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Golf Handicap Calculator

Calculate your official golf handicap index using the World Handicap System (WHS). Track your scores and monitor your improvement over time.

Score Entry

Score History

No scores recorded yet. Add your first score above.

Handicap Index

0.0
Handicap Index
Based on 0 most recent scores
Scratch to Low Handicap
Excellent golfer
0
Total Rounds
0
Scores Used
0.0
Avg Differential
0.0
Best Differential

Course Handicap Calculator

0
Course Handicap

Playing Handicap

0
Playing Handicap
Full handicap for stroke play

Improvement Tracking

Trend (last 5 rounds):Need more rounds
Consistency:Need more rounds
Target for next round:N/A

How to Use the Golf Handicap Calculator

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Enter the course rating and slope rating from the scorecard
  2. Input your gross score for the round
  3. Select the Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) if applicable
  4. Click "Add Score" to record the round
  5. Repeat for at least 5 rounds to get an accurate handicap
  6. Your handicap index will update automatically

Understanding the Numbers

  • Course Rating: Expected score for a scratch golfer
  • Slope Rating: Difficulty for bogey golfer vs scratch (85-155)
  • Score Differential: Adjusted score relative to course difficulty
  • Handicap Index: Your official handicap (portable between courses)
  • Course Handicap: Strokes you get on a specific course

World Handicap System (WHS)

Key Features

Score Differentials: Calculated using the formula: (Adjusted Gross Score - Course Rating) × 113 ÷ Slope Rating + PCC
Best 8 of 20: Handicap Index is the average of the best 8 score differentials from your most recent 20 rounds
Minimum Rounds: Need at least 5 rounds to establish a handicap, with different calculations for 5-19 rounds
Daily Revisions: Handicap Index updates after each round is posted

Calculation Rules

5-6 rounds: Lowest 1 differential × 96%
7-8 rounds: Lowest 2 differentials × 96%
9-11 rounds: Lowest 3 differentials × 96%
12-14 rounds: Lowest 4 differentials × 96%
15-16 rounds: Lowest 5 differentials × 96%
17-18 rounds: Lowest 6 differentials × 96%
19 rounds: Lowest 7 differentials × 96%
20+ rounds: Lowest 8 differentials

Example Calculations

Score Differential Example

Scenario: You shot 85 on a course with:

• Course Rating: 72.0

• Slope Rating: 130

• PCC: 0

Calculation:

(85 - 72.0) × 113 ÷ 130 + 0 = 11.3

Score Differential: 11.3

Course Handicap Example

Scenario: Handicap Index of 15.2 playing:

• Course Slope: 125

• Course Par: 72

Calculation:

15.2 × 125 ÷ 113 + (72 - 72) = 16.8

Course Handicap: 17 (rounded)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many rounds do I need to get a handicap?

You need a minimum of 5 rounds to establish a handicap index. However, 20 rounds provide the most accurate representation of your playing ability.

What's the difference between Handicap Index and Course Handicap?

Handicap Index is your portable handicap that works on any course. Course Handicap is the number of strokes you receive on a specific course based on its difficulty.

How often does my handicap update?

Under the World Handicap System, your handicap index updates the day after you post a score, allowing for daily revisions.

What is Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC)?

PCC adjusts score differentials when playing conditions are significantly different from normal, ranging from -1 to +3 strokes.

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