house.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Look for the course’s Slope Rating on the course website or ask an employee at the course’s clubhouse.
3
Calculate your Course Handicap. Once you have your Handicap Index and the course’s Slope Rating, you can total up your Course Handicap using the formula: (Handicap Index) x (Slope Rating) / 113. Round to the nearest whole number.^{[5]XResearch source}
- You divide by 113 because it represents the Standard Slope Rating established by the UGSA.
- Many courses offer conversion charts that allow you to skip the formula altogether when looking up your Course Handicap. The UGSA also offers a comprehensive listing of Course Handicap conversion charts specific to the course you’ll be playing on.
- For example, if you have a handicap index of 10.0 and a slope rating of 117, you would use the following equation: (10.0 x 117) / 113, which results in a course handicap of 10.3.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Improving Your Handicap

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1
Go to the range. The more practice you have with your strokes, the better your performance on the links will be.
- Make it a habit to frequent the range regularly and often.
- Use your practice at the range to perfect your stroke, which will translate into better form when it counts.
2
Check your equipment. Having ill-fitting or over-used equipment can have a noticeably negative impact on your game.
- Check that your equipment is still in good working order (no disintegrating grips, no worn-down grooves, etc.). If it isn’t, invest in replacements.
- Get your equipment properly fitted to you. Having equipment properly sized to your body can make a significant difference to the quality of your game.^{[6]XResearch source}
3
Challenge yourself. Challenging yourself will help keep your skills sharp and diversified.
- Play different courses. Don’t get stuck only playing at your home course--challenge yourself by playing on new and different courses that will help you practice a variety of skills.
- Play in less-than-ideal conditions. If it’s windy, rainy, or otherwise less-than-ideal outside, don’t stay home--instead, challenge yourself by playing in the more difficult conditions. Doing so will help you develop a broader, more diverse range of skills that you can then use to your advantage when playing in comparatively easier conditions.

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How is a scramble handicap determined?
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For a two-player scramble, add 35% of the lower handicap and 15% of the higher handicap. The total will be the team's handicap.For a four-player scramble, add 20% of the lowest handicap, 15% of the second-lowest handicap, 10% of the third-lowest handicap, and 5% of the highest handicap. The total will be the team's handicap.In both cases, handicaps are based on each player's course handicap.
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Is it better to have a high or low handicap?
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A lower handicap reflects a better player. When I started playing years ago I was amused to learn that very good amateurs actually play to a Positive Handicap! Imagine that - having to give strokes to the course! Sadly there are those who 'massage' their handicaps to have a higher handicap and then play to well below in tournaments to win handsomely. Totally betrays the ethics of golf. Personally I strive for a low handicap as it marks a personal achievement.
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What if you have to stop a round after 16 holes?
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As long as you have played 13 holes, you can enter your score. For the missing holes, enter par plus the strokes your handicap allows.
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In general, a Handicap Index of 18 or below is considered good, while a Handicap Index of less than 10 is considered very good, and of 5 or less exceptional.^{[7]XResearch source}
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If your math skills are rusty or you’re having trouble with the formulas, you can find a number of Handicap Index Calculators online.
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The Handicap Index and Course Handicap are two distinct numbers and shouldn’t be confused or used interchangeably.
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