Golf Handicap Calculator
Common Course Ratings
Handicap Ranges
Related Calculators
Understanding Golf Handicap
World Handicap System (WHS)
The World Handicap System, introduced in 2020, unifies six different handicap systems into one global standard. Your Handicap Index represents your potential ability based on your best scores, not your average.
Score Differential Formula
Key Terminology
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Course Rating | Expected score for a scratch golfer (typically 68-74) |
| Slope Rating | Course difficulty for bogey golfers (55-155, standard 113) |
| Handicap Index | Your portable handicap number (0.0 to 54.0) |
| Course Handicap | Strokes you receive on a specific course |
| Playing Handicap | Course Handicap adjusted for competition format |
Number of Differentials Used
Rounds Available
- 3 rounds: Use lowest 1
- 4 rounds: Use lowest 1
- 5 rounds: Use lowest 1
- 6 rounds: Use lowest 2
- 7-8 rounds: Use lowest 2
- 9-11 rounds: Use lowest 3
More Rounds
- 12-14 rounds: Use lowest 4
- 15-16 rounds: Use lowest 5
- 17-18 rounds: Use lowest 6
- 19 rounds: Use lowest 7
- 20 rounds: Use lowest 8
Course Handicap Calculation
Example: 15.0 Index on a course with 135 slope = 15.0 x (135/113) = 17.9 = 18 strokes
Net Double Bogey
Under WHS, the maximum score on any hole is limited to Net Double Bogey (Par + 2 + any handicap strokes you receive on that hole). This prevents one disastrous hole from severely impacting your handicap.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a golf handicap calculated?
Under the World Handicap System, your Handicap Index is calculated by averaging your best 8 score differentials from your last 20 rounds, then multiplying by 0.96. Each differential is: (113/Slope) x (Score - Course Rating).
How many rounds do I need for a handicap?
You need a minimum of 3 rounds (54 holes) to establish a handicap. With fewer rounds, fewer differentials are used: 3-5 rounds uses your lowest 1 differential, 6-8 rounds uses lowest 2, and so on up to 8 differentials from 20 rounds.
What is the difference between handicap index and course handicap?
Handicap Index is your portable handicap number. Course Handicap is the strokes you receive on a specific course, calculated as: Handicap Index x (Slope Rating / 113). A harder course (higher slope) gives you more strokes.
What is a good golf handicap?
A scratch golfer has a 0 handicap. Low handicap (1-9) indicates a skilled player. Mid handicap (10-18) is average for regular golfers. High handicap (19-36) is typical for beginners. The average male golfer has about a 14 handicap.