Golf Glossary
Definition: Adjusted Gross Score
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Adjusted Gross Score
An adjusted gross score is one of the factors used to compute a handicap index.
The adjusted gross score is the same as a golfer's gross score, except for one thing: The number of strokes you can record on any one hole is limited, based on your course handicap.
The maximum strokes you can take are defined by a system, called Equitable Stroke Control. The table below shows the Equitable Stroke Control limits.
| Course Handicap | Maximum Score |
| 0 to 9 |
Double Bogey |
| 10 to 19 |
7 |
| 20 to 29 |
8 |
| 30 to 39 |
9 |
| 40 or More |
10 |
By using an adjusted gross score to compute a handicap index, the USGA eliminates the effect of "disaster holes" (e.g., losing four balls and 4-putting on a single hole). It also prevents sandbaggers from posting unrealistically large scores to raise their handicaps.
What are the equitable stroke control limits if you don't know your course handicap? For a man, the maximum score on a single hole is 9; for a woman, it is 10.