Golf Handicap Tutorial: Handicap Index 

Lesson 2: Handicap Index

A handicap index is a general measure of a golfer's skill. The higher the number, the lower the golfer's ability.

How a Handicap Index Is Used

The USGA established the handicap system to allow golfers of different skill levels to compete on a level playing field.

The handicap index is used to establish a course handicap. Players are allowed to deduct strokes from their scores, based on their course handicaps. A weaker player is allowed to deduct more strokes on certain holes than a stronger player.

At the end of the round, each golfer computes his or her "net score" - the gross score minus strokes that could be deducted. The golfer with the lowest net score wins.

How to Compute a Handicap Index: The Easy Way

The easiest way to compute a handicap index is to use a Handicap Index Calculator. Here are two good options.

• Online handicap index calculator. Try the free, user-friendly online handicap index calculator found on this site.
  
  
• Handicap calculator for windows. Since you don't have to go online to use it, an even easier option is Golf Medley's Handicap Calculator for Windows. You can download it to your computer for free, and it computes both your handicap index and your course handicap.

Both calculators require identical inputs and provide identical outputs.

How to Compute a Handicap Index: The Hard Way

If you really want to compute a handicap index by hand, here's how.

• Gather historical record. Your handicap index is based on results from your most recent rounds of golf. You should use at least 5 rounds, and you can use up to 20 rounds - the more the better.
  
  For each round, you will need three pieces of information: course rating, slope rating, and adjusted gross score. The course rating and slope rating will be displayed on the course scorecard.
  
  
• Compute handicap differentials. Use the following formula to compute a handicap differential for each round of golf.
  
  

  Handicap Differential = [ (Score - Course Rating) * 113 ] / Slope Rating

  For example, suppose the adjusted gross score was 80, the slope rating was 117, and the course rating was 66.5. Then, the handicap differential would be [ (80 - 66.5) * 113 ] / 117 or 13.0.
  
  
• Identify key differentials. Consult the table below to determine how many differentials will be used to compute the handicap index.
  
  

  Number of Rounds	Differentials Used
  5 to 6	1 Lowest
  7 to 8	2 Lowest
  9 to 10	3 Lowest
  11 to 12	4 Lowest
  13 to 14	5 Lowest
  15 to 16	6 Lowest
  17	7 Lowest
  18	8 Lowest
  19	9 Lowest
  20	10 Lowest

  
  
  Thus, with 6 rounds, use only the lowest differential; with 20 rounds, use the lowest ten differentials.
  
  
• Compute handicap index. Compute the average of the differentials used. Then, multiply the average by 0.96. The result is the handicap index. (Note: Drop digits after the tenths, without rounding.)

If you choose to do these computations by hand, be sure to check your work. Then, pour yourself a cool one. You've earned it.

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