Golf Glossary
Definition: Handicap Index
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Handicap Index
A handicap index is a number that indicates a golfer's aptitude for scoring.
For example, a handicap index of 18.3 suggests that a golfer will shoot between 18 and 19 strokes over par on a course of average difficulty. He or she would receive more strokes on a more challenging course; less strokes on a less challenging course.
The handicap index is used to compute a course handicap, which indicates exactly how many strokes a golfer gets on a particular course.